HHLA concerned for employees in Odessa

(Posted on 28/02/22)

The port city of Odessa is affected by the Russian troop invasion of Ukraine. Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) has been operating a terminal there since 2001. Against the background of the current situation, Angela Titzrath, CEO of HHLA, said in Hamburg:

“This is a bitter day for all peace-loving people worldwide. We condemn the invasion of the independent nation Ukraine by Russian troops in the strongest possible terms. This is an act contrary to international law that destroys the security architecture that has been tried and tested in Europe for 30 years.

Our concern and sympathy goes to the people of Ukraine, who are now being drawn into a senseless war. We are particularly concerned about the 480 employees at our terminal in the port of Odessa. The last employees left the port this morning. Previously, they reliably handled two ships that were then able to leave the port. In order to effectively support our employees in this difficult situation, the HHLA Executive Board decided this morning to pay one monthly salary in advance. In this particular situation, our employees can thus stock up on the essential goods accordingly.

HHLA committed itself to Ukraine in the early 2000s, relying on the Helsinki Final Act and other post-Cold War security agreements in Europe. We have since invested about $170 million in the terminal in Odessa. This was also a contribution to securing peace and prosperity in Europe. We have been in close contact with the management in Odessa for days. We have set up a crisis team on site, which coordinates closely with Philip Sweens, Managing Director of HHLA International, here in Hamburg.

Currently, the situation is still confusing, which is why it is in our view still too early to say anything about the possible effects of sanctions or the consequences of war.

Fact is: the port of Odessa was closed this morning by the Ukrainian authorities. All HHLA employees have left the terminal. HHLA as a group is not endangered in its substance by the events in Odessa. Since 2014, trade with Russia has already fallen by a quarter as a result of the Russian occupation of Crimea and the subsequent sanctions imposed.

Martial law now prevails in Ukraine. We must therefore assume that Ukrainian HHLA employees will also be obliged to do military service. The fact that women and children now have to fear for the lives of their husbands and fathers is deeply affecting all HHLA employees. Ports are part of the critical infrastructure. They are essential for the supply. Therefore, we expect our employees to be able to continue their service on land at the terminal.

Our thoughts and solidarity in these hours are with the people of Ukraine and especially the people of Odessa.

Against this background, I join the numerous appeals to the Russian President to immediately stop the attack on Ukraine and to withdraw Russian troops. War has never been a means of resolving conflicts, and it should no longer be a means in the 21st century, bearing in mind the terrible experiences we had here in Europe with two world wars and millions of deaths."

Latest News

IBJ and DBTG founding “Mother” Julia Peckham passes away after short illness

IBJ is sad to announce the news that Julia Peckham has passed away after a short illness. Julia, often... Read more

Bold plan to decarbonize Detroit port operations and improve air quality

The Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority has revealed details of an ambitious programme to dramatically... Read more

Port of Antwerp Bruges' quarterly figures reflect resilience

The total cargo throughput of Port of Antwerp-Bruges amounted to 70.4 million tonnes in the first quarter... Read more

North Sea Port records Q1 cargo throughput decline

Seaborne cargo transhipment at North Sea Port fell by 3.2% in the first quarter of this year compared... Read more

Green light for river access channel to HAROPA’s Port 2000

The Administrative Court in Rouen, France has dismissed a summary motion seeking the suspension of application... Read more

Agreement to develop Al Faw Grand Port and Economic Zone in Iraq

AD Ports Group, Abu Dhabi based facilitator of global trade, logistics and industry, has entered into... Read more

Rotterdam calls on EU to position ports smartly for future-proofing Europe

The European Union faces the challenge of reconciling the transition to a sustainable economy with preserving... Read more

Study: ports not ready to handle onboard captured carbon dioxide

A recent study commissioned by the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD), in collaboration... Read more

ABP pioneers grain-monitoring robot

Spearheading innovation in agricultural storage and safety at work, Associated British Ports (ABP),... Read more

Bilbao hosts intra-European green hydrogen corridor discussions

The Port of Bilbao has hosted a meeting organised by the business agency of the Netherlands, with representatives... Read more