Hamburg’s Speicherstadt is a landmark, a tourist attraction and, at the same time, a defining part of Hamburg’s historical infrastructure. For more than a century, its quay walls have ensured the stability of this UNESCO World Heritage Site along the canals and waterways. Their rehabilitation will permanently preserve this key infrastructure and safeguard it for the future. This is precisely where PORR is taking on a challenging task: the re-anchoring of the quay walls at the G/KB/O as well as the S/T/U warehouses.

Building within the existing structure and on the water

The works are taking place under very specific conditions. All work is being carried out from a pontoon; indeed, the entire site infrastructure is situated on the water. Added to this is the influence of the tides, with a range of up to four metres, which further shapes operations on site. At the same time, working within the historic built environment demands the utmost precision: the boreholes must be drilled precisely between the existing foundations.

The project therefore combines several challenges: working within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a logistically demanding construction site set-up on the water, fluctuating water levels as well as high standards in terms of quality, adherence to deadlines and reliability of execution.

Precision under demanding conditions

PORR special civil engineering is using micro piles to anchor the quay walls. In addition, pile-head recesses are being created and core drilling carried out. The overlay drilling method is being used for this. This method is particularly well-suited to the challenging ground and existing conditions, as it enables controlled drilling and reduces the risk of uncontrolled washout from the subsoil.

A particular technical focus is on the head design of the micro piles. This was developed by PORR as part of a test field. It ensures the necessary corrosion protection as well as enabling acceptance tests and the application of prestressing.

Expert solutions from design to construction

In addition to the construction unit, PORR Special Civil Engineering Planning GmbH is also involved in the project. PORR thus combines technical expertise from both design and construction. The close integration of all project phases enables short decision-making processes, structured planning and bespoke solutions for complex infrastructure projects within existing built environments. Right from the tender stage, Jürgen Ahlers, project manager, and Marvin Freier, site manager, contributed their experience in special civil engineering, thereby laying an important foundation for securing the contract. The project in Hamburg’s Speicherstadt exemplifies PORR’s ‘Construction from a single source’ principle.

PORR draws this expertise not least from comparable projects in the Speicherstadt: in the past, it has already renovated various sections of the quay walls there, gaining extensive experience with the specific structural, logistical and heritage-related requirements on site.

“By re-anchoring the quay walls, we are making an important contribution to the long-term preservation of a historic infrastructure of national significance. The work in the Speicherstadt combines technical precision with specific requirements in terms of logistics, quality and reliability of execution. The fact that we are able to carry out this contract in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site demonstrates our expertise in special civil engineering and in dealing with complex conditions,’ says Markus Wenke, Regional Manager North at PORR Spezialtiefbau GmbH.

Preserving historic buildings

Work on the re-anchoring is set to begin in early August 2026 and is expected to be completed in early 2028. The project also highlights PORR’s integrated approach: from the development of technical solutions through to planning and execution, all services are provided in close coordination. This enables infrastructure projects to be delivered from a single source.