Around 120 guests from business, politics and logistics accepted the invitation of Port of Hamburg Marketing (HHM) to the Port Reception in Stuttgart on 23 September. Representatives of Baden-Württemberg's industry, logistics companies and partners of the Port of Hamburg took the opportunity to exchange views on current developments and joint opportunities in international trade.

With contributions from State Councillor Andreas Rieckhof (Ministry of Economy, Labour and Innovation, Hamburg), Ministerial Director Michael Kleiner (Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism, Baden-Württemberg) and Ministerial Director Berthold Frieß (Ministry of Transport, Baden-Württemberg), the close connection between Germany's largest universal port and Baden-Württemberg's export-oriented economy was underlined.

Baden-Württemberg – strong export region, strong partner for Hamburg

Port of Hamburg hosts partners from Baden-Württemberg in Stuttgart, strengthening economic cooperation.

Baden-Württemberg is one of the most important hinterland regions of the Port of Hamburg. With strong economic performance and a broad industrial base in mechanical engineering, chemicals, electrical engineering and automotive, the state plays a key role in international trade flows. In 2024, around 380,000 TEU (standard containers) were moved between Hamburg and Baden-Württemberg, of which around 320,000 TEU were transported by rail.

“Baden-Württemberg is a key market for the Port of Hamburg. It is home to globally operating companies that depend on efficient logistics chains – both for their exports and for the supply of intermediate products and raw materials,” emphasised Axel Mattern, Executive Board Member of Port of Hamburg Marketing.

“In the past year, exports accounted for around 37 percent of Baden-Württemberg's gross domestic product – an impressive testament to the central importance of international markets and the necessity of strong global connectivity for our state. The Port of Hamburg is a reliable partner in this respect. Despite current challenges in world trade, significant opportunities continue to open up – both for the port and for export-strong regions such as Baden-Württemberg. It is up to us to seize these opportunities with determination,” stressed Ministerial Director Michael Kleiner from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism, Baden-Württemberg.

Rail transport plays an especially important role: the DUSS Terminal Kornwestheim, the largest hub in southern Germany, alone handles more than 130,000 TEU with Hamburg and is currently being expanded. The DUSS Terminal Ulm-Dornstadt, with 14 weekly connections to Hamburg, is also significantly increasing its capacity. This makes transport routes more efficient and sustainable.

Logistics as the backbone of stable supply chains

Functioning sea and hinterland connections are of central importance for Baden-Württemberg, with its more than eleven million inhabitants. In times of global uncertainties and growing geopolitical challenges, it becomes particularly clear how vital reliable infrastructure is: it not only ensures the smooth export and import of goods but also contributes to stability and security of supply within Germany. The Port Reception in Stuttgart clearly demonstrated that close cooperation between Hamburg and Baden-Württemberg provides a solid foundation for this.
Source: The Port of Hamburg