Hamburg port officials emphasize India's rising trade role during a delegation visit to key cities, enhancing ties under the EU-India Free Trade Agreement.
Hamburg port officials have highlighted India's growing role as a trading partner during a delegation visit to New Delhi, Chennai, and Mumbai, reports the American Journal of Transportation.
The delegation, led by Hamburg's Senator for Economic Affairs, Labour and Innovation, Melanie Leonhard, included Jens Meier, CEO of Hamburg Port Authority, and Hendrik Meyn, CEO of Port of Hamburg Marketing. Talks with India's Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Invest India focused on strengthening bilateral relations under the EU-India Free Trade Agreement.
Meetings with the Mumbai Port Authority, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, and the Indian Ports Association centered on climate-neutral port development. Hamburg officials shared expertise on shore power facilities and sustainable infrastructure, while a panel discussion in Mumbai examined long-term strategies for cruise terminals and port transformation.
India has become one of Hamburg's top partners, with container throughput rising 21 percent between 2020 and 2024. In 2025, India ranked sixth among Hamburg's seaborne container partners, with a record 290,000 TEU handled, nearly 50 percent more than the previous year, according to Mr. Meyn.
Hamburg is linked to India by 12 liner services, including six container routes, three RoRo services, and three general cargo connections. Direct links are maintained with Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Mumbai, Chennai, Ennore, and Hazira.
