[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ module_class=”reverse-columns-mobile” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ text_font=”roboto-regular||||||||” text_text_color=”#003a7c” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||15px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]Credits: istockphoto\/magnifier, Freepik\/starline, ZDS, Bundesregierung f\u00fcr Wirtschaft und Energie, diebildwerft, Hansa Express Logistics, HES International, NPorts-Ulrich Wirrwa, Nports-L. R\u00f6tz[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” bottom_divider_style=”waves2″ bottom_divider_color=”#DFE6EE” bottom_divider_height=”200px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ custom_margin=”||200px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]\u201cThe Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and the Covid-19 pandemic have hammered home to us just how vulnerable our security, energy and supply chain structures are,\u201d Sebastian J\u00fcrgens, President of the Association of German Seaport Operators (ZDS), states. \u201cSince then, the role of ports has shifted from \u2018important for trade\u2019 to \u2018crucial for energy and security\u2019.\u201d Against this backdrop, J\u00fcrgens sees a long list of challenges that need to be addressed promptly. \u201cAt the top of the agenda is reliable and long-term port funding from the German government,\u201d he adds. \u201cWe have a modernisation requirement of 15 billion euros in the seaports. There\u2019s an urgent need for action here.\u201d <\/p>\n
Furthermore, J\u00fcrgens believes that protecting ports as critical infrastructure is just as crucial as investments in high-performance hinterland connections, digitalisation and automation. \u201cWe have to keep all this in mind if we\u2019re to ensure our competitiveness within the European framework and, in doing so, talk about sustainably resilient structures, both for seaports and the business location,\u201d he states. For him, the security of supply we take for granted is clearly impossible without high-performance ports. \u201cEnergy, raw materials, intermediate goods and consumer goods arrive predominantly by sea,\u201d he continues. Stable, resilient port structures therefore constitute a direct public service \u2013 particularly in times of crisis. \u201cTo ensure the long-term efficiency of seaports,\u201d he comments, \u201cwe need annual basic funding of 500 million euros from the German government, and that\u2019s on top of the modernisation measures we\u2019ve already discussed.\u201d<\/p>\n
He acknowledges, however, that the states and the operators have invested to the best of their ability so far. \u201cWe clearly need a coherent approach to seaports, closely coordinated between the German government and the states,\u201d says J\u00fcrgens. \u201cThe former has to step up and take responsibility for seaports as strategic hubs of national importance far more decisively than it has done to date.\u201d In his view, while the strategic importance of seaports has recently been recognised more widely in many places, this \u201cisn\u2019t yet sufficiently understood everywhere\u201d.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ module_class=”dtb-sticky” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_sidebar area=”et_pb_widget_area_7″ show_border=”off” admin_label=”Werbung Startseite \/ Artikel” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_sidebar][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” top_divider_style=”waves2″ top_divider_color=”#DFE6EE” top_divider_height=”30px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ custom_margin=”25px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
For Dr Christoph Ploss (CDU), the German government\u2019s coordinator for the maritime economy and tourism, recent developments have also changed the role of Germany\u2019s ports fundamentally. He regards the ports as hubs, both of the economic structure and of the energy supply, as well as part of the security architecture. \u201cGermany\u2019s ports are key to ensuring the supply of raw materials and are increasingly becoming transshipment points for climate-friendly energy sources like ammonia, methanol, e-fuels or hydrogen,\u201d he explains. \u201cIn the event of a crisis or war, some of them are set to become NATO hubs. They will then have to process not just troops, but also equipment, ranging from food supplies to tanks.\u201d To make sure this runs smoothly, it is necessary to expand the infrastructure in such a way that the requirements of NATO, alliance partners and the Bundeswehr can be met. \u201cHowever, we also need to gather more information as well as link and use data better, so that we can identify and thwart potential attacks on critical infrastructure before they can happen, for example,\u201d Ploss warns.<\/p>\n
He believes that important groundwork for advancing the transformation of the ports has already been done. \u201cIn less than a year in office, the current government has already achieved more for the maritime economy than the previous one did in its entire term,\u201d he states. Last year, 100 billion euros were soon made available for investment in state and local-level infrastructure. Ploss adds: \u201cI expect a considerable portion of this to be channelled into port infrastructure. Furthermore, the German government has allocated 400 million euros within the Climate and Transformation Fund (KTF) for the maritime economy. And we\u2019ve initiated record investments in rail \u2013 over 100 billion euros will flow into the rail network by 2029. This is vital for the ports\u2019 hinterland connections.\u201d <\/p>\n
Ploss considers the annual 38.3 million euros that Germany\u2019s northern states receive from the government for port cost compensation to be insufficient. \u201cThe amount hasn\u2019t been adjusted in two decades,\u201d he says. \u201cHowever, an increase is only possible via a constitutional amendment to German Basic Law, and the two-thirds majority required for this isn\u2019t foreseeable, given the current balance of power in the Bundestag.\u201d He also sees other ways to support port expansion, for instance through the special defence fund, which is providing 1.3 billion euros for the port of Bremerhaven, for example.
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ module_class=”dtb-sticky” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.logistics-pilot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Sebastian-Juergens_500px.png” alt=”Portrait of Sebastian J\u00fcrgens ” title_text=”Portrait of Sebastian J\u00fcrgens ” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ custom_margin=”50px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”25px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ header_3_text_color=”#002e5b” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||75px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||40px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
Sebastian J\u00fcrgens, President of the Association of German Seaport Operators (ZDS)[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/www.logistics-pilot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Emden_Militaer-4-von-64-c-diebildwerft_1920.jpg” parallax=”on” custom_padding=”450px||450px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” bottom_divider_color=”#DFE6EE” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ text_font=”roboto-regular||||||||” text_text_color=”#003a7c” custom_margin=”-5px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||15px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]In the event of a crisis or war, some German ports could become NATO hubs. They would then transport troops and equipment, ranging from food supplies to tanks.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ custom_margin=”||50px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]\u201cThe port in Bremerhaven plays a central role for NATO,\u201d he adds. \u201cThis is why the government is also providing massive support for its expansion as a NATO hub. In addition, Wilhelmshaven and Emden are important ports for Germany\u2019s security.\u201d Regarding Germany\u2019s ports and referring to his 2025 statement that the rivalry between Hamburg and Bremen belongs on the football pitch rather than in politics, Ploss clarifies things from a national perspective. \u201cHamburg\u2019s rivals in port policy aren\u2019t Bremerhaven or Rostock. They\u2019re Rotterdam, Antwerp and Gda\u0144sk. And vice versa. The goal must be to strengthen the German port industry as a whole. In doing so, the requirements and future outlooks differ. One port becomes an energy hub, another specialises in offshore wind, the next is building up its expertise in the handling of food or industrial goods, and others become NATO hubs. In all of this, though, the one thing that\u2019s certain is that Germany needs all these ports and their different strengths.\u201d<\/p>\n
Andree Niehaus, Managing Director of Hansa-Express Logistics \u2013 an Oyten-based company that has developed into a leading logistics provider in the explosives and military sectors over the past 30 years \u2013 is clear about the current situation. \u201cWe\u2019ve been chasing the idea of universal world peace since the 1990s, and many have turned up their noses at the prospect of investing in the military,\u201d he says, with the NATO member states\u2019 target of contributing two per cent of their respective gross domestic product (GDP) to collective defence particularly in mind. \u201cTo this day, we in Germany haven\u2019t met this commitment to the required extent. In 2024, for instance, the defence budget was around 50 billion euros, plus some 20 billion euros from the special fund for modernising the Bundeswehr. However, with a GDP of 4.3 trillion euros, at least 80 billion of it should be allocated to defence. Even the special fund I just mentioned is merely a drop in the ocean,\u201d he adds, criticising what he sees as Germany\u2019s lack of awareness regarding the need to invest in military measures.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, Niehaus has recently observed a significant societal shift in attitudes and the logistics sector regarding military equipment transportation. \u201cBefore, people were always \u2018We\u2019re not going there!\u2019,\u201d he explains. \u201cBut now that the threat level has noticeably increased, everyone\u2019s suddenly jumped on the bandwagon as they\u2019ve realised that our passivity in the past was a mistake.\u201d In his view, many are only slowly coming to realise that the transportation of goods for military purposes is \u201cnot politically incorrect\u201d. With this in mind, he points out that, unlike in the Netherlands, for example, Germany does not maintain fleets of vehicles on standby for defence purposes. \u201cIn Germany, people aren\u2019t prepared to pay for such contingencies yet. But I\u2019m sure we\u2019ll get there,\u201d he muses.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, Germany\u2019s government is generally on the right track when it comes to preparing for potential conflict. Over the past four years, for instance, it has been able to issue special permits for Sunday transport at short notice, enabling vital supplies to be delivered to Ukraine swiftly. Niehaus does not wish to specify exactly what kind of materials these are, however. For Hansa-Express Logistics, as he explains, not disclosing too much information to the public about the work, and where it takes place, is a matter of trust. <\/p>\n
At the same time, however, he can confirm that current developments have resulted in a huge boost for logistics in the military sector. In light of recent thefts during ammunition transports, however, he condemns Germany\u2019s prevalent penny-pinching mentality. \u201cIf civilian providers with no experience are increasingly being commissioned based on who\u2019s cheaper,\u201d he says, \u201cand security staff are also being laid off to cut costs, this sends the wrong signals when working with such sensitive cargo.\u201d He feels it would make more sense to involve experienced logistics providers, who are familiar with the subject and its challenges, at an early stage.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ module_class=”dtb-sticky” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.logistics-pilot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Dr-Christoph-Ploss_500px.png” alt=”Portrait of Christoph Plo\u00df” title_text=”Portrait of Christoph Plo\u00df” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ custom_margin=”50px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”25px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ header_3_text_color=”#002e5b” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||75px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||40px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Dr Christoph Ploss (CDU), the German government\u2019s coordinator for the maritime economy and tourism<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.logistics-pilot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Andree-Niehaus_500px.png” alt=”Portrait of Andree Niehaus” title_text=”Portrait of Andree Niehaus” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”25px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ header_3_text_color=”#002e5b” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||40px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Andree Niehaus, Managing Director of Hansa-Express Logistics<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/www.logistics-pilot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/HES-Letzter-Teil-MT-c-HES-International_1920.jpg” parallax=”on” custom_padding=”450px||450px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” top_divider_color=”#DFE6EE” bottom_divider_style=”waves2″ bottom_divider_color=”#DFE6EE” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ text_font=”roboto-regular||||||||” text_text_color=”#003a7c” custom_margin=”-5px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||15px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]The HES Wilhelmshaven Tank Terminal is Germany\u2019s largest independent tank terminal. Across an area of more than 200 hectares, 60 tanks and two tanker discharge berths are available.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ custom_margin=”50px||50px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
For Coen Janssen, Managing Director of HES Wilhelmshaven Tank Terminal (HWTT), the changes triggered by the changing times are \u201cmanageable\u201d. At Germany\u2019s largest independent tank terminal, which has a storage capacity of around 1.3 million cubic metres for products such as crude oil, jet fuel, petrol and other liquid bulk goods, a shift in cargo flows has been observed in particular. \u201cBefore the Russian attack on Ukraine,\u201d says Janssen, \u201cmost energy products and chemical-related liquid goods came in by ship and went out by ship. Now, the majority of our onward transport is by rail.\u201d The suppliers have also changed. Whereas there had been a heavy reliance on Russian energy sources prior to 2022, these are now primarily sourced from the US and Qatar \u2013 and increasingly as decarbonised rather than fossil fuels. \u201cIn my view, however, this development is due more to the shift in political focus towards renewable energy and climate-neutral technologies than to the changing times,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n
As part of this transformation, Europe\u2019s liquefied natural gas infrastructure has also grown significantly. \u201cIn this context, Wilhelmshaven has developed into a genuine energy hub,\u201d continues Janssen. \u201cIndeed, our city on the north-western coast of the Jade Bay became home to Germany\u2019s first LNG terminal in December 2022 and, in May 2025, commissioned the \u2018Excelsior\u2019 as the second Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) alongside the \u2018H\u00f6egh Esperanza\u2019.\u201d The HWTT is also noticing the growing trend towards LNG. \u201cIn particular, liquefied gas shipments to southern Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic have increased significantly in recent years,\u201d he concludes.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re committed to further diversifying our business as part of the energy transition,\u201d says Janssen, looking ahead to the company\u2019s future development. \u201cIn doing so, we\u2019re making a meaningful contribution to the Federal Republic of Germany\u2019s decarbonisation targets in line with the European Green Deal.\u201d However, the steadily growing number of cyberattacks on companies and the classification of ports as critical infrastructure are enough to cause a few grey hairs. \u201cWith a combination of preventive technical measures and a strengthened safety culture, however, we\u2019re well prepared,\u201d states Janssen. However, no structural changes have been made to the tanks and pipelines yet. (bre)<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ module_class=”dtb-sticky” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.logistics-pilot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Coen-Janssen_500px.png” alt=”Portrait of Coen Janssen” title_text=”Portrait of Coen Janssen” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”25px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ header_3_text_color=”#002e5b” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||100px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||40px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Coen Janssen, Managing Director of HES Wilhelmshaven Tank Terminal (HWTT)[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" For over four years, both the global order and international trade have been undergoing a transformation \u2013 with far-reaching consequences for supply chains and ports worldwide. Their status is no longer regarded merely as \u201cimportant\u201d but increasingly as \u201ccrucial to the system\u201d. With far-reaching consequences.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":71184,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[54],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-71201","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-main-topic-en"],"yoast_head":"\n\u201cWilhelmshaven has developed into a genuine energy hub.\u201d<\/h3>\n