The tidal river Elbe is a dynamic watercourse with changing current and sedimentation conditions. The port, in contrast, is a system that operates on the utilitarian principle and thus has special demands on the availability, reliability and safety of navigable waters.

The aim of the HPA is to consider both aspects in its strategies and combine the different needs as harmoniously and sustainably as possible. That includes the following measures: regulating the flow of water through the river, stabilising navigation channels, maintaining fairway depths by way of economically and ecologically balanced sediment management and maintenance dredging, securing shore areas with waterfront structures and river constructions, building and operating locks, sluices and pumping stations.

Other areas of significance are flood protection and risk prevention as well as water pollution control.