Capacity expansion at strategic terminal

The ship carried more than 160 trucks and heavy duty vehicles as well as 24 containers and was the first to be handled at the strategic new terminal, which Buss says will eventually target offshore wind energy business.

Terminal managing director Marc-Oliver Hauswald said, “We are completely satisfied with this start. We are delighted to be able to launch handling operations so soon after the terminal areas have been handed over.”

The terminal was beginning full operation this month, he added, when its first heavy duty crane, with a capacity of more than 200 tons, was going into operation. A second crane will follow.

The Orange Blue Terminal is 80% owned by Buss and was acquired from Groningen Seaports in July. It is on the border with Germany and the Ems Estuary and boasts an existing 260m quay and an area of 68,000 m3.

Buss spokeswoman Melanie Graf told MJ a further 370m of quayside would be added in 2012 and the entire terminal area expanded to about 216,000m3. Part of the total 630m of quayside will be equipped with a heavy duty platform. Graf said construction of the expanded areas had not yet been commissioned and that tenders had yet to be invited.

Group managing director Heinrich Ahlers added, “The major focus of our work in Eemshaven will be the offshore wind energy sector and multi-purpose operation. The terminal provides ideal conditions for the offshore industry in the North Sea as it is very close to many companies operating in the energy sector.”

Buss said that was a “major advantage” and also that the terminal’s equipment, its geographical location and its ability to handle ships drawing up to 14m meant it was capable of handling cargo of all types.

By Tom Todd