APM Terminals and Eurogate will invest EUR1 billion (US$1.2 billion) to modernise the North Sea Terminal Bremerhaven, reports London's S&P Global.

The 50:50 joint venture will expand capacity from three million TEU to four million TEU and transform the site into Germany's first automated zero-emission terminal. Maersk chief executive Vincent Clerc said the investment aims to strengthen supply chain resilience and make the facility one of the most competitive in Europe's North Range.

No timeline has been given for completion. The project includes electrification of equipment and use of renewable electricity, subject to approval by German regulators.

Eurogate chairman Michael Blach said the investment shows confidence in Bremerhaven's long-term role in global trade. He urged the federal government to accelerate the deepening of the Outer Weser River to 13.5 metres, allowing larger ships to reach the port without tidal restrictions.

Bremerhaven is a key hub in the Gemini Cooperation network of Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, where partners have operational control of terminals.