Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) has decided to invest in a Ukrainian terminal, acquiring 60% of the shares in Eurobridge Intermodal Terminal LLC in Batiovo, western Ukraine.
The terminal will be operated under the name “HHLA Eurobridge Batiovo” as a joint venture between HHLA International GmbH and the Ukrainian investment company Fortior Capital LLC.
The German operator will acquire the majority stake and will continue to develop the terminal together with its rail subsidiary METRANS.
The transaction is still subject to approval by the Ukrainian competition authorities, according to HHLA’s statement.
Angela Titzrath, CEO of HHLA, stated: “HHLA has been active in Ukraine for over 20 years – we are committed to strengthening and purposefully expanding this engagement. Ukraine is and remains an important growth market with great potential for intermodal freight transport. Especially in challenging times, an efficient and reliable infrastructure is of central importance. The aim is to create a strong intermodal corridor between the EU and Ukraine, thereby contributing to economic integration – building bridges, as the name Eurobridge aptly describes.”
The HHLA Eurobridge Batiovo terminal is located near the EU border at a central intersection of several international railway corridors, making it an important hub for freight traffic between Ukraine, Hungary and Slovakia.
Thanks to its access to standard gauge (1,435 mm) and broad gauge (1,520 mm) tracks, the terminal serves as an interface between the European and Ukrainian logistics networks. In the first stage of expansion, the terminal will be able to handle around 100,000 TEUs per year and is designed for the transhipment of containers, grain and other general cargo.
Capacity can be expanded if demand requires, noted HHLA.
Philip Sweens, Managing Director of HHLA International GmbH, said: “The Eurobridge Terminal is currently undergoing extensive modernisation – a bulk cargo terminal is being transformed into an intermodal hub for container transport. Container operations are scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of 2025. At the same time, we are expanding our service portfolio to offer customers comprehensive, efficient and sustainable logistics solutions.”
Peter Kiss, CEO of METRANS, commented: “With our Europe-wide rail network and experience from operating 20 terminals, we are making a significant contribution to integrating the Eurobridge Terminal into the European logistics network. By connecting the terminal to the METRANS network, we will be able to offer our customers even more attractive transport solutions to Ukraine in the future.”
With its stake in the Eurobridge Terminal, HHLA is strengthening its existing commitment in Ukraine, which already includes the operation of the HHLA Container Terminal Odessa and the local rail operator UIC Ukraine Intermodal Company (UIC).
