- A substantial number of individuals participated in a protest opposing the MSC-Deal.
Shortly before the Hamburg Parliament's decision on MSC's entry into logistics company HHLA, hundreds of individuals protested against the arrangement. They assembled at the docking stations, subsequently marching towards the Town Hall and the HHLA headquarters in Hafencity. The authorities initially couldn't provide an exact participant count, but estimates suggested around 500 attendees. From Verdi's standpoint, MSC's involvement could potentially jeopardize jobs not only at HHLA but also at other port companies such as overall port operations and lashing operations. Furthermore, MSC would obtain significant veto powers through the agreement.
Besides Verdi symbols, several banners and slogans from radical left-wing organizations like DKP or MLPD, along with anarchists, were noticeable during the gathering. The demonstrators vocalized chants such as "Our port, our city, stop the MSC deal!" and "Long live international solidarity!". Some protesters wore Palestinian keffiyehs, while others displayed slogans like "Freedom for Palestine!". Police officers in protective gear accompanied the demonstration.
Hamburg's red-green Government aims to invite Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) to strengthen Hamburg Port and Logistics AG (HHLA) and container handling. The city will maintain 50.1% of the shares, with MSC controlling the remaining 49.9%. Earlier, the city held approximately 70% of the shares, with the rest in public circulation.
As a trade-off, MSC intends to boost its cargo volume at HHLA terminals starting from next year, aiming to escalate it to nearly 1 million standard containers per year by 2031. The Swiss shipping firm also seeks to construct a new German headquarters in Hamburg and, in collaboration with the city, increase HHLA's equity capital by 450 million euros.
Secure outcome for the vote on the agreement
Originally, the Parliament was scheduled to vote on the agreement during its final session before the summer break. However, as the opposition postponed the final second reading, this will now take place during the first session following the summer break on September 4. Given the two-thirds red-green majority in parliament, a decision consistent with the Government's wishes seems imminent.
ThePort city of Hamburg is home to Hafencity, where the HHLA headquarters resides and where the protests against MSC's entry into HHLA took place. Despite the protests, the red-green Government aims to invite MSC to strengthen Hamburg Port and Logistics AG (HHLA).
