The Port of Hamburg, number nine among the biggest in the world, is facing a rapid growth in container traffic. New terminals are being built in the western part of the harbour, while other parts are declining. Since the 1980's efforts were made to bring urban development to the waterfront. The first project was the so called "Perlenkette an der Elbe". Buildings along the 6 km long strip are almost completed and show a great variety of uses. People are attracted to the waterfront by historic ships, shopping facilities, promenades, tourist attractions and special events. A project of outstanding international interest is the HafenCity. It will extend the city center of Hamburg by 40 % or 155 hectares. Between the historic warehouses of the Speicherstadt and River Elbe, a new maritime quarter is under construction with a cosmopolitan mix of apartments, offices, shops, and facilities for culture, leisure and tourism. The Elb-Philharmonie will be the new symbol for the growing city of Hamburg.