Ports of Hamburg and Klaipėda to cooperate on the development of international logistics chains

During the visit to Hamburg of Dr. Marius Skuodis, Lithuanian Minister of Transport and Communications, Algis Latakas, Director of Klaipėda State Seaport Authority, and Axel Mattern, CEO of HHM – Port of Hamburg Marketing, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 5 May in Hamburg City Hall.

In future, the Port of Hamburg and the Port of Klaipéda in Lithuania, as well as the transport industry based there, will aim to cooperate by exchanging transport market-related data, to promote the transport corridors between their markets with joint marketing activities, and in implementing logistics projects.

Lithuania is a significant partner for the Port of Hamburg’s seaborne cargo throughput and important to sea and land transport services. The entire Baltic region is of immense importance for the Port of Hamburg

…said Axel Mattern, Joint CEO of Port of Hamburg Marketing.

We are delighted by the Lithuanian side’s great interest in stepping up our exchange and cooperation between the two ports

… Axel Mattern added.

As informed, maritime connections between Lithuanian and German ports, as well as port-serving railway infrastructure, are critical components of international logistics chains, which are becoming increasingly important in today’s geopolitical context.

There is a lot of potential for improving transportation connections, strengthening links between countries, attracting more freight flows, cooperating on various projects, and applying cutting-edge technologies

…says Marius Skuodis, Minister of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Lithuania. The Minister invited German companies to participate in the construction of an offshore wind farm near Klaipėda and the development of the southern part of the Port of Klaipėda by preparing studies, technical projects, or performing contract work.

Lithuania offers great potential for closer cooperation with the Port of Hamburg

…said Marina Basso Michael, HHM’s Regional Director – Europe.

The closer cooperation agreed also opens up numerous additional opportunities for the Hamburg Metropolitan Region, since the largest Baltic state has a vibrant start-up scene and is among the pioneers of digitalization.

Michael Westhagemann, Hamburg’s Senator of Economics and Innovation, sees great potential for economic cooperation, especially in the industrial and port sector. One in ten of the lasers sold worldwide, for example, is made in Lithuania. He also sees chances for a fruitful exchange in the alternative energy sector.

All European countries confront the same challenge. We must observe climate targets, adapt our energy supply to renewable energies, make ourselves independent of imported energy from Russia, and organize the market launch of a hydrogen economy. Lithuania can prove to be a vital and valuable partner in these areas

…he said.

Consisting of ten high-ranking representatives of the transport/logistics sector, the Lithuanian delegation warmly welcomed the strengthening of cooperation with Hamburg and its port.

This cooperation will contribute to strengthening the Lithuanian maritime sector and building up knowhow in a series of essential business areas, such as market expansion, environmental protection, utilization of renewable energy sources, etc.

…said Port Director Algis Latakas. In addition, he sees the declaration of intent as a platform for experts to expand the partner network in the two ports, and create and develop fresh ideas for the prosperity of the maritime economy.

Among other things, the delegation aims to underline Lithuania’s strengths and to position the republic as an attractive base for industry and investment. Despite the pandemic, in recent years the country has achieved economic growth, especially in expanding high-tech production, global services and communications technology.