HEFT ANFORDERN

Logo German Ports

Magazin für Häfen, Schifffahrt und Logistik

How are seaports becoming key players in the circular economy?

15.09.2026

PAPENBURG At the 34th Niedersächsischen Hafentag in Papenburg, the megatrend of the circular economy was placed firmly in the focus of the Lower Saxony port industry. In light of global crises and new EU regulations, demand for secondary raw materials is increasing, opening up new market opportunities for seaports.

There is no doubt that ports play a central role in the transition towards a more circular use of raw materials and in ensuring security of supply in Germany. Impressive examples of best practice from Papenburg demonstrated how sustainability and the circular economy are already contributing to future-oriented logistics chains today. At the same time, it became clear that opportunities and challenges are closely intertwined when it comes to market development. Major legislative initiatives such as the EU Circular Economy Act must be implemented in a practical manner and, in particular, be reasonably applicable to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Photo, from left to right: Vera Butterweck-Kruse (Shareholder, Butterweck Rundholzlogistik GmbH & Co. KG), Lukas Augustin (Managing Director, Augustin Entsorgung Holding GmbH), Mayor Vanessa Gattung (City of Papenburg), Minister for Economic Affairs Grant Hendrik Tonne, Maximilian Ueberschaar (Managing Director, ProRC GmbH), Inke Onnen-Lübben (Managing Director, Seaports of Niedersachsen GmbH), Dirk Wobken (Head of Site Development, Meyer Werft GmbH), Michael de Reese (Spokesperson, Association of Lower Saxony Seaports) and Herwart Wilms (President of FEAD & Chairman of the BDI Committee on Raw Materials Policy).

Photo: Meinen & Eden Fotografie

More articles from the category Community News

Emden to get a new naval port

Emden to get a new naval port

EMDEN. On 5 October 2026, Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced that a new naval port is to be built in Emden. “We currently have the smallest navy in the history of the Bundeswehr, whilst at the same time facing the largest and most extensive portfolio of tasks.

read more
Efficient ports need an efficient rail network

Efficient ports need an efficient rail network

HAMBURG At the “InnoTrans” trade fair in September, the Zentralverband der deutschen Seehafenbetriebe (ZDS) presented a policy paper on rail transport, calling for the expansion and modernisation of the rail network

read more
Emden and Dörpen step up port dialogue

Emden and Dörpen step up port dialogue

EMDEN/DÖRPEN. Linked by the River Ems and the Dortmund-Ems Canal, the ports of Emden and Dörpen have been working together for years. Now, the port dialogue launched in February on the initiative of Hartmut Moorkamp (CDU), a member of the Emsland regional parliament, is set to gather further momentum.

read more
Emden to get a new naval port

Emden to get a new naval port

EMDEN. On 5 October 2026, Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced that a new naval port is to be built in Emden. “We currently have the smallest navy in the history of the Bundeswehr, whilst at the same time facing the largest and most extensive portfolio of tasks.

read more
Efficient ports need an efficient rail network

Efficient ports need an efficient rail network

HAMBURG At the “InnoTrans” trade fair in September, the Zentralverband der deutschen Seehafenbetriebe (ZDS) presented a policy paper on rail transport, calling for the expansion and modernisation of the rail network

read more
Emden and Dörpen step up port dialogue

Emden and Dörpen step up port dialogue

EMDEN/DÖRPEN. Linked by the River Ems and the Dortmund-Ems Canal, the ports of Emden and Dörpen have been working together for years. Now, the port dialogue launched in February on the initiative of Hartmut Moorkamp (CDU), a member of the Emsland regional parliament, is set to gather further momentum.

read more
Logo German Ports

Kontakt

Barrierefreiheit

Impressum

Datenschutzerklärung

Home

Logo German Ports
Home
Datenschutzerklärung
Impressum
Barrierefreiheit
Kontakt

2026