In the global maritime and logistics industry, the MSC Group has finalized its acquisition of a minority stake in Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA). This landmark agreement, achieved through its subsidiary Port of Hamburg Beteiligungsgesellschaft SE, establishes a strategic joint venture with the City of Hamburg. The deal, which successfully cleared all regulatory hurdles, including Hamburg parliamentary approval and international merger control reviews, is poised to reshape operations at Germany’s largest seaport.
Søren Toft, CEO of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A., emphasized the depth of the port’s legacy, referring to Hamburg’s port as a historical “gateway to the world.” In his statement, he reaffirmed MSC’s dedication to maintaining this legacy. “As a family-owned company, we understand this tradition and responsibility,” Toft remarked, adding that MSC plans to “push the gateway to the world further open” by enhancing infrastructure, technology, and competitiveness at HHLA. He also underscored MSC’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights and driving growth for the benefit of Hamburg’s community and economy.
The joint venture positions the City of Hamburg as the majority shareholder with 50.1% of HHLA, while MSC holds the remaining 49.9%. The partnership aims to blend public interest with MSC’s global logistics expertise, ensuring mutual benefits for the port, its workforce, and its global clientele. According to Hamburg’s Senator for Economy and Innovation, Dr. Melanie Leonhard, the alliance aligns with the lessons learned from global maritime trends, highlighting the benefits of networks and partnerships. Leonhard noted that investments in infrastructure, automation, and digitalization would enhance HHLA’s offerings for all stakeholders while ensuring long-term security for its employees.
Under the agreement, MSC has committed to significantly boosting cargo throughput at HHLA’s terminals, with a target of at least 1,000,000 TEU annually by 2031. To support these ambitions, the partnership will invest €450 million in equity for upcoming modernization and development projects. Safeguarding employee rights and fostering an inclusive market environment for all operators at HHLA’s facilities are also central tenets of the agreement.
Further signaling its dedication to Hamburg, MSC plans to establish its new German headquarters in HafenCity, creating approximately 700 jobs. Construction is set to begin in 2026, demonstrating MSC’s long-term commitment to the region.
As HHLA and its stakeholders finalize medium-term business strategies and investment plans, the combined efforts of MSC and Hamburg are set to cement the port’s position as a pivotal hub in global trade.
