The EU Commission has officially approved the entry of the world's largest shipping company, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), into the Hamburg port logistics company HHLA. "The Commission concluded that the proposed merger poses no competition concerns given its limited impact on the markets in which the companies operate," stated the EU Commission.

The decision follows the approval already granted by the Hamburg Parliament in September. The acquisition aims to change the ownership structure of HHLA: The City of Hamburg will hold 50.1 percent, and MSC will take over 49.9 percent, whereas previously approximately 70 percent was publicly owned and the rest was free-floating shares. MSC plans to significantly increase the cargo volume at HHLA terminals starting next year and raise it to nearly one million standard containers per year by 2031. Additionally, a new German headquarters is to be established in Hamburg, and the equity capital of HHLA is to be increased by 450 million euros in cooperation with the city.

Economy Senator Melanie Leonhard (SPD) welcomed the decision: "Following approval by the European Commission and the consent of the Hamburg Parliament, two important milestones for achieving the strategic partnership for the further development of HHLA have been reached." She views this as a positive step for the future of the Port of Hamburg.

Nonetheless, there is criticism. The economic policy spokesperson of the CDU parliamentary group, Götz Wiese, considers the decision to be premature and points to possible impermissible subsidies, as HHLA was sold far below market value. Port expert Norbert Hackbusch from the Left party cautions against interpreting the decision as a political endorsement. Additionally, unions like Verdi are strictly against the deal because they see jobs at HHLA and other port companies as being at risk, and MSC could gain extensive veto rights through the merger. Expert hearings before the deal already warned of a "historical mistake.

Finally, the closing of the deal is still pending as the Ukrainian authorities must agree. The economic authority emphasizes that all execution conditions are met, provided Ukraine gives its consent.