HAMBURG (dpa-AFX) - Port logistics group HHLA handled fewer containers in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year. In addition to geopolitical tensions, a severe onset of winter particularly impacted business development, according to the quarterly statement from Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA). Operations at the Hamburg container terminals were reportedly restricted at times. In the rail segment, track closures, frozen switches, and other disruptions led to cancellations and delays.
At the three Hamburg container terminals, throughput reached 1.374 million standard containers, down 6.6 percent from the previous year's level of 1.472 million. Besides the Hamburg terminals, HHLA operates additional facilities abroad, which handle significantly fewer containers than those in Hamburg. Across all HHLA container terminals, throughput decreased by 5.3 percent, falling from 1.544 million to 1.462 million standard containers.
Earnings decline
Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) stood at 30.5 million euros, down 6.3 percent from the prior-year period (32.5 million euros), primarily due to weather-related pressures. After taxes and the deduction of minority interests, profit plummeted by 89.1 percent - from 7.9 million euros to 0.9 million euros. Group revenue rose by 3.5 percent to 450.9 million euros.
HHLA confirmed its outlook for the 2026 financial year: during the first three months, no new events of material significance occurred that would necessitate an adjustment to the 2026 business performance expectations published in the 2025 annual report./gyd/DP/stk
