Rotterdam channel widening will allow for bigger ships

EUROPEAN Combined Terminals (ECT), bulk stevedore EMO and the Port of Rotterdam Authority have agreed to widen the Amazonehaven from 255 to 305 metres to allow for larger vessels at a cost of EUR175 million (US$208.5 million) beginning 2011.

At the same time, EMO will relocate some of its operations to the Hartelstrook on the southern side of the Mississippihaven. "These two projects are very much in line with our policy to make optimum use of the space in the existing port area", said Port Authority CEO Hans Smits in a statement.

To facilitate the widening of the Amazonehaven and in connection with the establishment of the Electrabel power plant, EMO has given up 23 hectares of the existing terminal. At the same time, EMO foresees an increase in throughput as a result of the arrival of Electrabel and the use of biomass as an additional source of fuel by coal-fired power plants.

EMO is therefore taking over an 11.5 hectare site on the Hartelstrook in the Mississippihaven, bordering the Steinweg terminal. EMO also has an option on an adjacent 12-hectare site on the Hartelstrook. If EMO also puts that land to use, the company's site will be returned to its former size. The new EMO terminal will have a rail link.

Study into environmental effects of the new EMO facility on noise levels, air quality (fine dust and NOx) proved legal and the results of the research will help to design the new terminal.

The option on the location on deep water on the Hartelstrook where EMO is now to set up business was previously granted to the Van Uden Group BV. This company returned the option because Van Uden is to concentrate, among other things, on the sector of smaller handysize bulk carriers at the existing terminal on the Merwehaven, and on inland activities such as those in Moerdijk, Alphen aan de Rijn and Haaften/Zaltbommel.
(Source:www.schednet.com)