Bremen Ports Increase Total Throughput in the First Quarter

The Bremen ports have increased their total throughput in the first quarter of this year by 1.1 percent despite the onset of the Corona crisis. The vehicle throughput has already suffered the most with a decrease of 15.8 percent compared to the previous year.

(Bremen) The Bremen ports were able to increase their total throughput in the first quarter of this year by 1.1 percent to 17.8 million tons compared to the same period last year, despite the already beginning Corona crisis. Particularly, the export business rose by 4.7 percent to 9 million tons. There were also increases in the general cargo throughput by 2.6 percent (15.8 million tons), while non-containerized general cargo increased by 11.9 percent (2.4 million tons). The container throughput was relatively stable in the first three months with a slight decrease of 2.8 percent (1.2 million TEU).

The Senator for Science and Ports, Dr. Claudia Schilling: “The development in the first quarter shows me that the general positioning of our ports is good and robust. This is a solid foundation for the time after the pandemic.”

Due to the early production stoppages of some supplier companies for car manufacturers triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic, vehicle throughput fell by 15.8 percent to 455,000 vehicles compared to the same period last year. Bulk cargo throughput also decreased by 9.4 percent to around 2 million tons, with the significant drop being attributed to the strong decline in coal and coke handling. In contrast, the volume of liquid bulk cargo increased by 11.8 percent to 494,000 tons. The handling of grain and feed also rose by 17.4 percent to 135,000 tons, and the import and export of forest products increased by 6.7 percent to 176,000 tons.

Schilling: “Forest products play an important role, among other things, for the Neustadt port. It is not only Germany’s southernmost seaport but also one of the most important transshipment ports for general cargo and project cargo in Europe.”

The results of the second quarter could reflect the Corona crisis more clearly in the port figures. To support the port and logistics industry during this challenging time, the Senator for Science and Ports has already initiated the deferral options for rent, lease, and ground rent payments, for which the Senate made the necessary resolutions in its meeting on March 31, 2020. The deferral of port fees is also possible as an immediate measure. Additionally, the regular increase in rents and ground rents is suspended.

Schilling: “We expect that throughput will decline in the second quarter. However, this will not happen equally at all terminals but will depend on specific market conditions and customer structures. For the further course of the year, we hope that throughput will pick up again. Therefore, it is immensely important in these times that we continue to invest in our ports and in our connections to the hinterland and to our customers to remain competitive. We want to continue to push forward with the already planned measures and keep the planning of new infrastructure projects in sight.”

An important message that Senator Dr. Schilling emphasized again when presenting the quarterly figures is that the Bremen ports have been fully operational during the recent weeks of the widespread standstill of public life and all ships could be processed safely and efficiently as usual. “This is a great achievement of all employees in the ports. I extend my heartfelt thanks for that,” said Schilling.

Photo: bremenports GmbH

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