The container carrier ONE, No. 6 in the global market, is taking the next step in the terminal business shortly after a transaction for Busan and is investing in Hutchison’s terminal in Thailand’s largest container port Laemchabang.
The joint venture of the Japanese shipping companies NYK, MOL and K Line today announced a planned deal with the terminal operator Hutchison. Under the deal, ONE will acquire a 30% stake in the Hutchison Laemchabang Terminal (HLT) in Thailand
“HLT is an integral part of Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor and serves as a strategic gateway to Southeast Asia. As the leading deep-water terminal operator in the Port of Laem Chabang, HLT operates the highly automated Terminal D as well as Terminals C1, C2 and A3,” ONE announced. This acquisition secures the carrier long-term access to competitive terminal capacity “and strengthens our presence in this important strategic market”.
For ONE, this is a further step in the terminal market, which has been attracting increasing attention from liner shipping companies in recent years. Just a few days ago, ONE announced that it was entering an automated terminal in Busan, South Korea. ONE is also active in the port business in the USA, Indonesia and Europe’s largest seaport, Rotterdam, among others.
Hiroki Tsujii, Global Chief Officer of ONE’s product and network division, said: “Our investment in HLT is an important milestone in our strategy to secure capacity at key global transshipment hubs. HLT’s industry-leading capabilities and commitment to advanced port technology align perfectly with ONE’s focus on operational excellence and innovation.” The share purchase is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.
