The proposed deepening of the lower and outer Elbe channel at the Port of Hamburg could be back on track, after the Port of Hamburg Authority and the Hamburg Water and Navigation Office applied to planning authorities for a reconsideration of revised plans.
The deepening would allow clear access for container ships with a maximum draught of 14.5m into the Port of Hamburg.
However, initial plans, submitted in March 2007, raised a number of concerns including dike safety and ecological conservation issues. In response, the developers have submitted a modified plan, with objections and position statements allowed up to 20 November 2008.
'From our point of view, the dialogue with all the parties concerned has minimised the conflict potential of the situation,' said Axel Gedaschko, Hamburg's senator for economy and labour. 'Talks will continue into the next phase of the proceedings. This is the only way in which the application for planning permission can be brought to a positive conclusion, giving users of the port the planning security that it is called for.'
If the proposals are approved, and subsequent public hearings successful, work could start at the end of 2009.
No comments yet