Strong Start for Europe’s Third-Busiest Port

The Port of Hamburg recorded a9.3% year-on-year increase in container throughput in the first half of 2025, handling 4.2 million TEUs. Imports rose by11.6%, while exports increased 6.9%, underscoring Hamburg’s growing role as a critical hub in global trade.

Much of this momentum came from Asia and the Baltic states, supported by reshuffled carrier alliances, rising megaship calls, and stronger hinterland connectivity.

Asia Leads the Growth Story

Asian trade volumes surged10.7% to 1.8 million TEUs, with China alone contributing 1.2 million TEUs (+10.5%).Other key growth drivers included:

• Malaysia: +93.2% (169,000 TEUs) due to transshipment shifts
• India: +41.6% (137,000 TEUs)

This reflects broader supply chain realignments as shippers diversify sourcing and reroute flows in response to geopolitical and cost pressures.

Baltic States Fuel Regional Gains

Baltic Sea trade jumped 20.8% to734,000 TEUs, with strong performances from:

• Denmark: +36% (98,000 TEUs)
• Finland: +20.1% (125,000 TEUs)
• Poland: +28.8% (182,000 TEUs)

The growth highlights Hamburg’s increasing importance as a gateway linking Northern Europe with fast-growing regional markets.

Carrier Alliances Reshape Port Dynamics

Industry restructuring played a decisive role:

• Maersk & Hapag-Lloyd’s Gemini Cooperation boosted Hamburg volumes.
• MSC’s standalone network favored Hamburg over Bremerhaven, reversing 2M alliance patterns.

These shifts illustrate how alliance strategies can materially impact port performance and regional competitiveness.

Megaships and Infrastructure Pressure

Hamburg saw a sharp rise in mega ship activity:

• Calls by vessels >10,000 TEUs: +51.6% (285 calls)
• Calls by vessels >24,000 TEUs: +29.6% (127 calls)

Half of Hamburg’s 2.6 million TEU hinterland flows moved by rail, but rail congestion and infrastructure bottlenecks remain challenges. The port is widening ship-passing areas and expanding turning basins to maintain competitiveness against Rotterdam and Antwerp-Bruges.

The U.S. Trade Gap

Unlike rival North European ports, Hamburg saw a 19.3%drop in U.S. volumes (275,000 TEUs),attributed to ongoing U.S. trade policy disruptions. This underlines the volatility of transatlantic trade compared to the resilience of Asia and Baltic routes.

Key Takeaways for Global Supply Chains

• Carrier alliances matter: Strategic partnerships can quickly shift port market share.
• Asia + Baltic resilience: These regions are driving European port growth despite U.S. headwinds.
• Infrastructure is critical: Ports must expand to handle megaships and avoid inland congestion.
• Shippers need agility: Trade flows are realigning; flexibility in routing and sourcing is essential.

Hamburg’s performance offers a snapshot of how global trade lanes are rebalancing in 2025 — with Asia and regional European connections pulling ahead while U.S. trade falters.
‍

Source:https://www.joc.com/article/sharp-rise-in-hamburg-first-half-volume-driven-by-growth-in-asian-baltic-trade-6066255