Brexit will remain an unprecedented challenge for the North Sea port long after Britain’s newly agreed deal with the EU begins on January 1, because around 85 per cent of maritime freight to and from Cuxhaven involves the UK. This makes it one of the harbours most affected by Brexit.
Hundreds of Mercedes and BMW cars from German factories await loading onto a ship which has just arrived from the port of Immingham, on the east coast of England.
The ship opens its hatches and unloads Land Rovers, made in Britain, destined for the continental market, as well as metal parts for the construction industry. This takes a few hours before the ship returns to Immingham, some 20 hours away.
In the future Customs Formalities will apply to 85 per cent of exports from Cuxhaven.