The City of Hamburg has been selected by the ERTICO ITS Europe Supervisory Board as the host for the 28th edition of the ITS World Congress in 2021, having beaten three other European cities bidding to hold the event.
The official announcement was made during the 2017 World Congress (October 29-November 2) in Montreal, Canada, with the German city hosting the event when it returns to Europe following the 25th World Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark, next year. Singapore will represent the Asia Pacific region in 2019, and Los Angeles will host for the Americas in 2020. The 28th ITS World Congress in October 2021, will focus on four themes: automated and connected driving, MaaS Mobility-as-a-Service, ports and logistics, and intelligent infrastructure. Hamburg’s bid received the support of over 100 partners in Europe, including national government, local authorities, and National ITS Associations. ERTICO will now start working with the city other interested parties to define the program of over 300 sessions for the showpiece event.
With 1.8 million inhabitants, Hamburg is Germany’s second largest city and the biggest non-capital city in the EU. Over five million people live in the metropolitan region, and although it is sited 68 miles (110km) up the River Elbe, Hamburg is home to Europe’s third largest port, with the city placing great importance on the use of smart logistics solutions for efficient goods transport. Reflecting its membership of the medieval Hanseatic League as a major financial center, the city’s transport network combines high-performing public transport, car sharing, e-mobility and rental city bikes. Several partnerships with industry are currently developing intelligent urban mobility and smart logistics systems, with some of the projects to be showcased during the Congress.
“We are excited to officially announce that the City of Hamburg will host the 28th ITS World Congress in 2021,” said Jacob Bangsgaard, CEO of ERTICO ITS Europe. “Hamburg had an exceptional proposal which highlighted the incredible developments of the city in finding smart mobility solutions through their ITS strategic plan. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration with the city and all the other partners involved.”
Frank Horch, Senator for Economy, Transport and Innovation at the City of Hamburg, commented, “We are very proud of hosting the World Congress in 2021. The City of Hamburg is very ambitions and wants to become Germany’s model city for urban mobility and logistics solutions. Thanks to all who supported our bid. We will work hard to confirm your confidence.”
