DAL also owns and leases a container fleet of around 17,800 boxes, which will be taken over as part of the acquisition. "The significant increase in consolidation within container shipping in recent years has irrevocably changed the industry and the economic framework conditions. With the increasing challenges in container shipping, as well as in environmental and climate protection, we are facing dependencies and cost disadvantages that we will no longer be able to compensate for in the long term in the South-Africa-Trade," DAL wrote in the announcement of the transaction. Hapag has been taking steps to increase its African operations. Last year, the line acquired Africa-specialized carrier NileDutch, which significantly strengthened the carrier's presence and service offering to and from West Africa. Recently, in partnership with Pacific International Lines, ONE, and Gold Star Line, HAPAG also expanded service from East Africa with a route between Kenya and Asia and a new service between Asia and Tanzania.