Port of Hamburg spends $1.3 billion to expand infrastructure
Posted on: 23/07/2025
According to the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA), this major investment will include upgrading the waterway leading to the port and expanding the container terminal area. Specifically, the Elbe River - the main waterway leading to the port - will be renovated, with the turning circle area extended from the current 480 meters to 600 meters, allowing larger vessels to easily turn and berth more safely.
Currently, about 90% of large container ships calling at Hamburg are handled in the Waltershofer area. Therefore, improving the infrastructure here is expected to significantly increase the operational efficiency and customs clearance capacity of the entire port.
The HPA said that the investment items will be implemented in several phases and are expected to be completed by the mid-2030s. Part of the implementation costs will come from public funds.
In parallel with the waterway renovation, the Port of Hamburg will also develop additional land to expand the container handling area, facilitating the transition to autonomous and electric operations, towards a carbon-neutral port in the future. These expanded areas will remain publicly owned but will be leased to Eurogate on a market basis.
Tom Eckelmann, CEO of Eurokai and Chairman of the Board of Eurogate, commented: "The expansion of the turning circle and the upgrade of the loading and unloading facilities are important decisions to ensure the sustainable development of the Port of Hamburg".
Meanwhile, Jens Meier, CEO of HPA, emphasized: "The project not only improves the operational efficiency of the port, but is also an essential step to maintain long-term competitiveness. This is also the foundation for the goal of developing a carbon-neutral port in the future". He said that HPA will initially complete the planning before construction, aiming for completion in the mid-2030s.