German government to support major port expansion

Operations during the construction of Berth 4 at Cuxhaven. The new project will include the construction of Berths 5, 6 and 7

Typically, harbour expansion falls under the jurisdiction of federal states, so the government’s decision is somewhat unusual, attesting to the perceived strategic significance of the project, with the port anticipating continued growth within the wind power sector.

According to the Cuxhaven port association, Hafenwirtschaftsgemeinschaft Cuxhaven, the expanded facility will offer increased capacity – in the shape of three new berths – for receiving and transporting rotor blades, which constitute almost 80% of the approximately 15,000 large components for wind turbines that are transported via land and sea annually.

With financing secured, including a prior commitment of €100 million euros from the authorities in Lower Saxony and an additional €100 million expected from the private sector via concession fees, preparations for the project can now move ahead.

The next phase will see the publication of tender invitations to determine the operator for the new berths.