Plans ranged from a water wall as a noise barrier to energy generated from wood chips, trains instead of lorries, water taxis or cable cars to ferry visitors around, and highly efficient, innovative and environmentally friendly handling facilities.

Royal Haskoning was named the winner for its proposed CO2-neutral terminal embedded in a peninsular designed as an event attraction.

One of the more unusual proposals, taking fifth place and a special prize, was from ProLogis Germany Management (Hanover); this was a concept jointly developed with construction company STRABAG, for a four-level logistics hall accessible to lorries.

The competition was held to gather ideas to make efficient use of the site and which simultaneously integrate environmental and sustainability aspects to cater for the future needs of the port, says Stefanie Basener, of HPA’s CTS strategy team.