GERMAN terminal operator Hamburger Hafen und Logistik (HHLA), booked a strong increase in revenue in the first quarter, despite a stagnant local economy and continued geopolitical tensions affecting its markets.

“The first quarter was still shaped by geopolitical tensions and weak economic growth,” said chief executive Angela Titzrath.

“US trade policy in particular curbed global trade and increased uncertainty in global supply chains.”

Despite this, HHLA saw container throughput rise 5.5% across its facilities in Hamburg, Ukraine and Estonia.

Hamburg volumes rose 5.1% to 1.5m teu, after a fall in traffic for North America and the Middle East was replaced by growth in Asia volumes, particularly from China.

“Additional cargo volume was also recorded for other European seaports, particularly in Belgium, France and Portugal,” HHLA said.

“This was due to temporary route adjustments — which continue to apply — caused by the military conflict in the Red Sea.”

There was also a strong year-on-year increase in feeder traffic volumes, including those within Germany, as well as from Poland. The proportion of seaborne handling by feeders rose from 18% in the corresponding period of 2024 to 20% in the first quarter of 2025.

Regional traffic also helped boost volumes at its TK Estonia and Container Terminal Odesa facilities, which saw container handling increase by 13.8%, albeit from small bases, as container handling resumed in Odesa in the third quarter of last year.

As a result, group revenues rose 20% to €435.6m ($488.3m) in the quarter, as operating earnings in the port logistics division grew to €426.3m.