Green proposal wins top prize for Hamburg's CTS

A CO2-neutral, automated and truck-free container terminal has been awarded first place by an independent jury in a market consultation to decide the future of Hamburg's Central Terminal Steinwerder (CTS).

The proposal by UK-based Royal Haskoning aims to optimise land use on the 125ha site, leading to additional usage options such as generating renewable energy as well as the integration of green areas – a first for a container terminal. "The holistic approach that Royal Haskoning has chosen will make the terminal an attraction in its own right without losing out on efficiency," said Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) in a statement.

The concept, named "Port Evolution", makes use of the pre-defined CTS area, reshaping it to maintain a channel around the new terminal to effectively create a peninsula. It will allow accessibility for the public by means of water taxis – for recreation and educational use – while permitting the operation of a fully functional, 3.5m teu container terminal.

A truck-free terminal is envisaged, operating fully automatically, requiring an inland container depot, connected exclusively by rail, for handing empties and boxes for local distribution.

Royal Haskoning beat of competition from a dozen other "well thought-out" concepts that were chosen to take part in the final selection procedure, out of 35 companies which had expressed an interest.

Second place went to Hutchison Port Holdings-owned ECT Delta Terminals, which submitted a concept marked by innovative handling technology. Joint third place went to Buss Group (Hamburg), favouring a modern multipurpose terminal, and Transcare (Wiesbaden), which proposed a truck-free "transparent" terminal.

HPA said all the concepts submitted contained "excellent ideas" and it wants to maintain contact with the winner and the other contestants, Further "market-based" steps will be planned in the coming months, followed by formal application processes and the launch of a request for tender submissions for the operating the terminal. Construction time is projected to last six years.