# HHLA profits decline as automation challenges disrupt Hamburg terminals - **Source:** https://pelavox.com/hhla-profits-decline-as-automation-challenges-disrupt-hamburg-terminals/ - **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping) - **Author:** Helena Pierce - **Published:** 2026-11-13T12:00:00+00:00 - **Updated:** 2026-11-13T12:00:00+00:00 - **Section:** Ports - **Type:** News - **Topics:** Container Handling, Container Throughput, German Ports, Hamburg Container Terminals, HHLA, Intermodal Transport, METRANS, Port Automation, Port Logistics, Port of Hamburg, Rail Freight, Terminal Operations Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) reported lower container throughput and operating earnings for the first nine months of 2026, as ongoing automation work at its Hamburg terminals, industrial action and operational disruptions affected handling performance. The German port and logistics operator handled 4.45 million TEU between January and September, a decline of 7.3% from 4.80 million TEU in the corresponding period of 2025. Group revenue nevertheless increased by 3.3% to €1.38 billion, while operating profit (EBIT) fell by 30.7% to €81.2 million. The decline in profitability reflected reduced container-handling volumes, higher operating expenses and non-cash impairment charges associated with the company’s decision to concentrate on its core port and intermodal activities. HHLA said the transition towards greater automation at its Hamburg terminals continued to restrict productivity, particularly during the third quarter, when strike-related disruptions added to existing operational pressures. ## Hamburg terminals face operational pressure Container throughput at HHLA’s Hamburg terminals declined by 7.7% to 4.20 million TEU, compared with 4.55 million TEU during the first nine months of 2025. The company attributed the reduction to several factors, including ongoing terminal modernisation, changes in international cargo flows resulting from geopolitical tensions, severe winter weather earlier in the year and industrial action during the third quarter. Although the automation programme is intended to improve terminal performance over the longer term, the implementation phase has temporarily constrained productivity and increased operational costs. Across HHLA’s Container segment, revenue decreased by only 0.7% to €637.2 million, partly because additional storage charges associated with longer container dwell times offset some of the impact of lower handling volumes. However, segment EBIT fell by 51.3% to €29.4 million, with the operating margin declining to 4.6% from 9.4% a year earlier. Higher personnel and energy expenses, alongside productivity restrictions associated with the automation programme, contributed to the deterioration. Jeroen Eijsink, Chief Executive Officer of HHLA, acknowledged the operational challenges facing the company. “We have made good progress with our transformation agenda, but operationally we are not yet where we want to be,” said Eijsink. He identified the stabilisation of automated processes and improvements in container-handling quality as immediate operational priorities. HHLA’s international terminals also reported weaker volumes, with throughput declining by 1.6% to 246,000 TEU. The company cited challenging economic conditions in Estonia, Mediterranean service reroutings and security-related disruption affecting individual operations. ## Intermodal business provides earnings support HHLA’s Intermodal segment delivered a more stable performance, with container transport volumes increasing by 0.5% to 1.51 million TEU. Rail transport rose by 0.6% to 1.31 million TEU, supported by traffic connecting North German seaports and routes serving Poland. However, transport volumes involving Adriatic ports and domestic German services declined. Road transport remained unchanged at approximately 201,000 TEU. Intermodal revenue increased by 7.8% to €651 million, supported by tariff adjustments and changes in the composition of transport services. Operating profit improved by 2.3% to €78 million, although the segment’s EBIT margin declined from 12.6% to 12.0%. Rail accounted for 86.7% of total intermodal transport volumes during the reporting period. The division continued to face disruption from construction work along major railway routes and capacity constraints at North German ports. Nevertheless, its earnings performance helped offset part of the deterioration in container terminal profitability. ## Portfolio changes and revised financial outlook HHLA also recorded non-cash impairment charges totalling €21.4 million in its Logistics segment as part of a review of investments outside its core activities. The charges included €12 million associated with HHLA Sky and €9.4 million relating to omoqo. The latter ceased operations on 30 September 2026, while the sale of HHLA Sky was completed at the end of October. These developments form part of HHLA’s strategy to concentrate resources on container terminal operations and its European intermodal transport network. On 22 October, the company reduced its full-year earnings forecast after assessing the operational impact of automation, strike-related disruptions and the portfolio adjustments. HHLA now expects Group EBIT of between €115 million and €135 million in 2026, compared with its previous forecast of €150 million to €170 million. The Port Logistics subgroup’s EBIT forecast was also reduced to €100 million–€120 million from €135 million–€155 million. Group capital expenditure is now expected to range between €380 million and €430 million, reflecting changes to the scheduling of automation projects and the postponement of some expenditure into 2027. The latest results highlight the operational challenges associated with upgrading major container terminals while maintaining regular cargo-handling activities. Although HHLA continues to invest in automated infrastructure and intermodal connectivity, the immediate effects of implementation delays, reduced handling volumes and higher operating expenses are weighing on its financial performance. --- Cite as: "HHLA profits decline as automation challenges disrupt Hamburg terminals", pelavox., 13 November 2026, https://pelavox.com/hhla-profits-decline-as-automation-challenges-disrupt-hamburg-terminals/