Page 20 - Port of Hamburg Magazine - 01.19

■ FUTURE PORT
20 | Port of Hamburg Magazine | March 2019
This view is not exactly new. As early as 1983, the then First Mayor, Klaus von Dohnanyi, pointed out that the future of Hamburg and the port cannot only lie on the water, but more strongly on land. I share this view. The port is well suited as a testbed for digi- tal innovation. However, we do have to take one thing into account: The Port of Hamburg is not only of local relevance. It is of systemic importance to Germany as an industrial nation, since a quarter of all German foreign trade is cleared through the port.
Just how important the topic of ‘the future’ is for HHLA, can be seen in the marketing claim ‘Gate- way to the Future’. What does this really mean for you?
It is our strategic aim to strengthen HHLA’s creati- ve power and sustainability. Together with our cus- tomers, we want to develop the logistics and digital hubs along the transport flows of the future. We are not thinking in terms of predetermined pathways, but free from any bias: whether on water, rail, road, glass-fibre or something completely different such as
Hyperloop technology – Our customers’ aims and re- quirements will determine our action.
It sounds as if HHLA is already preparing for the post-container era.
The container will continue to play an important role in the transport of goods. With 3D printing and drone technology, additional potential is opening up for manufacturing products and then shipping them more efficiently than in the customary way by container.
Two years ago you announced that HHLA would be the motor for digital change in the port. How well is this motor performing in the meantime?
Our motor is running at a respectable number of revs. In drone technology, we are developing our own solutions, and using the expertise of a Ham- burg start-up that we also hold a stake in. We are cooperating with truck manufacturer MAN in an in- tuitive mobility project. Our vocational trainees are involved with 3D printing and digital welding. We are also active in the Digital Hub initiated by the
EVEN IN THE AGE OF DIGITALIZATION, THERE‘S NO SUBSTITUTE FOR PERSONAL CONTACT
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