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COSCO takes full control of tank container venture with German partner exit

China’s COSCO Shipping group has moved to expand its footprint in the specialised tank container market by acquiring the remaining 50% stake in its German joint venture with VTG Tanktainer.

The agreement, announced on 12 February, sees COSCO become the sole owner of the business formerly known as Shanghai COSCO VTG Tanktainer. Following the buy-out of German partner VTG Tanktainer’s share, the entity has been renamed Shanghai COSCO Shipping Tanktainer.

Tank containers are vital for transporting liquid and bulk chemicals, foodstuffs and gases, and integration with traditional dry container services underlines COSCO’s strategic ambitions to broaden its logistics portfolio.

The state-owned shipping giant, which operates one of the world’s largest container fleets, has identified “synergies” between dry and tank container operations that could strengthen its competitive position globally.

This move makes COSCO Shipping Lines the first major container shipping line with direct ownership of tank container assets, signalling a push into more diversified transport solutions beyond standard box freight.

It comes amid broader industry shifts, as carriers seek to enhance service offerings and control more of the end-to-end supply chain.

The acquisition aligns with COSCO’s ongoing efforts to integrate complementary logistics services and could support growth in specialised cargo segments.