Hamburg Port Operator HHLA Expands Business in Ukraine

Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) is expanding its business activities in Ukraine through its rail subsidiary Metrans.

The logistics group announced on Wednesday that HHLA will acquire a majority stake in the Eurobridge Intermodal Terminal in Batjowo, western Ukraine. Currently functioning as a bulk cargo terminal, the facility is set to be transformed into an international hub for container transport. With this investment, HHLA aims to strengthen its position in European rail freight. The 60 percent stake in a joint venture with investment company Fortior Capital, based in Kyiv, is still subject to approval by Ukrainian antitrust authorities. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

The terminal is located in the far west of Ukraine, directly on the border with Slovakia and Hungary. According to HHLA, it serves as a key junction for several international railway corridors. Container handling operations are scheduled to begin at the terminal by the end of the year, with potential for expansion if demand warrants.

The so-called intermodal business--transporting cargo between ports and hinterland via rail and road--is playing an increasingly significant role at HHLA, thanks to the growth of its rail subsidiary Metrans. HHLA has been active in Ukraine for over 20 years and operates, among other assets, a terminal in the Black Sea port of Odessa.

"Ukraine is and remains an important growth market with great potential for intermodal freight transport," said HHLA CEO Angela Titzrath. "Especially in challenging times, a powerful and reliable infrastructure is of central importance." The goal, she added, is to create a logistics corridor between the EU and Ukraine, thereby contributing to economic integration.

(Reporting by Elke Ahlswede, edited by Philipp Krach. For inquiries, please contact our editorial team at [e-mail] (for politics and economy) or [e-mail] (for companies and markets).)