HHLA cuts outlook again as strikes, automation hit volumes

German terminal operator Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) has downgraded its 2026 earnings forecast again, citing weaker-than-expected container volumes at its Hamburg terminals, strike-related disruption and the cost of ramping up further automation.

HHLA now expects earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) at its Port Logistics subgroup to come in at €100m to €120m this year, down from its previous forecast of €135m to €155m. At group level, HHLA lowered its EBIT forecast to €115m to €135m from €150m to €170m.

The company said container throughput at its Hamburg terminals had fallen short of expectations because of strike-related disruptions and the ramp-up of further automation, “which is also having a negative impact on earnings.” HHLA said container throughput is now expected to show “a significant decline year-on-year”, compared with its previous forecast for “slight decline”.

As previously reported by WorldCargo News, HHLA is introducing remotely-operated STS cranes at its Container Terminal Altenwerder (CTA) and replacing straddle carriers at Container Terminal Burchardkai (CTB) with automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

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