Germany’s major seaports are requesting billions in federal defense funding to strengthen infrastructure and security in the event of a military crisis, according to Spiegel on August 26.
The Central Association of German Seaport Operators (ZDS) has sent a letter to Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, asking for allocations from the regular defense budget.
While the letter does not specify an exact figure, port representatives estimate that at least €3 billion would be required to prepare for a possible “defense emergency.”
The Hamburg-based industry association, representing more than 150 companies, emphasized that ports are critical logistical hubs for the deployment of Bundeswehr and NATO forces.
“In an emergency, military equipment and personnel would have to be transported through these ports,” the letter noted. It also described ports as potential “first-line targets” in the event of war.
ZDS argues that investments should focus on upgrading cargo facilities, quays, and rail links, as well as measures to protect port infrastructure from physical attacks and cyber threats. The group supports a “dual-use” approach, under which improvements would serve both civilian and military purposes.
Germany has already designated parts of its road and rail networks as militarily significant, allocating around €8 billion over the coming years from the defense budget to create a so-called “military core network.” Ports, ZDS maintains, should receive similar treatment.
Currently, the most important German seaports by capacity are Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Wilhelmshaven, and Rostock. According to the association, the overall need for investment across the sector amounts to roughly €15 billion.
Earlier, Europe’s largest port in Rotterdam began reserving dock space for NATO military cargo ships, repurposing terminals for defense logistics amid growing concerns over a potential war with Russia.
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