Hapag-Lloyd is seeing rising export volumes in Italy and aims to further strengthen its market position. The Hamburg-based shipping company has a particularly strong presence at the Port of Genoa. New Suez routes are also set to boost business.
The Hamburg-based container shipping company Hapag-Lloyd is continuing to expand its presence in the Italian market. According to the company, export volumes handled via Italy have risen by more than 20 per cent since 2021. The shipping company also expects significant year-on-year growth for 2026.
The focus of its Italian business is particularly on routes to North America. The USA, Canada and Mexico are among the most important export markets. Furthermore, according to Hapag-Lloyd, it also has a strong presence on routes to Latin America and Asia.
The Port of Genoa as a strategic bottleneck
The Port of Genoa is of particular importance. There, the shipping company achieves market shares on key trade routes that exceed the Italian national average. According to the company, Hapag-Lloyd is now the port’s largest container customer.
On this basis, the shipping company intends to further expand its activities in northern Italy. At the same time, it aims to strengthen its market position in southern Italy and its presence in the Adriatic region.
Return to the Suez Canal set to improve connections
Hapag-Lloyd expects the planned resumption of sailings through the Suez Canal to provide a positive boost to its Italian business. Despite the ongoing tensions in the Red Sea, the company says it has decided to resume using the route through the Canal on four services between Europe and the Far East. This is expected to improve sailing frequencies and connectivity to the Italian market.
Order book full to bursting
At the same time, Hapag-Lloyd is pressing ahead with the modernisation of its fleet. There are currently 32 newbuilds on order. A key focus is on alternative propulsion technologies. According to the company, 50 vessels in the existing fleet are already capable of running on fuels other than conventional marine fuel.
“The company has an established presence in the Italian market and is closely monitoring geopolitical developments in the Middle East and the Black Sea,” explains Filippo Cimellaro, Managing Director of Hapag-Lloyd Area Italy. The shipping company aims to respond to new market developments at an early stage, adapt to changing conditions and further strengthen its position in Southern Europe.
