Hapag-Lloyd announced on Thursday, November 5, that antitrust authorities had given unconditional approval for its acquisition of a 25 per cent stake in APM Terminals Maasvlakte II in Rotterdam, which has now been completed.
The carrier said the investment secures long-term access to terminal handling capacity. The stake joins the terminal portfolio managed by Hanseatic Global Terminals (HGT).
The agreement was announced in August. The parties did not disclose financial details, and APM Terminals retains operational control of the terminal, which has been in operation since 2015.
Maasvlakte II is a key European hub for the Gemini Cooperation between Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk. "The terminal is a key element for Gemini Cooperation and fits well with our strategy to build a stronger terminal portfolio in core markets," said Dheeraj Bhatia, chief terminal and infrastructure officer of Hapag-Lloyd and CEO of HGT, when the agreement was announced.
Terminal managing director Harold Kunst said the facility would continue to serve all its customers.
The ongoing expansion adds 1,000 metres of deep-sea berth for a total of 2,000 metres. It also adds yard capacity, truck and rail transfer zones, four rail tracks and further automation, including a planned fleet of 30 terminal tractors that are electric and automated.
Annual handling capacity is expected to reach approximately 5.4 million TEU on completion, with the first phase scheduled to be finished by the end of 2026.
HGT holds stakes in 24 marine terminals. Its earlier deals include a majority stake in a Le Havre terminal operator and a planned 20 per cent stake in Eurogate Container Terminal Hamburg.