Hamburg welcomes Elbe decision

The deepening is seen as one of the most important development projects for the port this year, which will ensure that the largest containerships and bulk carriers continue to reach Hamburg in the future. Once completed, vessels with a draught up to 13.8 metres will be able to leave the port independent of tides and up to 14.8 m dependent on tides. Last year the port handled 894 ultra-large vessels.

Claudia Roller, CEO of Port of Hamburg Marketing, said, “We are now looking to the speedy realisation of this infrastructural measure in the hope that the first stages in construction can be commenced before the end of this year,” adding that this would only be achieved if any possible objections do not lead to any further delay.

It is expected that objectors to the plan will have until the end of June to lodge their objections with the German Administrative Court in Leipzig.