The Port of Hamburg is an all-round port. It can handle every kind of goods.

The Port of Hamburg is located the farthest east of the German North Sea ports, giving it an advantageous position in Central Europe.

The port has always been extremely important for ocean shipping. It is not only the largest German seaport, but also the second largest container port in Europe.

In 2008 the total volume of cargo reached 140.4 million metric tons. Container handling accounted for 9.7 million standard containers (TEU). The worldwide economic crisis led to a drop in general cargo, but growth in bulk cargo nearly made up for it.

The Elbe River flows 1,165 km from its source to the North Sea. The mouth of the river has a breadth of about 15 km.

The North Sea and the Elbe River are tidal waters. The water level rises for six hours from its lowest level, low tide, to its highest level, high tide.

From the charter to the Hanse and Germany’s largest seaport

A small harbour was first mentioned in the 9th century – Hamburg, a town with 200 residents, used the 120 metre long wooden jetty for long-distance trade.