In existence since 1970, its division of responsibility constitutes one important reason why Hamburg is one of the world's most productive ports. The public sector's job is to maintain and develop the port's infrastructure.
Comprised of some 200 companies, the private sector handles the port's 'superstructure'-its buildings and equipment. Viewed collectively, these companies provide a comprehensive range of services. Viewed individually, these companies compete for business with some of their local counterparts, and work closely with the rest.
This competition assures the port of supplying services featuring an optimal cost-benefit ratio-and that the individual companies remain at the forefront of innovation. The breadth of complementary business ties existing among the port's companies ensures customers of securing a mix of services meeting their individual requirements-no matter what these may be.
