In the first nine months of 2024, the container throughput of the Port of Hamburg amounted to 5.8 million TEU, which is almost the same as last year. An increase of 0.2% was recorded in the loaded container segment (5.1 million TEU), but the handling of empty containers decreased by 4.6% to 722 thousand TEU. In the general cargo segment, an increase of 3.7% was recorded, reaching 904 thousand tons. At the same time, the volume of bulk cargo transshipment decreased by 9.3%, amounting to 24.9 million tons, which is due, in particular, to a reduction in coal transshipment after the closure of power plants.
Rail transport, a key element of sustainable transport, showed an increase of 2.7%, reaching 2 million TEU. The total volume of goods transported by rail increased by 1.4%, to 35.1 million tons. According to Axel Mattern, Member of the Management Board of Port of Hamburg Marketing, the success of rail logistics underlines its efficiency and environmental benefits.
Despite the difficulties in the German economy and international politics, the port maintains its leading position in trade with China (1.6 million TEU) and also shows positive dynamics with the USA (+7.6%) and Poland (+16.0%). The increase in vessel calls (+0.3%) confirms the demand for the port, despite temporary changes in routes in global transport.