Hapag-Lloyd has announced it has signed an official agreement with APM Terminals to acquire a 25% stake in APM Terminals Maasvlakte II B.V.
Once completed, the deal will see both companies support the terminal’s continued development, capacity expansion and operational performance.
The investment itself will also seek to underline the importance of Maasvlakte II as a key Eurpean hub for the Gemini Cooperation between Hapag-Lloyd and A.P. Moller – Maersk.
As part of the transaction, Hapag-Lloyd will secure long-term automated terminal handling capacity, as well as aim to strengthen its worldwide terminal presence, under its Terminals and Infrastructure division Hanseatic Global Terminals (HGT), whilst APM Terminals will retain operational control of Maasvlakte II.
Dheeraj Bhatia, CTIO of Hapag-Lloyd AG and CEO of Hanseatic Global Terminals, said:With the planned investment in Rotterdam, we will further enhance the efficiency and reliability of our network.
The terminal is a key element for the Gemini Cooperation and fits well with our strategy to build a stronger terminal portfolio in core markets.
APMT Terminals Maasvlakte II is currently undergoing a series of major expansions in order to further strengthen its role as a key European gateway, including the addition of 1,000 metres of deeps-sea berth, which will bring the total deep-sea berth length to 2,000 metres, as well as the introduction of additional yard capacity, four extra rail tracks and the deployment of Automated Terminal Tractors (ATTs) and additional automated equipment.
With this new configuration, the terminal is expected to grow towards an annual handling capacity of 5.4 million TEU.
Both parties have agreed not to disclose any financial details of the transaction, with completion subject to approval by the relevant authorities and regulators.
