Wilhelmshaven, Germany
Germany’s only deep-water port, Wilhelmshaven is a vital hub for naval operations and international trade.
Port Overview
Wilhelmshaven is a coastal city in Lower Saxony, Germany, located on the Jade Bight along the North Sea. It is Germany’s only deep-water port and serves as the country’s main military and naval base. Strategically important for both commercial shipping and energy imports, Wilhelmshaven is among the largest German container ports by capacity. Its annual throughput is approximately 700,000 TEU, with potential for further expansion due to its deep-water access and modern infrastructure.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Wilhelmshaven features key facilities like the JadeWeserPort, a deep-water container terminal with significant crane capacity. The port handles bulk, breakbulk, and Ro-Ro cargo, with berths on the river Jade. It includes a logistics zone and major railway installations, supporting efficient cargo handling. The terminal is equipped to handle large container vessels, offering non-tidal operations and extensive quay length.
Container Terminals
Wilhelmshaven’s JadeWeserPort features a single deep-water container terminal with four berths along a 1,725-meter quay, supporting vessels up to 430 meters long. The terminal has an annual capacity of 2.7 million TEU and is equipped with some of the world’s largest cranes. Automation is partial, with modern infrastructure but not fully automated operations. The main operator is EUROGATE, with APM Terminals holding a minority stake.
Port Services
Wilhelmshaven offers a range of services including:
- Container Handling: Deep-water container terminal for large vessels.
- Cargo Operations: Bulk, general, refrigerated, and project cargo handling.
- Ship Services: Modern quay facilities and transshipment bridges.
- Warehousing: Storage for various types of cargo.
- Customs: Clearance services for international shipments.
Global Connectivity
Wilhelmshaven offers excellent connectivity with direct rail and road links to major German regions. It serves as a gateway for trade between the Far East and Northern Europe, with shipping routes connecting to key markets like Hamburg and Oslo. The port's deep-water access facilitates large vessel handling, making it a strategic hub for container and bulk cargo. Its hinterland connections extend to southern Germany, enhancing its role in global supply chains.
Port Statistics
Port: Wilhelmshaven (JadeWeserPort), Germany
- TEU throughput (2025): Over 1 million TEU
- World ranking: Not in the global top 50; third-largest container port in Germany
- Number of berths: 4 deep-water berths
- Port area: 360 hectares (container terminal: 130 hectares)
- Major shipping lines: Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd (Gemini Cooperation), plus regular calls from global alliances
Wilhelmshaven is Germany’s only deep-water port, capable of handling the world’s largest container vessels.
