Materiality analysis

HHLA engages in regular dialogue with its external 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. Business partners and clients

Process and results of the stakeholder survey

In order to obtain a comprehensive overview of stakeholder expectations and demands, HHLA 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

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 key fields of activity of HHLA’s corporate and sustainability strategy.

A four-week international online survey using a standard questionnaire was then conducted. 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. For reasons of transparency, however, HHLA has decided to report on these topics on a voluntary basis. The topics were validated internally by the relevant specialist departments.

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

Material topics for HHLA in line with the double materiality clause set out in Section 289c (3) HGB.