Container handling at the Port of Hamburg held steady in the first half of 2024, with 3.8 million TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) processed. This performance highlights resilience despite moderate economic conditions in Germany and challenges in global trade routes like the Red Sea. The port’s cargo throughput reached 55.9 million tonnes, reflecting broader trends including shifts in bulk cargo and energy transition dynamics.
Slight Uptick in Loaded Containers
Despite the ongoing economic uncertainties, the Port of Hamburg managed to maintain consistent container throughput. From January to June 2024, the port processed 3.8 million TEU, nearly unchanged from the previous year’s figures (-0.3 percent). Notably, the volume of loaded containers rose slightly by 0.5 percent to 3.4 million TEU, showing positive momentum in general cargo handling. Conventional general cargo volumes increased by 4.3 percent, reaching 585,000 tonnes, while overall general cargo throughput remained stable at 39.2 million tonnes.
Energy Transition’s Impact on Bulk Cargo
The energy transition is playing a significant role in shaping the port’s bulk cargo landscape. The shift away from fossil fuels is evident, particularly in the decline of coal volumes. Bulk cargo throughput dropped by 12.1 percent to 16.7 million tonnes, driven largely by an 11.8 percent reduction in coal handling. Axel Mattern, CEO of Port of Hamburg Marketing, noted that this reflects the industry’s ongoing decarbonization efforts.
“We can see the trend towards decarbonization in the bulk cargo figures, reflecting a shift away from fossil fuels towards alternative energy sources,” Mattern stated.
Market Dynamics and Trade Partnerships
Diverging trends among Hamburg’s top trading partners reveal interesting shifts in global trade. Malaysia saw a significant 14.7 percent increase in cargo volume, reaching 88,000 TEU, while the U.S. posted a 9.0 percent growth with 341,000 TEU, reinforcing its position as the port’s second-largest trading partner. Despite a slight decline, China remains the largest, with 1.1 million TEU handled. Turkey, meanwhile, surged with a 26.7 percent growth, moving up six spots in trade volume rankings.
Growth in Vessel Calls and Sustainability Efforts
The port also experienced a modest increase in container ship calls, with the number rising by nearly one percent in the first half of 2024. This growth was mainly driven by medium and small vessels, as calls by mega-ships over 10,000 TEU declined. This trend is partly attributed to the ongoing Red Sea crisis, where rerouted vessels now take longer routes around the Cape of Good Hope, affecting liner schedules.
Sustainability initiatives at the port are gaining traction, particularly with the expansion of shore power facilities. New infrastructure is supporting container, cruise, and inland waterway vessels, making Hamburg a leading European hub in adopting greener technologies. Rail transport continues to strengthen its position in hinterland operations, with its share rising to 50.8 percent of TEU traffic.
