Hapag-Lloyd has signed an agreement with APM Terminals to acquire a 25 percent stake in APM Terminals Maasvlakte II B.V., deepening its long-term footprint in Rotterdam and strengthening its global terminal strategy.
What does the partnership involve?
As partners, both companies will support the terminal’s continued development, capacity expansion and operational performance. The investment underlines the importance of Maasvlakte II as a key European hub for the Gemini Cooperation alliance between Hapag-Lloyd and A.P. Moller-Maersk. Through the transaction, Hapag-Lloyd will secure long-term automated terminal handling capacity under its Terminals and Infrastructure division, Hanseatic Global Terminals, while APM Terminals retains operational control of the facility.
What did Hapag-Lloyd say about the investment?
Dheeraj Bhatia, CTIO of Hapag-Lloyd AG and CEO of Hanseatic Global Terminals, said the planned investment in Rotterdam will further enhance the efficiency and reliability of the company’s network, calling the terminal a key element for the Gemini Cooperation that fits well with Hapag-Lloyd’s strategy of building a stronger terminal portfolio in core markets.
What did APM Terminals say about the deal?
Keith Svendsen, CEO of APM Terminals, described Hapag-Lloyd’s investment as a strong vote of confidence in a terminal critical to both the Gemini network and Rotterdam. He said the transaction reflects the close partnership between the two companies and their shared commitment to the terminal’s long-term development, with the ongoing expansion being delivered through close collaboration between the MVII team, the works council and the Port of Rotterdam Authority. Svendsen added that APM Terminals aims to make Maasvlakte II the best terminal in Northern Europe, prioritising safety, quality, delivery and cost while expanding deep-sea berth and TEU capacity to support customer growth over the coming decades.
What expansion is currently underway at the terminal?
APM Terminals Maasvlakte II, operational since 2015, is undergoing a major expansion that includes an additional 1,000 metres of deep-sea berth, bringing total deep-sea berth length to 2,000 metres, along with extra yard capacity, four additional rail tracks and the deployment of Automated Terminal Tractors and further automated equipment. In its new configuration, the terminal is expected to grow toward an annual handling capacity of 5.4 million TEU, enhancing operational resilience and its ability to support future cargo flows through Rotterdam.
What are the terms of the transaction?
The parties have agreed not to disclose financial details of the deal, and completion remains subject to approval by relevant authorities and regulators.
What does this mean for Hapag-Lloyd’s global terminal strategy?
The stake acquisition adds to Hapag-Lloyd’s existing equity positions in 24 marine terminals across Europe, Latin America, the United States, India and North Africa, reinforcing the carrier’s push to secure automated, high-capacity terminal infrastructure at strategically important hubs supporting its global liner network.
