Germany has blocked Chinese shipping group COSCO’s planned acquisition of an 80% stake in German logistics company Konrad Zippel, citing national security concerns and the need to protect critical supply chains.
COSCO ups involvement in Hamburg with planned takeover of Konrad Zippel
The decision, announced on 7 October, prevents the Chinese state-owned group from expanding its presence in Germany’s container logistics sector through the proposed takeover.
According to Reuters and German public broadcaster ARD, the German Ministry for Economic Affairs confirmed that the government had prohibited the transaction following an investment review.
German government raises security concerns
The decision reflects concerns over foreign control of logistics infrastructure and services considered important to Germany’s supply chains.
Konrad Zippel operates in container hinterland transport, providing logistics services that connect seaports with inland destinations through road and rail networks.
Its activities include operations linked to the major German container gateways of Hamburg and Bremerhaven.
The proposed acquisition had previously received clearance from Germany’s Federal Cartel Office in February 2026.
However, competition approval does not prevent the government from conducting a separate foreign investment review based on national security considerations.
The government’s latest decision means that the planned transaction cannot proceed under its proposed terms.
COSCO’s presence in Hamburg
The blocked acquisition comes as COSCO continues to maintain a significant presence in Germany’s maritime and logistics sector.
The Chinese shipping group already holds a 24.99% stake in Container Terminal Tollerort at the Port of Hamburg, following a transaction that also attracted political scrutiny in Germany.
The proposed acquisition of Konrad Zippel would have expanded COSCO’s involvement beyond container terminal operations into inland container transport and related logistics services.
Such activities form an important part of the transport network connecting German seaports with industrial and commercial centres across Europe.
Zippel operations continue
Despite the government’s decision, Konrad Zippel’s existing business activities are continuing.
The blocked transaction highlights the increasing scrutiny applied to foreign investment in European transport and logistics infrastructure, particularly where national security and supply chain resilience are involved.
For COSCO, the decision represents a setback to its planned expansion in Germany’s hinterland logistics market.
