Interview with Roelf De Boer<Chairman of Rotterdam Port Promotion Council>

Chairman of Rotterdam Port Promotion Council

Q. Would you tell me about the purpose of your visit?
"We visited here in Korea to renew and intensify our relationship with the Korean market in order to generate new cargo flows between Rotterdam and Korea. Invitees to our events include the Korean shipping lines and shipping agents, freight forwarders and other logistics service providers and Korean exporting companies."

Q. What do you think is the best thing for port users?
"In our presentation you have seen that we have emphasized that we are the best gateway to Europe, including Germany. Many Korean exporters are not aware that they can save 2 days sailing time via Rotterdam to German destinations in the highly industrialized areas of South Germany."

Q. What kind of companies will you meet with during your stay in Korea?
"Our schedule in Seoul for 4 & 5 October includes meetings with LG Electronics, Samsung Electronics, Hankook Tire, Hanjin Shipping, Hyundai Merchant Marine, Kia Motors, Hyundai Motors, Korean International Freight Forwarders Association, and the Deputy Minister of Maritime Transport. On October 6 & 7 we visit the Port of Pusan, visit the Kormarine exhibition and attend a seminar focusing on the position of the Port of Rotterdam as the European hub port for Europe. On the evening of October 7 the Port of Pusan president will host a Pusan-Rotterdam port diner."

Q. How do you cope with the explosive increase of cargoes?
"I can assure you that we solved it much faster than the other European ports, How? By investing millions in materials and manpower, in more cranes and more terminals, and in better infrastructure and faster distribution. For instance, the Euromax Terminal will be completed in 2007. This terminal will be able to handle an extra 2 million containers a year. The Betuwelijin is a new, rapid railway connection with the German hinterland. We focus on intensive co-operation with regional depots, distribution centers and inland terminals."