Hamburg endorses port development plan

The Port Development Plan outlines the strategy guiding port policy in the coming years and defines land available for development and its permitted uses.

Situated on the River Elbe, Hamburg is Germany’s largest seaport. “This is of fundamental importance for the economic strength of Germany as an exporting economy and for supply chain security at national and European level,” said Dr Melanie Leonhard, senator of economics and innovation.

“Unlike other ports, Hamburg is itself a significant market and industrial base. Goods on arrival are not only transhipped, but also consumed or further processed.”

To remain competitive, says the plan, the port needs to adapt continually to changing global trends, local operating conditions and social and economic development.

It defines guidelines for both a transformation process (part 1) and also concrete actions, goals and measures (part 2).

Key areas of focus will be digitalisation, climate protection, promoting a circular economy, expanding infrastructure and e-commerce. Particular attention is given to the port railway network and links with the hinterland. From 2040, the port aims to be climate-neutral in its operations with an expanded shore-based power network.