By
Alex Smith |
Cruise Gate Hamburg (CGH) is officially inaugurating its newest terminal in the centre of Hamburg, Cruise Center HafenCity.
The terminal was designed by Hillmer und Richter Architekten and spans around 10,300 square metres over four levels. Two levels of the terminal are dedicated to passenger processing above ground, while two underground levels serve taxis, private vehicles and buses. The facility features two berths, which measure 345 and 230 metres, respectively.
Passengers arriving will sail past landmark sites such as the Landungsbrücken and Elbphilharmonie before docking in HafenCity. The terminal is integrated into the Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier complex, offering access to retail, dining and attractions including Port des Lumières and the Lego Discovery Centre. A dedicated subway station, plus bus and taxi connections, provide access to the city and surrounding areas.
“Hamburg’s approach challenges the notion that cruise infrastructure must be pushed to the periphery,” said Iris Scheel, managing director of CGH. “Instead, it demonstrates how a well-planned urban integration can create value for both the city and the industry. Building this terminal in the city centre was possible through close collaboration with stakeholders and strong support from the local community and political leadership.”
The HafenCity terminal will be equipped by 2026 with two high-voltage shore power connection points, allowing one large and one smaller vessel to connect simultaneously with up to 14 megavolt ampere of electrical power supplied from renewable sources. This development is part of Hamburg’s strategy to equip all its permanent cruise terminals with shore power ahead of EU requirements.
“Cruise passengers can access the heart of our city directly through the Cruise Center HafenCity,” said Hamburg’s first mayor, Dr Peter Tschentscher. “In just a few minutes, they can reach the downtown area and historic sites by subway, bus or on foot. Thus, cruise tourism stimulates both HafenCity and the city centre, which offer visitors a wide range of restaurants, retail outlets, cultural attractions and entertainments. Using shore power at the cruise terminals makes cruise ships’ stays in the Port of Hamburg climate- and environmentally friendly. I wish Cruise Gate Hamburg every success with the new terminal and hope all cruise guests have a wonderful time in Hamburg.”
Cruise Center HafenCity is set to receive 48 cruise calls in 2025, including 18 during its test phase and 30 more by year-end. In total, CGH’s three terminals – HafenCity, Steinwerder, Altona – will receive 300 cruise ship arrivals in 2025.