Hamburg, April 5, 2026 – The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) opposition in Hamburg is demanding more transparency from the Senate regarding the promised increase in cargo handling by the Swiss shipping company MSC at the Port of Hamburg’s HHLA terminals. This demand follows the Senate’s announcement in 2023 of MSC’s entry into the port operator HHLA, which was expected to bring a new upswing for the port.
CDU Calls for Concrete Figures on MSC Throughput
A central part of the agreement was MSC’s commitment to bring more cargo to Hamburg. The CDU opposition is now calling for greater transparency on this specific point. The Senate had previously announced that MSC would “significantly expand its cargo handling at the HHLA terminals in Hamburg starting in 2025.”
MSC Chief Remains Vague on Specifics
Nils Kahn, head of MSC Germany, remained coy about specific figures in an interview with NDR 90.3. “We significantly exceeded the agreement for last year. And then there are milestones that we will also reach, just like the target. But I ask for your understanding that I cannot go into concrete figures,” Kahn stated.
Senate Provides Some Details in Response to CDU Inquiry
The Senate provided slightly more concrete information in response to a small CDU inquiry. MSC had committed to a minimum of 375,000 standard containers for the past year, a commitment that was more than fulfilled. By 2031, the agreement between the city and MSC stipulates a minimum of one million containers. A few weeks ago, Senator for Economic Affairs Melanie Leonhard stated in the Economic Committee that these were additional cargo volumes.
Antonia Goldner, port policy spokesperson for the CDU parliamentary group, is urging the Senate to clarify the specific figures. Goldner emphasized that a “partnership at eye level” also requires transparency at eye level.
MSC Brings More Containers Than Agreed
The Swiss shipping company acquired a controversial 49 percent stake in the port operator HHLA, making commitments regarding cargo volumes as part of the deal.
Further Developments Related to MSC’s Involvement
In related news, the draft for MSC’s new German headquarters in Hafencity has been completed. The bright building is designed to stand half in the water of the Ericusgraben. The head of MSC Germany intends to open the new building to the people of Hamburg.
The entry of MSC into the Port of Hamburg has now been finalized, with the City of Hamburg having definitively transferred a portion of its shares in the port operator HHLA to the Swiss shipping company MSC.
This topic was broadcast on NDR 90.3 | NDR 90.3 Aktuell | 04.03.2026 | 10:00 AM.
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