The Port of Hamburg in Germany will invest approximately €1.1 billion (US$1.3 billion) to modernise container terminal operations at Waltershofer Harbour.
The Elbe approach to the harbour is to be enhanced and additional terminal yards will be created.
The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) said navigation towards the Hamburg and Buchardkai container terminals will then be made easier and faster, while new land for terminal operations will create additional capacity and enable further modernisation of container throughput operations.
Around 90 per cent of the large container vessels calling at Hamburg are currently handled at Waltershofer Harbour.
The turning basin will be widened from its current 480 metres to 600 metres. Port officials said vessels will have a larger water surface available for turning manoeuvres, thus ensuring optimal performance and safety.
The HPA expects all berths in the harbour will benefit from this measure, which is expected to increase throughput efficiency.
The HPA said the infrastructure works are scheduled to be completed by the mid-2030s and that some of the project costs will be covered by public funding.