Freight transport between Austria and the Port of Hamburg has set a fresh record with a container throughput of 320,776 TEU in 2021.
“Despite the corona pandemic, both generally good demand for export goods and stable imports ensured a positive trend. The year 2022 also started well,” said Alexander Till, Head of HHM – Port of Hamburg Marketing’s Representative Office for Austria in Vienna.
“Ever since the start of containerisation in the 1970s, Hamburg has remained the most important port for Austria in this segment. In recent decades, its market share has constantly been between 40 and 50 per cent.”
In 2020 the figure for total throughput was even more impressive with 5.6 million tons. The main products exported from Austria were timber, paper, beverages, fittings, machinery and plant. Austria mainly imported merchandise, furniture, building materials, sports goods and bulk cargoes like coal and iron ore.
They also benefit from pre and post-voyage hinterland links. Hamburg is also a top destination for Austrian Rail – ÖBB container trains. Well-developed rail routes to Hamburg allow trains to be operated with maximum weight and length.
In 2021, 160 block train services per week linked Austria with Hamburg.
“No other port offers Austrian industry such favourable conditions. Rail dominates, transporting 98 per cent of Austrian container volume to and from Hamburg,” Till added.
Austrian companies make special use of Hamburg’s vast range of over 100 liner services serving around 1000 seaports worldwide.
The Port of Hamburg’s significance for the Austrian economy was recognised at an early stage. Since the first Austrian consulate in Hamburg opening in 1570, Austria and Hamburg have had superb trade and political relations.
The Port of Hamburg opened its first Representative Office worldwide in 1951 in Vienna. After a break caused by the pandemic, it plans to host four events this year in Austria, with over 600 participants expected.
