UKRAINE: Hamburger Hafen & Logistik is to acquire a 60% stake in the Eurobridge Intermodal Terminal in Batiovo, which is being developed as a hub for European rail freight.
The terminal is located near Chop at the intersection of international railway corridors between Ukraine, Hungary and Slovakia, with both 1 435 mm and 1 520 mm gauge tracks. It is currently being converted from a bulk freight terminal to handle 100 000 TEU/year of containers as well as grain and other general cargo. Capacity can be further increased if demand requires.
It will be operated as a joint venture between HHLA International and Ukrainian investment company Fortior Capital under the name HHLA Eurobridge Batiovo. ‘Our investment is a clear commitment to Ukraine’s economic and logistical potential’, said Philip Sweens, Managing Director of HHLA International. ‘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 Q4 2025. At the same time, we are expanding our service portfolio.’
Peter Kiss, CEO of HHLA’s rail freight business Metrans, said ‘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.’
The transaction announced on June 4 is subject to Ukrainian regulatory approval.
HHLA currently operates the HHLA Container Terminal Odesa and the local rail operator UIC Ukraine Intermodal Co.
‘Ukraine is and remains an important growth market with great potential for intermodal freight transport’, said HHLA CEO Angela ‘Titzrath. ’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.’
