Ports evolve. So do we.

HPC was established on 21 December 1976 as one of HHLA’s first subsidiaries at Container Terminal Burchardkai (CTB) in Hamburg.
From the start, HPC focused on turning terminal expertise into solutions for global logistics challenges.
 

A feasibility study for a Freight Forwarding Centre in Vienna. The assignment evaluated a multimodal freight hub with rail, road, and air connections, including demand analysis, traffic forecasts, cost–benefit assessment, layout planning, equipment evaluation, and investor negotiations.

HPC’s first terminal equipment procurement project supported the Autoridad Portuaria de Corinto with container gantry cranes.
This also marked HPC’s first contract in Latin America.
 

HPC delivered its first stand-alone training for the Egyptian Free Zones Authority. The programme, held in Cairo, Port Said, Hamburg, and Bremen, included training needs analysis, vocational and on-the-job training, as well as workshops on free zone regulations, administration, customs procedures, and operational practices.

The project included analyses of hinterland traffic, future cargo demand, and containerisation readiness, resulting in alternative port concepts, operational improvements, layouts, and long-term investment strategies.

From 1977 to 1984, HPC supported the Nigerian Ports Authority through a long-term technical assistance programme across several ports, including Lagos, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Warri. The project covered port operations, engineering, management, maintenance systems, and staff training, with up to 50 international experts working alongside local teams on site.

Since 1978, HPC has supported the Saudi Arabian Seaports Authority through strategic and operational consultancy services across ports including Jeddah, Dammam, Yanbu, Jubail, and Gizan. The long-term collaboration covered port regulations, tariffs, organisational structures, master planning, safety systems, marine traffic control, and environmental measures. Nearly five decades later, that relationship still stands.

Gunter Klatt starts his role as managing director at HPC and with it a new chapter in projects and evolution.

In 1985, HPC started its cooperation with the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority in Tema and Takoradi through a rehabilitation project for timber sheds and port infrastructure. What began as a one-year engineering assignment developed into a long-term partnership, combining technical expertise with close intercultural collaboration.

HPC supported Türkiye Denizcilik İşletmeleri in preparing several Turkish ports for containerisation, including Izmir, Mersin, Trabzon, and Haydarpaşa. The project included management consultancy, operational documentation systems, and practical training programmes delivered with support from interpreters and HPTI trainers in Hamburg.

HPC developed an automated EDP system for storage and distribution processes under the ISETEC 303 programme. The project introduced digital coordination, cargo identification, and capacity-based planning to improve warehouse efficiency and reduce manual administration.

One of the first fully customised terminal IT systems in the Baltic region. HPC supported Riga’s transition into modern container operations after independence.

Starting in 1988, HPC supported Sri Lanka over eight years in establishing a National Hydrographic Office. The project included hydrographic training, survey planning, GIS and cartography systems, and organisational development, enabling the institution to independently conduct surveys, manage operations, and produce navigational charts.

In 1988, HPC developed a customised Container Terminal Information System (CTIS) for the privatised TECON Santos terminal in Brazil. The project integrated systems such as STOWMAN, CuBiS, and EDI connections with clients, customs, and authorities to digitalise and optimise terminal operations.

In 2000, HPC initiated the development of the container terminal “HPC Ukraina,” now HHLA Container Terminal Odessa (CTO), and acted as its initial operator.
HPC played a key role in establishing operations and IT systems, supporting the terminal’s long-term growth and efficiency.
 

HPC played a key role in planning and realizing Container Terminal Altenwerder (CTA) in Hamburg, one of the world’s first fully automated terminals.
This project highlights HPC’s expertise in delivering innovative, high-performance terminal solutions.

With Dierk Reumann and Dr Thomas Koch HPC is heading into a new chapter of its future.

HPTI supported maritime training centres in Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Ukraine as part of the TRACECA programme. The project strengthened maritime education through curriculum development, on-site training, workshops, and alignment with international IMO, STCW, and EU standards.

HPC relocated its office to Container Terminal Altenwerder (CTA), a benchmark for automated terminal operations.
The site became a hub for international visitors, showcasing HPC’s expertise in advanced terminal solutions.

In 2009, HPC supported the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) in planning Pasir Panjang Terminals 3 and 4. The project developed and simulated two automated and one conventional operating concept to evaluate traffic flows, capacities, system performance, safety, and cost efficiency before construction.

HPTI supported TPT Transnet Port Terminals in South Africa with training for new RTG-operated container terminals and operational transitions from straddle carrier systems. The project included practical training in ship, yard, and rail planning, as well as instructor qualification for long-term internal training capacity.

HPTI Hamburg Port Training Institute and UNICONSULT were integrated under the unified HPC brand, strengthening our market presence and enabled a more integrated approach to consulting and training services.

HPC relocated to a new office near Hamburg’s fish market, improving accessibility and providing a modern working environment. The proximity to terminal operations strengthens collaboration and reinforces HPC’s close connection to its core business.
 

A dual leadership is established within the HPC management team – Patrick Krawutschke joins Dr Nils Kemme as Managing Director.
This supports HPC’s continued strategic development and leadership in delivering innovative solutions.