Hapag-Lloyd establishes Rotterdam-based ports division

German carrier forms terminal holding to enhance operations

{reg}Hapag-Lloyd, a prominent global carrier, is following industry trends by creating a dedicated ports division based in Rotterdam.

Dheeraj Bhatia, slated to join the executive board as of next year, will assume responsibility for Hapag-Lloyd's terminals. Simultaneously, he will lead the newly established Hapag-Lloyd Terminal Holding in Rotterdam, where the carrier's infrastructure assets will be consolidated.

In this strategic move, Hapag-Lloyd joins the ranks of other major carriers such as MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, and COSCO, all of whom have established separate ports divisions.

Drewry's latest Global Container Terminal Operators Annual Review and Forecast report, published in July, highlighted the increasing involvement of global carriers in terminal operations. Eleanor Hadland, the report's author and Drewry's senior analyst for ports and terminals, anticipates a rise in the number of Global Terminal Operators (GTOs) due to heightened merger and privatization activities. Hapag Lloyd, along with ONE, Adani, and Abu Dhabi Ports Group, is set to feature prominently in the upcoming GTO league tables.

This strategic maneuver positions Hapag-Lloyd for enhanced efficiency and competitiveness within the global container shipping industry.[/reg]