The federal and state governments of Bremen are investing in the NATO hub Bremerhaven

Bremerhaven. After months of negotiations, the federal government, the Bundeswehr and the state of Bremen have agreed on how the port in Bremerhaven should be upgraded as a NATO hub. “This is the biggest investment here,” said Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) after signing the declaration of intent.

The federal government is investing around 1.35 billion euros in the so-called “Deployment Hub Bremerhaven 2031”. In the event of a defense, the Bundeswehr and NATO will relocate personnel and material via the port of Bremerhaven and Bremen Airport. To achieve this, the infrastructure there must be modernized and expanded.

Pistorius emphasized that the location is crucial for defense in an emergency. "Tens of thousands of soldiers need accommodation and food. Machines and equipment must be maintained and operated accordingly." Whatever military material arrives in the port from allies must then be transported via bridges, roads and rails.

In order to achieve this, more than 40 investments are planned. Among other things, a new heavy-duty bridge and several heavy-duty areas in the port, part of the Stromkaje, a connecting canal with a swing bridge and various inland quays in the Kaiserhafen are to be built and upgraded. In addition, there will be deepening of the harbor basin, a new fire station and the expansion of roads and rail connections. Bremen Airport should also benefit, for example with more logistics space.

The Bremen Senate is contributing 200 million euros, with additional money coming from private investors. The work should begin this year and be completed by 2031, said Bremen's Prime Minister Andreas Bovenschulte (SPD). “It will be another real challenge.”