Cuxhaven is a city undergoing radical change. For decades, it was primarily a fishing town—rich in tradition, but with little prospect for the future. Today, the picture is very different: Cuxhaven has developed into a center for the energy transition.

Cuxhaven, 26. August 2025 – Bei einem Besuch der Abgeordneten des Arbeitskreises Häfen und Schifffahrt der CDU-Fraktion im Niedersächsischen Landtag, an dem auch die wichtigsten Vertreter der Hafenwirtschaftsgemeinschaft Cuxhaven (HWG) teilnahmen, wurde deutlich, wie stark sich die Stadt in den vergangenen Jahren gewandelt hat. Besichtigt wurde unter anderem das Werk von Siemens Gamesa – Symbol und Motor des Aufschwungs zugleich.

“Every square meter is worth its weight in gold.”

Mayor Uwe Santjer emphasized the importance of the port areas, describing them as “worth their weight in gold.” The city has identified 132 hectares that will be developed gradually. Long considered a shrinking municipality, Cuxhaven is now growing again, with almost 50,000 people living there today. Where kindergartens were once closed, new ones are being built; where residential buildings were demolished, new ones are now being constructed. “The port development is giving our city a new face,” says Santjer – and he doesn't just mean the skyline along the waterfront.

High tech on the quay

The extent to which the industry has changed was evident at the Siemens Gamesa plant. Wind turbines are manufactured there that are so large that they can only be moved via the port: nacelles weighing 650 tons. “The port connection is indispensable for us,” explains plant manager Christian Ettl. Without it, neither production nor worldwide shipping could be organized.

Billions for the location

For the Cuxhaven Port Authority, this development is impressive proof of the successful structural change. “From a fishing port to an international energy hub – Cuxhaven is a success story,” says its chairman, Captain Arne Ehlers. One billion euros has already been invested in the site, and further projects worth an additional billion are currently being implemented. New heavy-duty areas, additional pier lengths, and an industrial park covering more than one million square meters are planned to meet the growing demand.

“What is happening here is important not only for Germany, but for the whole world,” emphasizes Ehlers. A large proportion of the nacelles are exported to Europe, Asia, and America.

A port with a future

Cuxhaven is thus a prime example of the transformation of a port city. Its seafaring tradition has given rise to a modern location for future energy – with jobs, investment, and international significance.