Barges and lighterage

Port shipping companies handle transport along the waterways of the Port of Hamburg. As a sector of port business, port shipping embraces many trades and pursues very different activities.

Waterborne cargo transport in the port is the task of port shipping, or lighterage, companies. The main emphasis here is on supplying industry in Hamburg that is not located on water of suitable depth for oceangoing ships.

Overseas raw material products such as coal, ores or liquid cargoes, as well as feedstuffs and grain, are handled at bulk terminals, or transported direct from oceangoing vessels by modern push-lighters and barges to the consignees.