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DP World seals 10-year extension with Hapag-Lloyd at Santos
Dubai-based global logistics giant DP World has signed a 10-year contract extension with German liner Hapag-Lloyd, solidifying one of the longest-running partnerships at Brazil’s Port of Santos — the country’s largest sea freight and container shipping hub.
The new deal ensures that Hapag-Lloyd vessels will continue to call at DP World’s multipurpose terminal in Santos well into the 2030s, marking a full decade of uninterrupted cooperation since the two companies first joined forces in 2014.
Strategic Expansion to Boost Sea Freight Capacity
The renewal coincides with DP World’s $190 million terminal expansion project in Santos, designed to expand the quay length to 1,290 meters and increase annual handling capacity to 1.7 million TEU by 2026.
In 2024, DP World handled a record 1.25 million TEU, a 14% year-on-year increase — a reflection of the port’s growing importance to Brazil’s international sea freight trade. Once completed, the expansion will enable Santos to accommodate larger container vessels, reduce turnaround times, and improve efficiency for key global customers such as Hapag-Lloyd.
Strengthening Global Shipping Partnerships
According to Fabio Siccherino, CEO of DP World Brazil, the contract renewal emphasizes the strategic role of Santos as a gateway for South American trade.
“This renewal highlights the strength of our partnership and the key role Santos plays as a gateway for Brazilian trade,” Siccherino said. “With our expansion and new equipment, we’re ensuring we can meet growing demand while delivering reliability, efficiency, and sustainability.”
Earlier in March, DP World also signed a long-term deal with Maersk to expand container services in Brazil, underscoring its wider plan to secure long-term partnerships with major ocean carriers and strengthen its foothold in Latin America’s sea freight sector.
Hapag-Lloyd’s Commitment to Brazil
Hapag-Lloyd’s Senior Vice President for Brazil, Luigi Ferrini, praised the deal as a milestone for the company’s regional operations.
“This agreement reinforces our commitment to the Brazilian market and strengthens our global partnership with DP World,” Ferrini said. “It will help enhance service quality and reliability for our customers throughout the region.”
The renewal further integrates DP World and Hapag-Lloyd’s global logistics networks, facilitating smoother cargo flows between South America, Europe, and Asia — all critical trade lanes for containerized sea freight.
