Global · Case study

Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA), Port of Hamburg, Integrated WHS Management

Hamburg, GermanyOngoing

Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA), operator of major container terminals at the Port of Hamburg, implements comprehensive work health and safety management across its terminal operations, including the Container Terminal Altenwerder which features extensive automation (HHLA, 2025). HHLA's health, safety and environment (HSE) management system is certified to ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 by the external certification body DNV (HHLA, 2025).

HHLA's WHS management includes, among others, a software-assisted occupational safety management system, systematic analysis of accident causes, a behavioral occupational safety project, preventive measures and guidelines that also cover staff of external companies, and safety training for managers and online courses for employees (HHLA, 2025).

HHLA's sustainability reporting, aligned with GRI Standards, reports notifiable accidents and the lost time injury rate. In 2024 the rate was 10.3 accidents with more than three lost days per million working hours in Germany, 12.8 percent lower than in 2023 (HHLA, 2025). Employee representatives, organized in works councils, are integrated into major decision making at HHLA (HHLA, 2025), reflecting German traditions of worker representation.

Transferability

For DMC ports, HHLA demonstrates a certified WHS management system, supported by digital tools, at a large terminal operator. Transferable elements include, among others, alignment with ISO 45001 principles, worker participation through works councils, and transparent reporting of WHS performance as part of sustainability disclosure.

Sources

All information used for this case study was based on publicly available resources.