Port of Hamburg cargo throughput down 5.8 percent to 58.2 million tons in H1 2023
Both the tense economic situation in Europe, especially in Germany, and background geopolitical factors continue to have repercussions on throughput in the Port of Hamburg, according to the company's release. Despite these, Germany’s largest seaport can record a gain of 7.7 percent in bulk cargo throughput at 19 million tons. First-half general cargo throughput was 11.1 percent lower at 39.2 million tons.
58.2 million tons of seaborne cargoes were handled by terminal operators in the Port of Hamburg. This is a reduction of 5.8 percent compared to the same period of the previous year. As one of the world’s largest rail ports, hinterland throughput is a significant aspect. With tonnage totalling 23.1 million tons, 2.1 percent lower, rail almost maintained transport volume there.
Container handling in the Port of Hamburg improved in every month of the first half. In June, it was 10.2 percent higher than in January. Comparison of the first two quarters indicates a 4.6 percent rise in container throughput. As a rule, growth rates in this period are of around 0.6 percent. In total, 3.8 million TEU crossed the quaywalls then, a fall of 11.7 percent in comparison with the same period of the previous year. Container throughput on a tonnage basis totalled 38.7 million tons, being 10.8 percent lower.
The positive trend in bulk cargoes was attributable to all sectors. With 3.5 million tons handled, agribulk achieved a first-half increase of 18.6 percent. Up 18.1 percent and 5.3 million tons, the trend in throughput of liquid cargoes was similarly positive, while grab cargoes at 10.2 million tons were at almost the previous level.
Traditionally, China heads the Top Ten list of trading partners and with 1.1 million TEU, the country retained first place in the first half year of 2023. Positive developments are evident in trade with further markets, for example in America. The USA continues to take second place among the Port of Hamburg’ trading partners, and was able to further consolidate its position with a 7.4 percent increase, and throughput of 313,000 TEU. Canada advanced by 6.7 percent to 95,000 TEU. With 108,000 TEU, Central America achieved a 6.3 percent advance. It is on these routes that further growth is expected in the coming years as the Port of Hamburg develops as an energy hub.
Positive developments are also apparent in many parts of Asia. With a 9.3 percent rise in throughput on the same period of the previous year to 99,000 TEU, India achieved its best result for four years. Trade with Japan and Thailand has also increased. One of the Hamburg companies actively implementing this trend is packaging and digitalization specialist Deufol Group, also owner of the Wallmann Terminal.
The trend towards ever larger container ships is also persisting in the Port of Hamburg. 135 vessels in the largest, Megamax class called Hamburg, representing 15.4 percent growth. Larger container ships with slot capacities of more than 10,000 TEU were also calling the Port of Hamburg more frequently again. These calls increased by 6.2 percent on the same period of the previous year. In addition, there was strong – 31.2 percent - growth for VLCCS – Very Large Containerships with 8,000-9,999 TEU, and of 31.9 percent for traditional Panamax sizes with 4,000-5,999 TEU. Many of these vessels will in future be able to use shore-based power in the Port of Hamburg, which is thus advancing along its course towards climate neutrality.
