MSC's TIL Secures Deal for New Container Terminal in Aarhus

Terminal Investment Limited (TIL), the port operations arm of Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC), has reached an agreement with Denmark's largest commercial port, Aarhus, to establish a new container terminal.

The Swiss-based shipping giant, under the leadership of Danish CEO Søren Toft, will take over the Ominterminal area at the port, which is scheduled for full development by 2027. TIL plans to lease approximately 170,000 square meters for its facility.

Aarhus, Denmark’s largest container port, handles more than 70% of the country’s container traffic. While APM Terminals, owned by Maersk, already operates a terminal in Aarhus capable of accommodating ships with a capacity of up to 20,000 TEU, recent reports suggest that Maersk's ports division has been competing with MSC’s growing presence at the port, where MSC also has its Danish headquarters.

In early 2024, MSC will part ways with Maersk in their 2M vessel-sharing agreement and begin operating independently. In response, Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd will exit THE Alliance to join Maersk in a new partnership known as the Gemini Cooperation.

Earlier this month, MSC informed its clients about the structure of its new independent services, which differ significantly from the Maersk-Hapag partnership, especially in terms of coverage in Denmark.

Despite the changes, MSC will continue to make direct calls to Aarhus from Asia in 2025, whereas Maersk will no longer do so once the Gemini Cooperation takes effect.

"Port of Aarhus offers a good location for the future network plans we have made. We will be introducing a direct mainliner between Asia and Aarhus next year, and in combination with our own terminal, we can provide our customers with a practical logistics solution,” said MSC CEO Søren Toft.

Toft also indicated that MSC is considering other routes that could benefit Danish businesses in the long term and is open to additional investment if more areas at the port are developed.

Aarhus Port CEO, Thomas Haber Borch, commented on the deal, noting that with two of Denmark's largest container terminals now located in Aarhus, the agreement provides businesses with enhanced global trading opportunities, strengthens competitiveness, and supports the Danish supply chain for the benefit of both businesses and the country as a whole.