A modest increase has been observed in the handling of loaded containers, accompanied by growth in general cargo. "Rail forwarding, a fundamental aspect of sustainable transportation, also demonstrated positive progress during this period. As Europe’s largest rail port, we place significant emphasis on the expansion of rail transport. Container transport within this sector increased by 2.7%, and the Port of Hamburg also made gains in total rail tonnage," remarked Axel Mattern, Member of the Executive Board of Port of Hamburg Marketing (HHM).

Notwithstanding these advancements, Germany's sluggish economic performance continues to exert pressure on the port's overall throughput. The prevailing political climate, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and recent Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, has further exacerbated these challenges. Consequently, total seaborne cargo throughput experienced a decline of 3%, amounting to 84 million tonnes from January to September 2024.

During the first nine months of 2024, loaded container throughput at the Port of Hamburg reached 5.1 million TEUs, reflecting a slight year-on-year increase of 0.2%. Conversely, empty container throughput saw a significant decrease, falling by 4.6% to 722,000 TEUs. Overall container throughput totaled 5.8 million TEUs, representing a modest decline of 0.4%. In terms of tonnage, container throughput amounted to 58.2 million tonnes, indicating a decrease of 0.1% compared to the previous year.

A temporary rerouting of vessels via the Cape of Good Hope resulted in an increased utilization of western ports as transshipment hubs for Asia-Mediterranean trade; however, the Port of Hamburg did not benefit from this shift in container traffic.

On a more favorable note, the conventional general cargo segment exhibited significant growth, rising by 3.7% to 904,000 tonnes. This segment, recognized for its potential to generate added value, continued to serve as a positive contributor to the overall performance of the German port.

Moreover, China remained the Port of Hamburg’s most significant trading partner from January to September 2024, with a throughput of 1.6 million TEUs. Trade with the United States, the port’s second-largest partner, also experienced growth, increasing by 7.6% to 520,000 TEUs. Brazil recorded a 2.6% increase, reaching 124,000 TEUs, while Mexico saw a 3.5% rise to 81,000 TEUs, underscoring another positive trend.

Additionally, seaborne trade with Poland, the fourth-largest partner, experienced notable growth of 16%, with a volume of 232,000 TEUs. Malaysia, ranked ninth, demonstrated the most substantial increase, with a rise of 29.8% to 144,000 TEUs.