Containers are increasingly defining the character of the Port of Hamburg. For years, container handling has been a focal point in Germany’s largest seaport. Both the HHLA container terminals at Altenwerder, Burchardkai, and Tollerort, as well as the Eurogate terminal, clearly demonstrate how crucial container handling has become for Hamburg.

In 2024, 7.8 million TEU passed through the quaysides of the Port of Hamburg. With approximately 77.5 million tonnes transported, container handling accounts for nearly 70 per cent of the total throughput. The share of containerised cargo in total general cargo handling, also referred to as the containerisation rate, now stands at 98.4 per cent at the Port of Hamburg.

Loaded containers make up the more value-added portion of container handling. In 2024, with 6.8 million loaded TEU, they account for around 87 per cent of the total container throughput (7.8 million TEU).