North Rhine-Westphalia and Port of Rotterdam Authority to build logistics connections

During a working visit to Rotterdam, NRW Traffic Minister Hendrik Wüst officially launched the two parties’ talks regarding a port agreement, following an earlier visit by the state’s Prime Minister, Armin Laschet.

Wüst met with Allard Castelein (CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority) and Emile Hoogsteden (Vice President, Director of Containers, Breakbulk and Logistics).

Discussions focused on logistics and industrial activity challenges faced by both the Port Authority and NRW. To gain a clear picture of Rotterdam’s vast port complex, the Minister also visited a number of port areas.

The parties expect to sign an agreement after the summer of 2018.

Castelein said: “I am very pleased that Traffic Minister Hendrik Wüst’s first international working visit is taking place here, in Rotterdam. His visit continues the tradition established by the new government of NRW. It is testimony to our good relations and draws attention to the challenges that we, NRW and Rotterdam, have in common."

“Together, we aim to ensure that our clients and businesses in NRW can operate competitively within the world’s most efficient logistics chains. Moreover, we have a shared interest when it comes to finding answers to today’s challenges in the context of climate change and the energy transition. The visits by Prime Minister Laschet and Minister Wüst once again underlined our joint responsibility. Our colleagues can be found in NRW every day, and we plan to pay a return visit to Düsseldorf this summer.”

Responsible for handling 60% of NRW’s cargo flows, Rotterdam is the German state’s premier sea port. Last year saw a strong increase in Rotterdam’s container throughput – by 12.3% compared to 2016.

Total cargo throughput increased by 1.3% in 2017. This continued the growth trend recorded in 2016. A total of 467 million t were transported via Rotterdam in 2017. This increase in container throughput was offset by decreases in the volume of dry bulk (-2.6%) and liquid bulk (-4.1%) transported via Rotterdam. Breakbulk (roll-on/roll-off and other breakbulk) throughput increased by 7%.

Read the article online at: https://www.drybulkmagazine.com/ports-terminals/08032018/north-rhine-westphalia-and-port-of-rotterdam-authority-to-build-logistics-connections/