- Chechen: Concerns about MSC deal not substantial
Hamburg's Mayor Peter Tschentscher dismisses the concerns of the opposition against the entry of shipping company MSC into the harbor logistics company HHLA as unfounded. "There are few substantial concerns. They are only being raised very loudly and, above all, with partisan calculation," the SPD politician told the German Press Agency. The details of this transaction have been discussed in six committee meetings over nine months. "It's quite strange that the opposition still can't make up its mind on this issue."
Tschentscher was particularly annoyed by the opposition's refusal to hold the second and final reading of the law necessary for the deal in the last parliamentary session before the summer break. "Imagine, the CDU is joining forces with the Left Party and AfD to delay a crucial transaction for the harbor by several more months, even though they know that HHLA is already in the red zone." The final vote is now scheduled for September 4, and given the two-thirds majority of the red-green coalition in the parliament, there is no doubt that a decision will be made in line with the Senate's wishes.
Shipping company MSC is set to acquire 49.9 percent of the harbor logistics company HHLA in order to stabilize the Hamburg Hafen and Logistik AG (HHLA) and its container handling. The city will retain 50.1 percent, and MSC will hold 49.9 percent. Previously, the city owned around 70 percent, with the rest in free float.
In exchange, MSC plans to increase its cargo volume at HHLA terminals from next year, aiming to almost double it to one million standard containers per year by 2031. The Swiss shipping company also plans to build a new German headquarters in Hamburg and increase HHLA's equity capital by 450 million euros together with the city.
Tschentscher said, "I am convinced that we are now taking an important step that will move the harbor and HHLA forward." Looking at the planned contract duration of at least 40 years, the SPD politician said there are exit clauses in case MSC fails to keep its promises. He described the contract as very well-negotiated and had only positive things to say about MSC. "MSC has already taken steps in the spirit of cooperation even before the contracts become legally binding," said Tschentscher.
There are significant concerns about the deal. Port workers have taken to the streets, expressed their anger at demonstrations, and even threatened a wildcat strike after HHLA's board and supervisory board also approved the deal. Works councils, the Verdi union, and experts have warned of a "historic mistake" in expert hearings. According to the document, mass layoffs, significant changes in the number of employees, or leaving the employers' associations are not expected to happen within the first five years. However, critics are convinced that this will happen afterwards.
The CDU, along with the Left Party and AfD, has been criticized by Mayor Tschentscher for delaying the second reading of a crucial law necessary for MSC's entry into HHLA, potentially causing further delays for several months. Despite the red-green coalition having a two-thirds majority in the parliament, the CDU's actions have been viewed as obstructionist towards the proposed deal with MSC.
The CDU's stance against the CDU's participation in the deal with MSC and HHLA has been a point of contention in recent discussions, with the CDU being seen as potentially undermining the city's efforts to stabilize Hamburg Hafen and Logistik AG (HHLA) and its container handling.
