Cruise Industry Fuels Hamburg’s Economy, Outpacing Overall Growth
Hamburg, April 25 – The cruise industry in Hamburg is experiencing rapid growth, expanding at approximately twice the rate of the city’s overall economy. This is the key finding of a new study conducted by the University of Hamburg, commissioned jointly by the city and the Hamburg Cruise Association, Cruise Net. The report, which analyzed data from 2024, indicates that the cruise sector generates an annual turnover of around €1.7 billion for the Hanseatic city.
Significant Revenue and Passenger Growth
In 2024, Hamburg’s terminals processed approximately 1.3 million cruise passengers. This number has continued to rise since then. Christine Beine of Hamburg Cruise Net emphasized that each cruise ship calling at Hamburg contributes an estimated €2.7 million in added value. This economic benefit extends beyond the port and maritime sector, positively impacting trade, tourism, and various other industries within the city.
A notable factor contributing to this economic boost is that the majority of cruise guests either begin or end their journeys in Hamburg, leading many to spend an additional night in the city. Furthermore, cruise ships frequently procure supplies, such as provisions, from local companies in Hamburg and the surrounding region during their calls.
Job Creation and Event Contributions
The study also highlights the cruise industry’s role in job creation, with over 7,200 positions supported in Hamburg. This figure does not include jobs within the shipping companies themselves. Major events like the Hamburg Cruise Days and the biennial Seatrade Europe trade fair also contribute significantly to the industry’s turnover in the city.
The latest study updates previous findings from 2022, which utilized data from 2018, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, passenger numbers have increased by 44 percent, while the value creation has grown by over 70 percent, underscoring the sector’s robust recovery and expansion.
Record Passenger Numbers and Environmental Concerns
Last year, Hamburg’s port reported a record increase of nine percent in cruise passengers. However, this growth is not without its challenges. The NABU (Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union) has voiced concerns, stating that most cruise ships significantly impact the environment. According to their latest cruise ranking, ships operated by Norwegian shipping companies are considered the least climate-damaging.
In response to environmental concerns, Hamburg has seen protest actions against the cruise industry. To address these issues, a mandatory shore power connection for cruise ships is planned for 2027. Currently, the use of shore power is voluntary, but the long-term goal is to mandate its use to reduce emissions.
Source: NDR.de
