Modern port infrastructure: flexible and versatile
The Port of Hamburg covers an area of 7,145 hectares, of which 4,226 hectares are land and 2,919 hectares are water.In addition, 840 hectares are currently earmarked for future port expansion. Thanks to its strategic location on the Elbe and its deep water access, the port can also handle very large container ships with ease. The port’s infrastructure includes innovative terminals that are supported by modern automation systems and enable the efficient handling of container, general and bulk cargo. (Source: Port of Hamburg).
The main types of goods handled in the Port of Hamburg include:
- Diverse bulk goods: This includes dry bulk goods such as ore, coal, building materials and grain as well as liquid bulk goods such as petroleum products and chemicals. In 2023, the volume of bulk goods in the Port of Hamburg reached a total of 36.2 million tons.
- Container traffic: Hamburg plays a central role in European and global container trade and is a key player in the European logistics network.The degree of containerization is almost 99 percent, which means that almost all general cargo in the port is transported in containers. Loaded containers are the higher value-added part of container handling, most recently accounting for around 87 percent. (Source: Port of Hamburg Container Handling).
- Special cargo: In addition to general bulk cargo, this also includes roll-on-roll-off (RoRo) freight as well as special project and heavy lift cargo.
Thanks to its ongoing development and innovative logistics solutions, the Port of Hamburg plays a central role in international trade between Europe and Asia.China is by far the Port of Hamburg’s most important trading partner: in 2023, the Port of Hamburg’s container throughput with China alone amounted to almost 2.2 million TEU. That is around 28 percent of all containers handled in Hamburg. (Source: Statista).
Digitalization as the key to progress and performance optimization
The Port of Hamburg relies on modern digital technologies to optimize its logistics processes and increase its competitiveness. Important initiatives and projects include:
- SmartPORT initiative: This initiative of the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) uses modern digital technologies to increase the efficiency of port operations. Through digitalization and automation, it improves processes, optimizes traffic and goods flows and promotes environmentally friendly solutions. The initiative aims to make the port smoother and more sustainable, while also securing the HPA’s leading position in Germany and Europe.
- Digital Hub Logistics: The platform connects companies, start-ups, investors and research institutions to develop innovative digital solutions for port logistics.The hub offers over 3,200 square meters of space for co-creation and innovation in the logistics industry and is part of the Digital Hub Initiative of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection and the digital association Bitkom.
- Intelligent traffic control systems: In the Port of Hamburg, technologies such as inductive loops, Bluetooth detectors, video detectors and floating car data are used to monitor the traffic situation and create short-term forecasts. The SPL IT platform, part of the smartPORT logistics project, bundles relevant traffic information and enables direct communication between stakeholders. The SPL APP and traffic information boards provide truck drivers and logistics companies with up-to-date information on the traffic situation, bridge closure times and container terminals. Innovative projects have also been implemented, such as an intelligent road with sensors for infrastructure maintenance and environmental data.
- Additional technologies: Automated drones are used for disaster prevention and port infrastructure maintenance. The PORTprotect application provides support in an emergency through digital situational awareness management, while SANTANA provides a network for logistics, traffic and infrastructure management. smartBRIDGE uses digital twins and sensors to manage bridges in the port. (Source: Digitalization Port of Hamburg)
Focus on sustainability: ecologically responsible port development
The Port of Hamburg is committed to a comprehensive strategy to promote sustainability and is pursuing several key initiatives to strengthen environmentally friendly practices and ensure the port’s future viability:
- Shore power connections: The Port of Hamburg uses shore power to significantly reduce emissions from ships during their lay times. By expanding the infrastructure for shore power connections, the aim is to supply even more ships with environmentally friendly power and reduce the ecological footprint.
- Intermodal transport: The federal state of Hamburg promotes the combined use of rail, inland waterway and road transport in order to ensure the most environmentally friendly and efficient logistics possible.
- Circular economy and resource conservation: The port relies on innovative approaches to resource conservation and waste reduction. In cooperation with local companies and research institutions, advanced recycling methods and strategies for material reuse are being developed to reduce the environmental impact.
- Hydrogen strategy: To reduce CO2 emissions, the Port of Hamburg is investing in the expansion of a hydrogen infrastructure.In addition to the development of new energy sources, it is investigating how shunting locomotives can be converted to hydrogen propulsion in order to establish Hamburg as a pioneer in the field of green energy.
- Climate neutrality by 2040: The Port of Hamburg is pursuing the goal of being climate neutral in 15 years.This includes producing its own renewable energy and using hydrogen and other sustainable energy sources. Particular attention is being paid to reducing CO2 emissions and securing the energy supply through innovative technologies.
Saloodo!- flexible logistics solutions for the Port of Hamburg
Road transport plays a central role in the fine distribution and also the fast connection to the international road network.Due to its location, the port benefits from the dense highway network (A1, A7, A24), which enables the rapid onward transportation of goods.
Saloodo! is a key player here, contributing to the stability and efficiency of the supply chains that use the Port of Hamburg as a transshipment hub. As DHL’s digital carrier management platform, Saloodo! offers a powerful and agile solution for the organization of road transports. The platform enables optimal coordination of transportation plans, which is particularly important in times of growing e-commerce and an increasing number of smaller deliveries.
Saloodo! not only offers carriers and forwarders access to important transport orders, but also reacts quickly to changes at short notice. This flexibility is crucial for companies that ship or receive their goods by sea freight, and it contributes significantly to the optimization of overall logistics processes.
