Global Shipping Before Automated Systems
Before containers reshaped global trade and automation defined port operations, cargo moved to a very different rhythm.
This historical film brings together rare footage from the 1920s and 1930s, offering glimpses into ports around the world – from Hamburg, Cuxhaven and Bremerhaven to New York and loading points in South America.
Captured in black and white, the scenes show ships at berth, bustling docks and the manual work that once powered global shipping. You can see the “Bremen” at the pier in New York and various Hapag and North German Lloyd ships at docks in Curacao, Cartagena and Buenos Aires.
More than a look back, the film is a reminder of how far port operations have evolved since those days. Press play to step into the ports of the past and see how global shipping once moved.
Some materials used in this video are of unclear copyright status. They are shown for editorial purposes under fair use or comparable provisions. If you hold rights or have relevant information, please contact us.
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