German Transport Forum Aims for Climate-Neutral and Competitive Ports

The German Transport Forum (DVF) aims to position German ports as climate-neutral and competitive. The steering committee for ports and shipping of the DVF has exchanged ideas online with representatives from the federal and state governments. There is a need to continue improving the performance of German port locations. Various points were discussed in this regard.

(Berlin) Corona lockdowns, a downturn in global trade, declining handling volumes, structural changes in the automotive sector, coal and steel, and growing demands from climate protection and digitalization – there is currently no shortage of challenges for German ports. The steering committee for ports/shipping of the German Transport Forum held a digital meeting with representatives from the federal and state governments to discuss the future strategy for the sector.

Competition Not Only in the North Range

Frank Dreeke, a member of the DVF board and chairman of the board of BLG Logistics Group, stated: “We expect a significant recovery in transport volumes next year. The German seaports are well positioned. However, competition is intensifying – not only within the North Range but also with ports in the adjacent Baltic Sea region and the Mediterranean, where international investors are engaging with substantial funds and political support. Therefore, we must continue to work on the performance of our port locations – in digitalization and climate protection, but also in terms of transport connections.”

Fairway Adjustment of the Outer Weser in Bremen

Dr. Claudia Schilling, Senator for Science and Ports, Senator for Justice and Constitution of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, referred to the fairway adjustment of the Outer Weser and the further development of the already older parts of the Bremerhaven container terminal as key projects. She also advocated for a new edition of the immediate program for seaport hinterland transport by the federal government and Deutsche Bahn: “Bremerhaven is very well positioned as a classic railway port. Handling hinterland transport by rail brings significant advantages for climate protection, which we want to continue to promote ambitiously and fully exploit.” Digital networking, as well as sustainable fuels, are important strategic development areas for the ports. Dr. Schilling: “In the areas of digitalization and hydrogen, Bremen is interested in intensive cooperation with companies.”

Sustainability is a Distinguishing Feature

“Sustainability is a distinguishing feature for the Bremen ports. We have achieved a 70 percent CO₂ reduction and aim to make port operations CO₂-neutral in the medium term,” explained Robert Howe, Managing Director of bremenports GmbH & Co. KG. Container volumes and ship sizes will continue to grow. Therefore, the expansion of the seaward access and transport infrastructure in the hinterland remains crucial for securing competitiveness. The goal of bremenports is to obtain a legally binding building permit for the fairway adjustment of the Weser in 2023.

1.5 Billion Euros Budgeted for Waterway Promotion

Dr. Norbert Salomon, head of the Waterways and Shipping Department at the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, emphasized that the federal government has a strong interest in the performance of German ports. In the 2021 budget, his department allocated nearly 1.5 billion euros for waterways, to promote drives and ships, for digitalization in ports and waterways, as well as for other support measures in the “wet” area. Dr. Salomon emphasized that the implementation of the EU Green Deal will also be a significant challenge for shipping and ports, but it also presents an opportunity: “We urgently need a roadmap with the industry. Bridge technologies like LNG are available. We must now engage in the further development of the fuel path. Hydrogen could play a crucial role in this.”

Photo: © BLG Logistics
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