Page 2 - Port of Hamburg Magazine - 01.19

Dear readers,
Fairway adjustment, digitalization, modernization of infrastructure: The Port of Hamburg is not simply preparing for the future, but is al- ready well on the way to actively shaping it. The second half of 2018 produced a distinct upturn. New liner services are setting course for Hamburg, and the start
of the fairway adjustment is a positive signal for international shipping. The passing box on the Elbe between Wedel and Blankenese represents a major advance for the port. This upgrade alone will make safe clearance of 2,800 mega-ships a year a mathematical possibility, twice as many as at present.
Every infrastructural upgrade nowadays involves digitalization, underwater drones, autonomously operating trucks, paperless customs clearance – in the Port of Hamburg the future has already arrived. Today rail, road and water- borne transport in the port are already controlled digitally. 5G will be setting fresh benchmarks in networking port infrastructure and the players there. To investigate new technologies in transporting containers, HHLA – the largest terminal operator in the Port of Hamburg – has acquired a stake in the Hyper- loop startup.
Shipping is going for innovation. Fewer pollutants, improved load factors and seamless communication with the ports are what shipowners aim for.
All players in the port industry are heavily engaged in research, improve- ment and negotiation. This issue of Port of Hamburg Magazine provides an overview of projects in the port heralding the future. We hope you will enjoy reading it.
Ingo Egloff and Axel Mattern
Joint CEOs Port of Hamburg Marketing
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