New expansions in Rotterdam
The container terminals at the Port of Rotterdam are currently being expanded to boost their capacity for handling containers.
The Port of Rotterdam, located in the Netherlands, ranks among Europe’s largest seaports. Its strategic importance lies in its proximity to densely populated and industrialized areas such as the German Ruhr district, Paris, and London.
Operated by the Port of Rotterdam Authority (PoRA), a non-listed public limited company, the port and its industrial zones are effectively managed.
The Port Authority oversees maritime traffic and directs the development of both current and future port infrastructure. Its primary goal is to enhance the port’s competitiveness by focusing on its size and quality.
Presently, expansion efforts are underway in the Maasvlakte II area, with completion expected by 2026.
Port of Rotterdam design
The Port of Rotterdam spans over 12,464 hectares, with industrial areas covering 5,300 hectares, and the rest dedicated to infrastructure and water surfaces. Stretching 42 kilometers in length, the port boasts an impressive quay length of 89 kilometers and houses 131 jetties. Additionally, it features an extensive network of 1,500 kilometers of pipelines.
With a focus on container handling, the port hosts 14 terminals equipped to manage various shipping types, including short-sea, deep-sea, and inland vessels. It also accommodates 20 container depots to facilitate efficient operations.
Maasvlakte II project
The Maasvlakte II project entailed expanding the port over a 2,000-hectare area. Financed by the Port of Rotterdam Authority, the project encompassed the construction of two deep-sea quay walls, two barge feeder quay walls, and a 3.5-kilometer-long breakwater. Notably, this endeavor increased the port’s total area by 1,000 hectares.
Container terminal expansion
Expansion is currently underway at the container terminals in Prinses Amaliahaven of Maasvlakte II, aimed at significantly boosting the port’s throughput by four million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). This project involves constructing 1,825 meters of deep-sea quay, standing at a height of 29 meters, along with 160 meters of inland shipping quay and 360 meters of revetment.
To ensure optimal functionality, the quays will be dredged to a depth exceeding 20 meters below the New Amsterdam Water Level. Construction of the quay walls began in spring 2021 and is slated for completion by 2024.
Furthermore, in March 2023, agreements were reached between the Port of Rotterdam Authority (PoRA) and APM Terminals to expand the Maasvlakte II container terminal, representing an estimated investment of €1 billion ($1.08 billion). This expansion initiative is projected to augment APM Terminals’ capacity by two million TEUs and is scheduled for completion by 2026.
Additionally, in June 2023, Rotterdam World Gateway (RWG) announced plans to expand its container terminal in Prinses Amaliahaven, aiming to increase its capacity by 1.8 million TEUs. The initial phase of this expansion is expected to become operational by the end of 2025.
The contract for the construction of the first site of Maasvlakte II was given to the Project Uitbreiding Maasvlakte consortium. The consortium included Koninklijke Boskalis Westminster and Van Oord.
Port Consultants Rotterdam was involved in the masterplan, basic design, construction management and other areas of the Maasvlakte II project.
Boskalis is carrying out the construction of two sand dams for the expansion of the port area. The construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
The consortium of HOCHTIEF, Ballast Nedam and Van Oord is responsible for the construction of the quay wall.
Story time
The Port of Rotterdam traces its origins back to 1283 when a small fishing village was established at the mouth of the Rotte River through land reclamation efforts. Its significance grew substantially in 1360 with the construction of a canal connecting it to the Schie, facilitating access to major northern cities and enabling the transport of goods between England and Germany.
Following expansion along the Meuse, the Port of Rotterdam rose to become the Netherlands’ second most important port. The 17th century brought about a significant period of prosperity in shipping and commerce, particularly with the discovery of the sea route to the Indies, fueling the port’s growth and development.
The period of French occupation from 1795 to 1815 dealt a significant blow to trade at the Port of Rotterdam, leading to a drastic reduction in activity. However, trade rebounded following the fall of Napoleon.
In 1877, a pivotal development occurred with the construction of a railroad spanning the Meuse River, providing the southern Netherlands with crucial access to the Port of Rotterdam. Subsequently, bridges were erected to unlock the river’s south banks, facilitating the expansion of a larger harbor in 1890.
Between 1906 and 1930, the construction of Rotterdam’s Waal Harbour took place, creating one of the largest dredged harbors globally.
Further expansion occurred with the establishment of the Europort complex along the mouth of the Nieuwe Waterweg, enlarging the port’s harbor territory.
During the Second World War in 1940, Germany’s attack on the port resulted in the destruction of almost one-third of its facilities.
Following the war, the port initiated a rebuilding effort, replacing the traditional buildings destroyed during the conflict with modern structures.
For more information about the Port of Rotterdam www.portofrotterdam.com
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