Hapag-Lloyd has agreed to acquire a 25% stake in APM Terminals Maasvlakte II in Rotterdam to secure long-term automated handling capacity for its network. Operating through its infrastructure division Hanseatic Global Terminals, Hapag-Lloyd will support the facility’s ongoing expansion while APM Terminals retains full operational control. The strategic investment strengthens Rotterdam’s position as a core European gateway and anchors a vital hub for the Gemini Cooperation between Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk.
Rotterdam, The Netherlands | August 19, 2026 – In a landmark move cementing a major European logistics axis, Hapag-Lloyd has signed an agreement to acquire a 25% stake in APM Terminals Maasvlakte II B.V.
The strategic partnership bolsters Rotterdam’s status as a premier global transshipment hub and directly supports the operational backbone of the Gemini Cooperation between Hapag-Lloyd and A.P. Moller – Maersk.
Key Takeaways
- Strategic Stake: Hapag-Lloyd acquires a 25% ownership share via its specialized terminal and infrastructure division, Hanseatic Global Terminals (HGT), while APM Terminals retains full operational control.
- Gemini Cooperation Anchor: The investment secures long-term automated terminal capacity for the Gemini network, strengthening Hapag-Lloyd’s global terminal portfolio.
- Massive Capacity Expansion: Maasvlakte II is undergoing a major upgrade to reach an annual handling capacity of 5.4 million TEU, featuring an expanded 2,000-meter deep-sea berth layout.
- Regulatory Milestone: Transaction completion remains subject to standard approval from relevant regulatory authorities. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Powering the Gemini Network in Rotterdam
The transaction marks a deepening alignment between two container shipping giants. While APM Terminals will continue to operate the facility, Hapag-Lloyd’s financial and strategic buy-in ensures guaranteed, high-efficiency capacity within Europe’s most vital trading corridor.
Dheeraj Bhatia, CTIO of Hapag-Lloyd AG and CEO of Hanseatic Global Terminals, emphasized the strategic alignment “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.”
Keith Svendsen, CEO of APM Terminals, echoed this sentiment, framing the deal as a testament to shared operational ambition “Hapag-Lloyd’s investment is a strong vote of confidence in a terminal that is critical to the Gemini network and to Rotterdam. APM Terminals remains the operator and our ambition is to make Maasvlakte II the best terminal in Northern Europe for every customer calling it.”
Inside the Maasvlakte II Expansion
Operational since 2015, the Maasvlakte II facility is currently in the middle of a massive expansion blueprint designed to handle future deep-sea volume surges. Key infrastructure upgrades include:
- Berth Expansion: An additional 1,000 meters of deep-sea berth, doubling total length to 2,000 meters.
- Yard & Rail Scaling: Expanded yard storage space alongside four extra rail tracks to optimize intermodal connections.
- Automation Upgrades: Deployment of Automated Terminal Tractors (ATTs) and advanced automated handling equipment to drive terminal efficiency.
Once fully reconfigured, the terminal’s throughput capability will scale toward 5.4 million TEU annually, insulating the supply chain against congestion and bolstering operational resilience across Northern Europe.
About Hapag-Lloyd
With a fleet of 300 modern container ships and a total transport capacity of 2.5 million TEU, Hapag-Lloyd is one of the world’s leading liner shipping companies. In the Liner Shipping segment, the company has 15,200 employees and 400 offices across 140 countries. Hapag-Lloyd has a total container capacity of 3.6 million TEU, including one of the largest and most modern fleets of reefer containers. A total of 129 liner services worldwide ensure fast and reliable connections between 600 ports on all continents. In the Terminal & Infrastructure segment, Hapag-Lloyd holds equity stakes in 24 marine terminals across Europe, Latin America, the United States, India, and North Africa. A total of 4,400 employees are assigned to this segment, providing complementary logistics services at selected locations alongside core terminal activities.
Source: Hapag-Lloyd