ECT/P&O Nedlloyd launch Euromax Terminal

ECT and P&O Nedlloyd have reached agreement to develop a new container terminal in Rotterdam: EuroMax, a 50-50 joint venture, will become operational early 2004.

The new terminal will be developed and operated on a site, adjacent to the crude oil terminal MOT, in the most north western part of the Maasvlakte. It will form an important part of the operations of P&O Nedlloyd in North West Europe.

In the initial phase the site will cover an area of 86 hectares. The quay length will comprise up to 950 metres of deep-sea quay wall and 275 metres of barge/feeder quay wall. Initially the deep-sea water depth will be 16.65 metres. The capacity will amount to approximately 1.7 million TEU moves per year. Total investment amounts approximately 500 million guilders. Eventually the size of the terminal will extend to 125 hectares, with a quay wall of at least 2.350 metres in length, a water depth of 19.65 metres and a capacity of at least 2.4 million TEU moves per year. The new terminal will have ultimately a work force of approximately 900 employees.

EuroMax will provide on-dock rail facilities and will be directly connected to the international road- and rail-infrastructure.

Although dedicated to P&O Nedlloyd, the terminal will also cater for business of its alliance partners and third parties. In future shipping lines will be able to choose between different providers of terminal operations at the Maasvlakte area.
Capacity at the existing ECT's Delta Terminal at the Maasvlakte would be fully utilised by 2006. EuroMax will create enough room for further growth until Maasvlakte 2 becomes available.

Commenting on behalf of P&O Nedlloyd, Director Rutger van Slobbe said: "We are delighted that P&O Nedlloyd will now have a dedicated terminal in the port of Rotterdam which is a major hub of our operations in North West Europe. It represents an important step towards our goal of securing greater direct control of our terminal services and costs."

ECT`s president Carel van den Driest said: "This 50-50 joint venture with P&O Nedlloyd perfectly fits in ECT policy to fully focus its resources the coming period on strengthening its position in Rotterdam. In addition EuroMax will ensure room for growth for current and new customers on the Delta Terminal for many years to come."