BRUSSELS: In a bid to boost business growth for the Port of Antwerp, global terminal operator DP World is helping to facilitate the port’s development with a new open access container terminal, which will be built alongside the Albert Canal in Grobbendonk.
The partnership between the Port Authority and DP World to set up an open access container terminal alongside the Albert canal in Grobbendonk (DP World Antwerp East) is a good illustration of the shared philosophy that a port must be willing to expand its geographical boundaries in order to maximise its advantages.
Eddy Bruyninckx, CEO at Antwerp Port Authority, said: “In the past few years Antwerp Gateway has developed into a major player in our port. The Deurganck dock is able to handle the largest container carriers in the world without problem. Antwerp Gateway was the first in our port to invest in automatic stacking cranes, which undoubtedly boosted our reputation as a fast, efficient port.
Our presence in the hinterland will enable the port to make maximum use of its main natural advantage, namely its inland location.”
Mr Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of DP World, said: “We look forward to continue working together so that Antwerp Gateway will be able to grow and serve our current and prospective customers into the future.”
DP World became even more active on the Albert Canal in the middle of 2014 with its acquisition of the Trilogiport Terminal in Liège, Belgium.
DP World’s worldwide growth figures were extremely positive in 2014, with the total volume up 8.9% to 60 million TEU.
