Lübeck Port Company Starts the Year Strong

The Lübeck Port Company (LHG) reports an overall increase in volume of eight percent at its facilities in the first quarter. It should be noted that the so-called Corona effect did not play a role in the previous year’s period. However, there are concerns regarding paper handling, which saw a significant decline of 24 percent.

(Lübeck) The current lockdown has apparently not significantly affected cargo handling, contrary to forecasts. The growth primarily comes from RoRo and vehicle traffic. However, there are concerns about the substantial downward trend in the paper business accelerated by Corona.

The number of trucks passing through LHG’s terminals increased by ten percent. For unaccompanied traffic (semi-trailers), the growth was seven percent. The volume of new vehicles in import and export rose by thirteen percent. The number of containers handled remained at last year’s level. In contrast, the volumes of forestry products, paper, and cardboard decreased by 24 percent.

Wood Handling Sees Significant Increase

A counter-trend emerged in wood handling. Increased imports from the Baltic States and Russia contributed to substantial growth, with volumes more than doubling. The development in the steel sector is also encouraging. Both types of goods are handled at the Nordlandkai; there, LHG’s rental concept is bearing fruit.

LHG Managing Director Sebastian Jürgens: “We are pleased with the unexpectedly significant increase in volume. Lübeck is increasingly establishing itself as a logistics hub. We will face the challenges of structural change. We would like to explore new regional markets in the Nordic countries and Russia.”

Photo ©: Jan Weiser/Kombiverkehr