MOL acquires LBC Tank Terminals in logistics expansion

MOL has reached an agreement to acquire full ownership of LBC Tank Terminals Group Holding Netherlands Coöperatief UA (LBC) for approximately US$1.7Bn. The acquisition, which remains subject to regulatory approvals, represents MOL’s continued expansion into chemical logistics, integrating onshore tank storage with its existing chemical tanker and container transport businesses. 

An equity internal rate of return of around 10% is expected from the acquisition, according to MOL.

LBC operates seven terminals across major chemical hubs in Europe and the US Gulf Coast, providing a total storage capacity of approximately 3M m³, which serve chemical manufacturers and energy companies, handling liquid chemicals, oil and refined petroleum products. The company has plans to further increase its storage capacity.

The acquisition will allow MOL to offer customers a fully integrated service spanning maritime transport, tank storage and small-lot transport using tank containers.

MOL has been increasing its presence in the chemical logistics sector, having acquired stakes in Nordic Tankers in 2019 and Fairfield Chemical Carriers in 2024.

“With the acquisition of LBC, we are reinforcing our ability to provide total chemical logistics services,” MOL stated. It plans to leverage synergies across its shipping and storage operations, positioning itself as a leading provider in the sector.

MOL further indicated LBC’s assets would support its ambitions in the transport and storage of ammonia and CO2, aligning with anticipated demand for decarbonisation-related logistics solutions.

MOL’s management strategy, outlined in its BLUE ACTION 2035 plan, aims to diversify the company’s portfolio beyond traditional shipping.

“This transaction aligns with our long-term vision to establish a stable revenue base and reduce exposure to market-driven volatility in the shipping sector,” MOL stated.

The deal will also shift a greater portion of the company’s revenues toward non-shipping assets, reinforcing its ambitions to develop into a broader social infrastructure business.

MOL confirmed the acquisition will not affect its previously announced year-end dividend forecast.