Report Profile

Defining the Content for this Report

The Sustainability Report is part of the HHLA Annual Report. The content structure of this Annual Report is regulated by the disclosure obligation for public limited companies as defined by the German Commercial Code (HGB). In addition to details on the financial and economic situation of the company, the report also includes information from HHLA’s sustainability programme, “On Course”. The concept of an integrated report includes annual financial and sustainability reporting. It illustrates the interaction between economic, environmental and social factors and their relevance to the company’s long-term success.

In autumn 2015, HHLA conducted a materiality analysis in the form of an international online stakeholder survey to determine the key sustainability issues. The results of this survey were used to determine the key issues for sustainability reporting. It includes all topics identified as material. see Materiality Analysis

Data Collection and Calculation Methods

Financial Statements and Reports

All data and information for the reporting period was collected from respective units responsible for the information using representative methods. HHLA prepares its Consolidated Financial Statements and its Interim Reports in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). This Annual Report provides further information on IFRS in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. see Note 2: Consolidation Principles

The Separate Financial Statements of HHLA Aktiengesellschaft are prepared in line with the accounting regulations of the German Commercial Code (HGB). The appropriation of profits is based solely on the Separate Financial Statements.

Sustainability Performance Indicators

Sustainability-relevant key figures are fed into the internal management information system on a monthly basis and analysed. The Executive Board receives a corresponding report. The sustainability performance indicators are calculated every year and published in the Management Report section of the Annual Report, having been signed off by the auditors. This ensures the reliability of the data. Data comparability and consistency is guaranteed by complying with widely used international reporting standards (e.g. Greenhouse Gas Protocol). see Sustainability Performance Indicators

Risk and Opportunity Management

Opportunities and risks are analysed using a comprehensive risk management system. Compliance with corporate guidelines as well as with relevant and recognised national and international industry standards is regarded as an essential part of corporate governance at HHLA. Workflows and processes are structured in line with these regulations. External audits at various HHLA companies (including ISO 14001, ISO 9001, ISO 50001 and CTQI [Container Terminal Quality Indicator]) confirm compliance with recognised international standards. see Risk and Opportunity Report

Forward-Looking Statements

Unless otherwise stated, the key figures and information in this report concern the entire Group including associated companies in which the company has a majority holding. Some sections contain forward-looking statements. These estimates and statements were made to the best of our knowledge and in good faith. Future global economic conditions, legislation, market conditions, competitors’ activities and other factors are not within the control of HHLA.

External Audit

The Combined Management Report of the HHLA Group and HHLA Aktiengesellschaft, as well as the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes, were audited by Pricewaterhouse­Coopers. see Independent Auditor’s Report

The sections of the Sustainability Report which form part of the Non-Financial Statement were also audited. see Information on the Non-Financial Statement/External Audit.

GRI Content Index

The 2017 Annual Report was prepared in accordance with the international G4 guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative and meets the application level “Comprehensive”.

The GRI Content Index refers to parts in this Annual Report or sections of the HHLA website that provide information about individual GRI indicators. The index is available exclusively at report.hhla.de/gri.