Last Friday, the first waiting berth for short sea and feeder vessels went into use on the Maasvlakte. It involves the former Tor Line berth, which the Port of Rotterdam Authority has made suitable for small container vessels.
The waiting berth was used straight away by the 137-metre “Öland”, owned by the shipping company X-Press Container Lines. The ship had unloaded containers at the Amazonehaven and had to wait approximately ten hours until all the return cargo had arrived at the terminal and could be taken on board.
Market
By realizing waiting berths on the Maasvlakte, the Port of Rotterdam Authority is responding to strong demand from the market. It also creates the conditions for smooth, safe and efficient cargo handling. Waiting berths form an important link in the logistics process of short sea and feeder vessels. The possibility of adding a further three waiting berths in the area in the near future is being examined. Possible locations are the Europahaven to the east of the Rhenus Terminal and at dolphins in front of the Electrabel quay.
[mappress]
World Maritime News Staff, February 22, 2012; Image: Port of Rotterdam