For centuries, the Elbe has been the lifeblood of trade and change in northern Germany. When Hamburg was granted the privilege of duty-free navigation on the Elbe, this laid the foundation for a development that would deeply connect the city and its port with global trade. The arrival of the first steamship in 1816 marked the beginning of a new era, establishing the Elbe as a modern trade route and Hamburg as the gateway to the world.

Today, the Elbe is far more than just a geographical feature: it is the lifeline and backbone of the port, a symbol and a tool for a region that links trade, logistics, and innovation. From the ‘Elbe 1’ buoy to the terminal berths, from Hamburg to the estuary at Cuxhaven and along the upriver banks, countless companies, tugs, river pilots, and mooring crews work to keep maritime operations running smoothly. They ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability in an environment that demands absolute precision.

This issue of the Port of Hamburg Magazine takes you on a journey of discovery along the Elbe, introducing the people and organizations behind the scenes whose daily contributions keep the port performing at its best. As part of an intricate network, they help safeguard the Port of Hamburg’s stability and competitiveness, even in an era characterised by global challenges.

In a time when resilient supply chains and sustainable practices are more important than ever, the value of close collaboration among the companies along the Elbe is evident. They are guarantors of reliability and progress, safeguarding jobs and prosperity in the region, and reinforce Germany’s role as a business hub. Come with us to the banks of the Elbe. This issue shows just how closely the present and future of the Port of Hamburg are intertwined with the river, and highlights the vital role played by the companies along its course.