The Port of Hamburg, located in the center of the city, is the third largest port in Europe, after Rotterdam and Antwerp,  and is among the twenty largest in the world. The port contributes largely to the economy of Hamburg as it has been the fastest growing port in Europe since Germany’s reunification, when the territory recovered the eastern portion of its hinterland. Situated 68 miles/110 kilometers up the river Elbe, the port is considered to be a seaport because it is able to handle sea-going vessels. Handling a massive number of containers and well over 130 million tons of goods, it is ranked 9th worldwide with transshipments of 9.8 million tons. Hamburg’s port is the region’s largest deep-seaport for container shipping. The importance of Hamburg as a major northern German city includes other industries as well as this active seaport:  the civil aerospace industry and a nearby assembly plant for Airbus; plus, heavy industry in the production of steel, aluminum, and copper; and, of course, a number of shipyards, all contributing to the economy here.

PHOTO: Aerial view of Hamburg’s Port, as photographed from St. Michaeliskirche/St. Michael’s Church.

JOURDAN ARPELLE-ZIEGLER                                        BACK TO MAP  PAGE