Hanseatic Global Terminals Acquires Majority Stake in CNMP LH Terminal in Le Havre

Hanseatic Global Terminals (HGT), the terminal operating subsidiary of ocean carrier Hapag-Lloyd, has acquired a 60% stake in CNMP LH, which operates the Atlantique container terminal in Le Havre, France. This strategic move strengthens HGT’s presence in one of Europe’s top 10 ports and marks a significant step in its terminal expansion strategy.

The remaining 40% stake in CNMP LH will be retained by Seafrigo Group, a specialist in temperature-controlled food logistics. While the financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, industry analysts anticipate a growth in container throughput at the terminal, particularly in the reefer container segment.

Le Havre, France’s premier maritime gateway, handles approximately 3 million TEU annually and serves as a vital link to Paris. HGT’s CEO, Dheeraj Bhatia, highlighted the strategic importance of the acquisition, stating, “By acquiring a majority stake in the CNMP LH terminal in Le Havre, we are strengthening our position in one of our core European markets and paving the way for targeted investments to enhance efficiency.”

Strategic Expansion and Partnership

The acquisition aligns with HGT’s Strategy 2030, which aims to expand its terminal portfolio from 21 terminals to more than 30 by the end of the decade. Operating globally from Rotterdam, HGT currently maintains operations in 12 countries across four continents, including significant presence in Latin America, Florida, and India.

Seafrigo Group President Eric Barbé welcomed the partnership, expressing enthusiasm for the collaboration with Hanseatic Global Terminals to modernize the CNMP LH terminal in Le Havre. This partnership signifies a shared commitment to innovation and operational excellence in terminal operations.

Industry Trends and Global Expansion

The acquisition comes amidst Hapag-Lloyd’s continued expansion of its terminal operations. The company recently formed the Gemini Partnership with Maersk, signaling strategic shifts in container shipping alliances. Major shipping lines are increasingly investing in terminal infrastructure to secure supply chains and enhance operational efficiency in key maritime gateways.

Notably, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, the world’s largest ocean carrier, partnered with BlackRock to acquire an 80% stake in Hutchison Ports Holding for $22.8 billion, marking the largest port terminal acquisition in history. This acquisition extends MSC’s control to 43 container terminals outside China and Hong Kong, reinforcing the trend of significant investments in terminal infrastructure.