Federal Maritime Coordinator Ploß: Urgent Need for Improved Port Funding and Cooperation
Hamburg, August 23 – Christoph Ploß (CDU), the Federal Government’s Maritime Coordinator, has emphasized the critical need for a joint financing concept and enhanced collaboration between federal and state governments to ensure the regular renewal and renovation of German ports. His remarks follow a recent demand from the heads of government of the five northern German states for increased federal financial support for their ports.
Ploß, a Hamburg Member of Parliament, stated on NDR Info that ports in the North and Baltic Seas must be modernized. He urged an end to the blame game between the federal and state governments regarding funding responsibilities. Ploß called upon the federal states to contribute their fair share to port development.
Varying State Investments Highlight Disparities
The CDU politician pointed to the federal government’s multi-billion euro special fund, noting that federal states have invested varying amounts from this fund into their ports. “Lower Saxony has invested some of it in ports, but Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, unfortunately, zero euros,” Ploß commented on NDR Info. He added, “Some states have also neglected their ports.” Simultaneously, he stressed that the federal government must also fulfill its obligations.
Ploß announced upcoming discussions with Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) and Federal Transport Minister Steffen Bilger (CDU). The objective of these talks is to establish reliable annual funding that states can depend on for port development.
Call for Greater Collaboration in Port Expansion
Fundamentally, Ploß argued that port expansion funding should be characterized by cooperation rather than confrontation. Additionally, he highlighted the necessity of expanding railway networks and constructing new roads, such as the A26 East.
The coastal states have advocated for an increase in annual federal aid for port infrastructure, from the current 38.3 million euros to 500 million euros. This demand was clearly articulated by the Minister President and the four Minister Presidents of the northern German states during their meeting in Rostock on Thursday.
Expert Opinion Opens New Avenues for Federal Funding
Previously, the federal government had rejected stronger financial support for ports, citing the Basic Law. However, a legal opinion has now opened up new possibilities for federal involvement in port financing, according to reports from August 21.
Northern German states and seaports have been pressing the Chancellor’s Office for increased federal participation in port financing, as outlined in a position paper on June 17.
This topic was broadcast on NDR Info on August 22, 2026, at 12:43 PM.
