The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has set its sights on a strategic revival of Hamburg Port. In a groundbreaking proposal, MSC is seeking to acquire a substantial 49.9% stake in Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft (HHLA), a prominent terminal operator located in Hamburg, Germany. This audacious move is fortified by a binding Memorandum of Understanding with the city of Hamburg, which currently holds the majority share in HHLA.
In an effort to transform Hamburg into a pivotal hub within its global network, MSC, the largest player in the shipping industry, has announced ambitious plans. Starting in 2025, they intend to significantly boost container volume in Hamburg, with the goal of reaching an impressive 1 million TEUs annually by 2031.
As part of their proposal, MSC is offering to relocate its German headquarters, employing approximately 500 people, to Hamburg, further strengthening their commitment to the region.
Hamburg Port has been grappling with a decline in container volumes, attributed to various factors, including the conflict in Ukraine and increased competition from ports in Rotterdam and Antwerp. In 2023 alone, Hamburg experienced a substantial 11.7% drop in container volumes.
MSC’s proposal includes a stock exchange offer to acquire all outstanding A shares of HHLA at 16.75 Euros per share, reflecting a substantial 57% premium over the average trading price of the stock in the past 30 days. If accepted, this deal would grant MSC nearly half of the company, with the city of Hamburg retaining a 50.1% ownership stake. The total value of this offer stands at a staggering $1.4 billion, with HHLA’s estimated overall value approximated at $2.8 billion.
This groundbreaking news sent shockwaves through the industry, resulting in a nearly 50% surge in HHLA’s share price. The official response from HHLA is pending, pending a thorough review and evaluation by their Supervisory and Executive boards, a process expected to take around four weeks. Furthermore, the acquisition and partnership will require approval from the Hamburg parliament.
The proposal has ignited intense discussions and reactions among influential figures in Hamburg. Notably, Klaus-Michael Kühne, who controls Kuehne + Nagel and holds a significant stake in Hapag-Lloyd, expressed his interest in taking control of HHLA, either through his holding company or in partnership with Hapag-Lloyd. However, as of now, no formal bid has been made.
Hapag-Lloyd’s CEO, Rolf Habben Jansen, emphasized that while the company may not bid for HHLA, they could consider diverting business away from Hamburg if the deal proceeds.
Thomas Eckelmann, representing the Eurokai Group, a rival of HHLA, is also considering submitting a counteroffer to MSC on the same terms. The potential fallout from this deal could see significant shifts in business among Hamburg’s port operators.
Meanwhile, workers from the Ver.di trade union have scheduled a demonstration to voice their concerns about the deal, asserting that HHLA belongs to the city’s citizens and criticizing the lack of transparency in the negotiations.
MSC’s bold move has dominated discussions at Germany’s National Maritime Conference, sparking conversations about the future of Hamburg Port and its role in the global shipping industry. While challenges and uncertainties lie ahead, this proposal marks a significant development in the maritime landscape.
