With this declaration, Hamburg and Liverpool have reaffirmed their plans for deeper academic, cultural and economic cooperation in a range of sectors from logistics and maritime transformation to digitalisation and climate adaptation, as well as exploring benefits to tourism and trade.

The declaration also strengthens Hamburg’s and Liverpool City Region’s international visibility as well as German-British relations in the wake of the signing of the Kensington Treaty last July.

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram and Hamburg’s First Mayor Dr. Peter Tschentscher signing a Joint Declaration of Intent aboard Hamburg’s civic ship – the Rickmer Rickmers – to strengthen academic, cultural and economic ties

Mayor of Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram said:

“Liverpool and Hamburg are proud port regions with a shared maritime and cultural history and a shared determination to shape the future. This Joint Declaration of Intent turns our common heritage into practical collaboration that will improve the future of our citizens, businesses and the environment.

“Both regions know what it means to reinvent ourselves, moving from traditional industry to innovation-led growth. By working together on green shipping, digitalisation and artificial intelligence, we will exchange expertise, attract investment and support high-quality jobs on both sides of the North Sea.

With this Declaration of Intent, Hamburg and the Liverpool City Region formally reaffirm their existing partnership and establish a common framework for future investments.

Both port regions share the experience of reinventing themselves economically, technologically and urbanistically – a common thread that forms a solid foundation for cooperation. The thematic areas of economy, maritime transformation, digitalisation and climate adaptation, which Hamburg has defined as political priorities, offer a natural starting point for concrete cooperation projects with Liverpool City Region.

The focus of practical implementation is promoting green shipping, further automating port processes, and innovations in the public sector. Particular attention is being paid to the use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in education, as well as joint strategies for adapting to climate change.

“The newly‑ratified Kensington Treaty sets an ambitious framework for closer UK–Germany cooperation – and the partnership between Hamburg and Liverpool is a great example of that cooperation being turned into practical action.

“This Joint Declaration of Intent builds on deep historic ties and channels them into collaboration on shared priorities: from maritime transformation and green shipping to digitalisation, AI, innovation and climate adaptation.

“My warm congratulations to Mayor Dr. Peter Tschentscher and Mayor Steve Rotheram on this important step, which strengthens links between our communities and supports long‑term prosperity on both sides of the North Sea.”

Liverpool City Region is Hamburg’s official partner for this weekend’s 837th Port Festival – Hafengeburtstag – which is expected to attract a million people and is the world’s largest celebration of its type.

As well as helping open the festival, Mayor Rotheram yesterday signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding between the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and the Artificial Intelligence Center Hamburg (ARIC) to develop a trans-European AI supercluster and to share best practice on the development and adoption of Quantum Technologies.

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram and ARIC CEO Alois Krtil at the signing of an MOU in Hamburg to develop a trans-European AI supercluster

Both Liverpool City Region and Hamburg have strong maritime histories with their famous ports serving as gateways to the world – for goods, ideas, and people. They are also global centres for innovation and world leading strengths in AI and life sciences.

The Liverpool City Region delegation includes businesses, universities and cultural organisations which have been engaged in talks with German counterparts during the visit.

Both city regions also share a musical legacy – with The Beatles spending two years honing their skills in Hamburg. An exhibition in Hamburg’s City Hall, entitled ‘Harbour Cities – Global Stages’, is showcasing rare photographs and letters from the five original members of The Beatles and highlighting the many facets of the friendship between Hamburg and Liverpool.