From April 23 to 25, Estonia hosted a high-level business delegation organized by the ports of Hamburg and Lübeck, aiming to deepen cooperation between Estonian and German maritime and logistics sectors.
The visit began with an overview of developments at Paldiski South Harbour on April 24, where representatives from the Port of Tallinn welcomed the delegation. Member of the Board Rene Pärt presented key initiatives and strategic projects currently underway.
That same evening, the Estonian-German Port Forum was held in Tallinn, bringing together Estonian port and logistics companies with their German counterparts. The forum featured discussions on digitalization, innovation, and sustainable logistics solutions. Among the key speakers was Valdo Kalm, CEO of the Port of Tallinn.
On April 25, the delegation traveled to Muuga Harbour, where presentations were given by the Port of Tallinn, Rail Baltica, and HHLA TK. The discussions highlighted the potential of Estonia as a key logistics hub in Northern Europe, connecting Baltic economies to broader European and global networks.
The German delegation included notable figures such as Jan Lindenau, Mayor of Lübeck; Niels Wiecker, Director for Ports and Logistics at the Hamburg Ministry of Economy and Innovation; Sebastian Jürgens, CEO of Lübeck Port; and Marina Basso Michael, Regional Director for Europe at the Port of Hamburg, along with numerous business leaders from the logistics and maritime sectors.
The focus of the visit was on sustainable transport corridors, digital transformation, and innovative port technologies.
“Maritime trade has connected our nations for centuries, as exemplified by the powerful legacy of the Hanseatic League,” said Estonian Minister of Infrastructure Kuldar Leis. “In today’s unstable geopolitical climate, it is essential that we strengthen these historic ties. Developing new trade routes also increases resilience in vital sectors such as energy and food supply.”
“Baltic countries are not only dynamic economies but also key nodes in trade between Northern Europe, Scandinavia, and Eurasia,” said Marina Basso Michael. “We see great opportunities in project cargo, vehicle logistics, sustainable energy solutions, and cooperation in e-commerce and port innovation.”
In addition to visiting Paldiski and Muuga harbours, the German delegation toured the e-Estonia Briefing Centre and the Estonian Maritime Academy and held a meeting with Minister Leis.
The visit was co-organized by the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency (EIS) in cooperation with the German Embassy, Port of Tallinn, and the German-Baltic Chamber of Commerce.
“The goal of this visit is to strengthen cooperation between the ports of Hamburg and Lübeck with their Estonian counterparts, as well as logistics and transport companies on both sides,” said Riina Leminsky, EIS Representative in Germany. “Estonia offers an excellent business environment, skilled workforce, and flexibility – a solid foundation for collaboration in maritime innovation.”
“Hamburg, as a global logistics hub, offers Estonia access to German and international markets,” she added. “Together, we face shared challenges such as zero-emission shipping, green port technologies, sustainable fuels, circular logistics systems, and new trade flow patterns.”
The delegation included representatives from the cities of Lübeck and Hamburg, Port Authorities of Lübeck, Hamburg, Duisburg, and Rostock, as well as companies such as HHLA, METRANS, European Cargo Logistics, Transfennica, and One Ocean Network Express.