The Five Biggest Ports in Germany

Germany is a major exporter of goods, trailing only China and the United States in a 2022 ranking of the world's largest exporters. Given the country's important position in global trade, it's no surprise that its ports serve as vital gateways for goods moving in and out of the European continent.

Here are the five largest cargo ports in Germany:

1. Port of Hamburg (DEHAM)

Hamburg's position as the largest port in Germany and the second largest port in Europe has made it a key link in global supply chains, especially between Europe and Asia. The city's extensive network of logistics, warehousing, and transportation services supports industries across the continent.

• Location: The Port of Hamburg is located in the northern part of Germany, on the Elbe River, approximately 110 kilometers (68 miles) from the North Sea. It is situated in the city of Hamburg, which is both a state and a major urban center in Germany.
• Annual Container Throughput: Approximately 8.3 million TEU in 2023 (Lloyd's List).‍
• Annual Bulk Cargo Volume: 36.2 million metric tons in 2023 (Port of Hamburg).
• ‍Key Commodities: Machinery, vehicles, chemicals, metals, consumer goods.‍

2. Port of Bremerhaven (DEBRV)

Bremerhaven is one of Europe’s leading car shipping ports and a global hub for automotive logistics. It plays a critical role in the distribution of vehicles and heavy machinery to various parts of the world.

• Location: The Port of Bremerhaven is located in the northwest of Germany, in the state of Bremen, near the mouth of the Weser River on the North Sea coast. It is one of the primary maritime gateways for the country, specifically positioned for access to international shipping routes. The Port of Bremerhaven is approximately 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) from the Port of Hamburg, making them relatively close in terms of maritime and logistical connections.‍
• Annual Container Throughput: About 4.6 million TEUs in 2023 (Lloyd's List).‍
• Annual Bulk Cargo Volume: 8.7 million metric tons of bulk cargo was processed in 2023 (CEIC Data).‍
• Key Commodities: Automotive products, machinery, electronics.

3. JadeWeserPort Wilhelmshaven (DEWVN)

While a considerably smaller operation than both Hamburg and Bremerhaven, The Port of Wilhelmshaven is notable for being Germany’s deepest-water port, capable of accommodating the largest container ships in the world. This capability makes it a critical asset for the country’s oil and chemical industries as well as global trade routes.

• Location: Wilhelmshaven is situated in the Lower Saxony region of Germany on the western coast of the Jade Bay, directly connected to the North Sea. It is Germany’s only deep-water port, making it strategically significant for handling large vessels. JadeWeserPort in Wilhelmshaven is approximately 110 kilometers (about 68 miles) from Bremerhaven.
• Annual Container Throughput: 713,000 TEU in 2021 (International Transport Journal).
• Annual Bulk Cargo Volume: 31 million metric tons in 2023 (Seaports Niedersachsen).
• Key Commodities: Crude oil, chemicals, and general cargo.

4. Port of Duisburg (DEDUI)

As the world’s largest inland port, Duisburg plays a pivotal role in European logistics. It serves as a major distribution center for goods transported by rail and barge throughout the continent, significantly impacting supply chains across industries.

• Location: The Port of Duisburg, known as Duisport, is located in the western part of Germany, in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is positioned at the confluence of the Rhine and Ruhr rivers, making it a central hub for inland waterway transportation.
• Annual Container Throughput: 3.6 million TEU in 2023 (Flows).
• Key Commodities: Coal, iron ore, chemical products.

5. Port of Lübeck (DELBC)

Lübeck is a leading port for trade with the Baltic region and northern Europe, playing a crucial role in ferry traffic and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) services. It serves as a key entry point for goods moving between Central Europe and the Nordic countries.

• Location: The Port of Lübeck is located in the northeastern part of Germany, in the state of Schleswig-Holstein, on the southwestern coast of the Baltic Sea. Its position makes it a vital link for maritime traffic with the Baltic states and Scandinavia.
• Key Commodities: Timber, paper products, machinery.