New federal strategy promotes port expansion for wind energy

Federal government adopts port strategy and commits to expanding the port of Cuxhaven

The German government has adopted the long-awaited National Ports Strategy. As part of this, the federal government has now also committed to making a financial contribution to the most important transshipment centre for onshore and offshore wind energy in Germany. This is an important signal for Cuxhaven, the local port industry and, above all, for the energy transition in Germany.

Cuxhaven, 25 March 2024 - Cuxhaven is the only coastal location in Germany that has the heavy-duty port areas required for loading parts of wind turbines. It is also the only coastal location that can provide this in the short term, as planning permission has already been granted. Around 15,000 large components for onshore and offshore wind turbines are already delivered via the deep-water terminals in Cuxhaven every year, including around 80 per cent of all rotor blades for onshore wind turbines.

The estimated construction costs for the infrastructure amount to around € 300 million, which cannot be raised and refinanced by the state of Lower Saxony and the private sector alone. The state of Lower Saxony has already earmarked € 100 million in its budget, while the private port industry will contribute a further € 100 million through concession fees. The federal government's commitment to the remaining € 100 million means that berths 5 to 7 can now be realised.

Michael de Reese, Chairman of the Cuxhaven Port Association: "We very much welcome the Federal Government's decision, which means that the urgently needed expansion of Cuxhaven can now be realised. We would like to thank all those involved who have campaigned for this important project over the past few months. This is a good day for Cuxhaven and the energy transition in Germany."

About the HWG

Hafenwirtschaftgemeinschaft Cuxhaven e.V. (HWG) represents numerous companies in the harbour and represents the interests of the maritime industry. The aim is to publicise the strengths and potential of the location and the local economy and to support companies in their concerns and networking activities. As a member of Seaports of Niedersachsen GmbH, the HWG is also committed to promoting the port location and its members nationally and worldwide as part of Lower Saxony's seaports.