Hapag-Lloyd targets 1.7mn TEU across Africa by 2030

Hapag-Lloyd is celebrating two decades of operations in South Africa, marking a significant milestone in one of its longest-established African markets as the shipping company accelerates its expansion across the continent

The anniversary comes as the company's annual transport volumes in Africa exceeded 1 million TEU for the first time in 2026. Operating across 27 African countries, Hapag-Lloyd is targeting 1.7 million TEU in annual transport volumes by 2030.

The company established its first dedicated South African office in 2006 and has since expanded its local presence. Its operations now employ 52 people, serving customers across multiple industries. The 2022 acquisition of Deutsche Afrika-Linien's (DAL) container liner business further strengthened its shipping connections between South Africa, Europe and the Indian Ocean.

"Over the past 20 years, we have built strong relationships with our customers and partners in South Africa. Their trust, together with the commitment and expertise of our local teams, has been essential to our development," said Rogelio Busto, managing director South & East Africa at Hapag-Lloyd. "We want to continue building on these relationships and providing the reliable services our customers need to grow their businesses."

Strengthening its African shipping network

South Africa remains a central part of Hapag-Lloyd's African operations and a platform for its wider continental expansion.

The company's acquisition of NileDutch in 2021 strengthened its position in West Africa, while the establishment of a dedicated Sub-Region Africa in 2024 provided a structure to support the continent's growing importance in its business strategy.

More recently, Hapag-Lloyd expanded its partnership with DP World to secure long-term terminal capacity in Dakar, Luanda and Dar es Salaam. The collaboration also supports infrastructure development in Banana and Maputo, reinforcing the company's regional logistics network.

"Africa is one of our key growth markets, with significant long-term potential. Our priority is to expand our network and capacity in line with customer demand, while maintaining a strong focus on quality and reliability," said Jesper Kanstrup, managing director Sub-Region Africa at Hapag-Lloyd. "The experience we have gained in South Africa will be valuable as we develop our business in other African markets."

To commemorate the milestone, Hapag-Lloyd is hosting events for customers, business partners and employees in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. The celebrations will also feature employee stories recognising the people who have contributed to the company's growth and development in South Africa.