Institute of Labour and Economy (IAW),University of Bremen

Being based in the port city of Bremen, IAW brings with it several prestigious supporters - or unofficial partners - to Dryport. These include:

• Bremen-based Eurogate, one of the biggest stevedoring companies in Europe;
• Bremen Ports, the 100% public enterprise which operates all Bremen and Bremerhaven ports;
• Bremen Federal State's ministry of commerce and ports; and
• Germany's national ministry of transport.

All are strong supporters of IAW's involvement in Dryport and are getting involved in discussions and activities within the project.

IAW brings a whole new dimension to Dryport. Issues surrounding the work/life balance of both company and employee are the focal point of IAW's extensive research programme; this includes issues such as governance problems, conflict management, how private enterprise and public authorities can work together; and developing the optimum rules and regulations for modern economic development in the region.

IAW is planning looking to do a comparison of case studies involving port expansions and how these fit in with the local business and residential communities.

Bremen and Bremerhaven, Europe's fourth largest container port, handled 4.5 million teu in 2009, despite an 18.5% fall in throughput due to the economic downturn. Bremerhaven is also Europe's number one vehicle handling port.

Plans have been announced to develop an onshore and offshore energy cluster at the port. This would include a dedicated terminal for the offshore industry, targeting in particular Germany's plans for at least 23 wind farms in the North Sea and another nine in the Baltic.

The Dryport project is of particular interest for Bremen and Bremerhaven because the twin ports are surrounded by the city and nature preservation areas, so have limited space for future expansion.

Alternative solutions are being considered and the Dryport project is of particular interest in this context.