Hamburg, August 8 – Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) has temporarily suspended ship handling operations at its terminal in Odessa, Ukraine, in response to escalating Russian attacks in the Black Sea. The last vessel was processed at the terminal approximately two weeks ago, as maritime traffic to and from Ukraine has largely come to a standstill.
HHLA Focuses on Landside Operations Amidst Heightened Security
While the HHLA terminal in Odessa has not been directly impacted by the recent surge in Russian drone and missile attacks on ports and ships, the company is now concentrating on landside cargo handling. A spokesperson for the port operator informed NDR Hamburg that security measures at the terminal have been significantly reinforced, though specific details were withheld for safety reasons.
Hapag-Lloyd Reroutes Cargo Away from Odessa
Just days prior to HHLA’s announcement, Hamburg-based shipping company Hapag-Lloyd declared a temporary halt to feeder ship calls in the Odessa region. Consequently, cargo is being rerouted through alternative ports further west, such as those in Romania or Poland, from where it is then transported overland into Ukraine. This strategic shift aims to circumvent the dangers posed by the ongoing conflict.
Uncertainty Surrounds Attacked Freighter ‘Emil’
The current status of the freighter ‘Emil,’ belonging to Hamburg-based shipping company Blumenthal, remains unclear after it was reportedly attacked by Russian drones mid-week. Industry sources suggest that the vessel is now adrift in the Black Sea, several miles off the coast of Odessa, following the evacuation of its crew.
HHLA Committed to Odessa Despite War
Despite the challenging circumstances, HHLA Group CEO Angela Titzrath has affirmed the company’s commitment to its presence in Odessa. HHLA operates the largest container terminal in Ukraine, and it is set to remain active. This commitment underscores the long-term strategic importance of the Odessa terminal to HHLA’s operations, despite the immediate operational adjustments necessitated by the conflict.
This development was also reported on NDR 90.3 as part of ‘NDR 90.3 Aktuell’ on August 8, 2026, at 7:00 AM.
