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VDHK e.V. Germany

Verband der Deutschen Hafenkapitäne (VDHK) e.V.

German Harbour Masters’ Association

The Verband der Deutschen Hafenkapitäne is registered at the district court of the Hanseatic City of Rostock.

The aims of the Association are to:

  • Unite the Harbour Masters of the German seaports (including the inland ports accommodating sea ships in an association that promotes the interests of its members especially in the areas of safe, secure and environmentally sound operations in the ports.
  • Promote and foster the cooperation among Harbour Masters.
  • Advance the professional interests and the professional image of Harbour Masters.
  • Collect, compare and distribute information of professional interest to the members.

Regular Members of the VDHK e.V. are Harbour Masters and /or directors of port administrations of the German seaports, including inland-waterway ports accommodating ships larger than 500 GRT and enforcing the port regulations in a defined geographical port area.

Contact the German Harbour Masters’ Association via email.

Tasks of a Harbour Master in Germany

Depending on size, functionality and the legal framework, Harbour Masters of the German ports have different tasks to fulfil. The following gives an impression of the main tasks to be fulfilled by Harbour Masters and their co-workers:

Safety & ease of ship traffic

The primary task of the Harbour Master is to arrange for a safe and easy flow of ships traffic. This includes on a 24/7 basis receiving arrival and departure notifications from ships or their representatives and coordinating, together the federal waterway administration, the passage to and from the berths in the port.

Safety during cargo operations, especially dangerous goods handling

In the majority of ports the Harbour Masters are tasked as competent authorities for the supervision and control of rules and regulations with regards to the transport and handling of dangerous goods.

Environmental protection in the port area

To control the compliance with the various environmental regulations shipping is subject to, is often the task of the Harbour Master’s office. Together with the environmental authorities, pollution prevention and combat are also part of the tasks.

Port Security (ISPS)

Together with the police authorities implementation and supervision of the measures as per ISPS Code (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code) and relevant EU legislation is conducted.

Supervisory Authority for nautical/technical service providers

Pilotage, towage and mooring are essential for the safe conduct of ship manoeuvres. Masters of ships using these services expect a certain quality of these services. Depending on the port legislation permissions to conduct these services are issued by the Harbour Master, who also supervises compliance.

Operation of port facilities

In some ports the Harbour Master is also responsible for the operation of port facilities, e.g. cruise ship and pleasure boat facilities. Usually, the Harbour Master is also consulted to evaluate suitability of constructions in the port area.

If you would like to have more detailed information about the tasks of the Harbour Master and the port authority in a specific port, please, contact the port directly. Please use the list of port addresses below whose Harbour Masters are members of the German Harbour Masters’ Association.


German Ports

Brake/ Unterweser

Niedersachsen Ports GmbH & Co. KG Niederl. Brake
Brommystr.2
26919
http://nports.de


Bremerhaven Bremen

Hansestadt Bremisches Hafenamt
Steubenstr. 7a
27568
http://hbh.bremen.de


Brunsbüttel

Brunsbüttel Ports GmbH
Elbehafen
25541
http://schrammgroup.de


Cuxhaven

Niedersachsen Ports GmbH & Co. KG
Niederl. Cuxhaven
Am Schleusenpriel 2
27472
http://nports.de


Duisburg

Duisburger Hafen AG
Alte Ruhrorter Str. 42-52
47119
http://www.duisport.de


Emden

Niedersachsen Ports GmbH & Co. KG Niederl. Emden
Fr.-Naumann-Str. 7-9
26725
http://nports.de


Fehmarn

Scandlines Deutschland GmbH
Fährhafen Puttgarden
23769
http://scandlines.com


Flensburg

Stadt Flensburg Hafenbehörde
Schiffbrücke 37
24939
http://flensburger-hafen.de


Hamburg

Hamburg Port Authority
Oberhafenamt
Neuer Wandrahm 4
20457
http://hamburg-port-authority.de


Husum

Hafenbehörde im Landesbetrieb für Küstenschutz, Nationalpark und Meeresschutz Schleswig-Holstein (LKN-SH)
Am Außenhafen
25813
http://lkn.schleswig-holstein.de


Kiel

Hafenamt Landeshauptstadt Kiel
Bollhörnkai 1
24103
http://kiel.de


Lübeck

Lübeck Port Authority
Ziegelstraße 2
23539
http://luebeck.de


Norden

Niedersachsen Ports GmbH & Co. KG Niederl. Norden
Bahnhofstr. 5
26506
http://nports.de


Osterrönfeld

Hafenbehörde Amt Eiderkanal
Schulstr. 36
24783
http://amt-eiderkanal.de


Rostock

Hansestadt Rostock Hafen- und Seemannsamt
Ost-West-Str. 8 18147
PO Box 481046 18132
http://rostock.de


Sassnitz

Stadtverwaltung Sassnitz Hafenamt<
PO Box 11
18540
http://sassnitz.de


Stralsund

Hansestadt Stralsund Hafenamt
Hafenstr. 50 18439
PO Box 2145 18408
http://stralsund.de


Wilhelmshaven

Niedersachsen Ports GmbH & Co. KG Niederl. Wilhelmshaven
Postfach 2051
26360
http://nports.de


Wilhelmshaven

Stadt Wilhelmshaven
Rathausplatz 10
26382
http://wilhelmshaven.de


Wismar

Hansestadt Wismar Hafenamt
Kopenhagener Str, 1 Bürocenter
23966
http://wismar.de


Wolgast

Hafenamt
Burgstr. 6
17438
http://wolgast.de

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Role of Harbour Master/ Port Operations Professional
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Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel - Grand Ballroom, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Integrating Dredging in Sustainable Development Conference

Conference

As a distinguished professional, working in the fast changing world of dredging, waterborne transport infrastructure or related industries, you are invited to join us at an event on 18 October 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam which is dedicated to advancing industry knowledge in the arena of sustainable dredging and related topics.

Joining this event also gives you the unique opportunity to network with more than 60 CEOs and senior management of IADC member companies and PIANC platinum members. Therefore, you are also welcome at our special pre-conference networking drink/dinner on Thursday 17 October 2024. 

This exclusive 1-day conference will be organised at the prestigious Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. By attending you have the opportunity to meet professionals from all sectors, involved in the realisation of sustainable dredging projects and sustainable waterborne transport infrastructure with a strong focus on Climate Change and ‘Working/Building with Nature’. Participants will originate from around the world, making it possible for you to take your network to an international level.

Who should attend?

Professionals and companies aiming to deliver dredging projects with longevity which also maximise the benefits to society, nature and economy will find this event to be of particular relevance. The Conference ‘Integrating Dredging in Sustainable Development’ will bring essential knowledge for planners, designers, decision makers, regulators, contractors, project owners and environmental advocates. Register by 15 September 2024 to secure your place as space is limited.

The programme

During this day full of interaction and discussion the focus is on two cases, a "greenfield case” and a "brownfield case". In business and project development, a "greenfield case" typically refers to a scenario where a project is initiated on previously undeveloped land or in a completely new and untouched environment. It contrasts with a "brownfield case," where development occurs on land that has been previously developed or used for industrial or commercial purposes.

Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Lagos, Nigeria
OceanWise Charting Water Workshop

Brought to you by OceanWise and Brewzone Africa - Join the first Charting Water Workshop entitled “Harnessing Environmental Data for Hydrography" which is running on the 15th - 16th April 2024 at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel Lagos, Nigeria.

Bringing hydrography professionals together from all over West Africa, this intimate 2-day workshop will provide you with practical knowledge, guidance and best practice. You will enjoy a mix of presentations, round table discussions and training. Our expert speakers will guide you through the latest developments, technologies and methodologies used in hydrography, helping you understand the importance of accurate marine environmental monitoring data to support marine operations and national infrastructure. We will also have a number of key real-world case studies and local experts in attendance to provide some best practice and recent hands-on experiences.

Full details of the developing programme and registration can be found here on our Eventbrite page

Registration is now open. Spaces are limited so please register now to secure your place.

What will it cover?
This workshop will provide you with practical knowledge, guidance and best practice. You will enjoy a mix of presentations, round table discussions and training. Our expert speakers will guide you through the latest developments, technologies and methodologies used in hydrography, helping you understand the importance of accurate marine environmental monitoring data to support marine operations and national infrastructure.

Who is it for and why should I attend?
This is for professionals with an interest in Hydrography based in, or working in, West Africa.
Ideal for individuals from a variety of industries including Ports, Harbours, Inland Waterways, Oil and Gas, Education, Navy, Maritime Authorities, Research and Development etc etc
It offers a friendly and interactive environment to expand your knowledge, network with fellow professionals and collaborate on real-world case studies.

Gain valuable insights from industry experts, share your experiences, and receive a certification of completion on day two

How do I book?
Visit our Eventbrite page for full details and registration

QE2, Port Rashid, Dubai - Grand Foyer

Harbour Master & Towgae Conference

Hollywood Beach Marriott
Navtech Conference, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Navtech Conference 2023

Attention deep water and ocean towing masters, pilots, fleet management administrators, regulators and navigation operations professionals!

Join us in Fort Lauderdale for the maritime industry’s premier annual navigation forum!

Navtech, 5th and 6th December 2023, Hollywood Beach Marriott, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

  • Learn about developments in navigational best practices, technology and regulation.

  • Engage with the regulatory and manufacturing sectors about your experiences, and your challenges.

  • Get access to the operations sector that actually uses navigation hardware and software.

Tanger Med Port Centre, Morocco
IHMA Congress 2024

Join us on a marine adventure in Morocco. The 14th International Harbour Master Congress will take place at Tanger Med Port Centre from 21-24 May 2024. This year’s theme is The Marine Adventure – Evolving and Adapting to Change in Today’s Ports. You are welcome to come along for three days of presentations, deliberations and discussions covering every step of the port call process. On the fourth day, you can enjoy a guided tour of the Port of Tranger Med. To learn more, or to register for the event, please visit the IHMA Congress Website.

 

INTRODUCING TANGER MED

Tanger Med is the 1st port in Africa and in the Mediterranean.

It’s a global logistics gateway located on the Strait of Gibraltar and connected to more than 180 ports worldwide with handling capacities of: 9 million containers, exports of 1 million new vehicles, transit of 7 million passengers and 700,000 trucks on an annual basis.

CARGOES HANDLED

CONTAINER TRAFFIC: SURPASSING TEH 8 MILLION MARK

In 2023, Tanger Med Port processed 8,617,410 TEUs*, marking a growth of 13.4% compared to 2022. This remarkable achievement, equivalent to 95% of the port's nominal capacity, was accomplished 4 years ahead of targets.

The outstanding performance is attributed to the successful operations of terminals TC1 and TC4, managed by Maersk-APM, and the continuous development of terminal TC3, operated by Tanger Alliance (A joint venture owned by Marsa Maroc with a 50% stake, in partnership with Eurogate holding 40% and Hapag Lloyd holding 10%). Additionally, 2023 witnessed record productivity levels, surpassing monthly peaks of 800,000 TEUs handled.

RO-RO TRAFFIC ON THE RISE
In 2023, 477,993 trucks were processed, representing a 4.1% increase from 2022. Industrial product traffic saw a significant surge of 14.3% compared to the previous year, offsetting a 7.7% decrease in agribusiness product traffic.

INCREASE IN NEW VEHICLE TRAFFIC
The two vehicle terminals in the port complex handled 578,446 vehicles in 2023, reflecting a 21% increase from 2022. This traffic primarily includes 341,758 vehicles for export, produced by Renault factories in Melloussa and SOMACA in Casablanca, along with 176,208 vehicles exported by the Stellantis plant in Kénitra.

RISE IN SOLID AND LIQUID BULK TRAFFIC
Liquid bulk traffic experienced a 6% growth compared to 2022, a total of 9,838,157 tons of handled hydrocarbons. Simultaneously, solid bulk traffic witnessed a 44% increase from the previous year, totalling 581,042 tons processed.

PASSENGER TRAFFIC: RETURN TO NORMAL
In 2023, Tanger Med Port Complex welcomed 2,700,747 passengers, marking a 30% growth from 2022. This traffic has returned to pre-COVID-19 crisis levels.

GLOBAL TONNAGE: SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH
Tanger Med Port Complex handled 122 million tons of goods in 2023, reflecting a 13.6% increase from 2022, with 21% in Import/Export. This recorded global traffic is highest at the Strait of Gibraltar and across the Mediterranean. This traffic also represents more than half of the total tonnage handled by all ports in Morocco.

MARITIME TRAFFIC ON THE RISE
In 2023, a total of 16,900 ships called at Tanger Med Port Complex, marking a 17% growth from 2022, including 1,113 mega-ships (over 290 meters), representing a 16% increase from the previous year.

These results underscore the relevance of the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI for this strategic project.
Tanger Med remains firmly focused on the future, ready to face new challenges and strengthen its position as a major logistics hub in Morocco and the Euro-Mediterranean region.

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Latest News & Events

GSTS and Port of Montreal jointly selected as one of three finalists for the #IAPH2024 Sustainability Awards in the Digitalization category GSTS and Port of Montreal jointly selected as one of three finalists for the #IAPH2024 Sustainability Awards in the Digitalization category

GSTS is excited to announce it has been selected with Port of Montreal as one of three finalists for the #IAPH2024 Sustainability Awards in the Digitalization category. Our project… FIND OUT MORE

SANMAR news Sanmar delivers fourth tug to Boluda Towage in under a year

Spain-headquartered major international maritime service provider Boluda Towage has taken delivery of a versatile multi-purpose tug from Sanmar… FIND OUT MORE

Latest News & Events

GSTS is excited to announce it has been selected with Port of Montreal as one of three finalists for the #IAPH2024 Sustainability Awards in the Digitalization category. Our project nomination was selected from 71 submissions across the globe. 

Spain-headquartered major international maritime service provider Boluda Towage has taken delivery of a versatile multi-purpose tug from Sanmar Shipyards – its fourth delivery from the Turkish tug builder in under a year.

Formerly part of Sanmar’s own fleet, where she was known as BOĞAÇAY LIII, the tug has been renamed VB SEEBULLE by her new owners and is the twin sister of VB TRAGEN, which was delivered to Boluda Towage last February.