A high-level delegation from the Senate of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg has concluded a strategic visit to India, reinforcing maritime and trade relations amid the evolving Free Trade Agreement framework between the European Union and India.
Led by Melanie Leonhard, Hamburg’s Senator for Economic Affairs, Labour and Innovation, the delegation engaged with key stakeholders in Chennai, Mumbai and New Delhi. The visit placed strong emphasis on enhancing port cooperation, climate-neutral infrastructure development and long-term logistics partnerships.
The delegation included Jens Meier, CEO of the Hamburg Port Authority and President of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), as well as Hendrik Meyn, CEO of Port of Hamburg Marketing, alongside senior representatives from Hamburg’s maritime industry.
Focus on Climate-Neutral Port Development
In Mumbai, discussions with the Mumbai Port Authority, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and the Indian Ports Association centred on strategies for climate-neutral port development and sustainable maritime infrastructure.
Hamburg shared practical insights from its experience in shore power infrastructure and sustainable port transformation. At the business forum “Ports in Conversation – Hamburg meets Mumbai”, stakeholders from both regions examined future-ready port models, focusing on capacity expansion, resilience, cruise terminal development and long-term maritime planning.
In New Delhi, the delegation held discussions with representatives from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Invest India to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and investment flows.
India Emerges as Key Trading Partner
India continues to consolidate its position as one of Hamburg’s most important trading partners. Between 2020 and 2024, direct container throughput between Hamburg and India grew by 21 per cent. The upward trajectory accelerated in 2025, with India ranking sixth among Hamburg’s top partner countries in seaborne container traffic.
The Port of Hamburg recorded a new milestone in 2025, handling 290,000 TEU in direct trade with India — nearly 50 per cent growth compared to the previous year.
Hendrik Meyn, CEO of Port of Hamburg Marketing, noted that the record volume underscores the dynamic expansion of Indo-German trade and that the delegation visit is expected to generate further momentum in cargo flows, investments and logistics partnerships.
Strong Connectivity Between Hamburg and Indian Ports
Hamburg maintains twelve liner connections with India, including six container services, three RoRo services and three conventional general cargo services capable of handling heavy lift cargo.
The German gateway is directly linked with major Indian ports such as Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva), Mundra Port, Mumbai Port, Chennai Port, Kamarajar Port (Ennore) and Hazira Port.
With growing trade volumes and a shared focus on sustainability, the Hamburg delegation’s visit marks another step forward in deepening maritime cooperation between Germany and India.
