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Port of Hamburg records strong growth in container throughput

Despite continued subdued economic development and a tense geopolitical situation, the Port of Hamburg is showing stable growth and regained market share compared to the two major western ports in the first half of this year.

Strong growth in the container segment in the first half of 2025 contributed significantly to a solid increase in seaborne cargo throughput.

Throughput of bulk goods and conventional general cargo decreased slightly. Moreover, new liner services strengthened Hamburg’s role in international sea freight transport. Container hinterland connections continued their positive development, while transhipment traffic recorded a very strong half-year result. 

Seaborne cargo throughput grew to 57.8 million tonnes in the months from January to June 2025 (+3.6 percent year-on-year). This is largely due to strong growth of 9.3 percent in container throughput to 4.2 million standard containers (TEU). Double-digit growth of 11.6 percent was recorded for imports, while container throughput for exports increased by 6.9 percent. On a per-tonne basis, containerised general cargo throughput grew to 41.2 million tonnes (+6.8 percent).

“We are delighted that the Port of Hamburg is able to benefit to this extent from new liner services and the restructuring of the shipping companies. In comparison with competing ports, Hamburg is thus able to set an extremely positive example and gain market share,” said Axel Mattern, CEO of Port of Hamburg marketing.