Of all ports in the North European Range, in 2011 Hamburg therefore achieved the fastest absolute growth in container throughput.  After a successful year in 2011, the Port of Hamburg with throughput 14.2 percent up at altogether 9 million TEU is again Europe’s second largest container port, ahead of Antwerp. The Port of Hamburg’s total throughput was 9.1 percent higher, reaching a volume of 132 million tons that crossed its quays in the past twelve months. In other words, 11 million tons more were handled compared to 2010.

Claudia Roller, CEO of Port of Hamburg Marketing (HHM), presented the 2011 handling figures at the Port of Hamburg’s annual press conference today: “We are delighted that in 2011 the Port of Hamburg proved able to achieve above-average growth both in total throughput and in container traffic. With the strongest absolute growth in container throughput, Hamburg regained market shares of approximately 1.3 percentage points as against its competing ports.”

 The positive trend in 2011 prompted Claudia Roller to forecast growth once again for next year: “For 2012 we are also reckoning with an increase in throughput figures, although this will slow down compared to 2011, meaning that by year-end we should have achieved a moderate increase on seaborne cargoes. With its existing capacities, well developed infrastructure and highly efficient port service providers, some of whom have recently won international awards, Hamburg is very well equipped to handle growing cargo volumes with its customary reliability, speed and high quality. The forthcoming deepening of the navigation channel on the Lower and Outer Elbe will further boost Hamburg’s attractiveness in competition with North Range ports as a European hub for ultra-large vessels.

 Nevertheless, as yet not fully implemented changes in major liner services make it difficult to calculate the trend in container throughput at this stage.” Following 6.9 percent growth in world trade in 2011, for 2012 the IMF (International Monetary Fund) anticipates a renewed slowdown in such growth to 3.8 percent. The IMF assessment of the prospects for world growth also takes into account that in 2012 the repercussions of the debt crisis will cause countries of the Eurozone to slip into a slight recession in the area of the real economy. 

A memorandum of understanding to that effect was signed in Hamburg today. The aim is to prepare a comprehensive feasibility study to assess if the use of LNG in the port of Hamburg is economically viable. First results are expected by mid 2012.

The two organisations want to promote LNG as an alternative fuel for ships and other applications, such as trucks. On the basis of the findings of the study, concrete infrastructure projects such as, for example, the construction of an LNG terminal in the port of Hamburg can be initiated.

“Sustainability has become a crucial factor in any industry sector. Linde has not only recognised these signs, but the company is also prepared to assume responsibility. Hamburg will certainly benefit from such expertise in the long term,” says Hamburg’s minister for economic and labour affairs, Frank Horch.

Jens Meier, chairman of the HPA’s management board, explained the motivation to tackle the project: “We want to encourage the port industry and technology enterprises in the port of Hamburg to co-operate more closely. Our aim is to develop sustainable long-term solutions that take account of the economic framework conditions and place more emphasis on green technologies at the same time.”

LNG as an eco-friendly fuel is particularly suitable to support that aim:

“Emissions from burning natural gas are substantially lower than those caused by diesel or heavy-fuel oils. In view of the stricter environmental standards, there is a continuously rising demand for LNG solutions in the transport industry,” said Dr Andreas Opfermann, Head of Clean Energy and Innovation Management at The Linde Group. Linde has many years of experience when it comes to LNG as a fuel. As early as 1999 Cryo AB, a subsidiary of Linde, supplied the world’s first LNG-powered ferry, including the necessary storage systems. Until today, Cryo AB has equipped almost 40 ships in Scandinavia. The LNG supply is ensured through LNG production plants and terminals operated by Linde.

Low-emission fuel

Compared to engines running on diesel, natural gas emit roughly 90 per cent less nitrogen oxides and up to 20 per cent fewer carbon dioxide. Sulphur dioxide and particulate matter emissions are almost completely eliminated, which is in conformity with the stricter sulphur emission limit values (Sulphur Emission Control Area – SECA) applicable from 2015. On top, LNG-based fuels reduce engine wear and thus lower operating costs.

In addition to today’s memorandum of understanding, Germanischer Lloyd is currently conducting two studies on LNG, in which the HPA is also involved. Apart from the legal framework conditions, the technical requirements LNG terminals have to meet play a pivotal role. The co-operation agreement concluded between Linde and the HPA today ensures that the economic framework conditions and the operation of such facilities will be considered in future planning.

Each line is operating a 1,300 teu vessel on the new service.  The rotation is Fos, Genoa, Gebze, Gemlik, Istanbul, Izmir and Barcelona.  Fos calls are every Wednesday and will be handled at the Seayard terminal.

he growth on 2010 amounted to 10 million tonnes or 18 percent. Container handling grew to 2.5 Mio TEU, or the equivalent of 10 per cent growth on the previous year. Thus the pre-crisis level was exceeded by 20 per cent. In addition to container handling the main drivers of growth were coal, mineral oils and chemical products. Thus in coal handling alone the duisport Group was able to post a plus of 42 per cent to almost 9 million tonnes. The 2011 increase in iron and steel handling was also well into double figures.Of total handling, 51 million tonnes (previous year: 49) was accounted for by handling by ship and 28 million tonnes (previous year: 27) was handled by rail. “We are pleased about these very good handling figures and the dynamic development of the location over the past few years, of course,” said Erich Staake, Chief Executive Officer of Duisburger Hafen AG. “However, the noticeable weakening of the world economy will make it difficult to confirm this high level,” he added.