Logistics at the Port of Hamburg
Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) was founded in March 1885 as the Hamburger Freihafen-Lagerhaus-Gesellschaft (HFLG). The company specialises in port handling as well as container and transport logistics. HHLA operates three of the four container terminals in the Port of Hamburg: Altenwerder, Burchardkai and Tollerort.
From Warehouse Company to Global Logistics Network
HHLA’s roots go back to the development of the Port of Hamburg in the late 19th century. Founded in 1885 to build and manage the Speicherstadt warehouse complex, the company played a central role in the growth of Hamburg’s port logistics. After large parts of the harbour were destroyed during the Second World War, the port was largely rebuilt by the early 1950s. In the decades that followed, HHLA adapted to major changes in global trade, including the rise of container shipping from the late 1960s and the expansion of trade with Central and Eastern Europe after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Today HHLA operates modern container terminals and logistics networks connecting the Port of Hamburg with markets across Europe.
Headquarters in Hamburg’s Speicherstadt
HHLA’s administrative headquarters are located in the Speicherstadtrathaus (Bei St. Annen 1, 20457 Hamburg) within the historic warehouse district of the Speicherstadt.
According to its annual report, HHLA generated revenue of €1.60 billion in 2024. The company employs 6,906 people worldwide and 3,669 in Germany, representing 45 nationalities.
Jobs and Career Opportunities
HHLA’s network ranges from seaport and rail terminals to transport and logistics services as well as digital solutions. This diversity of business areas creates exciting prospects and a wide range of employment opportunities. Positions range from lawyers and electronics technicians to train drivers.
Dual Study Programmes
HHLA offers dual study programmes – combining academic study with practical work experience – in cooperation with the Hamburg School of Business Administration, Nordakademie in Elmshorn, FOM Hamburg, HAW Hamburg and Hochschule 21 in Buxtehude.
Degree programmes include fields such as computer science, business administration, marketing, civil engineering and logistics management.
Apprenticeships
The company also offers a wide range of apprenticeship programmes, providing direct entry into the fields of a leading logistics company. These include commercial, IT, technical and industrial training programmes.
Sustainability and Diversity
According to the company, HHLA is committed to sustainability and green logistics and pursues its sustainability strategy under the guiding principle Balanced Logistics.
By the end of 2024, CO₂ emissions had been reduced by 42 per cent compared with the 2018 baseline. By 2030, emissions are expected to fall by at least 50 per cent, with the aim of achieving climate-neutral operations by 2040.
These goals are to be achieved through efficient, climate-friendly terminals, intermodal logistics using electric locomotives and trucks, the use of shore power in the Port of Hamburg, and trials involving hydrogen as an alternative fuel.
According to HHLA, diversity is a fundamental value for the company. A diverse workforce is seen as the foundation for a dynamic and innovative working environment and as essential for long-term success. The company organises training sessions, workshops and campaigns on diversity-related topics.
For more information, visit the HHLA website.
