HHLA outlines diversification strategy

As Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) announced falling throughput in 2015 and predicted no increase in 2016, its chairman announced a three-pronged diversification strategy.

Klaus-Dieter Pieters said that firstly the company will “maintain and build upon [its] market leadership in Hamburg” by preparing its terminals for particularly large ships and by increasing its productivity through automation and optimisation of processes. The company operates the Altenwerder, Bucrchardkai and Tollerort terminals in Hamburg.

Secondly, it will expand its network of intermodal companies by operating new connections and establishing new locations for European port hinterland and continental traffic. In 2015, more than 50% of the group’s investments went into rail, for example a hub terminal in Budapest.