Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Supplying the European domestic markets

 Port of Hamburg


Axel Mattern explains how developments at the Port of Hamburg will further optimise and enhance its efficiency as a key supply route for the European domestic market Increasing cargo and product handling coupled with growing traffic volumes has prompted Port of Hamburg executives to further optimise and digitise their operations to manage demand.

As Germany’s largest universal port the facility is a crucial conduit for the supply of European domestic markets – serving a population of up to 450 million customers.

During the first half of 2015, the Port handled 23,594 million metric tons of bulk cargo, which offset the slight drop of 3.3% in liquid cargo, which had a throughput of 6,732 million tons.

Axel Mattern, CEO of the Port of Hamburg explains that the facility will undergo a series of developments to streamline certain operations as well as vessel waiting times.

The turning circle for mega ships will be expanded to allow pilots and tugs turning mega-ships ‘on a pin’ with greater ease. Additionally, a larger turning circle is planned for container ships as part of the upcoming western extension of the Eurogate Container Terminal in Waltershofer docks.

Work is also planned to deepen and widen the navigation channel of the lower and outer Elbe to allow for oceangoing vessels with a draft of 13.5 meters to be able to leave Hamburg irrespective of the tide and those with a draft of 14.5 meters with high tide.

The port contains numerous oil companies and other firms who specialise in the processing liquid raw materials in addition to several tank terminal facilities for oil products and chemicals.

Mattern says: ‘Due to its geographical location, the Port of Hamburg already offers good connections to the road and railway network as well as to the inland waterways and the central European road and railway network.

‘To cope with increasing cargo handling and traffic volumes as well as the international competitive constraints, these connections must be further optimised. In the port itself, the existing traffic network must be expanded and modernised. New connections must be created in order to relieve existing traffic junctions to lighten the load on existing traffic intersections.

‘In addition, the use of innovative, IT-based traffic information systems and the planned port traffic control centre will ensure improved traffic flows and optimum usage of the port routes.’

Mattern, CEO of the Port of Hamburg will begin the first day of the Tank Storage Germany conference at the Hamburg Messe on November 25 and 26 discussing developments at the port. For more information and to register to visit, click here

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