Space for more influx to the Port of Hamburg
The controversial deepening of the Elbe, key to paving the way for the mega vessels' way to the Port of Hamburg, has cleared the last legal hurdle in Germany. The federal administrative court in Leipzig rejected the lawsuit lodged by environmentalists against the supplemented plans for the major project. Thus, there is no legal obstacle left to stop the expansion of the Elbe.
The planning of this project started 18 years ago. Numerous lawsuits had repeatedly stopped its development. The waterway is to be expanded in such a way that container giants with a draft of up to 13.50 m can reach the port of Hamburg regardless of the tide and up to 14.50 m on the tidal wave.
In addition, better opportunities are to be created so that the ships can pass each other when entering and leaving. (mw)