Maasvlakte II expansion will future proof supply chains

The operator, which is part of A.P. Moller – Maersk, said the move will increase capacity by around 2 million teu when complete by late 2026.

“Our decision to invest further and expand in Maasvlakte II is a confirmation of Rotterdam’s importance for global supply chains and for our global network,” said Keith Svendsen, chief executive of APM Terminals.

Mammoth project

The project involves a site of approximately 47.5 hectares with 1,000 metres of deep-sea quay. Port of Rotterdam Authority is now constructing the new quay walls, which is scheduled to be completed by the middle of next year.

APM Terminals opened at Maasvlakte II in 2015 as a fully automated facility with zero carbon emissions. The additional section of the terminal will also operate with net-zero emissions and be ready for shore power installation.

Allard Castelein, chief executive of the Port of Rotterdam Authority said: “This additional terminal capacity is much needed to continue handling the increasing container volumes in the coming years in an efficient and sustainable way.”

Last year, 18.5 hectares of land in the same area were already leased to A.P. Moller – Maersk for the development of cross-dock and cold store facilities which will open during 2024. The facilities will provide ‘on-dock’ services for Maersk, which is one of the terminal’s main shipping-line customers.

In addition to the new terminal site, an empty depot of around 16 hectares will also be built for Star Container Services – also a subsidiary of A.P. Moller – Maersk – in the area immediately alongside APM Terminals Maasvlakte II.

All vacant sites for APM Terminals in the Amaliahaven area of the port have now been leased for expansion projects.