Clever port logistics

Logistics provider Maersk and the Port of Rotterdam Authority will build large cross-dock and cold store at Maasvlakte by 2023.

The parties have reached agreement on the issue of a 185,000m2 site at the extreme southern tip of the Prinses Amaliahaven where the 23,000m2 cross dock and a 35,000m2 cold store will be built in 2023.

”The establishment of the cross-dock and the cold store are therefore a logical step towards strengthening our strong position and enabling us to grow further in the port of Rotterdam,” said Jens Ole Krenzien, Vice President Maersk North West Continent.

”Once the cross-dock and the cold store are operational, they will give our clients a lot of added value in the chain. That will allow our clients to respond faster to market fluctuations, reduce their carbon footprint and shorten their lead times. We’ll also be able to help them reduce their safety stock.”

Logistics management

A large number of Maersk ships visit the Port of Rotterdam every year and the dock and cold store was much needed.

The new store will actively make the operator a tenant of logistical sites. The cross-dock will be used for the short-term storage of fast-moving consumer goods. Meanwhile, the cold store will be used for the transhipment of a range of agri-food products, including frozen meat, fish, vegetables and fresh fruit.

The site in question had already been reserved for container transhipment by APM Terminals, which is affiliated to Maersk.

The development of the cross-dock and the cold store will cost around €50 million and will provide employment for 200 people.

At the same time in the Prinses Amaliahaven, work is under way on the construction of new deep-sea and inland shipping quays measuring 1,825 and 160 metres, respectively. Container terminals RWG and APM Terminals have already signed options to use the quays and further develop the sites around the port.

APMT has revealed its intention to double the capacity of its APM Terminal on Maasvlakte II and is working on concrete plans for the expansion.

Doubling capacity will allow the terminal to finally be able to operate at full capacity by early 2026.