Author: Theresa Linder

POHM: Mr Breitenbach, you have been leading the project department at HHM for nine years. What does your day-to-day work look like?

Stefan Breitenbach: I manage the topics strategically and keep an eye on the interfaces with finance and management. Another focus is the technical supervision of one or two funding projects: from coordination with international partners to monitoring project progress, managing external communications, quality assurance, and reporting to project sponsors. Between these tasks, there are numerous coordination meetings, strategic considerations and ad hoc problem-solving. No day is the same – and that is exactly what makes the work so exciting.

When we talk about project work, what does that involve specifically, and what role does HHM play? What advantages does this offer to member companies?

HHM is particularly active in EU funding programmes, such as the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme, which strengthens cooperation among Baltic Sea states and develops joint solutions for cross-border challenges. The projects address topics such as sustainable transport concepts, intelligent logistics solutions, and environmental and climate protection. Currently, our focus is on decarbonising maritime transport and ports. HHM identifies suitable funding calls, develops project ideas, forms consortia and sometimes takes over project management – including administrative handling as well as financial and communications management.

Member companies benefit from being project partners: they can reduce risks in R&D initiatives, build knowledge and expand their networks. HHM actively supports them with administrative matters and provides advice throughout the project lifecycle.

2025 was a particularly successful year: HHM was involved in eleven projects – seven as a partner and four as project leader – integrating member companies into every project. HHM itself also benefits: networks are expanded, and the Port of Hamburg is even more visibly showcased at European events. This engagement strengthens the profile of the association and the port within the industry over the long term.

Which thematic priorities are emerging – and how have they changed over the years?

Previously, cross-border transport chains and multimodal transport were the main focus. Today, energy transition and decarbonisation topics dominate, such as the electrification of throughput equipment, shore power solutions or green fuels. Projects such as Green Supply Chains, Shore Power in European Shipping or H2Derivatives@BalticSeaPorts show how innovation, sustainability and cooperation intersect.

Digitalisation aspects – for example in the DigiTank project with AI-based analyses and digital twins – improve processes, working conditions and environmental performance.

The funding landscape has also adapted to the new geopolitical situation: resilient transport chains, robust infrastructure and cybersecurity are increasingly the focus of new funding programmes.

The new EU financial framework runs from 2028 to 2034. What changes can ports and project work expect?

The funding landscape will evolve significantly. The plan is to combine structural and cohesion policy with agricultural and fisheries policy into a common strategic framework fund – each with national implementation plans. Interreg programmes are also likely to focus more on regional resilience, environmental protection and networking, further promoting sustainable and cooperative port development.

The central infrastructure programme, Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), remains in place, with funding for transport projects expected to increase to around €81 billion, nearly double. At the same time, the importance of ports will grow, for example regarding dual- use capabilities, decarbonisation and digital modernisation – fully aligned with the European Green Deal.

Additionally, programmes such as Horizon Europe provide further opportunities to advance cross-border research and development.

What role does the European port strategy play for German ports?

The aim of the EU port strategy is to strengthen the competitiveness, safety, sustainability and resilience of European ports. New programmes and investment paths – supported by CEF and the Green Deal – provide essential impetus for this. Various statements from industry stakeholders have already been incorporated into the legislative process through public consultations.

Originally, the strategy was planned to be adopted by the end of 2025. This is now expected to happen in 2026.

Is there a project or event that has particularly stuck in your memory?

Yes. At the closing event of an inland shipping project, the project partners wrote and performed a song as a thank-you – an extraordinary and unforgettable experience!

Author: Theresa Linder

POHM: Ms Basso Michael, you are responsible for the European region at HHM. How important is Europe today for the Port of Hamburg – economically, strategically and in terms of cross-border cooperation? And how has this role changed in recent years?

Marina Basso Michael: Hamburg is Europe’s third-largest port and therefore an indispensable part of the supply chain for industry and trade. Thanks to its strong hinterland and transhipment network, reliable and high-performance connections can be established to all key economic regions. In 2024, around two-thirds of the Port of Hamburg’s container throughput was handled in hinterland transport, and one-third in transhipment.

At the same time, Europe is today an economic and living environment in which industrial, energy, digitalisation, sustainability and security policies are closely interlinked. Cooperation has changed significantly in recent years: the focus is no longer solely on economic factors, but also on resilient partnerships, sustainable transport chains and the shared commitment to ensuring security of supply and competitiveness. Trust, cultural understanding and long-term relationships are essential. Hamburg can only maintain its position as an international logistics hub if it consistently nurtures and strategically expands these European connections.

How important is HHM's network of representative offices for discussions with partners, ports and decision- makers – especially in the digital age?

Our network of representative offices in Prague, Warsaw, Budapest and Vienna is of great importance. Our colleagues on the ground identify economic, industrial and political developments far earlier than would be possible from a distance – they are our most important sensors for opportunities and risks.

We also create platforms on which our member companies can network with representatives from ports, institutions and customers. Digitalisation makes many things easier, but trust is built primarily through personal encounters, joint projects and visibility. We therefore see ourselves not only as a marketing organisation but as a builder of bridges in the European port and logistics system: we open doors, foster dialogue and support business ideas on their path towards viable cooperations.

Which current developments in the European market are currently having the greatest impact on the Port of Hamburg?

Particularly influential are developments in energy and industry, the European sustainability agenda, new digital technologies, geopolitical tensions and the requirements of military mobility. Hamburg offers major opportunities here – especially thanks to its strong hinterland network, which enables climate-friendly, robust and efficient transport chains that are becoming increasingly important in the face of global uncertainty.

To ensure these advantages can be used, a coordinated external approach is needed: the port industry, logistics and rail companies, industry, and policymakers must align their interests. Our role at HHM is to identify developments early, connect relevant stakeholders and unlock growth potential. In this manner, we support the expansion of market share.

How is cooperation within Europe changing – with regard to sustainability, digitalisation and geopolitical developments?

Europe is becoming more tightly knit economically, logistically and in terms of security – and ports, as critical infrastructure, are increasingly becoming geostrategic players. Many countries in Central and Eastern Europe are investing in sustainable logistics, digitalisation, and infrastructure with remarkable momentum. When Hamburg’s maritime expertise is combined with the innovative strength of these markets, a strong European network emerges. The future does not lie in isolated interests but in integrated value chains – and Hamburg sits at this intersection.

Which European markets or regions will become particularly important for Hamburg in the future?

Northern Europe, the Baltic region and Central and Eastern Europe are already among our most dynamic growth partners. Scandinavia is rapidly developing into a centre for renewable energy and green steel production – a driver of new collaborations. The Baltic region is gaining in strategic importance due to security developments. And Central and Eastern Europe – particularly the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary – continue to grow thanks to strong industrial clusters and efficient rail logistics.

For Hamburg, this means that visibility alone is not enough. We must actively listen, provide impetus, moderate networks and mentor projects. And this is exactly what we do through delegation trips, specialist forums, events and maintaining close dialogue with business and politics.

You have worked for many years in the European port and logistics landscape. What fascinates you most about this collaboration?

I am inspired by the combination of economic rationality, entrepreneurial ambition and human closeness. European logistics only works on the basis of trust – and that arises through encounters, shared goals and clear communication. Having grown up with several languages and cultures, I know how strongly mentalities, values and communication expectations influence economic cooperation. Europe thrives on mutual learning – this dynamism motivates me every single day.

Is there a European project or encounter that has remained particularly memorable for you?

The most striking moments are those in which ideas have grown into genuine cooperation. I have been working for Port of Hamburg Marketing since 2008 and have been intensively involved in European markets since 2011 – a period that illustrates the value of partnership.

A particularly formative experience was the recent delegation trip to Lithuania, led by Senator Dr Melanie Leonhard. Returning to my home country while at the same time experiencing current developments – such as the stationing of the German brigade and the associated infrastructure expansion – was very moving for me from a professional perspective. This trip once again highlighted how closely logistics, European cooperation and shared responsibility are intertwined today.

Head of the Representative Office
in Vienna and Budapest

Alexander Till

Phone: +43 1 71254 84
till@hafen-hamburg.de

Austria / Vienna

Since the advent of containerisation, the Port of Hamburg has been Austria's most important transhipment point for imports and exports. Almost all transport is handled in an environmentally friendly manner by rail. We are particularly pleased about the long-standing membership of the leading Austrian container terminals at HHM. Together with them, we regularly organise successful joint events.

Representative
in Budapest

András Fazekas

Phone: +36 30 473 02 11
fazekas@hafen-hamburg.de

Hungary / Budapest

Since the early days of containerised transport, the Port of Hamburg has been Hungary's most important seaport within the North Range – with excellent connections thanks to numerous regular train services that ensure an efficient and reliable flow of goods

Head of the Representative
Office in Warsaw

Maciej Brzozowski

Phone: +48 22 6546 007
brzozowski@hafen-hamburg.de

Poland / Warsaw

Polish shippers make intensive use of the advantages offered by the EU internal market. Although national ports are the main focus, Hamburg remains the preferred alternative thanks to its diverse maritime connections, fast handling and strong hinterland connections. The port is thus a central component of the Polish container transport system – both in domestic and foreign trade.

Head of the Representative
Office in Prague

Vladimír Doboš

Phone: +420 224 891 301
dobos@hafen-hamburg.de

Czech Republic / Prague

The economic connection between Prague and Hamburg is of outstanding importance: around half a million TEU are transported annually – over 95 per cent of them by rail – making Hamburg the most important overseas port in the Czech Republic. The high proportion of rail transport impressively underlines the excellent hinterland connection of Europe's largest railway station.