Political factions within Germany's ruling party call for increased financial backing for seaports - Proposal for an Environmental Protection Directive has been requested from the Commission.
The ruling coalition in Hamburg, consisting of the SPD and Greens parties, has made a bold demand for increased federal funding for German seaports. They are seeking €300 million annually, a significant jump from the current federal government's yearly payment of around €38.3 million.
This demand comes amidst growing calls for federal support due to the substantial investment backlog in urban and transport infrastructure across Germany. The Central Association of German Seaport Operators (ZDS) has previously highlighted the need for multi-billion euro investments to maintain, expand, and modernize port facilities critical to Germany’s economy.
The ZDS estimates that approximately €15 billion is required for the investment in the coastal states' port infrastructure. This figure is much higher than the federal government's proposed additional funding for port modernization, which amounts to an extra €400 million over four years. This funding is intended for climate-friendly modernization of shipping and ports, including inland ports.
The ZDS's demand aligns with the SPD faction's stance that the federal government should take responsibility for the infrastructure costs of German seaports. Clarissa Herbst, the SPD faction's spokesperson on port policy, has stated that the federal government must significantly contribute to the costs. The demand is also supported by the business sector.
The ruling party factions in Hamburg argue that billions will be needed in the coming decades to maintain and expand the ports. They believe that the federal government's contribution is crucial to ensuring Germany’s seaports remain competitive and environmentally sustainable.
On September 10th, the city parliament will vote on the joint application of the factions. The outcome of this vote could set a precedent for future discussions on federal funding for seaport infrastructure in Germany.
- The SPD and Greens parties, in their community policy, have demanded increased federal funding for German seaports, specifically, €300 million annually, citing the substantial investment backlog in industry and transport infrastructure across Germany.
- The business sector supports this demand, as the Central Association of German Seaport Operators (ZDS) estimates that around €15 billion is needed for investment in coastal states' port infrastructure, which surpasses the federal government's proposed additional funding of €400 million over four years for climate-friendly modernization of shipping and ports, including inland ports.
