AMSTERDAM - BEVERWIJK - IJMUIDEN - ZAANSTAD
AMSTERDAM seaports
Energy special Ter Haak Group celebrates its centenary ZPMC Europe: Bridgehead to Europe 2011/nr1
COLOPHON
Contents 03 05 06 07 08 11 12 14
Seaports full of ‘energy’
Amsterdam SEAPORTS Publisher: Amsterdam Ports Association
Advertisers:
News in brief News in brief Amsterdam Seaports is ready for the future Tank storage terminals in Amsterdam Seaports go green New investment plans for Oiltanking Amsterdam
04 AYOP
20 EuroTank Amsterdam BV
10 KVSA
Energy in the picture Coal on the rise
20 Oiltanking
20 Specialised Tanker Services
10 Waterland Terminal
24 Zeehaven IJmuiden NV
16 17 18 19 21 22 23
One hundred million euro modernisation
Main contributors: Bart Stam (chief editor), Mark van Baal, Jan van den Berg, Helen Hill, Pieter van Hove, Joris Moes, Willem Moojen, Rob Schoemaker and Niels Tersteeg (trainee). Photos: Dick van den Berg, Martin Hendriksen, Willem Moojen, Ed Seeder, Reinder Weidijk and others. Translation: Writewell: Andrew Rogers, Akke Pinkster Advertising: Daniel Alfeder, De Ruijterkade 7, 1013 AA Amsterdam Telephone + 31 20-6273706 Mobile phone +31 6-28999519 Fax: + 31 20-6264969 E-mail: dalfeder@amports.nl Website: www.amports.nl
Important addresses: Amsterdam Ports Association Managing director: Wim Ruijgh De Ruijterkade 7, 1033 AA Amsterdam Telephone: +31 20-627 37 06 Fax: +31 20-626 49 69 E-mail: amports@amports.nl Website: www.amports.nl Port of Amsterdam P.O. Box 19406 1000 GK Amsterdam Telephone: (0)20-5234500 Fax: +31 20-6209821 Ships movements information: Telephone: +31 20-6221515 Website: www.portofamsterdam.nl
Amsterdam Seaports: Hub for offshore wind energy Hydrocarbon Hotel, a new tank storage terminal More tanks for greater flexibility Amsterdam Seaports goes biodiesel
Port representatives abroad USA Jacob Willemsen (New York) +1 - 212 - 681 2566 Jacob.willemsen@portofamsterdam.nl Roy Wansik (Houston) +1 - 713 - 964 2713 rwansik@yahoo.com Germany Mannes Boelen +31 - 6 - 53 391 745 mannes.boelen@portofamsterdam.nl Asia Stella Shao (Shanghai) +86-216 - 288 6990 stella.shao@portofamsterdam.cn
Ongoing growth as a multi-modal business Keeping the cranes up
Cover Photo: Amsterdam Seaports is a broad energy port. In the foreground you can see some of the 88 white tanks of Oiltanking Amsterdam, while below we see the development of the new Vesta Biofuels biodiesel plant. You will also spot various large 3 MW wind turbines.
Port of Beverwijk Noorderkade 1, 1948 NR Beverwijk Telephone: +31 251-224750 Fax: +31 251-214050 E-mail: havenmeester@beverwijk.nl Website: www.beverwijk.nl Zeehaven IJmuiden NV Halkade 4, P.O. Box 541 1970 AM IJmuiden Telephone: +31 255-547000 Fax: +31 255-547060 E-mail: info@zeehaven.nl Website: www.zeehaven.nl Port of Zaanstad Westkade 2, 1506 BA Zaandam Telephone: +31 75-6816888 Fax: +31 75-6816799 E-mail: havens@zaanstad.nl Website: www.zaanstad.nl Business Association ORAM De Ruijterkade 7 1013 AA Amsterdam Telephone: +31 20-6222111 Fax: +31 20-6203133 E-mail: info@oram.nl Website: www.oram.nl Chamber of Commerce Amsterdam De Ruijterkade 5, 1013 AA Amsterdam Telephone: +31 20-5314000 Fax: +31 20-5314699 E-mail: info@amsterdam.kvk.nl Website: www.amsterdam.kvk.nl Layout: FIZZ reclame + communicatie, Meppel
2 Amsterdam Seaports No. 1 2011 www.amports.nl
Printed by: Ten Brink, Meppel
AMPORTS
Seaports full of ‘energy’ By the time you read this column 2011 will be well
safety measures over recent years. And there is more to tell, such
underway, and hopefully this year will herald the
as the growth of IJmuiden regarding offshore wind turbines, or
definitive recovery of Amsterdam Seaports. I would
the fact that Amsterdam Seaports is becoming a major player
like to take this opportunity, however, to reflect on the
in the field of biodiesel, especially when Greenmills and Vesta
results of 2010.
Biofuels go into production this year.
I am pleased to report that the past year was reasonably
I won’t bore you with a list of all the articles in this edition, but
successful with a combined storage and transhipment of
believe me when I say that Amsterdam Seaports combines four
90 million tons, an increase of four percent. Although less
seaports full of ‘energy’!
growth than seen in Rotterdam (+11 percent) and Antwerp (+13 percent), it is important to note that in the ‘disaster
Michiel A. Wijsmuller, Chairman Amports
year’ of 2009, Amsterdam Seaports had a far smaller reduction than our fellow ports in the Le Havre-Hamburg range. In fact, it was only in 2008 that we achieved a better result (94.7 million tons) than the 2010 figures. Other positive developments in 2010 included the strong recovery of steel company Tata Steel in IJmuiden (one of the four seaports within Amsterdam Seaports), the thirteen percent increase in transhipment of agri-bulk (mostly grains and animal fodder products) and the fourteen percent increase in Roll-on/Roll-off, including cars. And although the transhipment of oil products and coal in Amsterdam saw a small decline, both bulk segments recovered in the second half of 2010. This edition of Amsterdam Seaports focuses on our role as a major international energy port. As fossil fuels will remain the main source of energy for decades to come, we place an extra spotlight on the storage and transhipment of oil products and coal in the North Sea Canal region. It is interesting to read how much money, time and manpower the major terminals have spent on environmental and
AMSTERDAM SEAPORTS
Official publication on behalf of the ports of Amsterdam, Beverwijk,
Ymuiden and Zaanstad Published 4 times a year in English by Amsterdam Ports Association
(amports@amports.nl www.amports.nl)
MORE ABOUT Amsterdam Ports Association AND ITS 300 MEMBERS: www.amports.nl www.amports.nl Amsterdam Seaports No. 1 2011 3
NEWS IN BRIEF Stern trawler as good as new
transhipment increase for Amsterdam Seaports in 2010
After a refit of nearly a year at ship repair yard
Amsterdam Seaports ended last year with a four percent rise in
Shipdock Amsterdam, the stern trawler SCH81
transhipments. The ports of the North Sea Canal region handled some 90
Carolien (owned by the fishing company Cornelis
million tons in 2010.
Vrolijk in IJmuiden) was relaunched in late 2010. Named after director Carolien Vrolijk, the vessel
Compared to 2009, transhipment in the Amsterdam port declined by just 1%
was upgraded in accordance with the latest
to approximately 72.5 million tons. After a 7.1 % drop in the first six months,
environmental requirements, including those
the second half showed a 5% recovery and by the end of 2010 the total
due to be implemented in 2015. This included
transhipment had almost reached the level of the previous year. For example,
changing the cooling system so that it no longer
the decline in the transhipment of oil products and coal in the first six months
uses Freon but a mix of ammonia (NH3) and CO2.
was followed by a rise in the second half of the year.
Other renovations involved the working decks, conveyor belts, crew accommodations, bridge,
Year-on-year recovery was seen with agricultural bulk (+13%) and sand, gravel
sonar systems, echo sounder and the navigation
and minerals. Roll on/Roll Off transhipment also grew strongly by 40%, while
& control equipment.
general cargo and container transhipment declined. Major challenges for the Port of Amsterdam in 2011 include strengthening Amsterdam’s position as a logistical and economic hub, the new Port Information Guide, ensuring ongoing progress with the new sea lock and possible privatisation of the port of Amsterdam.
The stern trawler Carolien
AEO certification for NuStar NuStar is the first tank storage company in Amsterdam Seaports to receive the so-called AEO certification from Dutch Customs. AEO offers numerous benefits to logistical companies that are active in international trade, including the reduction and simplification of physical customs checks. Mary Morgan, European president of NuStar, was handed the certificate on 17 December 2010.
Aerial photograph of Amsterdam Seaports
New sea containers
In 2010, the transhipment in IJmuiden increased by 30% to 17 million tons,
Container Company Amsterdam (CCA) has
mainly due to the growing demand from Tata Steel, while the import of
launched a new range of multifunctional
fresh fish increased from 12,774 tons to 14,041 tons, a turnover growth of
containers that meet the most stringent quality
approximately ten percent. For the pelagic fishing sector the year mainly
demands. Developed in cooperation with the
involved substantial fleet investments.
Rotterdam-based company Mammoet, 450 of these ISO-certified containers have already been
To further develop as a major European hub, the Port of IJmuiden NV recently
made by Chinese company CIMC. The containers
started construction of 440 metres of quay wall for a new terminal for reefer
can be used for land and sea transport or as a
containers for deep-frozen fresh fish. Meanwhile, the number of passengers
counterbalance for the new generation of cranes.
on DFDS Seaways between IJmuiden and Newcastle (UK) increased by four
They have a load capacity of up to 120 tons.
percent to a record-breaking 555,000.
MORE ABOUT AMSTERDAM PORTS ASSOCIATION AND ITS 300 MEMBERS www.amports.nl www.amports.nl Amsterdam Seaports No. 1 2011 5
NEWS IN BRIEF City of St. Petersburg makes maiden call to Amsterdam Seaports
VCK Group and ComPass start
On Saturday 5 February, the brand-new car carrier City of St. Petersburg made
strategic cooperation
her maiden call in the port of Amsterdam. The Ro/Ro vessel, owned by Nissan
The Amsterdam VCK Group has taken a 50%
Motor Car Carrier, unloaded 1150 Nissans for the European market at Koopman
stake in German logistics company ComPass.
Car Terminal with the aid of the nearby Waterland Terminal. The Dutch operator
ComPass will benefit the extensive VCK network
of the vessel, Euro Marine Carrier, mainly intends to use City of St. Petersburg for
and client base, while VCK will expand into
transporting cars to Northern Europe and Russia.
the German market with VCK subsidiary All-in Logistics (AIL) playing a key role. Founded in
A unique feature
1993 and located near Düsseldorf International
of the ship is
Airport, ComPass employs over 200 staff and
her streamlined,
will continue its current activities under its
semi-spherical
own name and management. Peter Loonen,
bow shape, which
managing director of the VCK Group, has joined
reduces fuel
the Board of Directors of ComPass Holding.
consumption. According to
OSD launches new offshore vessel
Nissan this will
Anglo-Dutch company Offshore Ship Designers
result in an annual
(OSD) has launched a new offshore wind farm
reduction of 800 tons of fuel oil
maintenance vessel concept that will improve City of St. Petersburg arrives at the Koopman Car Terminal
uptime of deepwater wind turbines and reduce
(2500 tons of CO2) compared to a conventional car carrier. Built by Kyokuyo
costs by carrying out simultaneous maintenance
Shipyard in Japan, the vessel is 140 metres in length with a beam of 22.4 metres
of multiple wind turbines. The Sea–Wind design
and a total weight of 21,143 tons. With its crew of 24, the vessel can carry up to
is a submersible dock ship with a large floodable
2,000 cars per trip at a speed of approximately 16.9 knots.
dock accessible from the stern. It will provide accommodation for wind turbine engineers,
DFDS Seaways record
service personnel, ships and support crew. The
DFDS Seaways’ daily line service between IJmuiden and Newcastle transported
vessel has a capability to service up to 45 wind
a record number of 555,000 passengers last year, around 24,000 more than in
turbines per day in up to 2.5 m significant wave
2009. The passenger increase is the result of a higher occupation of the two
heights. Offshore Ship Designers Group (OSD)
cruise ferries in the spring and autumn seasons due to a successful promotion
is based in IJmuiden (Amsterdam Seaports)
campaign. Another reason for the improved figures was the volcanic eruption in
and has offices in Montrose, York, Appledore,
Iceland that paralysed air traffic in April 2010. Many stranded passengers chose to
Shanghai and Singapore.
travel between the UK and the European mainland with DFDS Seaways.
Artist’s impression of the Sea-Wind
Faster customs processing at Vollers In January 2011, warehousing company Vollers Holland became one of the first cocoa storage companies in Amsterdam Seaports to receive AEO certification (Authorised Economic Operator) from Dutch customs. This document applies to customs simplification and security at Vollers’ two facilities in Amsterdam and DFDS ferry at the Felison Terminal in IJmuiden
Rotterdam.
MORE ABOUT AMSTERDAM PORTS ASSOCIATION AND ITS 300 MEMBERS www.amports.nl 6 Amsterdam Seaports No. 1 2011 www.amports.nl
ener g y
Amsterdam Seaports is ready for the future The International Energy Agency (IEA) has indicated that although fossil fuels (oil, coal and natural gas) will continue to dominate over the coming decades, sustainable energy is slowly gaining ground. By strengthening its position as an international hub for oil products and coal while simultaneously expanding its sustainable energy facilities, Amsterdam Seaports is well placed to benefit.
“Amsterdam Seaports has a very strong position in the tank storage of oil products,” says Ruud van Stralen, commercial manager for oil and chemicals at the Port of Amsterdam. “We have several ultra-modern terminals that can also be used for blending these products in accordance with the most diverse specifications.” Amsterdam has succeeded in obtaining a dominant position in blending and has become the largest gasoline port in the world. Van Stralen: “Amsterdam is benefitting from the imbalance in the global gasoline product sector with regards to
considerable growth for a number of years,
metres, enabling large bulk carriers to come
the production in Europe on the one hand
notably as a result of the closure of many coal
to Amsterdam fully loaded.”
and the main markets such as the USA,
mines in Germany. Bio-fuels
West Africa and the Middle East on the other.” According to Van Stralen, Amsterdam
De Ridder says that Amsterdam Seaports
Like Ruud van Stralen, Marcel Gorris,
Seaports also has a leading edge regarding
– and of course Rotterdam – will continue
commercial manager of the Port of
other oil products: “Over a third of the wet
to be the main coal ports in the Le Havre-
Amsterdam, also believes that bio-fuels will
bulk transhipped in Amsterdam consists of
Hamburg range. With 33 percent Rotterdam
play a major part in Amsterdam Seaports,
gas oil. The seaport has the ideal location
is slightly bigger than Amsterdam (25
albeit in the longer term. “As the large tank
with regard to its hinterland in general and
percent, including Tata Steel) with a main
storage companies will have to incorporate
Germany, Switzerland, France and the UK
focus on cokes for the steel industry, while
and blend an increasing amount of bio-fuels,
in particular.” Over the past three years,
the majority of coal from Amsterdam is used
the port will automatically become more
Amsterdam has continued to grow between
in electricity plants.
sustainable.” Gorris is also proud to report
17 and 25 percent, partly as a result of the
that the large tank storage companies in
multi-million-euro investments made by the
De Ridder: “As a seaport we are well-equipped
Amsterdam already blended around 800,000
large terminals between 2005 and 2010.
for growth up to 24 million tons in 2020.
tons of biodiesel and bio-ethanol over the
Increasing the turnover rate is key. Over the
past year in addition to the total volume of
Coal
past five to ten years the two large terminals
oil products. Moreover, in late 2010 the new
Coal is the main dry bulk product handled
in Amsterdam – OBA and Rietlanden – have
Greenmills biodiesel plant transferred its first
by Amsterdam Seaports, with the goal to
already invested considerable amounts
2,150 tons from Amsterdam to a BP terminal
increase the current 15 to 17 million tons to
into the modernisation of their facilities. In
in the UK. Amsterdam Seaports also has
24 million tons by 2020. According to Lex
addition, the Port of Amsterdam is constantly
major ambitions for biomass says Gorris. “We
de Ridder, unit manager bulk logistics of
upgrading its lighter facilities and creating
expect to be transhipping around six million
the Port of Amsterdam, the transport and
new mooring places for large bulk carriers.
tons of biomass by 2020.”
transhipment in the ARA range (Amsterdam-
We have also increased the depth of the
Rotterdam-Antwerp) has been enjoying
channel to the North Sea Canal to 17.8
www.portofamsterdam.nl www.amports.nl Amsterdam Seaports No. 1 2011 7
ener g y
Tank storage terminals in Amsterdam Seaports go green Major oil product storage companies in Amsterdam Seaports have invested heavily in modernising their infrastructure and in environmental upgrades over recent years.
With an annual throughput of some 37 million tons of gasoline, gas oil, fuel oil and kerosene, Amsterdam is one of the largest seaports in the world for oil products. In fact, when it comes to gasoline, Amsterdam is the most important port in the world, ahead even of the likes of Singapore and Houston. To stay ahead, however, the terminals have to continue to invest not only in increasing their capacity and safety, but also in environmental measures. Examples of upgrades include modern vapour recovery systems, water treatment plants, oil-water separators and soil sanitation schemes. Ruud van Stralen, commercial manager for oil and chemicals at the Port of Amsterdam, carefully follows developments at the tank terminals in Amsterdam. “The large tank storage companies have long been engaged in proactive environmental investments, and this increases their flexibility. Vopak, for instance, uses internal
Three terminal managers from Amsterdam Seaports. From left to right: Rolf van Iterson (BP Amsterdam
floating roofs against vapour formation,
Terminal), Eric Kleine (Vopak) and Coen Hübner (Oiltanking Amsterdam)
while NuStar has opted for a balance system between the containers. These two different
In order to provide more freedom for its
since January 1, 2010. “This increases the
systems are both highly effective.” Ruud van
customers, Specialised Tanker Services
demand for fuels such as gas oil, creating new
Stralen estimates that each terminal has
(STS), a subsidiary of Silver Star Agencies,
opportunities for the leading terminals in
now invested between 15 and 20 million
has developed a mobile vapour processing
Amsterdam.”
euros in vapour recovery systems.
and degassing installation for ship to ship transfer. This plant will be going into
Oiltanking Amsterdam
Ship to ship transfer
operation as soon as the current trial period
With a capacity of 1.6 million m3, Oiltanking
Graham Wastell, director of Silver Star
is concluded. According to Wastell, this gives
Amsterdam is by far the largest tank storage
Agencies, agrees that his company
additional room for manoeuvring when
terminal in the Port of Amsterdam. As
increasingly needs to consider various
pumping liquid cargo between two tankers.
managing director Coen Hübner points out,
environmental issues – the Amsterdam-
It also allows tank storage companies to
in addition to extra jetties and storage tanks
based ship brokerage often deals with the
receive more vessels.
the company has invested a lot of money in environmental and safety measures in
supply, storage and transit of oil products. “It is standard procedure for us to check
An important development underlined
recent years. “All 83 tanks have floating roofs
our customers’ vessels for the stringent
by the Silver Star Agencies director is that
to minimise the leaking of volatile organic
environmental requirements in both our
sea-going vessels have been obliged to
compounds (VOCs). In 2009, we also deployed
port and the European Union at large.”
use only low-sulphur fuel in all EU ports
an advanced vapour recovery installation
8 Amsterdam Seaports No. 1 2011 www.amports.nl
with special carbon filters, which captures vapours when loading ships.” BP Amsterdam and EuroTank With a capacity of around one million tons, the BP Amsterdam Terminal (BAT) is another large import and export point for materials such as propane, butane, gasoline products, gas oil and diesel. “We are working with environmental investments in many areas,” terminal manager Rolf van Iterson says. “For instance, we are currently equipping all our pump cisterns with an impermeable layer. We are also carrying out a variety of The transhipment of oil products has increased substantially in Amsterdam Seaports between 2005 and
soil sanitation projects.”
2010, partly thanks to the considerable investments made by the terminals
In 2009, BP Amsterdam completed a major 65 million euro investment, in which
compounds are stored and transhipped
running on natural gas, which led to a
environmental issues were an important
are connected to each other with pipes
sharp reduction in pollutants such as NOx
component. This focused primarily on
and linked to a vapour processing
and is more energy efficient. In 2008, we
the direct connection of the new pier for
installation. This means that our system
also insulated three fuel oil tanks, cutting
sea-going vessels to the modern vapour
is functional even when no vessels
energy consumption by half.”
processing installation. In late 2009, BP
are loading or unloading. NuStar has a
also connected the twelve existing jetties
completely closed system, removing the
Naturally, environmental investments
for inland shipping and sea-going vessels
need for floating roofs on our tanks.”
also played a major role in the new Vopak Terminal Amsterdam Westpoort in the
to a second vapour processing system. NuStar has also invested a lot in other
Afrikahaven (Africa harbour), which will
According to its director Frank Schaper,
fields recently. “All locations where
come into operation later this year with a
EuroTank Amsterdam has taken a number
compounds could leak, such as pumping
capacity of 1.2 million tons. The 41 storage
of important environmental steps in
stations and loading and unloading points,
tanks have an automatic leak detection
recent years. “In 2009 and 2010 we fitted
have impermeable floors,” De Waart
system, as do the pipelines between the
two large vapour processing installations
explains.
jetties and the terminal. Furthermore, all tank valves are equipped with a special
for sea-going ships as well as lorries and rail tank cars. The plants have a capacity of
“We are currently examining how we can
2,500 and 5,000 m3 per hour, respectively.”
reduce energy use at the terminal,” Pot
film (HPDE) to prevent leakage.
adds. “As part of this process, we will first
“The advantage of a greenfield site is that
NuStar Terminals
look at three large thermal boilers which
we can set up processes using state-of-the-
Completed in 2005, NuStar Terminals is
heat our fuel oil tanks and consume a great
art technology,” managing director Eric
a relatively new tank storage terminal
deal of power. We think that automated
Kleine points out. “Any emissions of volatile
with a capacity of about 600,000 m . The
controls may be the key to the required
organic compounds will be very low
terminal stores and tranships fuel oil,
savings.”
thanks to our tanks having both internal
3
gas oil, gasoline and biofuels. “In recent
floating roofs and a vaulted ceiling, and our
years, we have invested large sums in new
New Vopak terminal
advanced vapour processing systems that
environment and safety systems,” general
Vopak will soon have a second terminal
capture and process vapour both during
manager Dineke Pot says. “We aim to be
at its disposal in Amsterdam. The existing
loading and under the floating roofs.”
an emissions-free terminal.”
terminal has 21 storage tanks, which together provide 85,000 m3 for fuel oil
www.oiltanking.com
“We have a unique vapour recovery
and gas oil products. “We have also made
www.bp.com
system different from that found at
the necessary environmental investments
www.nustarenergy.com
other terminals,” Environment, Health &
in recent years,” terminal manager Daan
www.vopak.com
Safety manager Lars de Waart adds. “At
van Rooijen says. “For instance, in 2009
www.silverstar.nl
NuStar, all tanks and jetties where volatile
we replaced an old boiler with a new one
www.portofamsterdam.nl www.amports.nl Amsterdam Seaports No. 1 2011 9
Stevedore and Terminal operator
In the largest All Weather Terminal of Europe transferring vulnerable products like steel, timber and paper no longer depends on dry weather conditions.
Elbaweg 10 - 1044 AD Amsterdam The Netherlands T +31 20 44 80 620 E kantoor@waterlandterminal.nl W www.waterlandterminal.nl
ener g y
New investment plans for Oiltanking Amsterdam With a capacity of 1.6 million cubic metres, Oiltanking Amsterdam is the largest tank storage terminal for oil products at Amsterdam Seaports. “Olitanking is also working on several expansion projects,” managing director Coen Hübner reveals.
The German group Oiltanking, headquartered in Hamburg, has been active in Amsterdam Seaports since 1974. “Over the years, our terminal has grown to encompass a total storage capacity of 1.6 million m3,” Hübner says. “Our main activities are storage and transhipment as well as the blending of oil products like gasoline, which reflects the difference in supply and demand between the US and Europe. But there is also a lot of gasoline going out from our terminal to other regions.” Gasoline is not the only product stored and blended at Oiltanking Amsterdam, however. The company deals with a broad range of oil products such as gas
The Hong Kong based mv Adriatic Wave docks at Oiltanking’s new jetty in the port of Amsterdam
oil, diesel, naphtha and jet A-1 fuel. They are stored in 88 different storage tanks
also storing strategic oil reserves for EU
emissions of volatile organic compounds
with a capacity ranging from 2,000 to
gouvernments. Finally, the company has
(VOCs). In 2009, the company also
60,000 m each.
an additional, activity in the form of the
installed an advanced vapour processing
storage of molasses, a syrup-like binder
installation, which fully absorbs VOC
substance used in livestock feed.
emissions during the loading of vessels.
3
Pipeline to Schiphol Oiltanking Amsterdam is linked to
Oiltanking is also a member of the
two major pipelines. The first is 80 km
Oiltanking Amsterdam currently employs
new AMAS association (Amsterdam
long and ensures the supply of crude
78 people, a figure which Hübner expects
Mutual Aid System), in which five large
oil from various production platforms
to grow in the coming period.
oil storage terminals in Amsterdam
in the North Sea. “We first separate
Seaports cooperate with the regional fire
the salt and water from the oil here in
Environment and safety
brigade should a fire break out in any of
Amsterdam,” Hübner specifies. “After
In addition to new jetties and storage
the terminals.
treatment we load the treated crude oil
tanks, Oiltanking Amsterdam has
to barges for transportation to refineries
made considerable investments in
Expansion
in Rotterdam.”
environmental and safety measures over
Thanks to the excellent results of recent
recent years. “As a lot of light flammable
years and positive market developments,
A second pipeline of approximately
liquids stored here it is only right that
Oiltanking is currently planning to
16 km, in operation since 1998, links
we meet the stringent environmental
expand its terminal site in Amsterdam.
Oiltanking Amsterdam to Schiphol
and safety requirements of the Dutch
“We hope to soon have the necessary
Airport. “This infrastructure allows us
authorities,” Hübner points out. The
construction and environmental
to supply our national airport with
terminal manager underlines that all his
permits,” Hübner concludes.
more than 50 percent of its demand for
company’s storage tanks now equipped
kerosene,” Hübner adds. Oiltanking is
with floating roofs so as to minimise the
www.oiltanking.com www.amports.nl Amsterdam Seaports No. 1 2011 11
E ner g y in the picture Versatile energy port It is no exaggeration to say that Amsterdam Seaports is a broad
These photographs show the wide diversity of Amsterdam
energy port. Almost all types of energy are represented by an
Seaports. In the foreground you can see the 88 white tanks of
impressive number of tank storage companies for oil products, two
Oiltanking Amsterdam, and in the top left corner the contours of
large coal terminals, an international steel company in IJmuiden
the new Vopak Westpoort Amsterdam Terminal and Rietlanden
(Tata Steel), two electricity plants and companies involved in
Terminals for coal storage. Top right are the tanks of BP Amsterdam
sustainable energy. Examples of these businesses include the new
Terminal (BAT), while below we see the development of the new
biodiesel plants of Vesta Biofuels and Greenmills as well as the
Vesta Biofuels biodiesel plant. You will also spot various large 3 MW
offshore wind industry centred in IJmuiden.
wind turbines.
12 Amsterdam Seaports No. 1 2011 www.amports.nl
www.amports.nl Amsterdam Seaports No. 1 2011 13
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Coal on the rise The two large bulk cargo companies (OBA and Rietlanden) in Amsterdam Seaports have joined forces with Tata Steel to keep dust emissions from coal handling to a minimum. This is part of a strategy to ensure that the expected growth in coal throughput from 17 million tons today to 24 million tons by 2020 is responsible and sustainable.
Ready to roll: The new covered coal transhipment terminal at Rietlanden Terminals
Coal is the main dry bulk sector of
For Amsterdam Seaports, this is expected
and Rotterdam into main ports for the
Amsterdam Seaports. Given that high
to represent an increase in coal throughput
product.”
tech processes increasingly allow modern
of some 40 percent by 2020. Terminals
power plants to process this fossil fuel
should be able to absorb this growth by
About 25 percent of the coal destined
power with ever greater returns, it is
improving the processing speed at their
for ports from Le Havre to Hamburg goes
not surprising that there are so many
sites.
through Amsterdam Seaports, including
coal plants in Europe – including the
Tata Steel in IJmuiden. With a share of 33
Netherlands – and that some of them are
Twenty-five percent share
percent, Rotterdam focuses mainly on coke,
even being expanded.
“In absolute terms, coal supply has
which – together with iron ore – supplies
flattened over the past two years, partly
the German steel industry.
The supply of coal from deep sea ports
because some power plants in Western
to European power plants and steel
Europe have switched over to natural gas,”
“The focus on power production is part of
mills is a laborious process. The ongoing
explains Lex de Ridder, bulk logistics unit
the reason why Amsterdam did relatively
closure of German coal mines has already
manager at the Port of Amsterdam. “The
well last year even though the steel market
significantly increased this maritime traffic,
ongoing closure of mines in Germany,
was struggling,” De Ridder points out. “This
and Germany is set to reduce capacity by a
however, has meant that more coal now
effect was noticeable both in the port of
further 20 million tons in the coming years.
comes by sea, turning Amsterdam Seaports
Rotterdam and at Tata Steel: For instance,
14 Amsterdam Seaports No. 1 2011 www.amports.nl
ener g y Coal: Third in Europe According to Eurostat’s 2010 Yearbook, coal-fired plants provide 18 percent of electricity in the European Union, while gas and nuclear power represent 20 and 30 percent, respectively. Lignite and hydropower accounted for ten percent each, while biomass and wind power had a share of three percent. Coal throughput at Amsterdam Seaports increased from 17 million tons in 2003 to 22 million tons in 2007 and 2008. In 2009, throughput
Due to the ongoing closure of German coal mines, Amsterdam Seaports expects an increase in coal
fell to 17.5 million tons as a result
throughput of some 40 percent by 2020
of the global recession, which was particularly difficult for the steel
a new 60-ton bridge crane which will come
to cover the coal stock with a thin layer of
industry. Last year, the port of
into operation in the second half of 2011.
latex in IJmuiden, and wind-proof concrete walls that minimise wind effect during
Amsterdam handled more than 14 million tons of coal, 8.5 of which went
The first coal carrier moored at the new
long-term storage. Tata Steel now also has
through OBA Bulk Terminal and 5.7 via
Rietlanden terminal in the western part
covered conveyor belts, and all roads and
Rietlanden Terminals.
of the port of Amsterdam (Afrikahaven)
rolling stock are cleaned regularly.
in late 2006. Two years ago, the company The transhipment of coal in IJmuiden
was taken over by the French EDF, and
represented nearly five million tons in
Rietlanden Terminals now has over 565,000
2010, an increase of 30 percent over
m2 of surface capacity and 1,600 metres
the difficult previous year. Increased
of jetties at its disposal in Amsterdam,
demand for steel products made
amounting to a storage capacity in excess
a significant contribution to this
of three million tons.
www.rietlanden.com www.oba-bulk.nl www.portofamsterdam.nl
The necessity of a second sea lock
improvement. In addition to site expansion and the
The IJgeul, the link between the North
improvement of technical equipment such
Sea Canal and the port of Amsterdam,
the supply of raw materials to Tata Steel
as floating cranes, OBA Bulk Terminal and
was expanded for vessels with a
in IJmuiden decreased by 60 percent in
Rietlanden Terminals have done everything
draught of 17.8 metres in 2005, allowing
2009 – although the situation has since
possible to minimise dust emissions during
capesizers – bulk carriers of 160,000
improved thanks to the global recovery.
storage and handling. This was achieved by
to 190,000 tons – to enter the port of
The construction of new coal plants here
installing sprinklers in the overflow bunkers
IJmuiden. Unfortunately, these ships
at home – in Rotterdam and Groningen
and conveyors, spraying the coal piles with
are still too deep to pass through the
Seaports – will further increase the supply
a liquid that leaves a thin layer of cellulose
locks and reach Amsterdam, and have
of this fuel.”
after evaporating, keeping the coal moist
to be partly unloaded into barges (i.e.
during dry periods, and protecting it from
lightened) before they can take their
Higher throughput capacity
the wind. A monitoring system tracks the
remaining cargo to OBA Bulk Terminal
OBA Bulk Terminal Amsterdam has
presence and movements of dust in the air,
and Rietlanden Terminals in Amsterdam.
invested heavily in expanding its sites
and measurements have shown that the
While this may seem cumbersome,
over recent years. The company now
problem has been eliminated.
lightening means that no additional
has 650,000 m2 of surface capacity and
action for loading and storage is
1,230 metres of jetties, offering a storage
Tata Steel has also invested heavily in
necessary at the terminal itself. To
capacity of three million tons. OBA was
countering dust emissions both at its site
incorporate larger vessels – in terms of
able to increase its throughput capacity
and in the surroundings. It is over a decade
length and beam as well as draught – a
from around eight to ten million tons a
ago that the steel company installed an
large new sea lock in IJmuiden (500
year by modifying the existing terminal
automatic sprinkler system, and this has
metres long and 65 to 70 metres wide)
and constructing new jetties for inland
since been expanded and improved several
is of crucial importance.
shipping. The company is also investing in
times. New measures include the capacity www.amports.nl Amsterdam Seaports No. 1 2011 15
ener g y EuroTank Amsterdam renovates storage terminal
One hundred million euro modernisation EuroTank Amsterdam is in the midst of a multi-year renovation of its storage terminal in the port of Amsterdam, a project that will eventually cost over 100 million euros.
EuroTank was acquired in 2006 by Vitol, a leading energy product company that is currently broadening its focus to include the exploration and production of oil reserves as well as the marketing of oil products. Soon thereafter a largescale project was initiated to modernise the tanks and other installations in the Amsterdam facilities. The renovation is aimed at making improvements in the field of safety, the environment and the efficiency of the infrastructure, says General Manager Frank Schaper. “For example, we built two new vapour return installations of 2500 and 5000 m3 to prevent gasonline and gasoline component vapours from entering the atmosphere. We can now intercept and condense these vapours to reclaim fuel.” The renovation programme will continue until at least 2015 and cost over 100 million euros. Improving the quays Part of the project is improving the (un) loading facilities for seagoing vessels, Schaper explains. “We will renovate the existing jetties, which includes
General Manager of EuroTank Amsterdam, Frank Schaper
improving the loading arms to increase their capacity. As a result, we should
are not intended as capacity expansion,
to maintain its position in Amsterdam
be able to unload a tanker in 24 hours
however. Once they are ready, EuroTank
Seaports. Schaper: “This port continues
instead of the current 36.”
will clean out and demolish several old
to be one of the major storage and
tanks. “For now we don’t have any plans
transhipment hubs for mineral products
EuroTank Amsterdam also built four
to expand our storage capacity, but we
in the ARA region (Antwerp-Rotterdam-
storage tanks for gasoline products in
are looking into the possibility of building
Amsterdam).” EuroTank is therefore very
2009, with a joint capacity of 150,000 m3.
extra capacity on our current land at a later
important to mother company Vitol as well
These will be extended in mid 2011 with
date,” says Schaper.
as being the company’s largest storage
four more tanks for gasoil with a total capacity of 75,000 m . The new tanks 3
terminal with a capacity of nearly 1.4 It is understandable that EuroTank wants
16 Amsterdam Seaports No. 1 2011 www.amports.nl
million m3.
ener g y
Amsterdam Seaports: Hub for offshore wind energy Over recent years the port of IJmuiden, part of Amsterdam Seaports, has developed into the Dutch centre for wind energy on the North Sea.
According to Peter van de Meerakker, Managing Director of Zeehaven IJmuiden NV Port Authority, the IJmondhaven (IJmond harbour), the third largest port of IJmuiden, is an ideal operating base. “The sailing times to the new parks on the North Sea are relatively short. In addition, we have 40,000 m2 of land where the wind turbines can be assembled.” All potential developers (energy companies, project developers and
Construction of offshore wind turbines in the IJmond harbour
investment companies) have now visited the IJmondhaven. “I hope they will use
new office and warehouse, and may soon
Iskes expects to continue to be involved
this location as the base of operations for
expand its activities. In 2009 the Dutch
in the maintenance of the current wind
multiple offshore wind parks,” says Van de
government granted the license for two
turbines and the installation of the new
Meerrakker.
new wind turbine parks. The first is from the
parks nearby.
German energy company RWE and consists The major benefit of IJmuiden is its central
of 59 turbines of 5 megawatt. The second
Established in IJmuiden for some time,
location, adds Ron Davio, the new chairman
project has 100 3 MW turbines.
WindCat Workboats also transports
of the promotional organisation AYOP
personnel and materials to and from the
(Amsterdam IJmuiden Offshore Ports).
The Dutch government also gave out design
wind turbine parks on the North Sea.
He says that another key advantage is
licenses for the largest offshore wind park of
Together with the American company
the presence of a large number of service
the Netherlands (350 MW), located some 55
Morelli & Melvin, WindCat Workboat
organisations such as metal companies,
kilometres from IJmuiden. Finally, the Dutch
designed a fast catamaran with a front
KVSA (a shipbroker that provides a full range
company E-connection has been granted
fender and rubber rubbing strip that allows
of IT services) and the Maritime Service
the license to build a wind park with 94
the boat to moor alongside the wind
Centre Ymond (MSCY).
3 MW turbines sited 74 kilometres from
turbines and facilitate easy boarding and
IJmuiden.
disembarkation.
apparent during the construction of two
Suppliers benefit
This year WindCat Workboats is planning
wind turbine parks off the Dutch coast. The
These developments are having a positive
to take the WindCat-101 into operation,
first is the Near Shore Wind Park built in
effect on the regional suppliers. Iskes
a 27-metre catamaran for a crew of 50.
2006, which consists of 36 wind turbines of
Towage and Salvage, for example, has
The vessel is specifically intended for
3 megawatt (MW). The second wind turbine
already done a lot of work for the two
transporting personnel to farther offshore
park (2008) is approximately 23 kilometres
existing wind parks. During construction the
accommodation platforms. For smaller tasks,
from the port of IJmuiden and includes 60
IJmuiden company was involved in towing
the company has the fast WindSpeeds,
wind turbines of 2 MW.
the installation vessels and the transport of
12-metre polyester monohulls that can carry
maintenance personnel to sea.
small components or up to ten people.
The suitability of the IJmondhaven became
Vestas facilities Vestas Offshore the Netherlands opened
Iskes is also active in the maintenance sector
new facilities for these projects in IJmuiden
together with the IJmuiden company Wals
in 2009. The company organises the
Diving. In 2010, one of Iskes’s vessels (Pollux)
www.iskestugs.nl
maintenance of both wind parks from this
was transporting divers almost continuously.
www.windcatworkboats.com
www.zeehaven.nl www.ayop.com
www.amports.nl Amsterdam Seaports No. 1 2011 17
ener g y
Hydrocarbon Hotel, a new tank storage terminal Port of Amsterdam aims to be one of the most sustainable ports in Europe by 2020. In line with this ambition, a tank storage terminal for products such as bio-fuels is due for completion in the port of Amsterdam at the end of this year. The project is being built by Hydrocarbon Hotel, a joint venture between Blue Ocean and the North Sea Group, two companies active on the British and Dutch market for motor fuels.
The guests at the groundbreaking ceremony in the Amerikahaven (America harbour) in the port of Amsterdam on 23 September 2010 included Neil O’Leary (CEO Ion Equity, shareholder of Blue Ocean) and Peter Nohlmans (CEO of the North Sea Group). At the time construction of the new blend terminal officially started foundations for three tanks were already in place. When completed, the facilities will include eleven tanks with a total capacity of 140,000 m3 as well as a holding and filling station. The terminal will also have a quay for seagoing and inland vessels. Hydrocarbon Hotel is active in the import, export and blending of gasoline and the storage of gasoline
Aerial photograph taken during the groundbreaking ceremony of Hydrocarbon Hotel. In the background we
components and bio-fuels. The delivery
see the storage tanks of ‘neighbour’ Oiltanking Amsterdam
date is set for 1 December 2011. nozzles. The benefits of this system are
had never previously been used as a tank
Client network
very short blending times and the absence
foundation.
Ruud van Stralen, commercial manager oil
of electro motors and seals in the tanks.
and chemicals of the Port of Amsterdam,
Because the tanks include a system for
Some 3,800 HSPs are being used, each
explains that the Amerikahaven is a logical
measuring the product density at fifteen
with a diameter of 220 mm and an average
location for the new terminal: “Hydrocarbon
levels, operators can monitor the progress
length of approximately 23 metres. This
Hotel is located in an area that is already
of the blending process and see when it is
means the load will be more evenly
being used for tank storage. Moreover,
finished on screen without having to take
distributed over a large number of relatively
the terminal suits the needs of our client
product samples from the tank.
slim concrete piles, enabling the use of
network in Amsterdam.”
thinner, less reinforced concrete plates. New foundation
The HSPs also have the benefit of fast
An important environmental measure is the
During the groundbreaking ceremony all
installation: Depending on the conditions,
construction of a vapour balancing system.
eyes were on Voorbij Funderingstechniek,
over 200 HSPs can be placed per day,
According to Van Stralen this closed system
a Dutch company involved in foundation
considerably reducing the construction
ensures minimum emissions and vapour
techniques that is also situated in the
time.
loss, while also preventing odour issues and
Amsterdam port. In addition to 134
other air-polluting effects.
traditional prefab piles (including for
To blend the gasoline efficiently, all eleven
the operating building and the pump
www.mno.nl
tanks will be equipped with a circulation
foundations), the company used high-
www.northseagroup.com
system including so-called venturi blend
speed piles (HSPs), a solid pile system which
www.harvestenergy.co.uk
18 Amsterdam Seaports No. 1 2011 www.amports.nl
www.voorbijfunderingstechniek.nl
ener g y Westway Terminals expands
More tanks for greater flexibility Westway Terminals is expanding its storage terminal in the port of Amsterdam with nine stainless steel tanks. In addition to an increase in capacity, the independent logistic services provider specialised in the storage of (semi-)manufactured goods for the agri-industry and bio-oil will be able to offer clients increased flexibility and diversification.
With its Amsterdam Seaports storage capacity increasing to 116,000 m3, Westway Terminals will be servicing more than just the large agri-industry in the environs of the Dutch capital. Thanks to good hinterland connections via trucks, inland shipping and coasters, the storage company will also be supplying products to clients in Germany, Belgium and the UK. Once the nine new stainless steel tanks (a total of 15,750 m3) are ready in mid 2011, Westway Terminals will have 46 tanks in Amsterdam of which fourteen are stainless steel. “Compared to carbon steel, these stainless steel tanks are easier to clean,” says Bert van Holst, Operations Director Europe of Westway Terminals. “This is practical and more efficient
Aerial photograph of Westway Terminals
when switching between products. The stainless steel tanks can also be used
distribution function: Combining the
such as blending. The transport of the
to store certain fatty acids that cannot
various goods flows from various
products to and from the terminal is the
be stored in normal steel due to their
continents for later delivery in smaller
responsibility of the client.”
specifications. In short, this expansion
volumes. The tanks also offer clients the
gives us greater volume, more tanks and
possibility to store products temporarily
Pure biodiesel
enhanced flexibility – which is what our
and then deliver them when market
The market in agri-products is reasonably
clients need. We offer tanks with volumes
conditions are more favourable.
stable, according to Westway Terminals.
varying from 290 m3 to 13,430 m3.”
This does not apply to another major In Amsterdam Seaports the globally active
activity of the company: The transport
Sufficient supplies
Westway Terminals is specialised in agri-
and transhipment of methyl esters, which
Independent storage and transhipment
products such as vegetable and animal
is biodiesel in its purest form that is later
companies such as Westway Terminals
oils and fats that are used, for example,
blended with fuel. “The market for methyl
play a stable role in the supply chain of
as raw material in the food and animal
esters is very much on the move,” Van
their clients. The information systems of
fodder sector. Van Holst: “Our business is
Holst concludes. “Much will depend on
the terminal and its clients are closely
all about food safety and quality control.
government policies regarding bio-fuels.”
linked, for example via paperless EDI
This is a complex process in which we can
connections. The terminal has a strong
offer various services with added value
www.westwayterminals.com www.amports.nl Amsterdam Seaports No. 1 2011 19
Dedicated to your bulk liquid handling. Efficient, safe and with respect for the ecological environment.
We Can, We Care At Oiltanking, safety always comes first. This is reflected
is to ensure his terminal meets all internal and external
in our global Health, Safety, Security and Environmental
HSSE standards. Handling huge volumes of hazardous pro-
(HSSE) policy, which has been translated into 15 languages
ducts utilizing more than 90 tanks and 18 jetties, as well
and is signed by each Profit Centre Manager. For continuous
as pipelines to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport and crude oil
improvement of our performance we need people like Dirk
platforms in the North Sea, Dirk has a lot of responsibility.
Huizinga. Working for Oiltanking Amsterdam, Dirk’s job
He can manage, because he cares.
Your reliable storage partner for liquid bulk. Admiralitaetstrasse 55 | D-20459 Hamburg Germany Tel. +49-40-370990 0 | Fax +49-40-37099 499 | www.oiltanking.com
Westhavenweg 105F 1042 BB Amsterdam T. +31 (0) 20 480 2060 F. +31 (0) 20 480 2061 E. ops@specialisedtankerservices.com I. www.specialisedtankerservices.com
Bron luchtfoto’s: Fotostudio Honing
Dirk Huizinga Manager Health, Safety, Security & Environment, Oiltanking Amsterdam
When the weather gets rough...
...a clear message to your prospects...
...is more important than ever! Your advertisement in
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Call us on +31 (0)20 627 37 06 or e-mail dalfeder@amports.nl
ener g y
Amsterdam Seaports goes biodiesel As part of its plan to become Europe’s most sustainable seaport by 2020, Amsterdam Seaports is currently in the process of acquiring two biodiesel plants: Greenmills and Vesta Biofuels, each with a capacity of 200,000 tons a year.
The Dutch company Simadan is constructing a complex of plants where organic waste, fats and oils will be processed, stored and converted into biodiesel and biogas for the generation of electricity. This project has been given the collective name of Greenmills. Biodiesel to the UK The brand new Biodiesel Amsterdam plant will purify and convert 350 tons of used fats into biodiesel a day in large tanks. With a total capacity of 100,000 m3, the park consists of dozens of round storage tanks and is owned by the storage and transhipment company
View of Vesta Biofuels, scheduled to go into operation in mid-2011
Tankstorage Amsterdam. A bridge with a bundle of pipes links the tank park to
production – to supply their boilers.
Vesta Biofuels expansion
the pier for seagoing vessels. The ship
Orgaworld generates methane gas and
Having started construction of the
carrying the first cargo of biodiesel
electricity from organic waste, and the
factory in February 2010, Vesta Biofuels
departed from this pier in December
residual heat is used for the tank park.
will begin production this summer. The biodiesel plant is currently also working
2010. In the future, Biodiesel Amsterdam will
on an expansion for converting used
Simadan is a holding company that
produce raw materials itself, reducing
cooking oil into biodiesel. “We can
incorporates Biodiesel Amsterdam,
the potential effects of fluctuating
process a wide variety of feedstock,”
Tankstorage Amsterdam, Rotie – a
commodity prices. The company has
project leader Erik Pluimers says. “The
company that collects materials such
already set up a plantation of Jatropha,
used oils, purchased by Vesta from
as organic waste and cooking oil – and
an oily, non-edible subtropical plant, in
animal fat producers, are purified in three
the trading company Noba. These four
Mozambique. “We have now planted
steps.”
firms share eleven acres in the port with
the first 2,000 hectares, and our goal
Orgaworld under the name Greenmills.
is to ultimately develop 50,000,” Chris
The extension of the plant, which will
“This means that Greenmills is a concept,
Linderman explains. “Dutch Jatropha
cost between eight and ten million euro,
not a company,” Simadan executive
Consortium, which also belongs
will not affect the total refining capacity
director Chris Linderman explains.
to Simadan Holding, now has 237
of Vesta Biofuels, which amounts to
employees in Mozambique. We have
200,000 tons. The capacity of the seven
Self supporting
been working on this for 3.5 years now,
storage tanks will also remain at 42,000
Both the production and storage of oils
and hope to gather the first oil harvest
m3. Erik Pluimers is hoping to begin work
and fats costs a great deal of power. Yet
this year. By 2013 we expect to produce
on the expansion in mid 2012.
the plants get all their energy needs from
sufficient amounts to make it worthwhile
within Greenmills, for instance by using
shipping the crop to Amsterdam Seaports
bio heating oil – a by-product of biodiesel
as a raw material for the biodiesel plant.”
www.vestabiofuels.com www.greenmills.nl
www.amports.nl Amsterdam Seaports No. 1 2011 21
I nterview Director Richard ter Haak celebrates centennial of Ter Haak Group in 2011
Ongoing growth as a multi-modal business Chief Executive Officer Richard ter Haak is the third generation at the helm of his family business, which will be one hundred years old in 2011. Over the past century the Ter Haak Group has evolved from a local shipping service firm in Amsterdam to a multimodal company with branches around the world.
“The scope of our activities and business
According to Ter Haak, all these plans
units has become ever wider over the
will come into their own once two major
years,” says Richard Ter Haak, CEO of Ter
regional infrastructure projects are
Haak Group since 1985. “We have grown
completed – a planned new motorway
into a truly multi-modal modern company
(‘Westrandweg’) linking the port to
that provides added value logistics for its
the ring road around Amsterdam and
customers.” The Amsterdam entrepreneur
Schiphol Airport, and the second large
expects his business to focus even more on
sea lock in IJmuiden. “The new road will
the international transport chain over the
significantly enhance the connection
next five years. “Who knows, maybe we’ll
between Amsterdam Seaports, Schiphol
even have our own freight trains,” he adds.
and the port of Rotterdam. And the second lock will boost the competitive
Richard ter Haak joined the company
position of Amsterdam Seaports,
in 1975. “I started working in the
especially where container and cruise
container sector in 1978, while we were
ships are concerned.”
still a conventional stevedoring and warehousing company. The sale and rental
The fourth generation
of 20-foot containers proved to be highly
Three generations of the same family
profitable, and that is how our subsidiary
have been at the helm of the Ter Haak
Container Company Amsterdam (CCA) was
Richard ter Haak: “Amsterdam needs to
Group since 1911. “Being a family business
created.
stimulate the shipping of return freight to
has both advantages and drawbacks. One
West Africa”
advantage is the strong involvement of
Importance of West Africa
the owner in the ups and downs of the
A subject close to Ter Haak’s heart is
This is why the Ter Haak Group has teamed
business. But this can also be a weakness,
the importance of line services to West
up with the adjacent Amsterdam Container
since you bring your troubles home at the
Africa for both the Ter Haak Group and
Terminals (ACT) to investigate the potential
end of the day.”
Amsterdam Seaports as a whole. “We
for a joint one-stop shop terminal for
need to support shipping companies by
project cargo with attractive, transparent
Meanwhile, the fourth generation is
providing an optimal service, as we do
rates.
slowly gearing up to take charge. “My
through our subsidiary United Stevedores
son Michael has been learning the ropes Meanwhile, the Ter Haak Group is busy
at various departments over the past
enhancing its multi-modal hinterland
four years,” Ter Haak explains. “And since
With this in mind, Ter Haak wishes to
connections, including most recently in
we believe that it is very healthy to look
encourage the shipping of return freight
Veendam in the northern Netherlands and
beyond your own back yard once in a
from Amsterdam to West Africa. “There
in Strasbourg. Although Ter Haak Logistics’
while, Michael is currently in Hong Kong
are plenty of opportunities – in the
new office in Amsterdam has yet to get up
and Shanghai gaining vital international
combination of bulk products such as milk
and running, Ter Haak is convinced that
experience.”
powder and flour with cocoa products, Ro/
this will happen as soon as the economy
Ro and consumer electronics for instance.”
recovers.
Amsterdam (USA).”
22 Amsterdam Seaports No. 1 2011 www.amports.nl
www.terhaakgroup.com
C ranes ZPMC Europe expands in Amsterdam Seaports
Keeping the cranes up ZPMC Europe in Amsterdam Seaports is the Chinese crane manufacturer’s bridgehead in the European market. Since it is crucial for a crane to be reliable, servicing, maintenance and the availability of spare parts are critical. With this in mind, the company has recently started operating a second warehouse in Amsterdam.
“Quality at a low price,” is how Paul Rijbroek, sales manager at ZPMC Europe, explains the strategy that has allowed ZPMC to take the world by storm. All types of cranes – grab, general cargo, offshore or gantry – are increasingly shipped from Shanghai to the four corners of the world. In 2001, Kraanservice Van den Broek and its sister company Crane Parts Europe assisted ZPMC in the development of Amsterdam Container Terminals (ACT). This provided the Chinese company with a permanent foothold in Europe.
Transport of the two 530 ton cranes for MultiServ Holland in IJmuiden
“ZPMC was looking for a service division in Europe and found us,” Rijbroek says.
continually have some 25 to 30 service
Other sectors
“Things moved very quickly after that.”
engineers in the field for maintenance,
The larger the container, the higher,
The two Dutch companies merged in
inspections and repairs, while another
larger and faster the cranes need to
2008 to form the new firm ZPMC Europe,
25 people are based at our full service
be. Automation has its place not just
which now has 75 employees in the ports
branch in Rotterdam.”
at container terminals, but also bulk
of Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
terminals, Rijbroek explains. “The automatic Customisation
positioning of the grip at given coordinates,
Service and maintenance
Through its projects department, ZPMC
and the augmentation of speeds and
“Our activities focus on service and
Europe helps with the construction of
lifting capacities, allow a bulk vessel to be
maintenance,” Rijbroek explains. “We
ZPMC cranes as well as related activities,
unloaded faster. At the same time, crane
provide travelling cranes, hoisting
such as logistics, transportation,
management and maintenance help to
equipment and spare parts, such as
installation, procurement, manpower
reduce turnaround times and prevent or
brakes, wheels and cable pulleys, for all
and communication with customers
shorten crane down time. In addition, cranes
types of cranes. This includes models by
in Europe. “Our Amsterdam base is
are constantly upgraded to become more
current and former crane manufacturers
strategically ideal for servicing all
energy efficient.”
from Europe which we replicate to
of Europe,” Rijbroek says. “And our
The market for port cranes has become
specification in China or elsewhere. And
consultancy department guides and
fairly saturated after the major sales in
although the lifespan of a crane is around
advises European customers in the
recent times. “This means that ZPMC, and by
25 years, moving parts, which are subject
acquisition, engineering and construction
extension ourselves, has started increasing
to wear and tear, require more regular
of cranes, since port cranes are often
our attention on other sectors, including
replacement.
customised.” ZPMC Europe has, for
large steel structures, wind farms, and
instance, been involved in a new 60-
dredging and anchor vessels,” Rijbroek
“We recently started using a second
ton bulk crane for OBA Bulk Terminal
concludes. “Cranes always have to keep up,
warehouse for our spare parts in the port
Amsterdam, and two cranes of 530 tons
and so do we!”
of Amsterdam, which means we now
for MultiServ Holland, based at Tata Steel
have 3300 pallets at our disposal. And we
in IJmuiden.
www.zpmceurope.com www.amports.nl Amsterdam Seaports No. 1 2011 23
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