The throughput in the Port of Hamburg is 5.8 percent lower than the previous year

Both the tense economic situation in Europe, particularly in Germany, and the geopolitical framework conditions continue to impact the throughput in the Port of Hamburg. Despite these influences, Germany’s largest seaport recorded an increase of 7.7 percent in bulk cargo handling, reaching 19.0 million tons.

(Hamburg) The throughput of general cargo in the first half of the year is down by 11.1 percent, totaling 39.2 million tons. Overall, terminal operators in the Port of Hamburg handled 58.2 million tons of seagoing goods, which is 5.8 percent less compared to the same period last year. As one of the world’s largest railway ports, land-based handling is a significant aspect. Here, rail transport managed to maintain its volume with a decrease of 2.1 percent, totaling 23.1 million tons. “Compared to other North Sea ports in the North Range, it is clear that all market participants are subject to the same difficult framework conditions,” emphasizes Axel Mattern, CEO of Port Hamburg Marketing (HHM).

Container throughput recovers during the second quarter

Throughout the first half of the year, container throughput in the Port of Hamburg improved monthly. In June, it was 10.2 percent higher than in January. A comparison of the first two quarters shows an increase in container throughput of 4.6 percent. Typically, increases during this period are around 0.6 percent. In total, 3.8 million TEU were handled in the first half of the year, representing a decrease of 11.7 percent compared to the previous year. When looking at container throughput in tonnage, it amounted to 38.7 million tons (-10.8 percent) during the same period.

Bulk goods on the rise

The positive development in bulk goods is attributed to all sub-sectors. Agribulk achieved an increase of 18.6 percent in the first six months, totaling 3.5 million tons handled. The handling of liquid bulk also developed similarly well, with an increase of 18.1 percent and 5.3 million tons, while grab cargo remained at a nearly stable level of 10.2 million tons.

Positive developments in North America and Asia

Traditionally, China remains at the top of the list of trading partners with 1.1 million TEU in the first half of 2023. Positive developments are also evident in trade with other markets, such as America. The USA continues to hold second place on the list of trading partners of the Port of Hamburg, consolidating its position with an increase of 7.4 percent and 313,000 TEU handled. Canada grew by 6.7 percent to 95,000 TEU. Central America also achieved an increase of 6.3 percent with 108,000 TEU. In the coming years, particularly in these routes, further growth is expected as the Port of Hamburg expands into an energy hub. “Especially in light of increasing uncertainty and global upheavals, our goal is to establish close trade relationships with a wide range of partner countries. The growth in exchanges with North and South America, as well as with the important growth market India, is a promising sign in this context,” says Senator for Economic Affairs Dr. Melanie Leonhard.

Results with India improved

Positive developments are also evident in parts of Asia. With 99,000 TEU, India achieved the best results in trade with the Port of Hamburg in four years, marking an increase of 9.3 percent compared to the previous year. Additionally, trade with Japan and Thailand has also increased. One of the Hamburg companies actively implementing this trend is the packaging and digitalization specialist Deufol, which includes the Wallmann Terminal. “The opportunities in foreign trade with North America and Southeast Asia are clearly ahead of us. We are working diligently to expand our digitally connected HUB solutions and infrastructures internationally, particularly in North America and Southeast Asia. Our goal is to support our customers in making their project logistics more efficient and sustainable,” says Dennis Hübner, CEO of Deufol SE, adding: “This positive trend is also reflected in the encouraging results of foreign trade with these regions. DEUFOL, along with the Wallmann Terminal in Hamburg, is actively working to further promote these developments and offer innovative and sustainable end-to-end solutions for global heavy lift logistics.”

More large and modern container ships

The trend towards ever-larger container ships continues in the Port of Hamburg. From the largest class, the so-called Megamax class, 135 container ships arrived in Hamburg, representing an increase of 15.4 percent. Additionally, large container ships with slot capacities of more than 10,000 TEU are increasingly calling at the Port of Hamburg. Calls from ships in this category increased by 6.2 percent compared to the previous year. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in Very Large Container Ships (8,000-9,999 TEU) with +31.2 percent and in the classic Panamax sizes (4,000-5,999 TEU) with +31.9 percent. Many of these ships will be able to use shore power in the future, advancing the port on its path to climate neutrality.

Slight positive trend expected to continue

The ongoing challenging economic and geopolitical framework conditions do not allow for concrete predictions regarding the development of throughput in the Port of Hamburg. “We expect that at least the slightly positive trend of the second quarter will continue. How the year will develop further is directly related to the economic sentiment in Germany and the geopolitical developments,” emphasizes Axel Mattern, CEO of Port Hamburg Marketing.

Photo: © HHM / Ahmadi