Under a major infrastructure investment, the Hamburg Port Authority has announced the Elbe approach to the Waltershofer Hafen is to be enhanced and additional terminal yards will be 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.
This will 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.
Public funding will cover part of the costs. Preliminary estimates indicate a total cost in the region of EUR 1.1 billion ($1.2 billion). The infrastructure works are to be completed by the Hamburg Port Authority (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.
Commented Jens Meier, CEO of Hamburg Port Authority (HPA): ” 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.”
(Photo from Port of Hamburg)