SILKRAILS.WORDPRESS.com (GCTL8.com – FocusAsia Media Ltd

HAMBURG, Aug 17 (FAM) – In the first six months of 2017 Hamburg port reported container throughput at 4.45 million TEU (20-ft standard containers) at the previous year’s level. Throughput of loaded boxes at 3.8 million TEU (up 0.3 percent) reflected a positive trend.

By contrast, handling of empty containers was 3.2 percent lower at 622,000 TEU. ‘That shipping companies tend to route empty boxes for weight reasons via other ports is partly because with the adjustment of the Elbe fairway still not implemented, mega-containerships still cannot be optimally loaded if calling at Hamburg.