Balanced Logistics
Balanced Logistics – for sustainable solutions
As a company with a long tradition and a wealth of experience, HHLA is highly engaged with addressing social developments. Sustainability has therefore been anchored deep in our company DNA for a long time. HHLA is committed to being both economically successful as well as socially and ecologically responsible. This ambition has been implemented with “Balanced Logistics”, even in the midst of the challenging conditions of 2021.
In implementing its “Balanced Logistics” sustainability strategy, HHLA is strengthening its commitment to bringing together environmental, social and economic responsibility. Each is a prerequisite for the others: Economic success creates the means and opportunities to be able to invest in the needs of our employees and in climate-friendly technologies, as well as to fulfil our commitment to a policy of social and environmental responsibility.
HHLA sees innovation and process efficiency as crucial factors in developing sustainable solutions, being environmentally responsible and operating successfully in line with its self-image as the “gateway to the future”. In order to implement its goals in a systematic way, HHLA has assigned its initiatives to nine different fields of activity and established the relevant guidelines and targets.
Open dialogue is essential for reconciling different stakeholder interests and developing a mutual understanding. Sustainable growth in logistics requires inspiration and constructive contributions from many different sides.
HHLA implemented its sustainability strategy consistently, including under the specific challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, and it is aiming to become climate-neutral by 2040.
For example, the infrastructure for automated, battery-powered guided vehicles (AGVs) at the CTA has been further expanded. A total of six new green electricity charging points now supply the AGV fleet. The proportion of AGVs powered by lithium-ion batteries was also increased to 80 percent this year. By the end of 2022, all 100 vehicles in the fleet should have been switched over to climate-friendly drive systems.
HHLA’s fields of activity and its contribution to the 17 United Nations sustainability goals
In September 2015, the United Nations passed Agenda 2030. This formulated 17 goals for sustainable global development which will shape economic development while taking into account social justice and the earth’s environmental limits. Within the framework of its sustainability strategy, HHLA supports all goals that correspond to its social activities. These include in particular quality education (SDG 4), affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9) and climate action (SDG 13).
Environmentally friendly logistics chain
Rail transport is considered the most environmentally advantageous mode of transport on land. By linking environmentally friendly modes of transport in Hamburg with Central and Eastern Europe, HHLA makes its most important contribution towards sustainability and protection of the environment. The linkage of ocean-going vessels with feeders, inland waterway ships, barges and rail requires nothing less than the organisation of ideal multimodal transport chains. These transport chains save energy while causing comparatively little noise and fewer accidents. Added to this is Hamburg’s location advantage deep in the hinterland, thanks to the river Elbe as an environmentally friendly transport route.
We create climate- and environmentally friendly logistics chains.
Area optimisation
The ever-growing use of land for transport, work and residential purposes has one of the biggest impacts on the environment – not just in Germany. Impermeable surfaces can barely support natural life. Because persistent rain and downpours cannot seep into the ground, they also increase the risk of flooding. The indirect consequences are even more problematic: for example, each new container terminal built on a greenfield site requires full infrastructure links and often extends transport routes. Compact container terminals such as those operated by HHLA make particularly efficient use of the space, however, due to the highly condensed nature of the container storage areas.
We use the limited space available for port and logistics areas as efficiently as possible.
Climate protection and energy efficiency
According to scientific evidence, global climate change resulting from greenhouse gas emissions is directly associated with the use of fossil fuels to generate energy. Reducing consumption both of the major fuel sources used by HHLA, diesel and electricity, and of gas and oil, supports HHLA’s economic aims.
We are reducing our CO2 emissions through energy efficiency and innovation.
Environment and resource protection
Protecting the environment is more than just climate protection and land conservation. Climate and resource protection also involves additional environmental topics. These include light and noise prevention, water protection, wastewater disposal, the sparing use of raw materials, the reduction of harmful emissions of all kinds and modern waste management.
We reduce our environmental impact and protect natural resources.
Working world
One of HHLA’s greatest strengths is the high level of its employees’ skills. Vocational education and training in industrial, commercial and academic professions, as well as ongoing staff development, are extremely important to HHLA and are being continually expanded.
We invest in vocational education and training with tailored staff development programmes.
Health and occupational safety
Working with heavy machinery and heavy loads in all kinds of weather round the clock and 360 days a year (there are five port holidays), the working conditions at HHLA’s terminals and facilities place high demands on every employee. And yet even repetitive office work or a multitude of personal limitations can restrict or endanger health.
We ensure safe and fair working conditions and promote health-conscious behaviour.
Social responsibility
Social responsibility is a fixed part of the sustainability strategy, partly because social acceptance is of major importance to HHLA. As a major port and logistics company at the heart of the north German economy, HHLA is in the public eye, particularly in the greater Hamburg region. On the other hand, HHLA requires political and public support for its operations and investment programmes, as well as for the necessary expansion of infrastructure.
We engage in dialogue with the public to discuss and provide information on topics related to port logistics.
Added value and innovation
As the largest port in Germany by far, the Port of Hamburg directly and indirectly employs over 165,000 people in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region. It is one of the most important economic factors of northern Germany and, as a hub of international trade, plays an extremely important role for supply routes in Germany and Europe.
We make an ongoing and significant contribution to added value and thus increase prosperity at all locations.
Business partners
The fair treatment of all business partners – whether they are customers, suppliers, investors or creditors – is a prerequisite for any company that wants to compete successfully on the market today. Compliance with sustainability standards also plays an important role for HHLA in this regard.
We offer customised solutions and work responsibly with our suppliers.