Posted on March 16, 2017
By Lesley Bankes-Hughes, Bunkerspot
‘Vopak’s strategy in the ARA region is to invest in productivity and service improvements at our current terminals instead of adding storage capacity for which we don’t see a need,’ says the terminal’s MD.
The terminal operator and the Port of Amsterdam are to jointly invest in infrastructure improvements at Amsterdam Westpoort. A jetty will be extended to provide another berth for seagoing vessels, and a new quay wall with two more berths for barges will be built. This will bring the total number of berths to four for seagoing vessels and 10 for barges by the end of 2018. According to Vopak, pumping capacity at the terminal will also be increased.
Ramon Ernst, Managing Director Vopak Terminal Amsterdam Westpoort, explained the rationale behind the expansion plan: ‘The high throughput volumes at our state-of the-art terminal can occasionally result in queues for vessels and barges. This investment will increase the vessel handling capabilities at our terminal and thereby – together with the new sea lock – improve the overall service and efficiency in the port of Amsterdam.
‘Vopak’s strategy in the ARA region is to invest in productivity and service improvements at our current terminals instead of adding storage capacity for which we don’t see a need.’
Koen Overtoom, CEO Port of Amsterdam, also added: ‘This joint investment underlines the importance of liquid bulk for our port and our clients and also shows our strategy to challenge the business to use the space more efficiently and increase activity per square metre.’
Source: Bunkerspot
