© Port of Hamburg Marketing

All tenants of the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) in the Port of Hamburg can now apply for an interest-free deferral of building and property rents for the months of April, May and June. Deferral of payments is possible until December 31, 2020. In addition, Hamburg is also supporting the port industry in the current difficult situation by deferring fees. For example, sea shipping companies, inland shipping companies and port skippers can apply to defer payment of port dues for the months of April, May and June. This deferral can also be granted until December 31, 2020.

Particularly environmentally friendly ships are to receive considerable relief in terms of demurrage charges. The decisive factor here is the ship's tier level, an international classification of emissions. From March 17 to June 30, the following extended discounts will apply to all seagoing vessels:

- 100% discount for ships that have consistently purchased port electricity from renewable energy sources
- 90% discount for Tier 3 ships and/or ships that have purchased port electricity
- 50% discount for Tier 2 ships
- 20% discount for Tier 1 ships.

In order to ease the burden on passenger shipping, including launch operations, which have been particularly hard hit by the coronavirus crisis, the HPA will completely waive the collection of the port usage fees due - the so-called combined fees - in the second quarter of 2020.

Senator for Economic Affairs Michael Westhagemann: "The Port of Hamburg must continue to operate without restrictions, even in difficult times. That is why we are helping the port companies - in addition to the rescue package provided by Hamburg for all companies throughout the city affected by the coronavirus crisis - by deferring rents and fees, among other things. Now is the time to act quickly. That is why I have asked the HPA for immediate implementation."

Finance Senator Andreas Dressel: "We are also stretching our Hamburg protective umbrella over the Port of Hamburg. The coordinated package will also help to contain the economic impact of the coronavirus in this part of the maritime economy. Especially in the current situation, the Port of Hamburg can rely on the support of the Hamburg Senate. Our statement remains true: we make possible what is necessary. Preparations for the implementation of the other components of the Hamburg protective shield are currently in full swing. The resolutions passed by the federal government yesterday are currently being incorporated into our aid measures."