Hamburg Port: Notable Rise in Container Shipment Volume

The Port of Hamburg has reported a substantial increase in container handling for the first half of 2025, marking a positive trend for the city's maritime industry.

According to Hamburg Port Marketing, container handling at the Port of Hamburg increased by 9.3% to 4.2 million standard containers (TEU) in the first half of the year. This growth was driven by a 3.6% increase in sea freight handling and a significant rise in the number of large container ships (over 10,000 TEU) in the port.

Axel Mattern, Managing Director of Hamburg Port Marketing, expressed his pleasure about the positive impact of new liner services and shipping company restructuring on the Port of Hamburg. He highlighted the new connections to the Mediterranean, Middle East, Far East, and India, which have strengthened Hamburg's role in international sea freight traffic.

The growth in container handling was not limited to sea freight alone. Import container handling grew by 11.6%, while export container handling increased by 6.9%. Transshipment traffic also recorded a significant increase.

India, China, and Malaysia were identified as the most important growth markets in Asia for the Port of Hamburg. The growth in container handling in the Far East region increased by around 11% to 1.8 million TEU, and the growth in the Baltic Sea region increased by approximately 21% to 734,000 TEU.

The strong trade with Asia and the Baltic Region, coupled with the new liner services, helped the Port of Hamburg regain market share from two major western ports in the first half of 2025.

The Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) also reported a good first half in 2025. The HHLA Group's operating result (EBIT) increased by 34.8% to 79.4 million euros, and the company's turnover increased by 16.3% to 884.5 million euros.

However, there was a decrease in the handling of conventional general, grab, and suction cargo at the Port of Hamburg.

In conclusion, the Port of Hamburg has experienced a significant boost in container handling, thanks to the new liner services and the restructuring of shipping companies. The growth in Asia and the Baltic Region, along with the increased number of large container ships, has contributed to the positive results seen in the first half of 2025. The Port of Hamburg continues to strengthen its position in international sea freight traffic.