The study examines fertiliser loading in German ports and its potential impact on the environment. The aim of this study is to examine the loading of fertiliser in Germany's ports with regard to a possible environmentally hazardous discharge of fertiliser into water bodies, to identify the best available technology or the best available environmental practice, and subsequently to develop practicable improvement measures for the proper, loss-reducing handling of unpackaged fertiliser in the port. The study is addressed to all North Sea and Baltic Sea ports handling fertilizers, authorities and non-governmental organizations as well as the interested public.