Political engagement and lobbying activities
HHLA maintains dialogue with public-sector and political decision-makers to shape the framework for maritime port management, intermodal transport and innovative, digital transport and logistics technologies, with the overarching objective of sustainably improving maritime and intermodal transport flows.
HHLA’s interests are mainly represented through memberships of associations such as Zentralverband der deutschen Seehafenbetriebe (ZDS), Hafen Hamburg Marketing (HHM), Unternehmensverband Hafen Hamburg (UVHH), Logistik-Initiative Hamburg (LIHH) and Industrieverband Hamburg (IVH).
HHLA ensures its lobbying activities are conducted transparently through the EU Transparency Register and the Lobby Register of the German Bundestag (German Federal Parliament). HHLA’s registration number in the EU Transparency Register is 129567748171-77, and its registration number in the Lobby Register of the German Bundestag is: R004944.
The Director of Corporate Affairs, Johannes Berg, is responsible for overseeing these activities. He has been accredited to the European Parliament since March 2024. The Corporate Affairs staff department reports to the Executive Board member responsible for compliance.
Stance on transport and sustainability issues
HHLA has a clear vision of the future of port operations and logistics: the company is focusing on digitalisation, automation and sustainability as key strategies. Initiatives such as the use of green energy, the use of e-mobility and the promotion of sustainable transport solutions are central components of the company’s policy. This is why HHLA is actively involved in projects aimed at making port operations more environmentally friendly and increasing global competitiveness.
The 2023 German Projection Report relating to climate change mitigation is relevant within this context. The report contains forecasts and analyses on the development of greenhouse gas emissions in Germany and on the actions required to achieve climate objectives. The report helps HHLA to better understand future regulatory requirements and respond to them early on. In addition, the Projection Report provides information on government subsidy programmes and financial support for companies that invest in climate change mitigation actions. This sort of information can be useful for HHLA in identifying financial incentives and applying for funding for its projects. In this respect, the primary goal of political lobbying is to obtain information for HHLA.
HHLA has clear stances on various political and regulatory initiatives that affect port operations and the logistics industry. By actively participating in political discussions and committees, HHLA aims to ensure that its interests and the specific needs of the port and logistics industry are heard and, in the best-case scenario, taken into account, which can translate into strategic advantages. HHLA can use its political activities to promote the use of subsidies and legislation to support green technologies and digital transformation, which strengthens its competitive standing and supports its sustainability objectives. A list of selected key topics, which is by no means exhaustive, and HHLA’s corresponding stances is provided below. These are consistent with HHLA’s material risks, opportunities and impacts.
National Ports Strategy
At the federal political level, HHLA supports the National Ports Strategy, which aims to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainable transformation of German ports. The strategy was adopted in March 2024 and includes measures to promote digitalisation, develop ports as hubs for the energy transition and improve infrastructure. HHLA considers these initiatives to be essential for securing and expanding the Port of Hamburg’s role as an important international trading centre. These stances are introduced into the political discourse by the company, but also through its involvement in business associations such as the Zentralverband der deutschen Seehafenbetriebe (ZDS).
Greening Freight Package
In the context of the EU’s Greening Freight Package, HHLA is committed to the decarbonisation of freight transport. The company is actively working to reduce its carbon emissions through the use of e-mobility, green energy and sustainable transport solutions, such as rail freight transport. HHLA is aiming to be climate neutral by 2040 and supports political actions that promote the transition to more environmentally friendly logistics solutions. Climate change
U-space regulations
HHLA welcomes the EU’s U-space regulations, which govern the integration of drones in airspace. Together with its subsidiary HHLA Sky, the company is already working on innovative drone solutions for port operations. This technology is designed to boost efficiency and reduce environmental impacts. As a result, HHLA supports the creation of safe and regulated airspace to facilitate the use of drones in urban and industrial areas.
Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T)
HHLA supports the TEN-T network, which aims to improve the links between, and integration of, European transport networks. As one of the leading hubs in the TEN-T corridor, the Port of Hamburg benefits from improved infrastructure and connections to European markets. HHLA is committed to the expansion and modernisation of infrastructure projects that strengthen intermodal transport and make logistics networks more efficient.
National Hydrogen Strategy
HHLA plans to use hydrogen as a sustainable energy source in order to significantly reduce emissions in port operations, including the use of hydrogen-powered vehicles and equipment. The aim of the company’s lobbying activities has been, and indeed remains, to secure appropriate project funding for pilot projects in the Port of Hamburg to trial hydrogen-powered heavy-duty equipment.
German Hydrogen Acceleration Act (WasserBG)
The German Hydrogen Acceleration Act can provide financial incentives and subsidies that enable HHLA to invest in the necessary infrastructure and technology for hydrogen projects. These projects include, for example, the construction of electrolysers and hydrogen refuelling stations and the purchase of hydrogen-powered vehicles. HHLA’s objective is to ensure that the legislation provides a clear regulatory framework. HHLA is advocating for simplified approval procedures, which should accelerate the planning and implementation of hydrogen projects.