Hanseatic Global Terminals chooses Rotterdam for global headquarters
Hanseatic Global Terminals is rapidly establishing itself as a force in international port operations. Already operating 21 terminals in 11 countries across five continents, the company has chosen Rotterdam as the base for its global headquarters. From this strategic location, Hanseatic Global Terminals aims to further expand its footprint to reach 30 terminals by 2030, evolving into a global terminal operator.
Hanseatic Global Terminal’s choice for Rotterdam was not coincidental, but strategic: Rotterdam offers the neutrality, connectivity, and talent depth necessary for a business that quite literally connects the world. As Dheeraj Bhatia, CEO Hanseatic Global Terminals, puts it, “Headquartered in Rotterdam, the gateway of Europe, our terminals build bridges between markets, cultures, and opportunities.”
Header photo: Danny Cornelissen, Port Pictures
Why did Hanseatic Global Terminals choose Rotterdam?
Hanseatic Global Terminals was founded in 2023 to drive Hapag-Lloyd’s Terminals & Infrastructure division. In choosing the location for their new HQ, Rotterdam’s reputation and position in maritime logistics were a decisive factor. The company emphasises that it deliberately chose the city for three specific reasons: its professionally run and independent port ecosystem, its central position in global trade flows, and its ability to attract worldclass maritime talent. As Bhatia mentions, “Rotterdam is universally recognised as an independent, professionally run port ecosystem.” This independence and efficiency provide the stable foundation an international terminal operator needs when coordinating operations across multiple regions and time zones. The city’s unparalleled global connectivity, serving as Europe’s largest port and gateway to 500 million consumers, further strengthens the company’s ability to manage a multicontinental network.
Photo: Mr Dheeraj Bhatia, CEO of Hanseatic Global Terminals
“Rotterdam is universally recognised as an independent, professionally run port ecosystem.”
Strategic base, fuelling long‑term ambitions
Hanseatic Global Terminals’ Strategy 2030 is clear: expand its terminal portfolio from 21 today to roughly 30 by the end of the decade. Rotterdam serves not only as the company’s headquarters but as a strategic vantage point from which global expansion plans are shaped, assessed, and executed. The location enables seamless collaboration with industry partners, logistics innovators, and knowledge institutions. This fits naturally with the city’s strong international profile and aligns directly with Rotterdam’s unique ability to offer an open, collaborative business environment for companies in maritime logistics. Bhatia further highlights that “Rotterdam is the centre of global trade flows as Europe’s largest port and gateway to 500 million consumers.”
“Rotterdam is the centre of global trade flows as Europe’s largest port and gateway to 500 million consumers.”
Contributing to Rotterdam’s business ecosystem
Hanseatic Global Terminals’ presence in Rotterdam is not only operational, it’s also community driven. The company invests actively in the city’s business and knowledge ecosystem, by bringing global executives, board members, and key stakeholders to Rotterdam for leadership meetings and strategic sessions. It also strengthens local networks through participation in maritime events, supplier relationships, and potential sponsorships. Bhatia explains, “We are investing in the city and its reputation in a few key areas: business, community, and knowledge and skills.” Hanseatic Global Terminals’ efforts include exploring partnerships with universities and maritime institutes and supporting programmes that develop future logistics and maritime talent, contributing to Rotterdam’s position as a leading knowledge hub for the sector.
Supporting Rotterdam’s long‑term maritime leadership
Hanseatic Global Terminals also sees itself as an ambassador for the city’s maritime excellence. Its global operations are tightly connected to Rotterdam’s reputation as a logistics and supply chain powerhouse, and the company is committed to projecting that leadership internationally. Bhatia shares, “As a global terminal operator, Hanseatic Global Terminals is carrying the city’s and the Port of Rotterdam’s reputation for excellence to ports worldwide.” Their long-term commitment strengthens Rotterdam’s global role and helps shape how port logistics evolve, particularly in areas such as efficiency, digitalisation, and operational innovation.
Talent and connectivity as key advantages
Rotterdam’s strengths its logistics ecosystem, talent availability, and international connectivity making it a compelling choice for companies looking to grow in Europe. Bhatia expresses this succinctly: “Rotterdam attracts international professionals who want to work in maritime and logistics. For us, the city offers the right mix of infrastructure and opportunity to support a multinational workforce and run high impact global operations.” This aligns closely with one of Rotterdam’s core USPs: its deep pool of specialised maritime and logistics talent, supported by recognised research institutions and a vibrant international community.
“For Hanseatic, the city offers the right mix of infrastructure and opportunity to support a multinational workforce and run high impact global operations.”
Long term commitment
Hanseatic Global Terminals is committed to Rotterdam for the long term. Through continued investments in business growth, community engagement, and talent development, the company seeks to strengthen Rotterdam’s position as a global maritime leader while expanding its own footprint across continents. As Bhatia puts it: “Hanseatic Global Terminals is committed to Rotterdam for the long term. We are investing in business growth, community engagement, and knowledge partnerships.”
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