The Port of Hamburg is reasserting its position as a major rail port. In 2024, rail walked away with more than 55 per cent of the volume modal split. The port achieved that result despite some challenges it faced in 2024.
Container throughput at the port reached 7,8 million TEU in 2024. In terms of hinterland transport, 50,2 per cent was carried by rail at 2,6 million TEU (2,5 per cent). In terms of volumes, trains moved 46,2 million tonnes (+1,3 per cent), which is 55,6 per cent of the total. “The result underlines our position as the largest rail port in Europe and consolidates our market leadership”, commented the port’s CEO Axel Mattern.
The Hamburg port was not handed this result on a silver plate. Rather, it faced abrupt route closures for almost an entire month in the summer of 2024. Rail freight traffic was only possible for exceptional cases during the day, RailFreight.com reported at the time.
Even before the summer came to an end, misfortune struck the port once more. Terminal staff went on strike, after which the port could not accept any freight trains coming in. Delays then grew to be as long as 24 hours. Despite this, 2024 turned out to be a good year for rail at the Hamburg port.