Questions

Which incidents does the Port of Hamburg have to be prepared for?

We have 9,000 oceangoing ships calling at the Port of Hamburg every year – making 18,000 ship movements in and out of the port in total. This is in addition to feeder ships, in other words small supplier and container ships, which often moor at several berths at the same time. This means the figures add up to about 24,500 ship movements that we have to safely coordinate. Normally, the ships report to us 24 hours in advance to their arrival; more time is needed for large ships. For instance, ships with a deep draught can only sail up the Elbe during high tide. 

The growth in the size of ships is a special challenge for us. When a shipping company plans a newbuild, and this should call at the Port of Hamburg, we have to determine during an elaborate assessment on a ship handling simulator if this is possible or under which circumstances it is possible. This requires that we know the general dimensions of the ship and the very precise data on the ship’s ability to manoeuvre. Based on this information, we create a virtual model with which we then identify during the simulation under which conditions the ship can safely call at port. In other words, at which wind speed and at which tide level, as well as how many tugboats are needed for the ship. 

Together with the pilots, and with the involvement of the shipping company, we go through various scenarios. For instance, when new manoeuvre strategies are developed for handling the ship, the pilots involved pass on this information to their colleagues in the port pilot fraternity within the scope of training events so that only pilots go aboard ships for the maiden call who are already familiar with the manoeuvring of the new ship class. For the programming of the virtual model, we ensure that the ships are slightly easier to control in reality than in the simulation. This gives us leeway when it comes to safety. After the maiden call, a comparison between the real and the virtual call is made in order to check if the values determined in the simulator are also reliable. This is a costly and time-consuming process, but absolutely essential for safety, especially in narrow fairways. We are currently in touch with three shipping companies who want to send ships of 23,000 TEU capacity to Hamburg in the near future. This is an exciting challenge in every respect. 

Not only the calls being made by big ships need to be considered for the port – Hamburg is Germany’s largest seaport and, after Duisburg, the country’s second-largest inland waterway port. The many inland waterway vessels, harbour vessels, traditional ships and sport boats also need space within the port. 

How did you come to want to be a seafarer and how did you become a Port Captain?

I’m from an old seafaring family in East Frisia. Basically, all of my ancestors were beachcombers or sailors [laughing]. No, but honestly, we were nearly all captains or pilots. As a pupil, during my school holidays in the summer, I spent a five-week traineeship on a coaster on the North and Baltic Seas. What was initially thought to scare me away from the career, as my family had hoped, turned out to amaze me for seafaring. I started studies in nautical science following my apprenticeship and gained my diploma as Industrial Engineer, before finally going out on the high seas with my ship master’s certificate in hand. 

Back then, you were at sea for six to nine months as a rule of thumb. And when I started my own family, I moved to Hamburg to work on land. First in a stevedoring enterprise where the loading and unloading of ships was coordinated. From there I quickly moved up to become head of a quay operating company. Then this position as Port Captain was advertised, and I simply applied for it. I wasn’t certain if being a public servant was the right thing for me, but then I got the job and, at the age of 35, was the youngest Port Captain far and wide. Now 25 years have passed. I’m happy here and everyone seems to be quite satisfied with me. I would say that I have found my dream job here, as I would enjoy staying on until retirement. 

Which tasks does the head of the harbour master’s division have?

The main task is definitely guaranteeing the safe and smooth running of ship traffic in all areas, especially, though, for shipping. We do this at the Nautical Centre, one of the world’s most modern traffic control centres. Here is where we decide when ships can depart, how and where they pass each other and so on. Our three Harbour Master’s Offices coordinate the traffic within the port, with a focus on the inland waterway transport and harbour navigation. On top of this, our task is to prepare the necessary adjustments to the port regulations, clarify permits, equipment and use of port vehicles or to ensure the implementation of anti-terror regulations within the port in collaboration with the river police. 

What does your average day at work look like?

I take care of some things myself, and other things I delegate out. I have after all 50 highly qualified employees who go through six months of comprehensive introduction when they begin working for HPA, after gaining experience as a captain or ship officer at sea. This means I don’t have to tell everyone what they should be doing. I expect my colleagues to work independently within their area and to also make decisions, but naturally keep be abreast of what is going on. If I am on holidays or can’t be reached, someone fills in for me or the head of our Nautical Centre is available for questions on traffic control. 

Normally, at the beginning of the week, on Mondays, the schedule and dates for the week are discussed with my assistant and my substitute – and these can naturally change spontaneously at any time. In addition to my appointments, I correspond with my colleagues in other countries and participate in international working groups. For example, just recently a delegation from abroad was here to learn about how we at the Port of Hamburg handle traffic control during foggy weather. Basically, it’s always about ensuring safety in the port. 

What do you like most about your job?

There are actually three things: first, my position, the highest you can go as a nautical officer. Second, that we, all the colleagues at HPA working together, can help to develop the port further, and that I am not only integrated in planning and processes, but also in the operative goings-on. And, finally, the teamwork among all the stakeholders in the port: the shipping companies, the shipping, the quay operators and the associations. All in all, I’m amazed by the diversity of the tasks, which are both challenging and a lot of fun!

You just celebrated your 25th anniversary as Port Captain. During these years, what is the most significant change you have experienced in the workplace?

We have to adapt to continually larger ships. The waterways are not able to grow in the same dimension. When I began, container ships had a capacity of 6,000 to 7,000 TEU – today, we expect ships with 23,000 TEU. This is in addition to passenger ships, which didn’t exist to such a high extent back then. Now, Hamburg handles roughly 900,000 passengers a year. 

The technology has naturally changed completely. An enormous shift has taken place. Back then, we had a lot of technology in place, but it was nothing compared to today’s standard. Young colleagues can hardly believe that we didn’t have mobile phones! Now we are in a completely different realm with digitisation, and the 5G network will give us yet another significant boost.

Do you also work during the harbour birthday celebrations?

Yes, there is a water working group for all the water activities at the harbour birthday celebrations, and I head this group. Here is where we determine what is happening when, which activities are taking place on the water, which ships are berthing where, and many more. My colleagues and I are intensively integrated into the harbour birthday celebrations, just like we are for ship naming ceremonies and other large-scale maritime events. 

In your job, you constantly have to be alert. How do you tune out best after a stressful working day?

You have to be able to completely tune out in my job, and I’m able to do this well. My wife says that I can re-join a personal conversation smoothly when I have been distracted by a call from the office. This naturally is only possible if you trust your people and let them work independently. And you have to be able to keep a distance to things; not let everything get to you. This isn’t always possible, but most of the time it is. I’m also quite busy in my free time. I have three children, three grandchildren and a dog – all of whom keep me on my toes. Sometimes I come up with the best ideas when out on a walk with my dog. Maybe because I’m in such a relaxed mood and can then have a different perspective on things. In any case, I’m in the best of health and can sleep well at night. So everything is great. 

Which spot in the port fascinates you the most?

I’m especially fascinated when I am standing at the Landungsbrücken and looking out over the harmony of movement among the oceangoing, inland waterway and port vessels and sport boats. This is truly unique to Hamburg. 

Thank you for the interview.