Autohr: Nicole de Jong

POHM: Mr Meyn, what motivated you to take on the role of CEO at HHM?

Hendrik Meyn: We are in an exciting transformation phase within the logistics and maritime industries. The pandemic, as well as Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, have swept away what many regarded as long-standing certainties. This situation requires the development of new strategies and the forging of new partnerships. In addition, even long-established and reliable economic partners such as the United States no longer offer the same degree of predictability as before: debates on new tariffs, a more protectionist course of action and an increasingly volatile trade policy are creating additional uncertainty for export- oriented industries. At the same time, the sector and the Port of Hamburg are facing significant challenges. Expectations regarding climate protection, CO₂ reduction, alternative propulsion systems and energy- efficient port infrastructures are rising sharply and demand innovative, efficient solutions. Actively helping to shape this exciting and challenging development and strengthening the port’s role as a globally networked business hub was the main incentive for me to take on the role on HHM's Executive Board.

You describe the port as ‘the heart of the metropolitan region’ and as ‘a symbol of Hamburg’s connection to the world’. What steps do you intend to take so that it can keep this role in the years ahead?

I want to help make the many innovative, forward-looking projects in the port even more visible. There are numerous examples that show just how much future potential the port holds: for instance, the state-of-the-art Container Terminal Altenwerder, which not only boasts a high degree of automation but already operates with certified climate neutrality; or the fully digitalised internal port communication system via DAKOSY, which connects all port stakeholders securely and efficiently through the Port Community System – to name just two. These projects demonstrate that Hamburg is a globally leading innovation centre in logistics. My goal is to further highlight these positive developments and to encourage people to see the future as an opportunity, so that the port can continue to assert its role as the heart of the metropolitan region and a symbol of Hamburg’s connection to the world.

Change and transformation are a common thread throughout your career – from management consulting to a shipping group and now to port marketing. What experiences from your past positions have prepared you for this role?

I have learnt that change only succeeds when one first understands why existing structures emerged, and takes the deeply rooted expertise of people seriously. In all my previous roles, it was important to me to listen, build trust and develop solutions together with the teams – solutions that fit their reality rather than imposing change solely from above. This makes it possible to losslessly transfer existing knowledge into new processes, while also creating acceptance for new approaches. I now bring this principle of joint development, understanding and thoughtful transfer for the future to my new responsibilities at HHM.

How important is the openness to question familiar ways of thinking and to embrace new ideas – especially in an industry defined strongly by tradition and continuity?

For me, it is crucial. In my opinion, continuity and modernisation do not contradict each other – quite the opposite: long-standing customer relationships and shared values create trust, but you only remain relevant if you stay curious and look beyond your own horizons. Success comes when tradition and continuity are combined with a willingness to explore new ideas, to draw inspiration from customers, competitors and the market, and to develop constantly. This mindset not only ensures future viability but also resonates with employees and customers – that has been my experience.

HHM operated with only one executive board member for the past three and a half years. Now, a new chapter has begun with a dual leadership arrangement. What priorities do you intend to set together with Axel Mattern?

Our top priority is to work closely together as a leadership duo and prevent any silo mentality from emerging. Axel brings immense port expertise, from which I am already learning a great deal and am eager to learn even more. We make it a point to coordinate closely on all topics to present a united position. Our goal is to sharpen HHM’s profile further, make the association even more visible within the industry and clearly position the port as a strong voice between business, politics and associations – in Hamburg and internationally.

Speaking of internationality: what significance does the Port of Hamburg hold in a European context?

Hamburg is a central and connecting element within Europe – especially for southern Germany, Austria and Switzerland, but also for the Baltic region and Eastern Europe. This strong position as a logistical hub and leading connection for the DACH region is clearly a unique selling point that we aim to expand on strategically. Every port in Europe has its own strengths – Hamburg’s strength lies in its connectedness. And it is precisely this connectivity that must be maintained, developed and actively harnessed for the future of trade.

What precisely do you hope to achieve – for the port, for Hamburg and for the people who work here?

I want to anchor the image of the Port of Hamburg more firmly in the present. What is being created here is not a romanticised maritime backdrop but high-tech, essential value creation for Germany. Without the port, numerous export accomplishments and the supply of entire regions would not be guaranteed. It is important to me to highlight this significance even more clearly, to give the people working in the port the appreciation their demanding and often dangerous work deserves, and to convey with conviction: a future-ready port is emerging here – a driving force of the metropolitan region and of Germany’s economic strength.