KOELN

• DECGN
• Latitude: 50.9275
• Longitude: 6.976
• Inland, Europe
• Port in Germany

Location: Cologne North Rhine-Westphalia 50735 Germany

Phone number: +49 221 719-510

Web-site: http://www.hgk.de/en/

Marine Port Description and Specification: KOELN (Cologne), Germany

General Overview

The port of Cologne (KOELN) is a significant inland port located on the Rhine River in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Its strategic location makes it one of the major hubs for cargo and freight transportation in the region, connecting numerous domestic and international trade routes.

Key Specifications and Features

1. Location:

   • Situated on the banks of the Rhine River, the port extends across multiple districts within the city of Cologne.
   • Coordinates: approximately 50.9362° N latitude and 6.9578° E longitude.

2. Port Authority:

   • Managed by HGK (Häfen und Güterverkehr Köln AG), a municipal company responsible for logistics and transport within the region.

3. Terminals and Facilities:

   • Container Terminals: Equipped for handling containerized cargo with modern facilities for loading, unloading, and storage.
   • Bulk Cargo Facilities: Specialized terminals for dry bulk (coal, grain, minerals) and liquid bulk (chemical products, fuels).
   • General Cargo Terminals: Areas designated for non-containerized goods including steel, timber, machinery, and project cargo.
   • Intermodal Terminals: Facilities that integrate different transportation modes, including rail and road, enhancing the logistics chain's efficiency.
   • Warehouse and Storage: Comprehensive storage facilities, including temperature-controlled warehouses for perishable goods and extensive open storage space.

4. Infrastructure:

   • Cranes and Handling Equipment: State-of-the-art cranes (both mobile and fixed) and various handling equipment for efficient cargo operations.
   • Rail Connections: Direct rail access to the German railway network, facilitating seamless cargo transfers from port to inland destinations.
   • Road Access: Well-connected road infrastructure ensuring easy and quick access to the industrial and urban areas in Cologne and beyond.

5. Capacity and Throughput:

   • Capable of handling millions of tons of commodities annually.
   • Annual container throughput in the range of several hundred thousand TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units).

6. Navigational Information:

   • Water Depth: Draft varies but typically accommodates vessels with a draft up to 3-4 meters depending on location and river conditions.
   • Tide and Weather Conditions: Non-tidal river port but subject to seasonal water level variations. Equipped with facilities to handle standard operational conditions year-round.

7. Services Offered:

   • Logistics and Transport Services: Comprehensive transport solutions including multimodal transport, warehousing, and distribution services.
   • Customs and Inspection Services: On-site customs clearance and inspection services to streamline international trade.
   • Bunkering and Supplies: Fuel and supply services for vessels operating in or visiting the port.
   • Repair and Maintenance: Facilities for ship repairs, maintenance, and related services.

8. Navigational Aids and Communication:

   • Modern navigational aids including GPS, AIS (Automatic Identification System), and radar systems to ensure safe and efficient navigation.
   • VHF communication channels for vessel coordination and port operations.
   • Regular updates and advisories on river conditions, water levels, and navigational alerts.

Importance and Economic Impact

• The port of Cologne is a critical asset for regional and international trade, facilitating the movement of goods through one of Europe's principal waterways.
• It supports the local economy by providing jobs, fostering industrial growth, and enabling efficient supply chain management for a wide range of businesses.

Future Developments

• Continued investment in infrastructure modernization and capacity expansion to meet growing trade demands.
• Sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing the port's environmental footprint, including green logistics practices and low-emission technologies.

The port of Cologne epitomizes a dynamic and adaptable inland port, working tirelessly to accommodate the diverse needs of the modern logistics industry while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainable operations.