Hamburg speeds up container terminal improvements

The work to create a better environment for the users of the terminal involves a series of measures including bringing forward a number of construction projects originally planned for the medium term. In this way, CTB are also preparing for further growth in the volume of trucks handled.

Trucks are seen as a key mode of transport and throughout at CTB in the Port of Hamburg, a situation expected to remain into the future. In recent weeks it has been recognised that the container terminal as a whole can only operate at full capacity with optimal truck handling conditions. The bringing forward of the series of measures are designed to provide the optimisation required.

The key measure relates to the truck parking area at the CTB. In future it is planned for 81 parking spaces to be made available for trucks instead of the current 50: the terminal exit road is to be moved to free up space for this additional parking. In addition, self-service terminals will be installed at the southern end of the parking area to reduce walking distances for drivers.

Meanwhile, the current terminal exit road will be used as a fourth entry lane and fitted with an optical character recognition portal removing the need for manual data input, shortening the registration process for drivers.

Jens Hansen, managing director of the Container Terminal Burchardkai, added: “Once this construction work has been completed, it will considerably reduce the frequency of tailbacks affecting the public road network. This will help all those concerned, particularly forwarders and truckers. By doing so, we make a contribution to ease the difficult traffic situation at the port.”

Hamburg achieved above-average growth rates in 2013 and they are anticipating a “modest plus” by end 2014. An important decision was taken recently by the Federal Administrative Court regarding the upgrade of the fairway in the Lower and Outer Elbe that if confirmed will improve access to Hamburg for very large container ships, bulk carriers and large cruise ships.

By Peter Barker