Rotterdam container terminal set at 1 billion euros

AP Moller – Maersk’s container terminal operator APM Terminals announced the expansion of its Maasvlakte II terminal in Rotterdam, increasing the terminal’s capacity by approximately 2 million TEU

The project covers an area of ​​around 47.5 hectares with a 1,000 meter deep-sea quay. The Port of Rotterdam Authority is now building the new quay walls, which will be completed by mid-2024. The new section is scheduled to go into operation in the second half of 2026.

APM Terminals opened in 2015 on Maasvlakte II as a fully automated facility with zero CO2 emissions. The additional section of the terminal will also operate with net zero emissions and will be fully automated and ready for shore power installation.

Allard Castelein, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, said: “We are delighted with APM Terminals’ decision to expand the terminal and choose Rotterdam as the hub for its Western European operations. This additional terminal capacity is urgently needed in order to continue to efficiently and sustainably handle the increasing container volumes in the coming years.”

Keith Svendsen, CEO of APM Terminals, said: “Our decision to continue investing and expanding into Maasvlakte II is a confirmation of the importance of Rotterdam for global supply chains and for our global network. We look forward to this important project and the opportunities it will open up.”

Last year, 18.5 hectares of land on the same site was leased to AP Moller – Maersk for the development of cross-dock and cold storage facilities, which will open later in 2024. The facilities will provide “on-dock” services to Maersk, which is one of the terminal’s key shipping line customers.

Also for Star Container Services – a subsidiary of AP Moller – Maersk – an empty depot of around 16 hectares will be built on the site directly next to APM Terminals Maasvlakte II.

With this announcement for Maasvlakte II, all remaining vacant locations for APM terminals in the Amaliahaven port area are now leased for expansion projects.