Evolutionary concept for Hamburg terminal

Applicants were invited to produce an innovative and appropriate concept to restructure this 125 hectare dock area and, in one variation, incorporate a valuable container facility with capacity for 3.5m TEU, while introducing environmental and sustainable features.

Royal Haskoning’s winning concept, entitled ‘Port Evolution’, proposes a CO2 neutral, automated and truck-free container terminal with optimised land use. By adopting the truck-free approach the team were able to minimise the size of the container terminal to about 4/5 of the site area, leaving space for public access to a wetland park and to other areas accessed by public transport, including water taxi.

The proposal also involves creating a new port administration building with public spaces for training, exhibitions, a restaurant and a viewing area as well as creating an area of public interest by moving an historic lighthouse. The project will include landscaping and open water, green areas and public amenities, and the introduction of aesthetically pleasing noise and visual barriers by implementing a water wall.

The construction of a channel for water circulation from the water park will incorporate electricity generating tidal current turbines, plus two further wind turbines with the ability to generate 10% of the power for the terminal. A covered, insulated and refrigerated container storage building, with photovoltaic panels on its roof, will reduce electrical energy requirements for cooling and generate a proportion of the power required.

HPA will be taking forward the transformation of the area over the next few months by preparing plans, followed by a formal application process.