HHLA prepares for “difficult” 2014
Hamburger Hafen und Logistik (HHLA) is expanding its market position with strong 2013 results but says achieving 2014 results that are on par with the previous year “remains an ambitious target”.
For 2013, the container terminal operator saw container throughout rise by 4.4% to 7.5 million teu as its North Range market share increased to 20.4%. Container transport by rail also rose, while group revenue went up to €1.155bn – a result of being “well prepared for the challenges of a difficult market environment”.
HHLA says current 2014 forecasts concerning economic growth, container throughput and container transport suggest a “restrained” general trend for volumes. Despite this, the company expects a slight rise in revenue and the operating result to be in the range of €138m to €158m (2013 operating result was €158m).
“The market environment remains difficult – not least due to current infrastructure deficits relating to the Port of Hamburg’s seaward accessibility,” said Klaus-Dieter Peters, chairman, HHLA’s Executive Board.
“Furthermore, consolidation processes in the liner shipping industry will lead to increasingly volatile volumes. The situation is made more complicated by the uncertainty surrounding events in Ukraine and potential negative impacts on trade with Russia,” he added.
HHLA says it intends to strengthen its position in the handling of mega-ships and expects container handling volumes to marginally increase.
It operates three container terminals in Hamburg (Altenwerder, Burchardkai, and Tollerort) and one in Odessa through its subsidiary HPC Ukraina.
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