Hutchison Ports Netherlands B.V., a subsidiary of Hutchison Ports Holdings, has signed an agreement to acquire the Rotterdam container terminal APM Terminals Rotterdam (APMTR) from APM Terminals (APMT).
APMTR is located adjacent to Hutchison Ports’ existing ECT Delta terminal in the Maasvlakte area of Europe’s largest port and has 1,600m of deep-water quay serviced by 13 ship-to-shore gantry cranes.
Clemence Cheng, managing director of Hutchison Ports Europe, highlighted the strengthening of the Hong Kong-based operator’s presence in the Port of Rotterdam. “We already handle the majority of containers in the port through ECT’s Delta and Euromax terminals. The addition of APMTR will further enhance our ability to offer a first class and flexible service to our customers,” he said.
“We will continue to serve Maersk’s existing business at the terminal and will work with the workforce to develop the customer and volume base to meet growing demand. We have the opportunity to redevelop and enhance the facility in the future and look forward to continuing to grow our business in the port,” he added.
Commenting on the divestment, Rolf Nielsen, head of hub terminals APMT noted, “Over the past eighteen months, the various parties have worked intensively and constructively together with all relevant parties, including APMTR’s works council and trade unions, to complete the transaction.”
“The sale gives APMTR the best possible future with good security for jobs for its employees,” he added.
The cost of the terminal acquisition has not been disclosed.
