Sponsored By

Hapag-Lloyd continues container consolidation with NileDutch acquisition

Continuing the trend of consolidation in container shipping Hapag-Lloyd has acquired Africa specialist NileDutch.

Marcus Hand, Editor

March 18, 2021

1 Min Read
HLAG Rolf Habben Jansen 013 edit 150x100mm 300dpi
Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-LloydPhoto: Hapag-Lloyd

Hapag-Lloyd is acquiring 100% of the shares in NileDutch from Rotterdam-based Nile Dutch Investments in a deal of undisclosed value.

The move to acquire NileDutch sees Hapag-Lloyd continuing its strategy of growth through consolidation, in particular with lines operating in niche trading sectors. Past mergers and acquisitions including CP Ships, Compañía Sud Americana de Vapores (CSAV) and United Arab Shipping Company (UASC). It also continues the wider trend of consolidation in the container shipping sector.

“Africa is an important strategic growth market for Hapag-Lloyd. The acquisition of NileDutch strengthens our position in West Africa and will be an excellent addition to our existing activities on the continent. Our combined customer base will benefit from a denser network from and to Africa as well as from a much higher frequency of sailings,” said Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd.

In size terms the acquisition is relatively small in terms of its overall impact on the global container shipping market. NileDutch operates 10 regular liner services with a capacity of around 35,000 teu and a fleet of around 80,000 teu of containers.

The German line has been building up its Africa business recently opening an office in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, and in Lagos, Nigeria last September. NileDutch has 16 own offices in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Singapore, China, Angola, Congo and Cameroon.

Related:Hapag-Lloyd opens new office Kenyan capital Nairobi

“Combining our business and expertise in West Africa with Hapag-Lloyd´s worldwide network will enable us to make the next step and further develop the Africa business,” said Wim van Aaist, President of NileDutch.”

The deal is subject to approval from regulatory and anti-trust authorities and Hapag-Lloyd did not give an expected date of completion.

 

Read more about:

Hapag Lloyd

About the Author

Marcus Hand

Editor

Marcus Hand is the editor of Seatrade Maritime News and a dedicated maritime journalist with over two decades of experience covering the shipping industry in Asia.

Marcus is also an experienced industry commentator and has chaired many conferences and round tables. Before joining Seatrade at the beginning of 2010, Marcus worked for the shipping industry journal Lloyd's List for a decade and before that the Singapore Business Times covering shipping and aviation.

In November 2022, Marcus was announced as a member of the Board of Advisors to the Singapore Journal of Maritime Talent and Technology (SJMTT) to help bring together thought leadership around the key areas of talent and technology.

Marcus is the founder of the Seatrade Maritime Podcast that delivers commentary, opinions and conversations on shipping's most important topics.

Conferences & Webinars

Marcus Hand regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

Get the latest maritime news, analysis and more delivered to your inbox
Join 12,000+ members of the maritime community

You May Also Like