The Port of Hamburg has recently released data indicating improved container handling in every month of the first half.
In June 2023, container volumes were 10.2 per cent higher than in January.
Comparison of the first two quarters indicates a 4.6 per cent rise in container throughput. As a rule, growth rates in this period are of around 0.6 per cent.
In total, 3.8 million TEU crossed the quaywalls then, a fall of 11.7 per cent in comparison with the same period of the previous year.
Container throughput on a tonnage basis totalled 38.7 million tonnes, being 10.8 per cent lower.
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Traditionally, China heads the top 10 list of trading partners and with 1.1 million TEU, the country retained first place in the first half year of 2023.
Positive developments are evident in trade with further markets, for example in America. The US continues to take second place among the Port of Hamburg’ trading partners, and was able to further consolidate its position with a 7.4 per cent increase, and throughput of 313,000 TEU.
Canada advanced by 6.7 per cent to 95,000 TEU. With 108,000 TEU, Central America achieved a 6.3 per cent advance, according to the Port of Hamburg’s latest release.
Turning to general cargo, throughput was 11.1 per cent lower at 39.2 million tonnes. 58.2 million tonnes of seaborne cargoes were handled by terminal operators in the port. This is a reduction of 5.8 per cent compared to the same period of the previous year.
The port’s significance as one of the world’s major rail ports is highlighted by its hinterland throughput, which amounted to 23.1 million tonnes – a slight 2.1 per cent dip, demonstrating the rail’s relative resilience in maintaining transport volume under these circumstances.
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Axel Mattern, CEO of HHM – Port of Hamburg Marketing, said: “On a comparison with other North Sea ports in the North Range, it is absolutely clear that all players in this market are subject to the same tough prevailing circumstances.”
The positive trend in bulk cargoes was attributable to all sectors. With 3.5 million tonnes handled, agribulk achieved a first-half increase of 18.6 per cent.
Up 18.1 per cent and 5.3 million tonnes, the trend in throughput of liquid cargoes was similarly positive, while grab cargoes at 10.2 million tonnes were at almost the previous level.
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In July 2023, DAKOSY, a Hamburg-based software provider, created ImpalaID, a new universal identification tool for logistics at the Port of Hamburg.
