The seaborne cargo throughput reflects the total volume handled at the terminals along the quaysides of the Port of Hamburg. It includes all cargo loaded or unloaded in maritime trade. The total throughput, in turn, consists of the two main handling segments: bulk cargo and general cargo.

The year 2024 was marked by significant geopolitical and economic challenges. In addition, the decarbonisation of the economy is having a noticeable impact on throughput. Over the course of the year, 111.8 million tonnes of seaborne cargo were loaded or unloaded at the terminals of Germany’s largest universal port. This represents a 2.1 per cent decline compared to the previous year.

Despite these challenges, Germany’s largest seaport managed to maintain a strong market position. In the general cargo segment, terminals improved their annual throughput volume by 0.9 per cent to 78.7 million tonnes. In contrast, bulk cargo throughput declined by 8.6 per cent to 33.1 million tonnes compared to the previous year.