Page 2 - Port Of Hamburg Magazine 01.2018

Dear Readers,
Deepsea shipping both powers and pro ts from globalization. Containerization of car- goes, especially, unlocked considerable po- tential. The Port of Hamburg cleared its rst containership 50 years ago. This was the starting signal for a new era and has shaped change in the Port of Hamburg for good.
With ‘Industry 4.0 & Digitalization’, we are now on the threshold of another, epoch-making change. Digital technologies are increasingly impacting all areas of public infrastructure and
life in general. Broadband, superfast internet, 5G and wholesale networking of the port and logistics sectors are just some of the requirements. Realtime data, bridges that open, weather monitoring, gale and ood warnings and traf c bulletins are other features.
The Port of Hamburg is a vital global logistics hub with a comprehensive net- work of liner services and ef cient links with an immense hinterland. We aim to retain and further strengthen this position. Changes through digitalization are affecting all areas of our lives. If we are smart in our approach, this will offer great opportunities for Hamburg and the whole of Germany.
Now is the time for being pro-active. Related measures are becoming increas- ingly evident in the Port of Hamburg. With its smartPORT program, Ham- burg Port Authority is gradually implementing various digitalization projects to direct traf c and freight ows intelligently. Both economic and ecological factors are relevant, since digital transformation must be shaped jointly with all players.
We as the state government aim to join all companies involved in ensuring that this sector successfully tackles the future and Hamburg long remains in the ‘Premier League’.
Frank Horch
Hamburg Minister of Economics, Transport & Innovation
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