Terminal operator Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) is upgrading the Burchardkai Container Terminal at the Port of Hamburg with two ship-to-shore cranes, which will be installed at berths 1 and 2. The cranes arrived on 20 November aboard the Chinese vessel Zhen Hua 27, which was moored at Athabaskakai until 23 November to prepare for crane unloading operations. Subsequently, the vessel was relocated to berths 1 and 2 for crane installation, which is expected to be completed by the end of November. Commissioning of the cranes is scheduled for early 2025.
The new cranes at the Burchardkai Container Terminal (CTB) are capable of handling ships with a capacity of up to 24,000 TEU. Each crane stands 80 metres tall with an 80-metre boom, providing a reach of 26 container rows. These new structures replace the previously smaller models at the terminal. Since 2019, CTB has utilised state-of-the-art cranes to accommodate large vessels. By 2026, three more cranes of this type will arrive to ensure greater flexibility in handling Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs). Upon completion of this expansion, a total of 18 large cranes will be operational at the CTB terminal, out of 26.
The enhancement work at Burchardkai terminal is being carried out alongside its regular operations. From 2026, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) will handle transport between the quay and the automated block storage area. Additionally, warehouse capacity will be progressively increased, with three new storage blocks being added in the coming weeks. To create a modern environment dedicated to equipment maintenance and repair, CTB is constructing a 5,000-square-metre facility.
