Hamburg — Germany container port and depot
HZ-Containers sells decommissioned shipping containers that are stored in a container depot in Hamburg — Germany’s largest seaport. You purchase the container directly from our stock at this depot and arrange transport yourself. On this page you will find out what types of containers we offer, what the indicative prices of decommissioned shipping containers are, how the purchase and pickup from the Hamburg depot works, and why Hamburg is an advantageous location for purchasing a container even for Czech customers.
Hamburg as a Center of Shipping Containers
The Port of Hamburg is the third-largest container port in Europe — after Rotterdam and Antwerp — and the fifteenth-largest in the world. It lies on the Elbe River, approximately 100 kilometers from the North Sea, and thanks to its location it serves as a key gateway for international trade between Europe and the rest of the world.
Port of Hamburg in Numbers
In 2024, the port handled 7.8 million TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit — a standard unit corresponding to one 20-foot container). The total area of the port is 73.99 km². It has four major container terminals: Altenwerder (CTA), Burchardkai (CTB), Eurogate, and Tollerort (CTT). In addition, the port contains dozens of smaller container depots that provide storage, repairs, and distribution of containers.
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual transport volume (2024) | 7.8 million TEU |
| Total port area | 73.99 km² |
| Number of container terminals | 4 main |
| Distance from the North Sea | approx. 100 km along the Elbe |
| Rail connection | Largest rail port in Europe |
Hamburg is also the largest rail port in Europe — more than 200 freight trains depart from here daily, heading throughout Central and Eastern Europe. For Czech customers it is interesting that the port is never closed due to ice — even during extremely harsh winters, maritime operations remain uninterrupted.
Why Buy a Container from the Hamburg Depot
Thanks to the enormous volume of container transport flowing through Hamburg, a wide selection of decommissioned shipping containers of all types and sizes is constantly available in the local depots. Containers that have completed their sea voyages are moved to depots, where they undergo inspection, cleaning, and possibly repairs — and are then offered for further use. This means that as a customer, you have access to a much more diverse range in Hamburg than in smaller inland warehouses.
For buyers from the Czech Republic, Hamburg is also well accessible by transport. The distance from Prague is approximately 650 km, from Brno about 780 km. The entire route follows high-quality highways: from the Czech Republic along the D8 via Dresden, then along the German A13, A2, and A7 directly to Hamburg. The journey by car takes approximately 7 hours; by truck with a low-loader, allow 8–9 hours.
Types of Decommissioned Shipping Containers We Offer
We offer a wide range of decommissioned shipping containers. Each type is suited to a different purpose — from classic storage to refrigeration to building modifications for residential or office spaces.
Standard Storage Containers
The most frequently requested category is standard enclosed containers. They are made of Corten steel (corrosion-resistant) and the floor is made of plywood impregnated against moisture and pests.
| Type | External dimensions (L × W × H) | Internal volume | Load capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft standard | 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 m | 33.2 m³ | up to 28 t |
| 40ft standard | 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.59 m | 67.7 m³ | up to 30 t |
| 40ft High Cube | 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.90 m | 76.3 m³ | up to 30 t |
The High Cube (HC) version offers 30 cm more in height — that is, 2.90 m compared to the standard 2.59 m. You will appreciate this difference if you need to store bulkier material or plan a conversion where every centimeter of height counts.
Refrigerated Containers (Reefer)
Refrigerated shipping containers allow the transport and storage of goods in a controlled temperature regime. After being retired from service in maritime transport, they undergo a PTI inspection (Pre-Trip Inspection — pre-operational check of the refrigeration unit) and can be further used for food storage, pharmaceutical products, or anything requiring a constant temperature. The most common sizes are 20ft and 40ft HC.
Special Containers
For specific needs, there are also less common types:
- Open Top — a container with an openable roof, ideal for top loading (construction material, machinery)
- Flat Rack — a foldable end and a solid floor without walls, suitable for oversized cargo
- Multi-Door — a container with doors on both ends and on the side for easier access
How to Assess the Quality of a Decommissioned Container Before Purchase
The quality of a decommissioned shipping container is judged not by age, but by technical condition. A five-year-old container may be in worse condition than a fifteen-year-old one — it depends on how many journeys it has completed and how it was maintained.
Quality Grades
Three main grades are used in the industry, defining what the container is still suitable for:
- CW (Cargo Worthy) — The container meets CSC standards (International Convention for Safe Containers) and is certified for further maritime transport. The doors seal, the floor is solid, and the structure shows no signs of damage. This is the highest grade for a decommissioned container.
- WWT (Wind & Water Tight) — The container is fully resistant to wind and water, making it safe for storage. It may have cosmetic defects — surface rust, minor dents on the walls, scratched paint — but nothing leaks inside. For most customers, this is the ideal price-to-quality ratio.
- AS-IS — Sold as it stands. No warranty, no repairs. Suitable for projects where appearance or tightness does not matter, or for DIY enthusiasts who will repair the container themselves.
How the Container Purchase Works
Purchasing a decommissioned shipping container from the Hamburg depot is a simple process. We do not rent containers — we sell them. The customer arranges their own transport after purchase.
Step by Step: From Order to Pickup
- Container selection — Browse our current offer further down this page. Each container lists the type, dimensions, quality grade, and price.
- Inquiry and reservation — Contact us. We will confirm the availability of your selected unit and send you the exact depot address including opening hours.
- Payment — After paying the invoice, the container is ready for pickup.
- Pickup at the depot — You arrive with your own low-loader or with a contracted carrier. The depot will load the container for you — they have handling equipment (forklift, reachstacker).
- Transport — You leave the depot with the loaded container. Don’t forget that the container is an oversized load — you need the appropriate transport permit (in both Germany and the Czech Republic).
Transporting a Container from Hamburg to the Czech Republic — Options and Tips
You have three basic transport options:
- Your own low-loader — if you have a truck with a low-loader and the appropriate driving license, you can transport the container yourself. Don’t forget the permit for oversized cargo.
- Hiring a carrier — the price for transporting a 20-foot container from Hamburg to Prague is approximately between €400–700, depending on current fuel prices and carrier availability. For a 40-foot container, allow €500–900.
- Combination with other cargo — some carriers offer lower rates if they are going to Hamburg to pick up other cargo and use the return trip. It’s worth asking about this option.
Indicative Prices of Decommissioned Shipping Containers
The prices of decommissioned shipping containers depend on the current market situation, the condition of the container, and the season. Below we provide indicative ranges within which prices commonly fall. The specific current offer with exact prices can always be found further down this page.
| Container type | Condition | Indicative price (excluding transport) |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft standard | WWT | €800–1,500 |
| 20ft standard | CW | €1,200–1,900 |
| 40ft standard | WWT | €1,200–2,200 |
| 40ft standard | CW | €1,600–2,800 |
| 40ft High Cube | WWT | €1,400–2,500 |
| 20ft refrigerated (reefer) | WWT | €2,000–4,500 |
| 40ft HC refrigerated (reefer) | WWT | €2,500–5,500 |
| Office container | modified | From €3,000 |
The prices in the table are for the container only. Transport from Hamburg to your destination must be added.
HZ-Containers has the option of selling shipping containers directly at the Hamburg depot, so the middleman is eliminated. You pay a fair price without intermediary markups.
Container Depot vs. Terminal vs. Port — Explanation of Terms
When buying a container, it is good to understand the basic logistics terminology. The terms port, terminal, and depot are often confused, but they mean completely different things.
Port (e.g., the Port of Hamburg) is an extensive complex on the coast — it includes terminals, depots, customs offices, repair shops, warehouses, and much other infrastructure. It is an entire “logistics city.”
Terminal is a transshipment point within the port, where ships are unloaded and loaded. Containers are moved there from ships to trains, trucks, or other ships. Containers do not stay long at the terminal — it is a transit point.
Depot is a place where containers are stored, maintained, and repaired in the long term. This is exactly where you can calmly inspect, open, and check a container. The depot also offers additional services — cleaning, minor repairs, technical condition checks.
When you buy a container from HZ-Containers, you buy it from a depot. This means it is stored on a paved area, accessible for inspection, and ready for immediate pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Types of Decommissioned Containers Are Available in Hamburg?
At the Hamburg depot, HZ-Containers offers for sale standard storage containers 20ft, 40ft, and 40ft HC, refrigerated containers (reefer), special containers (Open Top, Flat Rack), and office or residential containers. The offer is continually updated — currently available units can always be found in the list below.
How Much Does a Decommissioned 20-Foot Shipping Container Cost?
The indicative price of a decommissioned 20-foot container in WWT (wind & water tight) condition is between €800 and €1,500. For a container in CW (cargo worthy) quality, you will pay €1,200 to €1,900. Transport must be added to the price.
How Much Does a Decommissioned 40-Foot Shipping Container Cost?
A decommissioned 40-foot container in WWT is approximately €1,200–2,200, the High Cube variant is €1,400–2,500. CW quality means a price in the range of €1,600–2,800. Prices fluctuate depending on the season and the condition of the specific unit.
How Can I Pick Up a Container from the Hamburg Depot?
You have three options: your own low-loader (you need a truck and an oversized load permit), hiring a carrier (approximately €400–900 depending on container size), or using the return trip of a carrier already going from Hamburg to the Czech Republic with spare capacity.
What Is the Difference Between CW and WWT Quality in a Decommissioned Container?
CW (Cargo Worthy) means that the container has a valid CSC certification and is suitable for further maritime transport. WWT (Wind & Water Tight) is fully resistant to wind and water, but does not have to meet the certification requirements for sea transport. For storage, WWT is fully sufficient and more cost-effective.
How Soon Is the Container Ready for Pickup After Ordering?
After paying the invoice, the container is usually ready for pickup within 5–7 days. The depot has wide opening hours (usually Monday to Friday, approximately 6:00 to 21:00), so pickup can be planned flexibly.
How Far Is Hamburg from the Czech Republic and How Long Does the Journey Take?
From Prague to Hamburg it is approximately 650 km, the journey by car takes about 7 hours. From Brno, allow a distance of around 780 km and 8–9 hours of driving. The route follows the D8, A13, A2, and A7 highways. A truck with a low-loader needs 1–2 hours more for the journey.
Hamburg, Germany 
WITHOUT SHIPPING 
