Hamburg has invested €1.1 billion (US$1.3 billion) in port infrastructure expansion — modernisation of container terminal operations at the Waltershofer Hafen.
The plan is to enhance and create additional terminal yards for Waltershofer Hafen.
Hamburg said navigation towards the Container Terminals Burchardkai (CTB) and Container Terminal Hamburg (CTH) will be easier and faster. New land for terminal operations will also create additional capacity and enable further modernisation of container throughput operations.
The port said in the announcement that around 90% of the largest container vessels calling at Hamburg are currently handled at the Waltershofer Hafen.
As part of the infrastructure upgrade, Hamburg noted that the turning basin will be widened from its current 480 metres to 600 metres, giving vessels larger water surface for turning manoeuvres to ensure safety.
[Source: Port of Hamburg]
"This will also enhance navigational safety and operational efficiency for current and future vessel sizes at Hamburg's busiest container throughput area, while improving navigability and resilience along the River Elbe," Hamburg added.
All berths in the Waltershofer Hafen will benefit from the measure, which is expected to increase throughput efficiency.
Project completion by mid-2030s
The creation of additional berths will also improve terminal workflows: going forward, processes can be automated and electrified.
"Preliminary estimates indicate a total cost in the region of EUR 1.1 billion. The infrastructure works are to be completed by the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) by the mid-2030s," the announcement said.
In addition to the public investment, Eurogate has signed a preliminary lease agreement for the new areas and will invest at least €700 million in expanding the existing container terminal, with completion planned within two years of the handover of the newly developed land.
"Today, we are laying the groundwork to ensure that Hamburg is well prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Projects of this magnitude require meticulous planning and long-term implementation. This infrastructure will help ensure that large vessels will be handled reliably and efficiently in the Port of Hamburg," Hamburg's Minister of Economic Affairs, Sen. Dr. Melanie Leonhard, said.
"It also strengthens Hamburg's service capacity and reinforces its role as a key hub on major international shipping routes."
Jens Meier, CEO of Hamburg Port Authority (HPA), for his part said this project will enhance the performance of the Port of Hamburg and represents a vital investment in its long-term competitiveness.
"In doing so, we are also laying the groundwork for the next steps towards a climate-neutral port. As a first step, the HPA will update the planning before proceeding with construction, due to finish by mid-2030s," Meier said.
Tom Eckelmann, managing director of EUROKAI and chairman of the Group Management Board of EUROGATE noted that the "urgently needed expansion" of the turning basin, along with the enlargement and modernisation of throughput facilities, are key decisions that will help secure a positive future for the Port of Hamburg.
"With the enlargement and modernisation, we are initiating the transition from manual operations to an automated terminal concept at the Hamburg site. We will design superstructure, heavy equipment, and IT infrastructure, starting with the existing terminal, to support a fully automated throughput system across the entire terminal, including the expansion area."
"This is fully aligned with our strategic goals of boosting productivity and achieving decarbonisation through complete electrification of throughput equipment," he added.
As public funding is planned for the construction of the public infrastructure, approval from the European Commission is required.
Hamburg noted that this state aid assessment process may take several years and to ensure maximum legal certainty for the chosen procurement approach, the HPA is voluntarily conducting an upstream ex-ante review process, with results expected in 2026.