Dredging to help Hamburg maintain box share

Container throughput in 2011 was 9m 20ft standard containers (TEU), or 1.12m TEU more than in 2010. Of all ports in northern Europe, Hamburg therefore achieved the fastest rate of growth in container throughput. Container throughput at the port was up 14.2%, making Hamburg Europe’s second largest container port.

Claudia Roller, CEO of Port of Hamburg Marketing (HHM), presented the 2011 handling figures at the Port of Hamburg’s annual press conference. “We are delighted that in 2011 the Port of Hamburg proved able to achieve above average growth both in total throughput and in container traffic, she said. “With the strongest absolute growth in container throughput, Hamburg regained market share against competing ports.”

“For 2012 we are also reckoning on an increase in throughput figures, although this will slow down compared to 2011, meaning that by year end we should have achieved a moderate increase on seaborne cargoes.

“With its existing capacities, well developed infrastructure and highly efficient port service providers, some of whom have recently won international awards, Hamburg is very well equipped to handle growing cargo volumes with its customary reliability, speed and high quality,” she said, noting that the forthcoming deepening of the navigation channel on the Lower and Outer Elbe will further boost Hamburg’s attractiveness as a European hub for ultra-large vessels.