Hamburg plans it way out of trouble

Germany’s biggest universal port fell short of the previous year’s result by around 30m tonnes, a 21.4% drop, although the negative trend appears to have bottomed out and the port is once again headed for moderate growth.

Despite the financial storm, Hamburg remains intransigent about its independence, ruling out any cooperation with the container port of Wilhelmshaven that is being built nearby in close collaboration with neighbouring countries.

Managing director Jens Meier emphasised to the annual press conference that “the foundations for a successful future for the Port of Hamburg must be laid right now”.

He added that the upgrading of the fairway in the Outer and Lower Elbe, “is an absolute necessity“ to enable the port to act as a hub between land-based and sea-going traffic for trade in Germany and neighbouring countries in central and eastern Europe, Russia and Scandinavia. The port added that international shipping companies “are counting on the speedy implementation of the measures”.

Mr Meier added that global trends were also being taken into account in developing a new strategy. Initial findings from an investigation carried out by a reputable business consultancy firm indicated, for example, that more could be made of the port’s cargo-handling potential through a greater focus on growth regions.