Port Evolution first for Hamburg >> 6rangeinternational

Hamburg Port Authority ( HPA) has awarded Royal Haskoning first place in a competition to create a concept that could see the restructure of the port's 125ha Central Terminal Steinwerder. Based on a sustainable urban maritime development, the concept proposes a carbon neutral, automated and truck- free container terminal. In order to achieve this, all containers would either be delivered or despatched exclusively by train to inland container depots, or by feeder ship. " We proposed a major rail transfer yard that would negate the need for trucks on site and minimised the area initially required for the container terminal to make way for a wetland park," explains Richard Marks, Maritime Business Development Director for Royal Haskoning and leader of the project. " We included landscaping and open water, green areas, public amenities and the introduction of aesthetic noise and visual barriers, by way of a water wall. This would allow the reduction of filling material and therefore costs, and at the same time reflect the identity of the Port of Hamburg with its waterways and islands." " We incorporated areas for education, recreation and tourism, and new port administration offices, an ' architecturally intelligent' landmark building offering public spaces for training and exhibitions, with a restaurant and a viewing area. We also introduced a covered, insulated, refrigerated container storage building with rooftop photovoltaic panels that would reduce electrical energy requirements for cooling and generate a proportion of the power required." If the concept were to materialise it would involve moving an historic lighthouse to the opposite end of the terminal area, creating an area of public interest accessed by water taxi and bridge. The bridge would cross a channel for water circulation from the water park which would incorporate electricity generating tidal current turbines, which together with two wind turbines on the adjacent terminal area, would generate up to ten percent of power for the terminal. Managing Director of Hamburg Port Authority, Jens Meier said: " Royal Haskoning's submission showed real creativity by combining the use of the area as a modern, efficient and sustainable container terminal with innovative and educational public uses for the area it released by adopting a truck- free system for the terminal." Royal Haskoning's Board of Management Director Henry Rowe said: " I am delighted our entry was awarded first place in this prestigious international competition organised by Europe's third largest port. This is an honour indeed. Our maritime team put forward an innovative and wholly sustainable carbon neutral concept which represents what we believe to be an approach to future port development. This concept demonstrates our creative capability and ability to transform dreams into reality." HPA will take forward transformation of the area over the next few months by preparing plans followed by a formal application process. The Royal Haskoning project team included Richard Marks, Karén Steinhauer, Heinrich Rossbach and Jonathan Tyler. Richard Marks r. marks@ royalhaskoning. com rangeinternational >> 7