In the run-up to the upcoming elections, the port industry in Germany is calling for the federal government to make a greater contribution to renovation and investment costs.
This demand has existed for some time. The federal government currently pays €38m annually to the coastal states as part of the port burden equalisation scheme. The latter, however, estimates that at least €500m is needed to compensate for past price increases alone.
Now, the ZDS, as the central association of German seaports, is once again adding: “The seaports are once again becoming considerably more important for the security of supply with their tasks in the energy and time transition. A new federal government must recognise this and finally back it up with concrete policies,” said Angela Titzrath, CEO of Hamburg terminal operator HHLA and President of the ZDS.
Quay walls, storage areas, waterways and locks in the ports need to be renewed in many places, she said. The coastal states should not be left alone with these national tasks. “In addition, we are facing major investments in new areas and facilities, for example, for wind turbines and the import of hydrogen derivatives, particularly as part of the energy transition. This is also not possible without the federal government,” said Titzrath.
The same applies to transport routes in hinterland logistics. Significantly more money is needed for the maintenance of roads, railways and waterways – and that is reliably over the budget years.
