Materiality analysis
Audit with limited assurance
HHLA engages in regular dialogue with its stakeholders, including customers (e.g. shipping companies), clients of customers (e.g. forwarders), employees, suppliers, potential and existing shareholders and investors, associations and institutions, research institutes, political decision makers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), local residents and interested members of the public.
Process and results of the stakeholder survey
In order to obtain an up-to-date overview of stakeholder expectations and demands, HHLA once again conducted a materiality analysis in November 2021, in which the sustainability topics of potential relevance to its internal and external stakeholders were examined. The main stakeholders for HHLA were first identified by the specialist departments. This was initially based on internal sources, such as a list of key customers. The main stakeholders identified were customers, clients of customers, employees, suppliers, potential and existing shareholders, ESG rating agencies, associations and institutions, research institutes, political decision makers, NGOs and local residents close to the terminals in Hamburg.
The materiality analysis process
In a second step, a list of topics known to be relevant to both internal and external stakeholders was drawn up and structured in accordance with the central fields of activity of HHLA’s sustainability strategy. Corporate and sustainability strategy
A four-week online survey using a standard questionnaire was then carried out internationally. External stakeholders from all of the groups identified, as well as managers from a number of different divisions, took part in the survey.
In total, approximately 60 people rated topics of potential relevance to HHLA (customers, business partners, suppliers, investors and HHLA staff in particular). Stakeholders also had the chance to rate the importance of topics, as well as to add to them or make comments on them.
This digital survey was combined with qualitative interviews with experts. A total of 15 representatives from the fields of customers, investors, ESG ratings, NGOs and associations took part in the 60-minute interviews. All participants were asked about HHLA’s fields of activity.
Results of the stakeholder survey and materiality assessment
The results of the stakeholder survey largely correspond with the results of previous stakeholder surveys. None of the potentially relevant topics covered were rated as immaterial or hardly material.
The HHLA topics categorised as material or very material in the stakeholder survey were analysed by an internal specialist committee both with regard to HHLA’s economic, environmental and social impact on the respective topic and with regard to the topic’s relevance to the success of the company under the double materiality considerations as defined in Section 289c (3) HGB.
HHLA takes its responsibility in dealing with social aspects that concern business partners, shareholders and the general public very seriously. Similarly, compliance, data privacy, respecting human rights, and combating corruption and bribery are also seen as fundamental requirements for sustainable corporate governance. Due to a lack of business relevance, however, none of these topics were deemed material to HHLA as per Section 289c (3) HGB. Irrespective of this, respecting human rights and combating corruption and bribery are reportable aspects and thus constitute part of the non-financial statement. For reasons of transparency, however, HHLA has decided to report information on these topics on a voluntary basis.
Fields of activity |
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Relevance of the topics for the stakeholders asked |
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Materially valued in the sense of double materiality according to Section 289c (3) HGB |
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Material |
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Very material |
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Ecology |
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Climate-friendly logistics chains |
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Product range for CO2-neutral container transport |
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Operation and expansion of climate friendly logistics chains |
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Operation and expansion of climate friendly logistics chains |
Land conservation |
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Efficient use of terminal area |
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Efficient use of terminal area |
Climate protection and energy efficiency |
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Operational CO2 neutrality |
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Increase of energy efficiency |
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Increase of energy efficiency |
Environmental and resource protection |
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Reduction of resource consumption |
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Society |
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Working environment |
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Attractiveness as an employer |
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Training and education of employees (personnel development) |
Health and safety |
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Health promotion of employees |
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Occupational safety according to international standards for employees |
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Occupational safety according to international standards for employees |
Social responsibility |
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Active stakeholder dialogue |
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Business partners |
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Supply chain transparency |
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Strengthen customer relationships |
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Governance |
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Strategy and management |
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Integrate governance, environmental and social factors into corporate strategy |
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Integrate governance, environmental and social factors into corporate strategy |
Business Ethics and Integrity |
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Promotion of international initiatives |
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Compliance |
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Economy |
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Development of shareholder value |
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Stable dividend payout |
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Growth and profitability |
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Growth and profitability |
Added value and innovation |
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Expansion of digitisation to create new business activities |
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Expansion of digitisation for process optimization |
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Expansion of digitalisation for process optimisation |
The results were analysed internally and presented to the Executive Board. They were also used to refine HHLA’s sustainability strategy under the Balanced Logistics heading and to define the fields of activity. Corporate and sustainability strategy
Materiality matrix
Materiality matrix
Material topics for HHLA in line with the double materiality clause set out in Section 289c (3) HGB
