The German JadeWeserPort has a new partner: the Ningbo Zhoushan Port Group is moving to Wilhelmshaven via a subsidiary.
The Zhoushan Port Group is the operator of the world’s largest port in terms of total throughput. As the first tenant of the new logistics centre in the Freight Village (GVZ), this commitment sends a strong signal for the strategic importance of Germany’s only deep-water container port.
“The conclusion of the contract underlines the growing importance of JadeWeserPort as a central hub for international trade,” says Marc-Oliver Hauswald, Managing Director of JadeWeserPort-Marketinggesellschaft.
Zhejiang Seaport is planning to expand its presence at JadeWeserPort as part of the new Silk Road. The aim is to further expand goods traffic between China and Europe and strengthen economic relations in the long term.
Jade-Weser Port to become a hub for China
The location decision is based not only on the excellent hinterland connections and the availability of logistics space, but also on Wilhelmshaven’s growing importance as Germany’s future energy hub, according to the information provided.
Cooperation between JadeWeserPort and China will be further intensified from 2025: On the one hand, Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk are planning to introduce the new NE1 liner service as part of the Gemini Cooperation, which will create a direct shipping route between Wilhelmshaven and Ningbo.
On the other hand, Ningbo Ports intends to realise transfer times of 26 days with its own direct connections to Wilhelmshaven. According to Hauswald, these services will sustainably strengthen the logistics connection between Europe and China and open up new growth opportunities for JadeWeserPort.
The lessor and operator of the logistics centre is P3 Deutschland. “The establishment of Zhejiang Seaport is a strong signal for JadeWeserPort and the entire region,” says Managing Director Sönke Kewitz. Thanks to the partnership, JadeWeserPort was marketed as a “sister port” by its parent company Zhejiang Seaport. This puts it on a par with top global ports such as Ningbo Zhoushan, Antwerp and Houston.
