OK, you may think I am a bit crazy, but I think we are missing a remarkable example of growth in Europe, because of all the publicity that has surrounded the chaotic and phenomenal growth in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
I have been in Hamburg for a little over four days and have discovered a remarkable city with remarkable growth. It is the "greenest" city in Germany, with a green space ratio (planted space to built space) larger than any other city in Germany. It has a population of 1.7 million in the city, and 4.5 million in the metro area. It is only about 100km from the North Sea so it is a center for shipping and shipbuilding in Europe.
The Port of Hamburg is the second busiest (by cargo and shipping) in Europe, relinquishing the lead only to Rotterdam in Holland. It follows that it is the second largest duty free zone (but one of the oldest) as well. Over 10 million shipping containers (about 330 million tons) came through the harbor last year (this year, it is running about 10% down). The port is a maze of containers, ships and cranes.
It is also the home of Blohm + Voss shipbuilding, founded in 1877, and builder of some of the most notable vessels in history. Today, it boasts a portfolio of naval surface and subsurface vessels, and the world's largest and highest quality mega-yachts. Needless to say, Hamburg is a seafarer's city. I addressed the PM forum at the shipyard last week, which hosted the managers of the top 50 projects of the Technology Division of ThyssenKrupp worldwide.
However, it is also home to the largest urban development project in all of Europe. HafenCity is the former site of the largest and oldest harbor warehouse complex in Europe. Today, the area is under massive reconstruction, creating 5,500 new homes for 45,000 residents, a new Philharmonic Hall, and extensive space for retail and commercial businesses. The project is planned to continue through 2025, offering jobs and projects galore. There is a good bit of project work in that area.
So, when I think of my many trips to the Arabian Gulf, especially Dubai, it is not hard to see the parallels in Hamburg. So, I don't want to neglect the magnificent changes going here in Northern Germany. Hamburg is a vital and strategically important city to Germany and to Europe, and a wonderful city to visit. Man, I love this job!
More later.
