Navigation towards the Container Terminals Buchardkai (CTB) and Container Terminal Hamburg (CTH) will reportedly be easier and faster following the enhancement. 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. This is expected to 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 reportedly 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.
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Public funding will cover part of the costs. Preliminary estimates indicate a total cost in the region of €1.1 billion ($1.29 billion). The infrastructure works are to be completed by the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) by the mid-2030s.
In addition to public investment, Eurogate has signed a preliminary lease agreement for the new areas and will invest at least €700 million ($821 million) in expanding the existing container terminal, with completion planned within two years of the handover of the newly developed land.
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Jens Meier, CEO of Hamburg Port Authority: “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.”
Last month, representatives from the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and Ocean Network Express (ONE) signed an agreement to advance the use of shore power in the Port of Hamburg.