Chinese port operator COSCO Shipping Ports Limited has signed an agreement with Port of Zeebrugge in Brussels, Belgium for the concession terms of CSP Zeebrugge Terminal (CSP Zeebrugge).
The event also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the company and French liner giant CMA CGM Group for CMA’s initial investment of 10 percent in CSP Zeebrugge.
The deal, signed on January 22, is part of China’s mega-project known as the One Belt, One Road.
“The launch of Belt and Road initiative between China and Belgium in 2014 has laid a solid foundation for today’s signing ceremony. Port of Zeebrugge is farsighted in partnering with China; it’s a pioneer by making a series of decisive moves and has achieved noticeable results,” Chinese Ambassador to Belgium, Qu Xing, commented.
“By actively exploring cooperation opportunities with China, Zeebrugge port has gained importance in international sea freight market, especially Northwest European routes. Looking forward to 2018, we are very confident in the relations and trade cooperation between China and Belgium as today’s signing ceremony set a precedent,”
The Zeebrugge port is the second largest port in Belgium, it is a natural deep-water harbor capable of accommodating mega vessels and enjoys a very favorable geographical position.
CSP Zeebrugge is close to Hamburg and Le Havre and is within a short distance of Great Britain. The terminal has a good network of road and rail connections to all countries of Continental Europe, and to other ports in Northwest, Central and Eastern Europe.
“The signing of concession terms with Port of Zeebrugge will further enhance the terminal services and deepen the bilateral trade relationships between the two countries; furthermore, we are discussing with Port of Zeebrugge about our cooperation of developing full logistics services on the terminal hinterland, I hope we will have developments soon to enhance the customer services. After the signing of concession terms with Port of Zeebrugge, CSP will take the control of CSP Zeebrugge Terminal and develop it into a gateway port of COSCO Shipping in Northwest Europe,” Xu Lirong, Chairman of COSCO Shipping said.
“We plan not only to develop CSP Zeebrugge into a maritime crossroads but also an ultra-logistics platform to serve continental Europe and the British Isles. With this plan, we will work closely with the Port of Zeebrugge on the Maritime Logistic Zone. Furthermore, we are delighted to have CMA as our partner. With the cooperation of CMA, we are confident that we not only can deliver high quality services but also capture the economic opportunities emerging around the Port of Zeebrugge ,” Zhang Wei, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of COSCO Shipping Ports, added.