Global Gateway Project Development
Preparing Port and Transport Projects for Investment and Implementation
The EU Global Gateway framework is driving new opportunities for sustainable transport and infrastructure projects worldwide. Many project ideas have strong market potential but require a clear development pathway, robust market evidence, financial justification and implementation planning before they can progress further.
The Institute of Shipping Economics and Logistics (ISL) and HPC Hamburg Port Consulting support partners throughout the entire project lifecycle - from funding and consortium development to technical and market feasibility studies, stakeholder engagement and implementation support. By combining maritime research, market intelligence and hands-on port consulting expertise, we help structure, assess and prepare projects for investment decisions and successful implementation.
Why Project Preparation Matters
Developing a successful infrastructure project requires more than a promising idea.
Stakeholders increasingly need:
- Robust market assessments and traffic forecasts
- Feasibility studies and operational concepts
- Business cases and models
- Implementation planning
Strong project preparation improves decision-making and strengthens the foundation for investment discussions.
Challenges Many Infrastructure Projects Face
Port, transport and logistics projects often face similar challenges on the path from concept to implementation
- Limited project readiness: Projects are still at concept stage and require validation before funding and investment.
- Insufficient market evidence: Robust demand projections and economic justification are missing.
- Unclear implementation pathways: Roles, governance structures
and delivery mechanisms are often not yet clearly defined. - Funding and investment readiness: Projects need stronger technical, economic, financial and institutional preparation before entering formal discussions.
What HPC and ISL Bring Together
HPC and ISL combine maritime research, market intelligence and hands-on port consulting to help partners turn project ideas into credible, investment-ready concepts. The partnership combines complementary strengths covering the full project preparation cycle.
| ISL | HPC |
|---|---|
| 70+ years applied maritime research | 50 years of international consulting experience |
| Maritime market and data intelligence | Port and terminal expertise |
| Sustainability expertise | Transport and logistics advisory |
| Advanced modelling and software solutions | Digital transformation and operational optimisation experience |
| Experience in European research and innovation programmes | Hands-on implementation experience |
How We Support Partners
From early project assessment to implementation planning, HPC and ISL support partners throughout the development process:
Market Analysis & Demand Assessment
Traffic forecasts, market studies and demand analysis.
Feasibility Studies
Technical, operational, environmental and economic assessment.
Port & Infrastructure Master Planning
Development strategies, capacity assessments and long-term planning.
Business Cases & Investment Readiness
Financial modelling, cost-benefit analysis and project structuring.
Project Development and Funding Support
Transforming concepts into actionable projects.
Implementation and Delivery Advisory
Operational and delivery support throughout implementation.
Typical Project Areas
Examples of the project types addressed through joint HPC and ISL project preparation and advisory services.
Port Development
Port expansion, modernisation and capacity enhancement.
Terminal Development
Operational improvements and terminal transformation.
Transport Corridors
Regional connectivity, multimodal transport development and international trade corridors.
Rail and Hinterland Connectivity
Integrated rail, road and inland waterway connections linking ports with their hinterland.
Sustainable Infrastructure
Decarbonisation, climate resilience, alternative fuels, energy infrastructure and sustainable transport systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this only relevant for Global Gateway projects?
No. While the current Global Gateway framework provides additional momentum, the services support project development and investment readiness more broadly.
Can HPC and ISL secure funding for my project?
HPC and ISL support partners in identifying funding opportunities and preparing strong, investment-ready projects and funding applications. While funding decisions remain with the respective funding organisations, we help maximise your project's chances of success.
At which stage should we engage?
From early project ideas through to detailed project preparation and implementation support.
Which organisations typically work with HPC and ISL?
Port authorities, terminal operators, transport organisations, public authorities and infrastructure stakeholders.
What are the criteria to be cofinanced by Global Gateway?
The project should meet the major Global Gateway criteria on sustainability, capacity building, regional job creation, corridor development and strategic partnership. It should also explain logistical benefits for EU countries, support for EU companies’ business activities and enhancement of EU trade exchange with the relevant country.
How long does it take to present a project proposal to the Global Gateway programme?
As soon as HPC / ISL and the relevant international Global Gateway project applicant have identified the relevant project including supporting national EU representatives, a project description can be submitted to the Global Gateway body.
What difference can HPC and ISL make?
HPC and ISL complementary combine EU program know-how with extensive experiences in port and transport projects in Global Gateway relevant countries. Hence, we can speed up the process of relevant GG project identification.
Let's Explore Your Project Opportunity
Whether you are planning a new (greenfield) infrastructure project or modernising existing (brownfield) port, transport and logistics infrastructure, HPC and ISL support you in assessing opportunities and preparing projects for funding, investment and implementation.