Could you briefly describe your work as the managing authority of one of the biggest ports in the world?
Since 2005, the HPA has provided future-oriented port management from a single source and takes care of the Port of Hamburg’s security and efficiency. The HPA meets the port’s growing demands with intelligent and innovative solutions. Responsible for resource-saving and sustainable planning and execution of the port’s infrastructure measures, the HPA is also the point of contact for questions regarding waterside and landside infrastructure, the security and efficiency of ship traffic, the dock railway, and economic conditions in the port. Further, it safeguards the port’s interests at a national and international level. The challenge for the future is to continue the path of digitalization of the port set by the smartPORT initiative and to implement the respective Projects.
How do you define sustainability in your own work?
To make the Port of Hamburg “greener” and more prosperous – that is the challenge we are facing. Avoiding emissions is a key concern of the HPA. Our own shipping fleet has been operating on sulphur-free fuels since 2009. In addition, both our own and most of the public jetties and wharves for inland waterway carriers, ferries and other service vessels in the port are equipped with shore power plugs. Solar energy and geothermal energy also play a part. Niedernfelder Ufer is home to the HPA’s state-of-the-art building that houses offices and social meeting rooms and incorporates the latest in energy efficient designs. Sustainability plays an increasingly bigger role in our daily working practices and forms an integral part of our objectives. This approach requires the courage to change practices and the commitment of everyone involved. This is the only way the HPA can meet its corporate and social responsibilities as a port operating across regions.
HPA also wants to be a role model for a sustainable port industry.