GEESTHACHT

• DEGET
• Latitude: 53.4318
• Longitude: 10.3509
• Baltic Sea
• Port in Germany

Location: Geesthacht Schleswig-Holstein 21502 Germany

Geesthacht is a town located in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, positioned on the right bank of the Elbe River. Though not a major maritime cargo port compared to others in Germany like Hamburg, Geesthacht is noted for its location along the Elbe and has relevance for certain types of riverine and barge traffic.

Geographical Location

• Coordinates: Approximately 53.4350° N latitude and 10.3770° E longitude.
• Proximity to Major Cities: About 30 kilometers southeast of Hamburg.

Port Specifications

1. Type of Port

   • Primarily functions as a river port due to its location on the Elbe River.

2. Facilities and Infrastructure

   • Docks and Wharfs: Geesthacht has a modestly equipped dock and wharf system to handle barge traffic and smaller vessels.
   • Cargo Handling: Limited facilities for general cargo, primarily supporting smaller-scale industrial and commercial activities.
   • Storage: Some open and covered storage facilities, although on a smaller scale compared to larger ports.

3. Navigation and Access

   • Waterway: As part of the Elbe, the port area benefits from river-based navigation channels.
   • Locks: The Geesthacht lock is one notable infrastructure element, facilitating vessel movement on the Elbe and overcoming variations in water levels.
   • Draft Specifications: The port generally accommodates vessels with shallower drafts, typical of river barge traffic. Exact draft limits should be confirmed with local authorities for specific applications.

4. Adjacent Facilities and Connectivity

   • Road Network: Well-connected to the regional and national road network, providing access to the A25 and B404 routes.
   • Rail Links: There are limited rail connections directly to the port, but there are nearby rail lines that facilitate broader cargo movement.

5. Economic and Industrial Context

   • Industrial Activity: The town is home to several industries including chemicals and energy, with companies leveraging the port for transportation.
   • Environmental Considerations: As with many ports along major rivers, environmental regulations are an important consideration for operations at Geesthacht.

6. Port Services

   • Tug Services: Available as required, particularly for navigating the locks and tight river passages.
   • Pilotage: Necessary for certain craft and typically regulated based on vessel size and type.
   • Other Services: Safety inspections, minor repair facilities, and logistical support services are also available to cater to the types of vessels using the port.

Key Activities

• Commercial Cargo: Primarily local and regional bulk goods, raw materials for local industries, and some consumer goods.
• Recreational Boating: The Elbe River sees recreational use, and Geesthacht accommodates some leisure boating activities.
• Energy Sector: Proximity to energy operations means occasional specialized cargo associated with this sector.

The port at Geesthacht serves as a functional component within the broader logistics network of Northern Germany, handling specific regional needs effectively. It remains an important node for local industries and contributes to the logistics capacity of the region, albeit on a smaller scale compared to the major seaports.