Hapag-Lloyd is further expanding its position at the Port of Rotterdam. The German shipping line has agreed with APM Terminals to acquire a 25 percent stake in the highly automated Maasvlakte II terminal. However, the purchase is not yet finalized. First, the relevant authorities and regulators must approve the transaction. No information has been disclosed regarding the purchase price. APM Terminals will remain responsible for terminal operations following Hapag-Lloyd's entry. This location is particularly important for Hapag-Lloyd because Maasvlakte II is one of the central European transshipment hubs for the Gemini Cooperation. Gemini is the collaboration between Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk that has existed since 2025. The system relies heavily on a small number of major hubs, from which containers are redistributed by smaller vessels, rail, barge, or truck. At the same time, Maasvlakte II is undergoing significant expansion. An additional 1,000 meters of deep-water quay will be constructed. This will increase the total deep-sea quay length to approximately 2,000 meters. In addition, more storage space, four additional rail tracks, and additional automated vehicles and equipment will be added. Long-term capacity is expected to increase to approximately 5.4 million TEU per year. The deal is also interesting for another reason. Major shipping lines have not been investing solely in vessels for years. They are increasingly acquiring stakes in terminals, logistics companies, and other parts of the transport chain. For Hapag-Lloyd, the stake means above all one thing: securing terminal capacity in the long term at one of Europe's most important container ports. For other shipping lines and independent freight forwarders, it will be interesting to see how this increased integration develops. There are currently no indications that other lines are to be disadvantaged at the terminal. APM Terminals explicitly emphasizes that Maasvlakte II should remain efficient for all customers.