In a move that significantly strengthens Hapag-Lloyd´s position in the African market, the shipping major has acquired all the shares of NileDutch.
The Dutch shipping company, which provides container services from and to West Africa, is present in 85 locations across the world and has 16 own offices in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Singapore, China, Angola, Congo and Cameroon.
With 10 liner services, around 35 000 TEUs of transport capacity, and a container fleet of around 80 000 TEUs, the company connects Europe, Asia and Latin America with West and South Africa. Headquartered in Rotterdam, NileDutch has some 350 employees worldwide with particular expertise in the African market.
“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,” said Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd.
The move would provide customers with a denser network from and to Africa and a higher frequency of sailings, he added. “We hope that together we can further develop our business in Africa in the years to come.”
Wim van Aalst, president of NileDutch, added: “Combining our business and expertise in West Africa with Hapag-Lloyd´s worldwide network will enable us to take the next step and further develop the Africa business.”
The completion of the transaction is subject to the approval of the responsible antitrust authorities.
