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Hapag-Lloyd Takes 25% Stake in Maasvlakte II

[ August 21, 2026   //   Gary Burrows ]

The investment will give Hapag-Lloyd long-term capacity at the expanding Maasvlakte II terminal, a key European hub for the Gemini Cooperation.

Hapag-Lloyd has agreed to acquire a 25 percent stake in APM Terminals Maasvlakte II in Rotterdam, strengthening the carrier’s access to automated terminal capacity at a key European hub for its Gemini Cooperation with Maersk.

APM Terminals, the terminal-operating subsidiary of A.P. Moller-Maersk, will retain operational control following the transaction. Financial terms were not disclosed, and completion remains subject to regulatory approval.

Hapag-Lloyd said the investment would secure long-term handling capacity in Rotterdam and advance the terminal strategy of its Hanseatic Global Terminals division.

“The terminal is a key element for Gemini Cooperation and fits well with our strategy to build a stronger terminal portfolio in core markets,” said Dheeraj Bhatia, Hapag-Lloyd’s chief technology and information officer and CEO of Hanseatic Global Terminals.

Maasvlakte II has operated since 2015 and is undergoing a major expansion intended to double its annual handling capacity from about 2.7 million 20-foot equivalent units to 5.4 million TEUs.

The project includes an additional 1,000 meters of deep-sea berth, bringing the terminal’s total deep-sea berth length to 2,000 meters. It will also add yard capacity, four rail tracks, automated terminal tractors and other automated equipment.

APM Terminals CEO Keith Svendsen described Hapag-Lloyd’s investment as a vote of confidence in a facility central to both Rotterdam and the Gemini network.

The equity agreement further integrates the two Gemini partners’ operations in Rotterdam. Maersk’s terminal subsidiary will continue to run the facility, while Hapag-Lloyd will gain an ownership interest and long-term access to its expanded capacity.

The companies did not disclose Hapag-Lloyd’s governance rights, any associated cargo-volume commitments or the expected closing date.

Tags: A.P. Moller-Maersk, APM Terminals, Gemini Cooperation, Hapag-Lloyd