[200219.EN.BIZ] Hamburg Sees China Rail Freight Takes Off, Hits 135 Million Tonnes

THE Port of Hamburg handled 135.1 million tonnes of freight in 2018, down one per cent on last year. The total included a record 60,000 freight trains with 1.6 million freight cars, making the gateway Europe’s top railway port where China remains its top trading partner.

"Hamburg successfully asserted itself in a difficult environment, achieving a distinct advance on railborne seaport-hinterland transport," a statement from port authorities said.

A total of 46.8 million tonnes (up 2.7 per cent on 2017) and 2.44 million TEU (up 4.7 per cent) were transported by rail in seaport hinterland traffic.

"In terms of container traffic with China, rail transport is increasing significantly as well as sea shipping," the authorities said.

"Every third container handled in the port is a Chinese container. In addition to sea connections with China, more than 235 weekly rail connections from Hamburg are along the New Silk Road," said Hafen Hamburg Marketing board member Axel Mattern.

"Having handled around 4.8 million TEU for or from China, compared to other locations in Europe, Hamburg is the main hub for China freight by a wide margin."

The port said it is the main freight-handling hub for transport along both the maritime and overland Silk Road. "We shall be further strengthening and expanding our location in terms of transport geography for the benefit of our worldwide port customers," Mr Mattern added.

Speaking during the Hamburg Annual Conference, Economics and Transport Senator Michael Westhagemann pointed out: "Works on upgrading the fairway have already started."

When the Elbe has been deepened, large container ships and bulk carriers will be able to bring up to 18,000 tons of cargo to Hamburg.

Source : HKSG / Photo : Port of Hamburg.