The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and SPG Qingdao Port Group have signed a Port Partnership Agreement to deepen cooperation between the two ports.
The agreement was signed in Qingdao on 23 June. It expands a strategic partnership that began with a Memorandum of Understanding in 2016. In 2025, the two ports also launched a Green Shipping Corridor initiative.
The new agreement focuses on cooperation in port planning, sustainability and intermodal transport. Both parties will also strengthen the exchange of expertise and best practices.
The signing took place during a Hamburg port delegation’s roadshow in China. Representatives from HPA, HHLA, EUROGATE, TSIT and Hafen Hamburg Marketing met with Chinese logistics and port stakeholders to strengthen trade ties between the two countries.
“The close cooperation with our Chinese partners is of great strategic importance to the Port of Hamburg,” said Friedrich Stuhrmann, Chief Commercial Officer of the Hamburg Port Authority. He added that the agreement will support sustainable logistics, resilient supply chains and future joint projects.
During the visit, the Port of Hamburg also received the Best Sustainable Port award at the Asian Freight, Logistics and Supply Chain (AFLAS) Awards.
China remained Hamburg’s largest trading partner in 2025. The port handled 2.3 million TEU and 19.9 million tonnes of cargo in trade with China during the year. Hamburg is currently connected to China through 17 regular liner services, including container, general cargo and RoRo services.
