Rotterdam Maasvlakte 2 terminal deal signed with five-member consortium

AN agreement has been signed with a five-member consortium for a EUR900 million (US$1.25 billion) container terminal at Rotterdam, called Rotterdam World Gateway (RWG), made up of DP World, APL, MOL, Hyundai Merchant Marine and CMA CGM.

The agreement, which covers building the superstructure, equipping and operating the new terminal at Maasvlakte 2, was signed by Port of Rotterdam Authority CEO Hans Smits and representatives of the RWG consortium.

"Maasvlakte 2 provides a high-quality site," said Mr Smits. "Such new terminal locations are scarce in Europe, and this will be even more the case in coming decades. This called for partners able to fill the new terminal, deliver both financially and operationally, while optimising hinterland connectivity."

The terminal will have a 1,900-metre long 20-metre deep quay and another 550-metre long dock for inland and feeder ships, plus its own rail terminal with a connection to major highways. It will have a capacity of 4 million TEU and will be phased into operation from 2013 onwards.

APL chief executive Ron Widdows said: "As APL and our partners bring larger ships into service, this facility will set new standards in delivering operational efficiency and environmental benefits. This will be our main hub in Europe."

Yoo Chang Keun, of Hyundai Merchant Marine added: "Rotterdam will be a very important main hub for the TNWA Lines, CMA CGM and DP World and this is a new step towards forming a strategic alliance."