COVID-19 Update: Port of Hamburg remains in service

On March 13, the German Federal Government announced specific measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. At the same time, the German Chancellor called on important industrial sectors – including the ports – to continue their operations. The Mayor of Hamburg has personally stressed to the management of the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) the utmost importance of the port, especially in these times, as a central economic and logistical hub. 

The Port of Hamburg, and especially the HPA, accepts its responsibility and makes it a top priority for our port to remain fully operational in the best interest of the population.

In addition to this, we actively undertake to prevent further spread of the coronavirus by taking various measures:

We obey the recommendations of the competent political institutions, the Federal Government, the Senate of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, the health authorities and the port’s medical service (Hamburg Port Health Center). The Health Department of the HPA is in continuous contact with all partners.

We engage regularly in international and multi-sectoral communication to monitor the situation constantly and – if required – to implement targeted measures

As always, all arriving ships must submit a Maritime Health Declaration (MDH) at least 24 hours before calling at the port with information on whether there is any disease or indications of disease on board. If there are indications of disease, then the ship is inspected by Hamburg Port Health Center before entering the Port of Hamburg.

All events of the Port of Hamburg that are not absolutely necessary have been or will be called off. In this respect, a series of specific inspections and determinations will take place. Hence, visitors, for example, will only be allowed to access critical work locations at the port if this is absolutely necessary.

The health and well-being of all employees of the HPA and of the entire Port of Hamburg are our top priority. We do everything possible to guarantee a safe working environment. Moreover, at the HPA – as is also the case at many other agencies and businesses – we make it possible for as many employees as possible to work from home. In-person meetings must be limited to those that are absolutely necessary, and at these gatherings the appropriate rules (of hygiene) must be obeyed.

The Port of Hamburg is of crucial importance, especially in these times, as the main driving force of the economy and of supply not only for our country but for all of Europe. We thank all of you for your contributions to continuing to ensure the proper operation of the port, and we are sure that we can deal with these difficult moments together and emerge from them even stronger than before.