Hapag-Lloyd, the German container shipping giant, has completed the acquisition of a 25% stake in APM Terminals Maasvlakte II in Rotterdam. This deal, announced on Friday, helps strengthen the company's relationship with Maersk at one of Europe's most advanced container terminals.
Unconditional Approval from Antitrust Authorities
The transaction was completed after receiving unconditional approval from antitrust authorities and provides Hapag-Lloyd with long-term access to container loading capacity at this automated facility. The financial details of the agreement have not been disclosed.
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APM Terminals, owned by Maersk, holds 75% of this terminal and is responsible for its operational control. This terminal serves as a key European hub for the Gemini collaboration, a shipping partnership between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd that was launched in February 2025.
Terminal Capacity Expansion
This acquisition, first announced in August, comes as the terminal undergoes a major expansion to increase its annual loading capacity to approximately 5.4 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU). Dheeraj Bhatia, Head of Terminal and Infrastructure at Hapag-Lloyd and CEO of Hanseatic Global Terminals, stated, "We are very pleased to have completed this deal and become a stakeholder in Maasvlakte II."
He added, "Together with APM Terminals, we will eagerly continue to support the ongoing growth and development of this terminal, creating long-term value for our customers and enhancing Rotterdam's role as a major European gateway."
Details of Terminal Expansion
The Maasvlakte II terminal, which began operations in 2015, is one of the most automated container facilities in the world. Current expansions include a 1,000-meter deep-sea quay, doubling the total berthing length to 2,000 meters, as well as increasing yard capacity, adding four additional rail lines, and more automated equipment.
This investment also advances Hapag-Lloyd's overall strategy to expand its terminal business through Hanseatic Global Terminals, established in 2023. This division currently holds stakes in 24 marine terminals worldwide and aims to reach around 30 investments by 2030.
Collaboration to Improve Planning Reliability
For Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk, this agreement aligns their terminal interests at a major gateway for the Gemini network, designed to improve planning reliability. Harold Kunst, CEO of APM Terminals Maasvlakte II, stated that Hapag-Lloyd's partnership will support the terminal's expansion while maintaining a focus on serving all customers.
He added, "Hapag-Lloyd's partnership as a stakeholder supports the long-term growth of the terminal and our ongoing expansion, while our focus remains on maintaining safety and reliability for all customers and providing the additional capacity and performance they require."
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