by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor
European ports urgently need financial investment, and the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) is urging the European Commission to include ports in its upcoming multiannual financial framework (MFF) proposal for the period from 2027.
Despite receiving Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) support for projects related to capacity, efficiency, secure access, basic infrastructure, and alternative fuel facilities, recent supply chain disruptions and bottlenecks have highlighted the insufficiency of current funding.
In response to these challenges, Hamburg Port has announced a €1.1 billion investment in port infrastructure expansion, focusing on modernising container terminal operations at the Waltershofer Hafen.
This project includes widening the turning basin from 480 metres to 600 metres, which will enhance navigational safety and operational efficiency for the largest container vessels.
The expansion is expected to improve throughput efficiency and contribute to decarbonisation by automating and electrifying terminal processes.
Public funding will cover part of the costs, with the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) aiming to complete the infrastructure works by the mid-2030s.
Additionally, Eurogate has committed to investing at least €700 million in expanding the existing container terminal, with completion planned within two years of the handover of the newly developed land.
Bremerhaven is another port in Germany that has committed to enhancing the country’s maritime infrastructure.
The new Rail Gate at Bremerhaven Port, which costs EUR 70 million, aims to enhance combined freight transport with six transhipment tracks and advanced remote-controlled railway cranes. It can handle up to 330,000 containers annually and will improve port productivity.
