News from the Port of Mannheim
Press Releases
30 April 2020
The Port of Mannheim is both a logistics hub and a centre of Industry, around 400 companies currently operate in the port. The port led Germany as the first inland port with a container terminal and today around 8 million tonnes of goods handled at the port are shipped via inland waterways. On top of that, a further 3 million tonnes of goods reach the port via rail. The amount of waterway-transported goods is, however, forecast to fall as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The statistics already paint a grim picture: in the first quarter of 2020, only 1.9 million tonnes of goods were transported via inland waterways, a fall of 18% in comparison with the previous year (2.2 million tonnes). Container traffic in particular has suffered a significant decrease; 27% compared with the same period last year. There was, on the other hand, an increase in the shipment of agricultural and forestry products, food and feed, ores and metal waste.
Port Director Roland Hörner commented: “As a result of the coronavirus crisis, container traffic and river cruise shipping have been severely affected, while all other sectors are running without significant disruptions in compliance with the necessary protective measures. This crisis has made crystal clear the vital role of ports in a range of supply chains. Not only is electricity generated in the port, but key food products such as pasta and flour are produced on the premises - not to mention the production and storage of tissues and toilet paper (the importance of which recent history has demonstrated in no uncertain terms!)
All our workers are responsible for the organisation and the smooth operation of the port; many are currently working from home or in shifts. After all, health is our top priority. Public life in Germany has, through the closing of schools, shops and hotels, come to a complete halt. Many companies are now however, using their time for reparation and maintenance works. The port supports this and wishes all enterprises the best in weathering the crisis. We hope to see our colleagues throughout the port and the continent return to normality as soon as possible.”
Related documents
No attachments.