Bulk rises in Hamburg as overall throughput falls
(Posted on 23/05/23)
The problematic trend in the world economy is affecting Port of Hamburg throughput figures. As in other ports of Northern Europe, seaborne cargo throughput is falling, yet the trend in certain sea trades is positive. As an all-purpose port, Hamburg is profiting from a rise in bulk cargo handling.
As elsewhere, in the Port of Hamburg seaborne cargo throughput for its terminals is currently subject to a challenging economic environment. Persistent geopolitical tension, EU economic sanctions against Russia, high inflation, global reluctance to make purchases and massive warehouse stocks are restraining cargo handling in European ports. In these aggravated conditions, with seaborne cargo throughput of 28.1 million tons in the first quarter of 2023, down 10.2 percent on the same period of the previous year, Germany’s largest post succeeded in maintaining throughput volume at the same level as the final quarter of last year. Container throughput at 18.6 million tons was 15.9 percent lower than in the same period of the previous year, with the total of 1.9 million TEU being 16.9 percent down.
Axel Mattern, CEO of HHM - Port of Hamburg Marketing, stressed that “The tough general economic situation is reflected in current throughput figures for all North Range ports. Among these competitors, Hamburg lies here in mid-field. When comparing quarterly returns for the current and last years, it needs to be remembered that at the beginning of last year, Russia was still the Port of Hamburg’s fourth largest trading partner. Sanctions came into force after the invasion of Ukraine, as is noticeable in this comparison – freight volumes to and from Russia are now missing from the general view. In addition, the at times unstable economic situation in China on account of the pandemic has continued into this year. Neither of these factors were without repercussions on the Port of Hamburg.” Apart from developments in the European and world economies, the occurrence of strikes locally also impacted the Port of Hamburg’s annual result.
Up by 5.4 percent on the same period of last year, at 9.3 million tons the trend was also positive on bulk cargo handling in Hamburg. The best performer was the liquid cargo sector, with an increase of 12.3 percent. Imports of oil products rose by 27.4 percent. Since existing handling capacities facilitated import and further transport of energy sources required at short notice, the port contributed to the reliability of energy supplies. The agribulk sector also grew. Higher exports of grain and feedstuffs, along with higher imports of oleaginous fruits, fuelled an 11.8 percent growth to 1.8 million tons. Grab cargo throughput was almost unchanged on the first quarter of the previous year.With handling at 152,000 TEU, up 9.5 percent on the previous year, the USA trades remain a positive feature of seaborne container transport via the Port of Hamburg, with the United States continuing to fill second place after China among the Port of Hamburg’s top trading partners. With 31.7 percent growth to 52,000 TEU meanwhile, trade with Canada also grew robustly.
During the first quarter, 11.6 million tons were transported to and from the hinterland by rail, or 3.4 percent less than in the same period the previous year. The Port’s hinterland infrastructure and intermodality proved factors vital for its resilience and adaptability as a hub.
For the remainder of the year, a recovery in Port of Hamburg throughput total may be expected. “During the first three months we had to report an extreme underlying trend statistically, with the very distinct difference in the background economic factors in the first quarters of the years 2022 and 2023. Multiple crises caused disruption of supply chains and weak economic growth. This has affected throughput,” explained Axel Mattern, HHM’s CEO.
Latest News
New Managing Director at TBA Doncaster
(Posted on 04/11/24)From 1st November, TBA’s Doncaster division has a change of leadership.Responsible for the bulk... Read more
Port of Vancouver USA grant to deploy and expand clean energy infrastructure
(Posted on 31/10/24)The Port of Vancouver USA has announced it has been awarded a $22.5 million grant by the U.S. Environmental... Read more
ABP acquires land to fuel future growth
(Posted on 31/10/24)Associated British Ports (ABP) has acquired 21 acres of land on the western side of the Port of Immingham... Read more
MoU to explore development of Vietnam’s ports, logistics and maritime sectors
(Posted on 31/10/24)Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s leading private companies, and AD Ports Group, a diversified, global... Read more
HH-WIN approval provides security for expansion in Hamburg port area
(Posted on 26/10/24)Following an important decision by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs in Berlin and the Federal... Read more
Port of Antwerp-Bruges growth despite challenges
(Posted on 23/10/24)After nine months, Port of Antwerp-Bruges saw a total throughput of 210.5 million tonnes, an increase... Read more
Expanded Oshawa Grain Terminal begins test loads
(Posted on 19/10/24)The improved Port of Oshawa Grain Export Terminal in Ontario has reached an important milestone, welcoming... Read more
King Willem-Alexander and King Philip open New Lock in Terneuzen
(Posted on 15/10/24)His Majesty the King Willem-Alexander and His Majesty the King of the Belgians Filip jointly opened... Read more
Ducat’s West Africa rice milestone highlights advanced logistical methods
(Posted on 14/10/24)Ducat Maritime, a leader in global maritime logistics, has announced that it has successfully shipped... Read more
International port stakeholders sign declaration to decarbonise global shipping
(Posted on 14/10/24)The Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC), has concluded with representatives of various ports, international... Read more