Hamburg invests 1.1 billion in port infrastructure expansion

Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) announced earlier this month that the River Elbe approach to the Waltershofer Hafen is to be enhanced and additional terminal yards are created. Navigation towards the Container Terminals Buchardkai (CTB) and Container Terminal Hamburg (CTH) will be easier and faster. New land for terminal operations will create additional capacity and enable further modernisation of container throughput operations.

Around 90 per cent of the largest container vessels calling at Hamburg are currently handled at the Waltershofer Hafen. The turning basin will be widened from its current 480 metres to 600 metres. Vessels will have a larger water surface available for turning manoeuvres, ensuring optimal performance and safety.

The move 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. All berths in the Waltershofer Hafen will benefit from this measure, which is expected to increase throughput efficiency.

The creation of additional berths will also improve terminal workflows: going forward, processes can be automated and electrified – a key contribution to decarbonisation.

Public funding will cover part of the costs. Preliminary estimates indicate a total cost in the region of EUR 1.1 billion. The infrastructure works are to be completed by the HPA by the mid-2030s.

In addition to the public investment, Eurogate has signed a preliminary lease agreement for the new areas and will invest at least EUR 700 million in expanding the existing container terminal, with completion planned within two years of the handover of the newly developed land.

Jens Meier, CEO of Hamburg Port Authority (HPA), 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.”

Tom Eckelmann, Managing Director of EUROKAI and Chairman of the Group Management Board of EUROGATE: "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.”

To create the new port operating area, soil will be excavated from the eastern headland north of the Petroleumhafen and along the Bubendey bank. The existing port basin will then be infilled after being sealed off from the river by a dam. Once the HPA, on behalf of the City of Hamburg, has completed the land development, EUROGATE will be responsible for implementing the operational and innovation concept - which includes containers being moved using electrically powered, autonomously guided vehicles. The authorities have already approved the plans, and following the dismissal of all legal challenges, construction of the public infrastructure can proceed.