LHG and Port of Tallinn Expand Strategic Port Cooperation

Lübecker Hafen-Gesellschaft (LHG) and the Port of Tallinn are expanding their cooperation in the Baltic Sea region. During the visit of a high-level Estonian delegation to Lübeck, both partners signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The aim is to further develop transport and logistics connections between Lübeck and Paldiski, a port location operated by the Port of Tallinn, on a strategic level.

Through the agreement, LHG and the Port of Tallinn intend to unlock additional cargo potential, strengthen existing traffic flows, and make the transport link between Germany and Estonia more sustainable, efficient, and resilient. The cooperation will focus on joint market activities, integrated logistics and service offerings, data exchange, sharing of best practices, as well as environmental, innovation, and pilot projects aimed at modernizing maritime transport chains.

“There is considerable potential for shifting freight transport between Germany and Estonia from road to sea,” says Prof. Sebastian Jürgens, Managing Director of LHG. “This is exactly where we are focusing our efforts together with the Port of Tallinn. If we succeed in moving more existing truck traffic to maritime transport, businesses, the climate, and infrastructure will all benefit. Lübeck and Paldiski can play an important role as a high-performance transport link in the Baltic Sea region.”

According to LHG, two regular shipping services already operate between Paldiski and Lübeck. The partners will now explore ways to attract additional cargo flows to this connection and better align transport chains. This includes developing joint integrated logistics and service solutions as well as strengthening outreach to customers and market partners.

The Estonian delegation’s visit to Lübeck followed a visit by a high-level delegation from Lübeck and Hamburg to Estonia in spring 2025. At that time, representatives from politics, port business, and logistics attended the Estonian-German Port Days in Tallinn. The renewed exchange in Lübeck highlights how the discussions held last year have evolved into a close and increasingly concrete partnership.

Lübeck’s Mayor Jan Lindenau also supports the closer cooperation with Estonia. For the Hanseatic City of Lübeck, the agreement builds on long-standing relationships within the Baltic Sea region and strengthens Lübeck’s role as a logistics bridge between Germany and the Baltic states.

A particular focus of the cooperation is the resilience of supply chains and transport infrastructure in the Baltic Sea region. Following the signing of the Memorandum, LHG and the Port of Tallinn will also exchange views on issues such as supply security, critical infrastructure, and military mobility. Against the backdrop of the current security situation in the Baltic Sea region, this gives the connection between Lübeck and Paldiski additional strategic significance. Joint applications for European and national funding programmes are also part of the cooperation framework.

To support these objectives, the Memorandum includes specific projects and the establishment of a steering committee. Jürgens adds: “I am pleased that we were able to agree on concrete, practical measures rather than simply signing a general declaration of intent. For that, we have found exactly the right partners.”