MSC Acquires Stake in Hamburg Port, Boosting Northern Europe's Container Industry

MSC Acquires Stake in hamburg Port, Boosting Northern Europe's Container Industry

Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC), the largest container shipping company in the world, has completed its purchase of a 49.9% stake in Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft (HHLA), the main terminal operator in Hamburg's port. The remaining 50.1% stake is held by the city of Hamburg. This move reshapes the container port landscape in northern Europe.

Soren Toft, MSC’s CEO, highlighted the importance of Hamburg’s port as the "Gateway to the World" and MSC’s commitment to maintaining its tradition and responsibility by helping expand its global reach.

As part of the agreement, msc has promised to handle at least 1 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually at HHLA’s terminals starting from 2031. Additionally, MSC and Hamburg will invest EUR 450 million ($475.6 million) to support necessary upgrades at the port.

MSC also plans to build its new German headquarters in Hamburg’s HafenCity, aiming to employ around 700 people. Construction is set to begin in 2026.