Following the Bundestag elections, the German seaports are calling on the parties to start constructive talks.
According to the Central Association of German Seaport Operators (ZDS), the implementation of the national port strategy and the renovation and expansion of the transport infrastructure cannot be delayed.
“We need important economic policy impulses, such as courageous investments in infrastructure, new free trade agreements and a progress-oriented tax policy,” said President and Chairwoman of HHLA’s Executive Board Angela Titzrath. “An open and cosmopolitan society is crucial for Germany’s economic strength. As a trading nation, we are dependent on a strong and united European Union and tolerant and respectful interaction with people from all over the world. This also applies in particular to the challenge of the shortage of skilled workers.”
Seaports need clarity on port strategy
It is now important to quickly form a government capable of taking action. The seaports in Germany still have no clarity regarding the implementation of the National Ports Strategy, which was adopted last year. According to the ZDS, the key points here are an increase in the federal subsidy for port charges for the coastal states to €500 million per year and the necessary investments in the expansion of handling capacities for renewable energies.
“Furthermore, as ports, we are just as dependent on a reliable transport infrastructure as the entire German industry,” Titzrath continued. “Necessary investments in rail, road and waterways must be adequately secured and detached from the annual budget discussions. The general refurbishment program for the railroads must be continued, as must the necessary expansion in line with the modal shift targets for freight transport. Saving at the expense of transport infrastructure would not only cost the country dearly in economic terms, it would also run counter to the goal of a stronger defense capability.”
The National Ports Strategy aims to strengthen the competitiveness of German sea and inland ports. According to the Federal Ministry for Digital and TransportAffairs (BMDV), the “diverse challenges posed by transformation processes, climate change, the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, Brexit and changes in global trade” must be taken into account. The strategy covers five areas: Competitiveness, sustainability, digitalization, education and infrastructure.
