AP Moller Capital Bets $2bn on Global Ports—Here’s the Play
Singapore’s Portek, with 7 terminals across 3 continents, joins the Danish fund’s $2bn infrastructure push.
A.P. A.P. Moller Capital has acquired Singapore-based Portek International, a cargo port terminal operator with seven terminals across Africa, Asia and Europe, in a move that bolsters its $2 billion port investment portfolio. A.P. A.P. Moller Capital investor, part of the A.P. Moller Group, announced the 100% acquisition from Japanese trading giant Mitsui & Co.
Portek, founded in 1988, handles approximately 700,000 containers, seven million tonnes of bulk cargo, and 90,000 vehicles annually. Its terminals span Algeria, Gabon, Indonesia, Latvia, Malta, and Vietnam, with a significant indirect stake in the Vietnam International Container Terminal (VICT) in Ho Chi Minh City. The company also provides port engineering and maintenance services from its bases in Singapore and Indonesia, employing around 1,400 people.
Portek is a strong fit with A.P. A.P. Moller Capital’s investment strategy and active owner philosophy: port infrastructure
Semih Gökmen, Partner at A.P. Moller Capital, described Portek as a “strong fit” with the firm’s investment philosophy. “It is an established business with a diversified portfolio of port operations serving important trade flows across three continents, supported by experienced local operating teams,” he said in a statement.
A.P. Møller-Maersk
“Portek is a strong fit with our investment strategy and active owner philosophy. It is an established business with a diversified portfolio of port operations serving important trade flows across three continents, supported by experienced local operating teams.”
Semih Gökmen·Partner at A.P. A.P. Moller Capital
The deal follows A.P. A.P. Moller Capital’s recent acquisitions of a majority stake in Euroports Group, which operates over 50 terminals in Europe and China, and a 51% stake in Spanish port operator BERGÉ. The latter, announced in February 2025, aims to position BERGÉ as the leading multipurpose port infrastructure company in Iberia and Latin America. With regulatory approval secured, A.P. A.P. Moller Capital is now accelerating its expansion into global port infrastructure.
What the acquisition means for Portek’s terminals
A.P. A.P. Moller Capital plans to work closely with Portek’s local teams to enhance operational performance, governance, safety, and environmental standards.
In Vietnam, Portek’s indirect stake in the Vietnam International Container Terminal (VICT) in Ho Chi Minh City positions A.P. Moller Capital in one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing container markets. VICT is a premier container port project, reflecting Portek’s strategic focus on high-growth trade corridors.
The acquisition also includes terminals in Indonesia, Latvia, and Malta, further diversifying A.P. A.P. Moller Capital’s geographic exposure. These assets complement A.P. A.P. Moller Capital’s existing portfolio, which includes Euroports’ network of deep-sea and inland terminals across Europe and China.
A.P. A.P. Moller Capital’s post-acquisition strategy for Portek will focus on several key areas: operational efficiency, governance, safety, capital discipline, and environmental performance. Emissions reduction planning is a particular priority, reflecting the maritime industry’s shift toward decarbonisation. The firm’s active ownership model emphasises collaboration with local teams to drive improvements, rather than imposing top-down changes. This approach has been central to its previous acquisitions, including Euroports and BERGÉ.
The deal underscores the growing attractiveness of port infrastructure as an investment class. Driven by rising global trade volumes and supply chain diversification, ports have become a focal point for institutional investors seeking stable, long-term returns.
A.P. A.P. Moller Capital, controlled by the Maersk family group through A.P. Moller Holding, is leveraging its maritime heritage to build a global port network that spans Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. With its latest acquisition, the firm is positioning itself as a major player in the emerging markets port sector, where demand for modern, efficient terminals is surging.
For the shipping industry, A.P. A.P. Moller Capital’s expansion signals increased competition for port assets, particularly in high-growth regions. As trade flows shift and new trade corridors emerge, investors are increasingly targeting ports that can serve as critical nodes in global supply chains.
Portek’s terminals, with their strategic locations and diversified cargo handling capabilities, are well-placed to benefit from these trends. The acquisition also highlights the role of private equity in modernising port infrastructure, as firms like A.P. A.P. Moller Capital inject capital and expertise to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
Looking ahead, A.P. A.P. Moller Capital is expected to continue its acquisition spree, with a focus on ports that offer scalability and alignment with global trade patterns. The firm’s growing portfolio, which now includes over 60 terminals worldwide, reflects its ambition to become a leading global port operator.
For Portek, the acquisition provides access to A.P. A.P. Moller Capital’s financial resources and operational expertise, enabling further expansion and modernisation of its terminals. As the maritime industry evolves, the integration of Portek’s assets into A.P. A.P. Moller Capital’s portfolio will be closely watched by investors and industry stakeholders alike.
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