An increasing number of empty containers in Hamburg are shifting to rail transport in Hamburg

The expansion of rail transport is based on the reactivation of a previously decommissioned railway siding on the HCCR site. The company recommissioned the track in 2015 and completed its comprehensive refurbishment in 2022. Since then, the volume of cargo handled by rail has risen steadily. Today, the facility can handle block trains up to 720 metres long carrying 100 containers at a time. This allows large quantities of empty containers to be consolidated and transported cost-effectively, thereby avoiding numerous heavy goods vehicle journeys.

“By shifting the transport of empty containers to rail, we are relieving pressure on road traffic in the Port of Hamburg and on German motorways. At the same time, we are making an important contribution to reducing emissions and strengthening the sustainability of the connection between the Port of Hamburg and its hinterland,” says HCCR Managing Director Jens Gutsch.

The rail transport operations are carried out on behalf of shipping lines, freight forwarders and container leasing companies. The main destinations are southern Germany and Austria. There, the inspected and repaired empty containers are required in particular by companies in the automotive industry and their suppliers to load export goods. The loaded containers are then transferred to seagoing vessels via the Port of Hamburg and shipped worldwide.

By expanding rail transport, HCCR is supporting the shift of freight transport to more environmentally friendly modes of transport and helping to further increase the efficiency of the logistics chain at the Port of Hamburg. Clients benefit from HCCR’s comprehensive range of services.

The Hamburg Container and Chassis Repair Company (HCCR) specialises in container-related services. Its range of services includes traditional depot services such as the inspection, repair and cleaning of containers, as well as the trade in all types of steel boxes and the manufacture of specialised steel structures. HCCR also handles the cleaning and repair of road tanks and tank containers. As one of the largest providers of reefer services in the Port of Hamburg, HCCR possesses particular expertise in the maintenance of refrigeration units in reefer containers, buildings, handling equipment and motor vehicles.

Further information on HCCR is available at www.hccr.de