HAMBURG. Moderate growth for 2026, pre-crisis levels achievable by 2029 – this is the forecast from the Central Association of German Seaport Operators (ZDS) in response to the “Rolling Medium-Term Forecast for Freight and Passenger Transport” published in April 2026 by the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM). “In the short term, geopolitical tensions are clearly slowing development; in the medium term, however, a rebound is expected,” states the association’s press release. ZDS Chief Executive Dr Florian Keisinger adds: “Current developments show very clearly how vulnerable global supply chains are to geopolitical shocks. If key trade routes are disrupted or have to be bypassed, this has an immediate impact on costs, transit times and, ultimately, on the competitiveness of our location.” Despite these disruptions, he believes that maritime transport remains a growth market. “Demand for high-performance ports will continue to rise. This makes it all the more important to set the right course now: with targeted investments in infrastructure, resilience and hinterland connections,” says Keisinger.
Foto: Hapag-Lloyd
