GERMANY's Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) has announced that it will not raise port dues levied for the use of the port by seagoing, inland or port vessels next year.

It said in a statement that in recent years, adjustments to port dues for seagoing ships were below the inflation rate. "Following various innovations and adjustments, continuity in tariff development will also be the aim in the inland and port shipping segment," it said.

"Matching the start of work on fairway adjustment this year, by foregoing any changes in dues, the port of Hamburg is sending a strong signal to our partners in shipping," said HPA CEO Jens Meier. "As Germany's largest universal port, Hamburg is clearly set for growth. With the stability of our rates, we are conveying a signal for Hamburg's future as a logistics hub."

In addition, any changes in port dues should promote more sustainability. Following many years of consultations with other ports, in 2020 evaluation of noise levels from seagoing ships will become possible. Vessels that are especially quiet will be granted a rebate on top of existing environmental incentives.

This will be implemented as an element in the 'Environmental Ship Index (ESI)', or 'ESI noise' environmental incentive system. With 7,000 vessels and 60 ports participating, and HPA playing a major part in developing it, 'ESI air' has already become established worldwide. Against the background of the growing trend in ship sizes, a moderate increase has been made in the cap limit.