The Bundeskartellamt has approved the acquisition of 49% of shares in thyssenkrupp Steel Logistics by the Port of Duisburg (duisport) to establish a joint venture. Thyssenkrupp Steel Logistics currently provides port services for thyssenkrupp Steel Europe in the Lower Rhine ports, but the new partnership aims to open up handling capacities to third parties.

The competition authority found that duisport's participation in the thyssenkrupp ports will not significantly enhance its market position as a port operator, as there are numerous competitors in the downstream cargo handling markets in the region. The joint venture is not expected to create a dominant position for duisport or hinder competition.

Despite being the operator of the world's largest inland port, duisport will have limited access to thyssenkrupp's port infrastructure under the joint venture. The majority of the ports' infrastructure will continue to serve thyssenkrupp's needs, with third-party cargo handling projected to have a minimal impact on duisport's market position.

Due to the significant turnovers of the involved parties, the merger was initially subject to European Commission notification. However, due to its regional focus, the parties requested the Bundeskartellamt to review the transaction. Following the approval by the German authority, the Commission transferred the merger control examination to the Bundeskartellamt in April 2024.