Ports play a pivotal role in global trade, but their operations contribute significantly to energy-related CO2 emissions. Despite efforts by the International Maritime Organization, progress in decarbonising the maritime sector remains slow. The complexity of port ecosystems poses challenges for decarbonisation, with diverse stakeholders and energy consumers complicating efforts. Different port types, including inland, seaports, dry ports, and fishing ports, require tailored decarbonisation strategies. The use of hydrogen in port energy systems shows promise, particularly in powering machinery, mobility, and maritime traffic. While methanol is currently favored as a bridging fuel, hydrogen and e-fuels offer sustainable long-term solutions. However, challenges such as energy density, storage, and infrastructure constraints hinder widespread hydrogen adoption in shipping. Projects like sHYpS are exploring hydrogen fuel cell power for passenger ships, addressing challenges in space-efficient liquid hydrogen storage. The article emphasizes the importance of innovation and collaboration to achieve decarbonisation goals in the shipping sector and highlights the potential of hydrogen as a key player in the transition to a greener future.