Rotterdam’s Waalhaven Harbour to Focus on Breakbulk Sector

The recently signed smart carrousel plan in the Waalhaven is expected to give breakbulk and heavy cargo companies space for further growth in Rotterdam’s Waalhaven.

In the coming three-and-a-half years, 12 hectares of industrial site and 1,155 metres of quay will undergo a user change. The industrial sites and port infrastructure will also be renovated by the Port of Rotterdam Authority. The aim is to give an additional growth incentive to the Rotterdam breakbulk sector.

"This operation, which was carefully prepared over a long period together with the involved companies, enables us to demonstrate that we are giving the Rotterdam breakbulk sector ample space to develop", stated Emile Hoogsteden, Director Containers, Breakbulk and Logistics at the Port of Rotterdam Authority.

Emile added: "This particularly concerns heavy lift, project cargo, steel and non-ferrous metals. Rotterdam is already well-positioned for this, due to its unique location, container logistics connections and increasing number of scheduled breakbulk and heavy cargo services. The investments now being made by these companies and the Port Authority will form a further incentive to make Rotterdam the breakbulk hub of Europe."

The redevelopment can start because empty depot MRS has relocated from Waalhaven to the short sea cluster in Eemhaven. This, together with seven transfer operations, has offered four renowned breakbulk companies space to modernise and focus on further development.

The four companies involved are Metaal Transport (non-ferrous metals and steel), Broekman Project Services (heavy lift, project cargo and offshore), J.C. Meijers (multi-purpose terminal) and RHB/Rotterdams Havenbedrijf (specialist heavy lift and project cargo). Various land allocation agreements and declarations of intent have been signed with these parties.

"We currently have a site on the Heijplaatweg and on Waalhaven Noordzijde", stated Willem-Jan de Geus, Director of Metaal Transport. "We have also been leasing various warehouses throughout the port area to enable us to meet demand. With this new 90,000 square metre area of land on Droogdokweg, we can concentrate our activities and operate much more efficiently."

Metaal Transport will retain the Heijplaatweg location, including the offices, and will construct a 25,000 square metre warehouse on the new site.