Seaports

AMSTERDAM

AMSTERDAM BEVERWIJK IJMUIDEN ZAANSTAD

SEAPORTS

2013/nr1

Manufacturing Industry

The beating heart of the Amsterdam port region www.amports.nl

Multiwheels

35 years of specialism in exceptional road transports

Q-Barge

Lego freighter for smaller waterways April 2013 1

2

April 2013

Amsterdam Seaports

Contents Special issue

Manufacturing industry 05 06 07 12 14 16 18 20 24

25 26 28 29 30

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Important new steps for the Amsterdam port region News in brief News in brief

Masters of steel in IJmuiden Niron Staal has the wind in its sails

Made in the port of Amsterdam The manufacturing industry in the Amsterdam port region generates substantial investments, knowledge, job opportunities and income. “The presence of the manufacturing industry keeps the fire alight and attracts oxygen,� says Peter van de Meerakker, Director of Zeehaven IJmuiden NV, the IJmuiden Port Authority.

Soil analysis for new sea lock in IJmuiden ICL Fertilizers sees many growth opportunities in the Amsterdam port Machine factory Saedt: Specialist in ceramic coatings

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Shipyard Holland Repair and Serivces (HORS) also supplies water treatment installations

Amsterdam port region grows against the tide No load too complex for Multiwheels Q-Barge passes its first test Storage and distribution company CJ Hendriks

Publisher: Amsterdam Ports Association De Ruijterkade 7, 1013 AA Amsterdam The Netherlands Telephone + 31 20 627 37 06 E-mail: amports@amports.nl Website: www.amports.nl

The IJmuiden port, part of the Amsterdam port region, recently welcomed Breman Machinery. Specialised in large components for the offshore and dredging sectors and the bulk and processing industry, the company had been looking for an accessible location on the water to improve its services.

Cover photo: Niron Staal has been part of the Amsterdam port since 1985. A major job for this specialist in steel constructions and machining in late January 2013 was replacing a pedelstal (crane base) onboard a ship in a dry dock. This new pedelstal will allow the vessel to lift huge pipes for wind turbines onboard, which can then be piled into the seabed much faster. Photo: Niron Staal

Plenty of demand for new personnel in the Amsterdam port region

Colophon:

Breman Machinery spreads its wings in IJmuiden

Managing director: Laura Keegstra Chief editor: Bart Stam Junior editor: Samia Dif Advertisement: Chris van der Deijl Translation: Writewell Amsterdam: Andrew Rogers, Akke Pinkster, Damir Avdic Layout: FIZZ, Meppel (NL) Printed by: Ten Brink, Meppel (NL)

www.amports.nl

Advertisers: 4 22 10 21 19 2 32 10

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April 2013

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Amsterdam IJmuiden Offshore Port, Serving up offshore energy solutions.

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Airborne Composite Tubulars • Amports • AON Nederland BV • ASCO Holland (Logistics) BV • AYOP • Ballast Nedam Infra Noord West BV • Boon Transport BV • CMF Central Mudplant & Fluid Serv. • Container Company Amsterdam BV • De Vries & Van de Wiel • De Vries & van de Wiel Kust en Oeverwerken BV • EPMC Europe • Gemeente Beverwijk • Gemeente Velsen • Gemeente Zaanstad • Grontmij Nederland BV • Gulf Oil Nederland BV • IRO • Iskes Towage & Salvage • Isolatie Combinatie Beverwijk BV • KVSA BV • Mammoet Nederland BV • MEO BV • MNO Vervat BV • MSCY Vastgoed BV • Oliehandel K. de Boer BV • Peterson SBS IJmuiden BV • Port of Amsterdam • Provincie NoordHolland • Reym BV • Royal Haskoning DHV • Schot Verticaal Transport BV • Shipdock BV • SPIE Industry Noordwest • Stadsdeel Amsterdam Noord • Svitzer Amsterdam BV • Tata Steel IJmuiden BV • Wesco IJmuiden Apparatenbouw BV • Willis BV • Zebra Maritime BV • Zeehaven IJmuiden NV

April 2013 Amsterdam Seaports Alliance of port & offshore related industries and regional authorities

Michiel Wijsmuller chairman Amports.

Photo: Martin Hendriksen

Important new step for the Amsterdam port region The Amsterdam port region entered a crucial new phase on 1 April 2013, when the Port of Amsterdam came into its new autonomous status. From now on, the port will no longer be administered directly by Amsterdam council; instead, it will be more independent with its own board of directors and supervisory board. This means that the company will be able to act more decisively and make independent investment decisions, which can be crucial given the speed at which developments occur in international transport and logistics.

The city of Amsterdam will nonetheless remain sole shareholder for the first three years.

After this, other local authorities or national governments will be able to acquire an interest. Commercial companies will not be able to become shareholders. The ports of Rotterdam, Zeeland and Groningen Seaports have already made this transition in the past. Rotterdam, the largest port in Europe, has had good experiences with a similar structure since 2004.

in IJmuiden, a modern steel producer which annually manufacturers some seven million tons of high-grade steel. The company invests substantial amounts every year in innovative projects such as ULCOS (Ultra Low CO2 Steelmaking) and HIsarna. These projects are intended to lead to a smart and energy efficient way to produce steel in the near future. In addition to Tata Steel's own 9,000 employees, the company accounted for an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 additional jobs in the immediate area and an added value of 1.5 to 2 billion euros.

INNOVATIVE MANUFACTURING

There are many other interesting manufacturing industries in the Amsterdam port area, such as Airborne Oil & Gas, engineering manufacturer Saedt, Holland Repair and Services, Niron Staal, and Breman Machinery, who recently decided to settle in the port of IJmuiden.

These are all high-innovation companies who can work with the new port administration to ensure that the Amsterdam port area weathers the current economic crisis in good shape.

This issue of Amsterdam Seaports focuses largely on the manufacturing industry, which is well represented in the North Sea Canal area. A prime example is Tata Steel

Michiel A. Wijsmuller, chairman Amports

The fact that the new autonomy of Port of Amsterdam is considered an important change beyond our port region was demonstrated by the presence at the signing of the Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and Environment, Melanie Schultz van Haegen.

AMSTERDAM

AMSTERDAM BEVERWIJK IJMUIDEN ZAANSTAD

SEAPORTS

AMSTERDAM SEAPORTS

OfďŹ cial publication on behalf of the ports of Amsterdam, Beverwijk, IJmuiden and Zaandstad.

Published four times a year in English by Amsterdam Ports Association (E-mail: amports@amports.nl - www.amports.nl) Mor e a b o u t A m s t e r d a m P o r t s A s s o c i a t i o n a n d i t s 3 0 0 m e m b e r s : w w w. a m p o r t s . n l 2013/nr1

Manufacturing Industry

The beating heart of the Amsterdam port region w w w. a m p o r t s . n l

Multiwheels

35 years of specialism in exceptional road transports

Q-Barge

Lego freighter for smaller waterways April 2013 1

www.amports.nl

April 2013

5

NEWS IN BRIEF New iron ore supplier for Tata Steel Tata Steel IJmuiden received the first 55,000 tons of high-grade iron ore from its new supplier Northland Resources at the beginning of March.

The delivery was made by the bulk carrier MV Star Norita and is the first from the new Northland Resources mine in Sweden, shipped through the Norwegian port of Narvik. The contract provides for the delivery of six million tons in seven years, with an iron content of more than 69 percent.

Bulk carrier mooring at Tata Steel.

Photo: Willem Moojen

The corporatisation of the Port of Amsterdam goes ahead The new Port of Amsterdam corporation, Havenbedrijf Amsterdam NV, has been launched. At a festive gathering on Thursday 21 March, Port of Amsterdam celebrated becoming a state-owned public limited company as of 1 April 2013.

At the ceremony the parties signed the Harbourmaster’s Convenant, authorising Port of Amsterdam to perform tasks and exercise powers related to nautical regulation. The signatories of the covenant included Melanie Schultz van Haegen, Minister of Infrastructure and the Environment, port alderman Freek Ossel (City of Amsterdam), CEO Dertje Meijer and harbourmaster Janine van Oosten.

The corporatisation of Port of Amsterdam will help create more opportunities and better conditions for the port and City of Amsterdam.

The Dutch capital will be sole shareholder for the first three years after which they can be joined by other authorities such as municipalities.

The new board of directors consists of Dertje Meijer (CEO), Koen Overtoom and Ed Nieuwenhuizen. The Harbourmaster Division is managed by Janine van Oosten. The Supervisory board has six members.

“This step is a major milestone in the history of our company,” Dertje Meijer says. “The new structure will help us boost growth and deploy processes more efficiently. It will enhance economic activity even further, adding value to the city of Amsterdam and the metropolitan region.”

Signing the Harbourmaster’s Convenant.

Photo: Max Dijksterhuis

Sustainable foil for patrol vessels Record number of tankers in Amsterdam The port of Amsterdam received a record number of tankers in 2012. No fewer than 2,139 tankers docked at the terminals on the North Sea, accounting for 56 million tons of goods. The last of them, Gotland Aliya, moored at Oiltanking at the end of December.

Gotland Aliya at an Oiltanking Amsterdam jetty.

Photo: Ed Seeder

Damen Shipyards in Gorinchem (some 40 km east of Rotterdam) and Port of Amsterdam recently launched a pilot programme to test Thorn-D, a relatively new antifouling foil applied to hulls below the waterline. The foil film has an expected lifetime of five years, which is especially impressive given that antifouling paint usually lasts only six months. Dutch supplier Micanti developed the film after extensive testing on trial sections and on workboats. This attracted the attention of Port of Amsterdam, which is committed to using safe and sustainable vessels.

Damen Shipyards deployed the antifouling film on one of Amsterdam’s patrol vessels at the end of February. “We are using two boats: One equipped with the foil and one with conventional The pilot project at Applying the antifouling antifouling paint,” at Damen Shipyards. Photo: Damen adds Wim Spoelstra, Environmental and Safety Manager at Port of Amsterdam’s Nautical Division.

“The great thing about this test is that both vessels will be sailing in exactly the same area, which is perfect for a pilot project.”

MORE ABOUT AMSTERDAM PORTS ASSOCIATION AND ITS 300 MEMBERS WWW.AMPORTS.NL 6

April 2013

Amsterdam Seaports

NEWS IN BRIEF Waterland terminal milestone: 500,000 Nissans On Thursday 21 March Waterland Terminal reached an important milestone. Since the beginning of January 2010 the modern allweather terminal in the Port of Amsterdam has unloaded 500,000 Nissan cars. This figure was achieved in close cooperation with the neighbouring Koopman Car Terminal and Hoëgh Autoliners, under Nissan’s supervision.

The 500,000th Nissan was unloaded from the carrier City of Amsterdam.

Unloading the 500,000th Nissan at Waterland Terminal. Photo: Arend Velsink

Record for Cornelis Vrolijk In 2012 Cornelis Vrolijk of IJmuiden shipped a record number of almost 4,000 containers of deep-frozen fish from IJmuiden’s CSY container terminal to Rotterdam. These containers, transporting mainly herring, horse mackerel and mackerel, are shipped on to countries such as China, Nigeria, Benin and Ivory Coast. The container terminal, a partnership between Zeehaven IJmuiden NV and Barge Company Amsterdam (BCA), among others, handles containers of deep-frozen fish, which are transported to Rotterdam by barge. The flow of containers has risen from around 1700 in 2009 to almost 4,000 last year. This increase is partly due to a new 480-metre quay and a 10,000m2 container transhipment facility.

Iskes tows freight ship Reymar On 3 February the tug Triton, owned by Iskes Towage & Salvage, towed the freight ship Reymar into IJmuiden port. The 90-metre vessel began to experience engine trouble off Den Helder. Before it reached the port, Triton received assistance from Hercules, another Iskes tug. Together, the two tugs were able to moor Reymar safely.

Ten new Viking River Cruises ships named Underlining the fact that Amsterdam is gaining in popularity among river cruise ships, on Wednesday 20 March Viking River Cruises held simultaneous christening ceremonies for ten brand-new longships with a length of 135 metres; four at Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA) and six at the Meyer shipyard in Rostock, Germany.

Dertje Meijer, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Port of Amsterdam, performed the naming ceremony for the Viking Bragi, one of the ten new river cruise ships. On behalf of her nine female ‘Godmothers’ she presented the traditional Amsterdam Port of Amsterdam CEO Dertje port shield to the captain of the Viking Meijer christens ‘her’ Viking Bragi. The christening of ten river cruise Bragi. Photo: Max Dijksterhuis ships on a single day merits an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Viking River Cruises is the world’s largest shipping company in the river cruise sector. The company provides luxury cruises throughout Europe, including Russia and Ukraine, but also in China, Southeast Asia and Egypt.

The number of calls made by Viking ships to Amsterdam has risen sharply in recent years. The new ships accommodate up to 190 passengers.

As well as Viking ships, other river cruise companies are also increasingly finding their way to Amsterdam. In 2012 a new record of 1382 calls was set and this figure is expected to rise to around 1500 calls in 2013. www.amsterdamcruise.com www.portofamsterdam.nl

Changes to shipping routes Shipping routes in the Dutch section of the North Sea are set to change radically on 1 August 2013. Following its previous introduction in Rotterdam, a so-called traffic separation scheme (TSS) will be introduced on the approach to IJmuiden; one of the four ports on the North Sea Canal that together form the Amsterdam port region.

New mooring areas will also be introduced, resulting in changes to the total number available. In addition, former munitions dumps will be classified as ‘areas to be avoided’.

The North Sea is one of the world’s busiest shipping regions. Adjustments to the existing routes are essential to maintain the safety of shipping traffic, improve the accessibility of ports and to use the available space more efficiently. Updated shipping charts will be published and electronic navigation maps made available by mid-June.

Transportation of Reymar to IJmuiden.

Photo: Marcel Coster

Busy shipping routes in the North Sea

MORE ABOUT AMSTERDAM PORTS ASSOCIATION AND ITS 300 MEMBERS WWW.AMPORTS.NL www.amports.nl

April 2013

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MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY

Manufacturing industry essential for the North Sea Canal region

Made in the ports T

he manufacturing industry in the Amsterdam port region generates substantial investments, knowledge, job opportunities and income. Despite this, neither politicians nor the general public seem to always appreciate its value. Two experts, Peter van de Meerakker (Director of Zeehaven IJmuiden NV, the IJmuiden port authority) and Dick Freling (senior economist at the Amsterdam Chamber of Commerce), argue that the hidden engine of the North Sea Canal region should be nurtured and maintained.

By Cees Visser Americans call it homecoming, the latest trend in which the manufacturing industry seeks out superior knowledge instead of low wages, and thus returns from countries in Asia and Eastern Europe to their home grounds in the US or Western Europe.

Dick Freling: “As a result of the strong increase in productivity and knowledge intensity here, companies can benefit from being located in the Netherlands.

Amsterdam should address this so-called re-industrialisation process; the alternative is that the Amsterdam metropolitan region is left with an increasingly narrow economic foundation of trade, logistics and commercial services.”

NEW JOBS

resulted in 75 new jobs for highly-educated workers, which could increase to 150 if everything continues to go well.

“Airborne is as successful because it is innovative and benefits high-quality employment. This in turn attracts lots of research and consultancy,” says Van de Meerakker. “It is a modern company that can help improve the image of the manufacturing industry among politicians and the general public.” “The manufacturing industry nowadays is either very modern, or out of business,” Freling adds.

LARGEST GROWTH SINCE 2005

Although the So what is this manufacturing industry? Van de Meerakker: ‘The presence of the manufacturing industry “The industry that is focused on manufacturing goods; offers plenty of production.” Freling: “The manufacturing industry involves manufacturing industry opportunities, it has image the physical production of goods in which raw materials or keeps the fire alight and semi-manufactured products are brought in and transported problems and is seen by attracts oxygen. This some as ‘old-fashioned’ out.” ‘dirty work’ with ‘no oxygen in turn attracts Underlining the economic importance of the manufacturing future’. Peter van de more companies and industry for the North Sea Canal region requires indicators Meerakker recognises this stimulates activities in (figures). With regard to transhipment, Amsterdam Seaports is and counters the myth by the fourth port in Europe (behind Rotterdam, Hamburg and referring to Airborne Oil the surrounding area.’

Antwerp) with a market share of eight percent in the Le Havre& Gas. This composites Hamburg range. In tonnage terms, Amsterdam even shows the manufacturer decided to largest growth since 2005 of the aforementioned ports. build a new factory in the IJmond Harbour (IJmondhaven) in IJmuiden after extensive The transhipment increase in the Amsterdam port region has mainly occurred location research in Dutch and Belgian in the processing of oil products (as blending petrol results in added value, ports in early 2012. The move immediately 8

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of Amsterdam

Aerial shot of Tata Steel in IJmuiden. Photo: Flying Focus

this sector is seen as part of the manufacturing industry – ed.). In this segment Amsterdam is the most important petrol port worldwide. The port region further strengthened this position with the opening of the new large-scale Vopak oil terminal (storage capacity: 1.2 million m3) in October 2011. The Amsterdam port region also saw an increase in the transhipment volume of coal.

THE NEED FOR OXYGEN A second indicator is the added value, the difference between the market value of production and the purchase of the required raw materials. In this respect, Van de Meerakker distinguishes two economic effects: Backwards and forwards.

The first is the arrival of raw materials at the manufacturing companies; goods and services are purchased accompanied by a variety of activities. The forward effect, on the other hand, occurs when the (semi)manufactured products leave the factory.

An example of a forward effect is the arrival of the European head office of Starbucks Coffee in the Amsterdam port after the company had already opened a roasting facility for coffee beans in the Amsterdam metropolitan region. “The presence of the manufacturing industry keeps the fire alight and attracts oxygen,” Van de Meerakker explains. “ This oxygen in turn attracts more companies and stimulates activities in the surrounding area.” Freling continues: “This also includes the bakery that delivers bread to a factory on a daily basis, the florist, the interior specialist and software company. One should also not underestimate the purchasing of highly specialised services.” In this perspective Van de Meerakker also stresses the importance of the presence of Tata Steel in the Amsterdam port region: “Tata Steel is the number one representative of the manufacturing industry. When that company sneezes, the entire industry starts to sniffle.”

Continued on page 13

www.amports.nl

Welding activities on the cutter head of a dredger at Niron Staal in Amsterdam North.

Photo: Niron Staal/Shipdock

April 2013

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The Felison Ro-Ro Terminal – Your Gateway to the Netherlands The Felison Terminal is located in the port of IJmuiden. Convenient for Amsterdam and Schiphol International Airport, IJmuiden has excellent road and inland waterway connections. The Felison Terminal berths are located on the seaward side of the locks, and at the entrance of the Amsterdam North Sea Canal, Gateway to the Netherlands.

The Terminal has two specialist RO-RO berths: Quay No.2 is located in the Fishery Harbour at the south side of the Felison passenger terminal. Ships up to a length of 200 meters and of up to 6.5 meters draught can dock at the ro-ro bridge.

Quay No.3 is located in the IJmond Harbour. This new facility has been specifically designed to ensure the rapid and efficient loading and unloading of sea-going ships. Vessels up to 240 meters in length and up to 10 meters draught can be handled at this berth.

Additional features of the Felison Terminal include: • 24 hour service, 365 days a year • A high-quality parking and storage area (18,000 m2) equipped with closed-circuit TV security systems.

• Dedicated and strengthened paved storage areas for high-grade and heavy cargo • ISPS certified • Dedicated, qualified staff • High quality terminal equipment • Extensive covered and open storage is available on and adjacent to the port area. Cold store capacity is also available in the port.

KVSA, owner and operator

The Felison Terminal is owned and operated by KVSA (Royal United Ship Agencies). KVSA, founded in 1876, is one of The Netherlands’ leading service providers to the maritime industry. The word “Royal” was added to the company’s name in recognition of the quality of service provided to customers for more than 130 years.

You can find out more about us and the Felison Terminal at our website, www.felisonterminal.com. If you need any further information please contact us by phone, fax or e-mail.

Phone: +31 255 545454 - Fax: +31 255 545426 E-mail: info@felisonterminal.nl - Internet: www.felisonterminal.com

Zeehavens Amsterdam treinstellen:Opmaak 1

18-07-2012

13:40

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MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY

Freling also emphasises that the manufacturing industry represents a considerable share of the regional economy around the Amsterdam port. “Without the manufacturing industry, all scalebenefits would be lost.” As an example, Van de Meerakker cites the nautical service providers in the region: “Because there are so many vessels that need to be unloaded, the region has many tugboats, pilot boats and boatmen. Without the industry there would be fewer seagoing vessels, which would increase the initial port costs of other vessels. The costs of every tug would be substantially higher. The larger the scale at which companies operate, the more efficiently they can use their personnel and material at lower costs. The manufacturing industry is like a wall: Remove one brick and the entire wall could come tumbling down.”

The manufacturing industry in the Netherlands (NL) and the Metropole Region Amsterdam (MRA)

DIRECT AND INDIRECT EMPLOYMENT An interesting development in the Amsterdam manufacturing industry is reduced employment combined with an explosive increase in productivity. Freling: “Although employment in the manufacturing industry is falling, productivity is rapidly increasing. What we now do with one person here takes a hundred people in China. The existing jobs in our field are knowledgeintensive. So although the number of jobs is dropping, the level of education required jobs is increasing.”

EXPORT VALUE

Van de Meerakker underlines the difference The export value is the value of goods exported from the Netherlands in euros. In 2011 between direct and indirect employment. the Amsterdam Chamber of Commerce commissioned a study that was published by “Direct employment is the number of the Dutch research and consultancy firm Buck Consultants International (BCI). In the employees in the port industry; for example, report BCI indicated that the manufacturing industry represents around 40 percent of the 9000 people who work at the premises of exports in the Amsterdam metropolitan region. ING estimates the export of the Dutch Tata Steel in IJmuiden. Indirectly, however, manufacturing industry to be worth 180 billion euros, which is roughly two-thirds of the manufacturing the total Dutch export. An interesting fact is that 20 percent industry in the of the export from the Amsterdam metropolitan region can ‘The manufacturing industry Amsterdam metropolitan be attributed to the North Sea Canal or Amsterdam port is like a wall: Remove one region generates many region. more jobs. In other brick and the entire wall VALUE CHAINS words, although there is could come tumbling down.

The aforementioned BCI report emphasises how important no substantial increase it is that the port region starts thinking in value chains. in the number of jobs, its importance with regard to employment These include, respectively, the base industry (like Cargill, Tata, Meneba), the selfmanufacturing industry (Forbo, G-Star, Stork, Draka, Duyvis Wiener and Meijn), (including indirectly) is substantial.” suppliers (ASM, ADK, Hordijk and De Voogt) and service providers (NUON, DHL, Oxxio Freling believes that the crux of the and Takenaka). According to BCI, industrial chains with good prospects are basic metal discussion lies in the employment figures: and metal and electro, the processing industry and climate & control engineering, The manufacturing industry results in food, aerospace, fashion and fine chemistry. increased production that requires less labour due to the rising productivity These findings are confirmed by a recent report by ING (My industry 2030) which resulting from permanent innovations recommends the Netherlands stimulate a strong manufacturing industry; especially in in production processes. The industry is view of the link between knowledge intensive production, consultancy services, R&D extremely knowledge intensive, and also centres and fundamental research at universities. “The Amsterdam metropolitan region serves as a driving force for consultants, shouldn’t start competing with brainport Eindhoven but nor should we ignore these both within companies (e.g., Shell Research developments,” Freling concludes. and Tata Consultancy Services, both in www.kvk.nl Amsterdam) and from business services and www.zeehaven.nl university knowledge centres.

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MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY

Tata Steel: Focused on innovation

Masters of steel in IJmuiden

T

ata Steel is a frontrunner in innovation. As well as developing new types of steel and other products, the company in IJmuiden (part of the Amsterdam port region) is continuously improving its production processes. As a result, Tata Steel provides substantial added value both within the region and further afield.

By Jan van den Berg Ask for the largest industrial company in the Amsterdam port region and you will find yourself at the industrial facilities of Tata Steel on the estuary of the North Sea Canal. Some 9000 of the company’s 11,000 employees in the Netherlands work at the IJmuiden facility. Although it is difficult to give exact figures, experts estimate that the steel company in IJmuiden also accounts for some 5,000 to 10,000 extra jobs in the direct surroundings. With around 750 hectares, Tata Steel has the largest interconnected industrial complex in the Netherlands, and its added value is estimated to be up to two billion euros. “If Tata Steel in IJmuiden sneezes, the rest of the region starts to sniffle,” is a common local saying.

The HIsarna testing installation should lead to energy savings of 20 percent in iron production. Photos: Tata Steel

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Tata Steel also comes with complex logistics. Every year large bulk carriers deliver approximately 4.5 million tons of coal and nine million tons of ores to the company’s three quays. These raw materials are used for the annual production of over seven million tons of steel of the highest quality. Plans are to increase production to 7.7 million tons by 2015.

CLIENTS IN MANY SECTORS Of the annual production, the steel company in IJmuiden transports around 2.5 million tons to overseas clients. Inland shipping carries 1.5 million tons, and the rest is conveyed to clients by truck or cargo train. These clients represent a variety of sectors, including the construction, automotive and packaging industries. Steel from IJmuiden can also be found in batteries, pipes, industrial systems, refrigerators and cookers.

As we have seen, Tata Steel aims to increase production in IJmuiden by some ten percent over the coming two years. To stay ahead of the competition, innovation is an essential aspect of the total operational management. Tata Steel has five centres for research and development in the Netherlands, India and Great Britain employing approximately 900 people, 400 of which in IJmuiden.

HIGH-STRENGTH STEEL An example of high-quality material research in IJmuiden is DP800 Hyperform GI, a highly mouldable high-strength steel (HSS) for the automotive sector. One of the company’s most recent investments was to build an R&D installation for this ultra-strong steel, which was taken into use in early February 2013. It comprises an advanced hot press installation costing 2.3 million euros. Car manufacturers and their suppliers increasingly use the hot pressed steel to produce complex body parts and components that have to be resistant against extreme forces.

In the hot press process, steel plates are heated in furnaces at temperatures of over 900 degrees Celsius. The plates are then pressed into the desired form in water-cooled die-sets. By heating the steel plates in this manner, they are easier to mould, while the fast cooling process ensures exceptional strength.

Tata Steel in IJmuiden produces over seven million tons of steel a year. In 2015, production should be increased to around 7.7 million tons.

an installation for large-scale testing of this technology (see photo).

FUTURE CAR MODELS Tata Steel built the installation together with several large European car manufacturers, who have the best insight into the requirements for future car models. With the new set-up, the steel company can support its clients in integrating new ultra-high strength steel in the car models of the near future. The new product line for hot pressing steel plates into car parts is the most advanced in its kind worldwide. “With this installation we can work even more closely with automotive manufacturers,” says Henrik Adam, chief commercial officer of Tata Steel in Europe. “For example, we facilitate the use of these new types of steel in their latest models.”

ENERGY SAVINGS AND CLEAN COAL

Producing pig iron in a blast furnace requires iron ore and coal to be pre-treated into sinter (lumps of iron ore), pellets (balls of iron ore) and cokes. This occurs in separate sinter, pellet and coke plants. The revolutionary character of the HIsarna technology is that iron ore and coal can be directly fed into the new furnace without pre-treatment.

Tata Steel is not only involved in new products - it is also continuously improving its In December 2012 Tata Steel successfully production processes. An important aspect herein is reducing concluded a second energy consumption. Tata Steel runs a programme in which series of tests. According it analyses nearly every process to see whether savings can be to the company, this ‘The goal is to reduce achieved. has paved the road for energy consumption and CO2 the construction of a emissions in the production of larger installation. If the In addition, the company is involved in the ‘clean coal for green steel’ project in which it develops methods to remove development process pig iron by 20 percent’ minerals from coal. As a result, Tata Steel can use more types continues to do well, of coal in its blast furnaces, allowing it to choose from a larger the construction of an variety of suppliers and reduce coal costs. industrial-sized installation could be started between 2025 and 2030.

The most striking innovation project is right at the heart of the company. In cooperation with several other European steel producers, mining companies Rio Tinto Leading and LKAB, and various research institutions, Tata Steel is involved in ULCOS. “This It is important to emphasise that the HISarna is short for Ultra-Low CO2 Steelmaking,” Koen Meijer, project leader for Tata Steel’s technology is not only intended for Tata Steel contribution to ULCOS, explains. “The goal is to reduce energy consumption and and will also be available to other European CO2 emissions in the production of pig iron by 20 percent. This could result in a steel producers. However, the prominent role substantial reduction in the costs and environmental impact of steel production.” of Tata Steel clearly shows that it is a leading company that aims to remain a frontrunner Directly into the furnace in steel production.

Within the ULCOS project the participating companies are developing various www.tatasteel.nl technologies, of which HIsarna is one. The premises of Tata Steel in IJmuiden contain

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MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY

Offshore wind energy, the new growth market

Niron Staal has the wind in its sails Niron Staal in Amsterdam is specialised in steel constructions and machining. Photos: Evert Bruinekool

N

iron Staal has been part of the Amsterdam port since 1985. With the Dutch government aiming to build 6000 megawatts of wind turbines in the North Sea by 2020, this specialist in steel constructions and machining sees plenty of opportunities ahead.

ship repairs, we also enable personnel from shipping companies to carry out their own maintenance here,” says Harco Groen, general manager of Niron Staal. The mechanical engineer/manager has been working at this location for 21 years; 19 years at Shipdock and two years at Niron Staal, a company specialised in steel construction and machining.

HIGH TIMES

By René Didde The shed smells of cutting fluid and metal as dozens of men perform maintenance on crane parts, ship propellers, rudders and cutters for dredging vessels. The Niron Staal premises in Amsterdam North, on the same site as ship repair company Shipdock, are a hive of activity. “The good thing is that in addition to performing 14

April 2013

Dredging vessels, Ro/Ro vessels, jack-ups, cable layers, large fishing trawlers and offshore vessels find their way to the four large docks of sister company and ship repair yard Shipdock, active since 1928. Since Niron Staal became an integral part of Shipdock in 2006, it has provided the yard with lots of extra work.

A major job during our visit in late January was replacing a pedestal on a ship on the dry dock outside. “This new pedestal will allow the vessel to lift the huge pipes for wind turbines onboard, meaning they can be piled into the seabed much faster,” Groen points out.

Groen shows ingenious drawings of metal constructions which will allow these pipes to be transported to the offshore building site in a horizontal position. The

Amsterdam Seaports

MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY

huge steel cage construction also includes space for the safe transportation of the giant rotor blades and generators.

SPECIFIC VESSELS REQUIRED

There is much at stake. At the current rate of 13 eurocents per Kilowatt INNOVATIVE CANTILEVER CONSTRUCTION hour, a defective wind turbine costs “We are also expecting Niron Staal to build an innovative cantilever construction around 15,000 euros a day. A park which can tilt pipes at sea before they are piled into the seabed,” Groen continues. with 150 wind turbines therefore offers The manager indicates that offshore wind energy is having a major impact on the huge opportunities, says Groen. “We innovative manufacturing industry in the Amsterdam port could design and region on the North Sea Canal. “As the Dutch government equip these very ‘Wind energy at sea has an aims to install no less than 6000 MW by 2020, you can specific vessels in imagine how many vessels will be needing adjustments and Amsterdam enormous impact on the region’s the maintenance. This is a new market area for the Amsterdam port region and innovative manufacturing port region from which various parties can benefit.” we estimate that industry.’ dozens will be Whenever one of these ‘installation vessels’ arrives, Niron required in the Staal immediately has lots of extra work. “There are six near future. Via the temporary employment agencies with experienced, certified steel workers we can AYOP (Amsterdam IJmuiden Offshore contact. Most of these people have worked at Niron Staal before.”

Port) promotional organisation and associated companies, we could then SPACE FOR MAINTENANCE offer the managers of these wind turbine Groen also points out a new specialism. “These wind turbines at sea will also parks and the energy companies a total need maintenance. While under the builder’s warranty for the first five years, the maintenance package. By contacting turbines will still require regular maintenance after that period. Currently there’s the construction companies as soon a maintenance ship and side ship that sails to, for instance, defective turbines. The as possible, we can develop the best mechanic then jumps onto the wind turbine platform in hazardous conditions to possible engineering as part of a costart the necessary repairs. In the future, these types of service vessels can increase maker relationship.” the professionalization of such activities by staying near wind turbine parks more www.nironstaal.nl or less permanently.”

Since Niron Staal became an integral part of Shipdock in 2006, it has provided the yard with lots of extra work.

www.amports.nl

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INFRASTRUCTURE

SOIL ANALYSIS FOR NEW SEA LOCK IN IJMUIDEN 2014

2015

2018

2019

Call for tenders for building new Ijmuiden sea lock

Start of construction

Test phase

Completion and putting into use of new sea lock

A Fugro Geoservices operator carries out a cone penetration test to determine the solidity of soil layers.

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INFRASTRUCTURE

A

fter almost 85 years of loyal service, the Noordersluis in IJmuiden (400 metres long, 50 metres wide and 15 metres deep) needs to be replaced. Rijkswaterstaat (a division of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment), the province of North Holland and Port of Amsterdam are working together with the municipality of Velsen on the construction of a new large sea lock. This is because the lock system is in the territory of Velsen, at the entrance to the North Sea.

The new sea lock will need to replace the current work of art – which dates back to 1929 – in order to accommodate ever larger ships. In 2012, the abovementioned parties expressed their preference for a structure that would be 500 metres long, 65 metres wide and 18 metres deep. According to the current schedule, the construction will be ready in 2019.

In preparation, the Dutch company Fugro Geoservices recently carried out soil studies at the future location of the new sea lock. The study was completed in midMarch and lasted about ten weeks. It consisted of a series of cone penetration tests and drillings, and yielded valuable information about the solidity and structure of the subsurface soil.

(Photos: Ed Seeder)

www.amports.nl

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MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY

ICL Fertilizers sees many growth opportunities in the Amsterdam port

Fertilizing success General manager Anthony Zanelli at the premises of ICL Fertilizers.

Photo’s: Reinder Weidijk

I

f there is one company that has played a pivotal role in the rich history of the Amsterdam port, it may well be artificial fertilizer manufacturer ICL Fertilizers Europe. The company dates back to 1907, and was previously known as ASF, UKF Amsterdam and Amfert. And, says managing director Anthony Zanelli, the company has every intention of maintaining its leading position.

90 TYPES OF ARTIFICIAL FERTILIZER To provide a better insight into his firm’s activities in the Amsterdam port, Zanelli takes a sheet of paper and draws the Dead Sea and the Negev desert in Israel. These locations are where ICL extracts potash (potassium chloride) and phosphate ore respectively. In Israel the company produces phosphoric acid from the phosphate ore. The reaction between phosphate ore and phosphoric acid creates artificial fertilizer.

Zanelli then draws a line from Israel to Amsterdam to indicate that ICL imports phosphate ore, phosphoric acid, artificial fertilizer and part of the potash It may seem strange: An Amsterdam Port from its Israeli mother company. The Amsterdam location processes these raw Company that imports phosphate ore materials into no less than 90 different types of phosphate potassium artificial to produce phosphate fertilizers, while fertilizers, suitable for a wide variety of crops and plants. Ninety percent of the Netherlands the total production is exported from the Netherlands, counts more cattle “We are doing extremely well, and mainly to Germany, France, Eastern Europe, Scandinavia than people and and, occasionally, South America. continue to invest in this location. has a surplus of animal fertilizer.

According to Zanelli, who started as a plant engineer at The environmental impact of our “Those familiar ICL 20 years ago before continuing his career via logistics company is minimal: We operate with our history and production onto the Board in 2008, the transport well within the environmental and ambitious movements are reducing, instead of increasing. This trend standards.” goals will know started after ICL took over the company from the Unie that the situation van Kunstmest Fabrieken (UKF) in 1982. isn’t at all strange,” AMSTERDAM, A PRIME LOCATION says Anthony Zanelli, managing director Zanelli says that the Amsterdam port is a prime location: “The primary reason of ICL Fertilizers Europe in Amsterdam, for ICL to move here was the presence of a phosphate production factory where with a smile.

By Cees Visser

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MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY

Aerial view of the ICL Fertilizers’ premises in the port of Amsterdam. Photo: ICL

the employees have an excellent work ethic and know-how. Other important factors were the expansion possibilities, the deep water location, the excellent hinterland connections, and the proximity to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.”

In the subsequent years, increased efficiency led to a doubling of the production capacity and more personnel. The company also invested

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPANSION

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Industrial engineer Zanelli points out the expansion opportunities at the premises.

“We are doing extremely well, and continue to invest in this location. The environmental impact of our company is minimal: We operate well within the environmental standards.”

When asked why ICL intends to stay at this location, he says that his employer is a real manufacturing company where raw materials are transformed into end products.

“Here we can play a leading role in the recycling of phosphate residual products into artificial fertilising components.

This enables us to make an important contribution to the reuse of phosphate in the Netherlands, and Amsterdam in particular. In addition to a manufacturing company, we also function as a head office. Partly due to the combination of these functions, we employ various other small and larger businesses, for instance in catering, cleaning, maintenance and consultancy. We also make a significant contribution to the sea port’s economy.”

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a lot of money and energy in expanding storage capacity. This allowed the artificial fertilizer plant in Amsterdam to become a logistic hub for a large number of sister companies of ICL, and the European head office of ICL Fertilizers and ICL Industrial Products.

A HEALTHY MIX In conclusion Zanelli says that the Amsterdam port requires a healthy mix of manufacturing companies and service providers. “We need a strong manufacturing industry for innovation and to improve our services. It is good to see that - partly due to the current economic crisis - politicians and the general public are increasingly aware of this fact.” www.iclfertilizers.eu

www.amports.nl

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MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY

Machine factory Saedt: Specialist in ceramic coatings

Indestructible for 80 years

M

achine factory Saedt is a specialist in the repair and maintenance of pumps, ventilators, rudder works and rotating valves. With the ceramic coating it applies to wear-sensitive installation components, Saedt has a strong, innovative product that is at the heart of the company’s recent expansion in the Amsterdam port.

By Rob Schoemaker An economic crisis does not affect everyone, as is proven by the 80-year history of the Amsterdam machine factory Saedt. Initially the company started as a specialist in the repair of pumps, ventilators, engines and auxiliary tools for vessels and industrial companies in the port.

When the growth of the Amsterdam port came to a temporary halt in the 1970s, this posed a risk for the machine factory.

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April 2013

Board members Ruud (left) and Rob van de Klundert at the start of the construction of the new shed in 2011. Photo: Martin Hendriksen

However, thanks to the many line services and shipping services in Amsterdam, lots of marine engineers found jobs on the shore and took their relationship with Saedt along with them. This led to new clients such as hotels, hospitals and energy companies for the machine factory. Moreover, Saedt benefited from the fact that many companies no longer had pump maintenance performed by manufacturers, preferring to call on repair companies for financial and logistic reasons.

‘DRY’ AND ‘WET’ CLIENTS “Eighty percent of our client base is located in the Amsterdam port region, and the ratio between ‘dry’ and ‘wet’ clients is now approximately 50/50,” says technical director Ruud van de Klundert who forms the Board of Saedt together with his brother Rob van de Klundert and partner Rob de Looper.

Saedt also seems to have escaped unscathed from the current recession. As companies delay making change investments, this benefits repair companies such as Saedt which became a dealer for ARC (Advanced Reinforced Composites) some 15 years ago. The ceramic coating of wear-sensitive rotating parts is a process that became popular in the 1980s as it considerably extended the lifespan of these components. By preventively coating new installations, maintenance costs are also reduced over time.

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MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY

techniques over recent decades. This is in contrast to the electronics involved and the application of exotic materials such as titanium. The development of new coatings for specific applications, like aggressive chemicals, is progressing rapidly. We now work with 26 different coatings for as many applications.”

TIME PRESSURE

Machine factory Saedt is a specialist in the repair and maintenance of pumps, ventilators, rudder works and rotating valves. Photo: Saedt

Saedt mainly applies the coatings in its own facility. “We do see an increasing trend towards application at our clients’ premises as they don’t have access to backup equipment,” says De Looper. “There is more and more time pressure. At the same time, however, we always have to meet the basic conditions for surface structure and cleanliness or there would be no point in applying the coating.”

“Our coating is so successful that we recently expanded our facility by some 600 square metres,” says Arno de Looper, ARC specialist at Saedt. “We included a blasting area and conditioned application space. Applying an ARC coating is a meticulous job. For a durable adhesion, the surface needs to be sandblasted and thoroughly cleaned. The coating is then applied in specific temperatures and humidity. Finally the coating is cut to size with diamond as standard polishing equipment is not hard enough.”

“We now work with 20 people in-house and in the field, but finding the right personnel isn’t easy,” adds Van de Klundert. “This is why we train people ourselves. And Saedt recently started serving as a training centre for ARC appliers in Europe and North Africa so we must be doing a good job!.”

Ruud van de Klundert: “There have been relatively few innovations in pumping

www.saedt.nl

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Breman Machinery spreads its wings in IJmuiden

Constructing larger installations required a new production location in IJmuiden.

Photo: Breman Machinery

By Jan van den Berg While Breman Machinery mainly builds large components for the offshore and dredging sectors and the bulk and processing industry, it also serves clients from the aerospace sector. The company is specialised in components for machinery and equipment builders, engineering firms and industrial companies. Products range from simple constructions to complex equipment; often with high tolerances and substantial dimensions. Breman’s facilities also therefore include large metal-cutting and rolling equipment.

LARGER AND LARGER Director Henk Breman sees a clear trend towards increasingly large components.

“In our factory in Genemuiden (near Zwolle, in the northern part of the Netherlands) we are currently constructing a component for a large crane, which is 15 metres wide and ten metres high.

These types of components can only be transported sideways or they won’t fit through locks and bridges. Another item we’re working on is a 30-metre installation that has to be transported vertically.”

It is not an ideal situation, the Director explains. “By toppling the construction, we are faced with loads that one would rather avoid.” To prevent similar issues

T

he IJmuiden port, part of the Amsterdam port region, recently welcomed Breman Machinery. Specialised in large components for the offshore and dredging sectors and the bulk and processing industry, the company had been looking for an accessible location on the water to improve its services.

in the future, the machinery builder went looking for a location where large components could be transported by water.

HARINGHAVEN IS IDEAL The company eventually found a piece of land in the port of IJmuiden and Breman is enthusiastic. “This port location is situated on the sea, which means we won’t have to pass through the IJmuiden lock complex that gives access to the North Sea Canal. Moreover, there was a new quay available. I was also happy that we were able to purchase the land: This offers more security for the future than leasing, which is often the only option in other ports. An added benefit is that we are situated close to the port of Amsterdam and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. All in all, IJmuiden is an excellent strategic location.”

The company will be using the new facilities in IJmuiden for assembly. “We will continue to manufacture parts in our existing factories in Genemuiden and Purmerend, 20 kilometres north of Amsterdam,” Breman explains. “In IJmuiden we will be combining them into larger units which we can then transport by ship.”

It is also ideal that the IJmuiden location will allow the company to assemble installations directly onto vessels.

DESTINATION NORTH SEA The North Sea is an important destination for Breman Machinery as almost half of the companies turnover is in the offshore sector. There is a clear demand from the sector for larger components as they are cheaper to build in a factory onshore than at sea. These factors far outweigh the higher cost and complexity of transporting large components. The fact that the offshore industry is a growth sector makes the move to IJmuiden even more relevant. www.breman-machinery.nl

www.amports.nl

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MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY Shipyard Holland Repair and Services (HORS) also supplies water treatment installations

Jack of all trades

H

olland Repair and Services (HORS) is available 24/7 for the repair of ship or factory parts. The company in the Amsterdam port is currently working on a treatment installation for shower and toilet waste on a Total oil platform.

By Ruben Acohen He started working with his dad in the workshop at the age of 12. Now, together with brother Leo, Robert Deurholt has succeeded his father Rikus as co-director of two companies in the Amsterdam port: Holland Repair and Services (HORS) and Holland Marine Services Amsterdam (HMSA).

Sitting in his office in the Amsterdam port, close to major companies such as Cargill, IGMA ICL Fertilizers and Eggerding, Deurholt shares his story: “Holland Repair was established by Stoomvaart Maatschappij Nederland (SMN) in partnership with HSM and ADM in 1969. These three shipping companies created a hub for the repair of their own ships. My father bought Holland Repair in 1982. I started gaining hands-on experience in 1988, and took over the helm in 1992. Our main activity is ship repairs. For example, we are currently working on a major engine revision and the repair of the outlets of two suction dredgers.” Both companies employ 18 permanent ironworkers who can help out at the sister company whenever necessary.

An organic treatment installation by Holland Marine Service Amsterdam (HMSA) in the Amsterdam port for a Feadship superyacht. Photo: HMSA

the auspices of sister company HMSA,” says Deurholt. “The switch to water treatment installations has been a success. We have agents abroad for the sale of shower and toilet water treatment installations on a wide range of ships; from tugs to cruise vessels and superyachts. We also supply dredging companies and oil platforms. We recently landed our largest commission yet for an oil platform from Total in Indonesia. We are building the 400-person water treatment installation here in Amsterdam and installing it in Indonesia. We also recently shipped a treatment installation for a yacht to New Zealand.”

The company has already built up a high level of expertise with a wide array of water treatment installations. “Shipyards prefer to have one supplier for all their systems, so we were more or less forced to involve ourselves in the treatment of bilge water (a mixture of water and oil in the engine rooms – ed.) and systems for the production of drinking water. We now offer shipyards ‘Overdue the total package,” Deurholt explains.

The workshop is situated by the water. Here we see new parts for engines and maintenance has the outlets of the suction BRIGHT FUTURE to be performed at dredgers, among other “After the recession in 2009 we faced a falling turnover in both things. In the water is the some point’ branches,” Deurholt says. “However, things have picked up again working vessel that HORS since September 2012. Our clients’ overdue maintenance has to be built itself. If a ship needs a new shell plate, the vessel comes alongside performed at some point.” with welding and cutting equipment. The With large clients like Cargill, IGMA, Eggerding and ICL, HORS has become a major company also performs maintenance in player in the Amsterdam port region. Other important clients include Hanson, VCK factories nearby. All its activities involve steel. Logistics, Vopak, Soetermeer and Fekkes, while Perk IJzerhandel in Zaandam is a major supplier. It is therefore no surprise that Deurholt is looking ahead with confidence: “Our WATER TREATMENT INSTALLATIONS order portfolio is filled until the end of 2013 and we expect a bright future.”

“To fill the off-peak hours, we have also www.hors.nl started to focus on water treatment under 24

April 2013

Amsterdam Seaports

A N N U A L R E S U LT S 2 0 1 2

Amsterdam port region grows against the tide

D

By Boris Coret Dertje Meijer, director of Port of Amsterdam, is understandably pleased with the results achieved in 2012: “Despite the ailing economy affecting many market sectors, Amsterdam once again experienced a year of solid growth. An expansion of 1.6 per cent is a wonderful result given the circumstances. After Rotterdam, Antwerp and Hamburg, Amsterdam is the fourth largest port in Europe – this is something I’m very proud of.”

The transhipment of oil products increased by 11 per cent to 41 million tons thanks to the new Vopak storage terminal, which has a capacity of 1.2 million m³. Other growth sectors were general cargo (up 53 per cent to 2.2 million tons) and shipping containers (36 per cent to 800,000 tons).

espite the economic crisis, 2012 was a record year for the Amsterdam port area. Annual throughput was approximately 95 million tons, an increase of 1.6 per cent compared to 2011. Amsterdam, the largest of the four ports on the North Sea Canal, even saw its transhipment volume rise by three per cent – to 77 million tons. This increase could be attributed almost entirely to exports.

on 1 April 2013. We believe that the new structure will allow for a more effective operation. We will also be able to work together with the industry to provide a better frame for the future development of the port, with an emphasis on regional cooperation. Our expectation is that 2013 will at least match the record of 2012.”

ACTIVE COMPANIES “For strategic reasons, we have decided not to participate in the crisis.” This catchy remark was uttered by Peter de Meerakker, Director of Seaport IJmuiden NV, who accompanied it with some impressive figures (see illustration). “The future expectations are pretty good. Although I’m not exactly cheerful about the overall economic climate, I think that active companies in the ports are generally less sensitive to the recession.”

It’s been a record year also for the cruise industry, with 145 sea cruise ships visiting the Dutch capital with some 270,000 passengers. This represents an increase of 18 per cent compared to 2011. River cruises also had a record year in Transhipment 2012, with 1382 calls in Beverwijk Amsterdam. Prospects for 25% 2013 remain favourable, reduction to especially considering 239,000 tons the 150 bookings for sea cruise vessels in Amsterdam and around 3% increase to 1500 smaller river cruise 17.1 million tons ships expected.

“The next year will be important for Port of Amsterdam,” CEO Meijer says. “For one thing, we will become an autonomous corporation

Key annual statistics

Amsterdam Port Region 2012 Transhipment Zaanstad

53%

reduction to 83,000 tons

Transhipment IJmuiden Cruise ships

Fresh fish supply

13.5%

3%

increase to 15 million kilo

increase to 77 million tons

Transhipment oil products

Transhipment coal

11%

0%

Transhipment containers

Transhipment cars and Ro/Ro

36%

36%

increase to 41 million tons

stable on 15.6 million tons

Transhipment agri bulk

15%

reduction to 6.8 million tons

Transhipment Amsterdam Cruises Amsterdam Sea cruise ships

Sea cruise passengers

River cruise ships

River cruise passengers

New record

However, there were also cargo flows which decreased in 2012, such as agribulk (falling 15 per cent to 6.8 million tons), cars and other RoRo (-36% to 600,000 tons).

The transhipment of coal remained stable at 15.6 million tons.

www.portofamsterdam.nl www.zeehaven.nl

increase to 800,000 tons

reduction to 600,000 tons

Transhipment break bulk

53%

increase to 2.2 million tons

The key figures of the Amsterdam port area in 2012. Illustration: Guus Gijben

www.amports.nl

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HEAVY TRANSPORT

Amsterdam exceptional transport specialist celebrates 35th anniversary

No load too complex for Multiwheels

M

ultiwheels has specialised in out-of-the-ordinary road transport over the years, including cargo as diverse as aircraft wings and chicken slaughtering machines. Based in the port of Amsterdam, the company celebrated its 35th anniversary in January. “Although our drivers go to all corners of Europe, we remain very much an Amsterdam company,” says the enthusiastic general manager Rob Tschur.

By Bart Stam Rob Tschur can instantly recall high-profile shipments that Multiwheels has facilitated over the years: Large printing presses, machines for chicken slaughterhouses, masts for sailboats, aircraft wings, fuselages & engines, rotor blades for wind turbines, silos for beer breweries, missile components, heavy cranes… “In fact, Multiwheels can transport by road any cargo up to forty metres and one hundred tons,” he explains. “A width up to six metres is also no problem for us.”

Experience has taught the company that going above these dimensions can be problematic. “The roads in The Netherlands and the rest of Europe are not built for such loads, and bridges, tunnels and viaducts often constitute major

This photo shows a good example of the core activities of Multiwheels: Two doors for a hydroelectric company which it transported on a trailer from Sweden to Portugal.

Photo: Multiwheels

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HEAVY TRANSPORT

obstacles. A different form of transport is then required – for example by barge or a RoRo (roll-on roll-off) pontoon.”

Rob Tschur (left) receives a new sign board from the hands of port alderman Freek Ossel on behalf of Multiwheels in late November. Photo: Wim Bos

EXTENSIVE FLEET OF VEHICLES Multiwheels is an excellent choice of name, as the often specialised transports usually require many wheels, especially in case of low loaders or multi-axle trailers. The company has at its disposal a fleet of twelve lorries and twenty trailers. If necessary, Multiwheels can hire additional equipment from partner transport companies. “Together with our colleagues, we ensure that the right transport combination is ready anywhere in Europe at the appointed time. Conversely, we also help others if they need our equipment,” Tschur says.

Multiwheels was founded on 1 January 1978 by Hans Broekzitter and his partner Co Smit. Tschur, who joined the company one year later, gradually rose to the position of general manager in charge of daily operations. Together with Ben Mackaay (planning and sales) and office manager Annet Palatresi (assistant planning), he is in constant contact with the drivers delivering valuable cargo throughout Europe.

PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS Remarkably, Multiwheels uses only Dutch drivers, even as many other transport companies are increasingly hiring Eastern Europeans or Filipinos. According to Tschur, this is a conscious choice: “The financial interests of our clients are enormous, and often involve cargo worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of euros. Our advanced track & trace system allows us to closely follow our lorries down to the minute and the kilometre.

Our company can maintain itself and grow only with the best service, quality and craftsmanship. Our highly experienced and exceptionally skilled drivers ensure that there are very few losses.”

PROUD OF AMSTERDAM

Although the company is active throughout Europe and the drivers therefore spend little time in their home base, Tschur is proud of the fact that it is established in the port of Amsterdam.

“Being born and raised in Amsterdam, I FROM FINLAND TO SPAIN find it wonderful “We go everywhere in Europe,” Tschur continues. “From that we are part “The financial interests of our Finland and northern Sweden to southern Spain, and of the Amsterdam clients are enormous, and often from Ireland to Poland and Slovenia.” Thanks to all port community. these transports, the company has become specialised in We carry the concern transport of cargo worth obtaining the necessary transport permits. “While each Amsterdam name hundreds of thousands or even milmember state of the European Union has its own rules, with pride. We are lions of euros” thanks to our expertise we have permanent authorisations a reliable and solid for cargoes up to 4.90 metres wide in several western company, where European countries,” Tschur explains. “We always ensure that our drivers go on most drivers and staff have been working the road with all the necessary papers and permits.” for decades.”

In addition to the professional drivers, most of whom have been in service for many years, Tschur also quotes the company’s small, dynamic organisation as an advantage. “We have a strong team of people who work together very well.

Over our 35 years of operation, we have, therefore, built up a large number of loyal customers.”

In the niche market in which Multiwheels operates, the margins are under great pressure due to the economic crisis, intense competition and high diesel prices.

The company has therefore chosen to wait a while before investing in new trucks.

“Our current fleet is sufficient for now,” Tschur says. “The recession means that we must invest in small amounts, although there are already plenty of plans.

For instance, we are closely following developments in European emission requirements. Furthermore, increased toll costs, particularly in Germany and France, may mean that it will become more attractive to acquire new vehicles with very clean Euro-6 engines in the near future. However, it’s important to remember that a new lorry with trailer can easily cost 250,000 euros.” On average, a Multiwheels lorry will drive some 120,000 kilometres per year, while the company clocks some 1.5 million kilometres as a whole.

www.amports.nl

Rob Tschur hopes to start taking things easier from April 2014. “I’ll be 62 years old then and would like to see more of my family, grandchildren and friends. Travel and going to the theatre will also be on the agenda. While this is a great company and the exceptional international transport sector is very dynamic, the work can be quite strenuous and stressful. It’s time to hand over the helm,” he concludes. www.multiwheels.nl

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TRANSPORT

‘Lego freighter’ for smaller waterways

Q-Barge passes its first test

T

he Q-Barge, a new type of inland vessel developed by two entrepreneurs from the Amsterdam port, recently passed its first test in a German maritime development centre, clearing the way to the production stage.

By Tina Reinders The Q-Barge is a new small-sized inland vessel for smaller waterways in the Netherlands and the rest of Europe.

The initiators of the project are Anton van Megen and Johan Overmeer from Research Small Barges (RSB). Both Amsterdam businessmen are delighted that the renowned Entwicklungszentrum für Schiffstechnik und Transportsysteme (DTS) in Duisburg (Germany) has given the green light for the performance related technical aspects of the Q-Barge such as the hull speed and stability. “The Q-Barge was scale-tested at realistic ratios and the results exceeded our expectations,” says Johan Overmeer, who is also the Director of the Overmeer Transport Group inland shipping company.

The positive test results conclude the development stage of the Q-Barge project, which will now enter the realisation stage. The first step will be definitive certification by a classification society, as Overmeer explains: “The Q-Barge is such a new type of concept that no regulations exist for it as yet.

The combination of steel and composite is new as is the propulsion technology.

Moreover, the Q-barge has no gangways or accommodations; aspects that also have yet to be certified. One could even debate the front and rear of the vessel.”

TRANSPORT CONCEPT With all these innovations, the Q-Barge is more of a transport concept than a new type of vessel. The idea is that it will travel to destinations that are mainly located on smaller waterways via a predetermined trajectory. Four Q-Barge units can be interconnected to form one 28

April 2013

large vessel for larger waterways. A single unit with a length of 45 metres is ideal for small waterways such as the Canal du Nord in France.

Overmeer is certain that there will be plenty of cargo for the Q-Barge: “I receive lots of requests for transports on the smaller waterways in France. As yet I am unable to provide transhipment companies with any guarantees as there are too few small vessels and too few captains who want to sail the same trajectory for a longer time period.” With its own fleet of Q-Barges Overmeer aims to meet this demand.

(UN)LOADING Permanent captains will operate the Q-Barge, sailing for 12 hours before returning home. Part of the total concept is the work distribution. The skipper helms the vessel but is not involved in the (un)loading or maintenance. A Q-Barge can transport as much cargo (up to 24 TEU) as a Kempenaar (type of canal freighter – ed.), but is much narrower with a beam of only 5.80 metres.

This limited beam means the vessel can also pass through the Canal du Nord and reach destinations on smaller waterways, for instance in the north of France or around Amsterdam.

Now, it is a matter of waiting for the right certification. Overmeer and Van Megen have nonetheless started looking for co-investors and a Dutch shipyard to build the first Q-Barges. Overmeer: “The quality of Dutch shipyards is exceptional, and it is initially practical to have the vessels built in our own backyard.” It may be a while, but the first Q-Barge from Amsterdam to Paris is only a matter of time.

Q-BARGE IN BRIEF The Q-Barge is an environmentally-friendly, diesel-electric, standard-sized vessel with an overall length of 45 metres. The cargo hold has a length of 37 metres, a beam of 5.20 metres, a height of 5.20 metres, and a total capacity of over 1,000 m3, a maximum of 24 TEU, 500 Euro pellets or 580 tons. The vessels can be connected front to back with a lightweight connection system to create a unit with a length of 90 metres and a beam of 5.80 metres. Two vessels can also be connected alongside to create the so-called Quatro Barge of 90 x 11.60 metres. www.overmeer.com

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Storage and distribution company CJ Hendriks

“The more complex the logistics puzzle, the better”

Frank London, a member of the management team at CJ Hendriks Group.

Photo: Reinder Weidijk

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here is a constant coming and going of small and large parcels, pallets and containers at the facilities of the CJ Hendriks Group in the port of Amsterdam.

Food and beverage is just one of many product groups for which the company provides full logistics service, including customs clearance.

By Noor Backers CJ Hendriks is a family company with 172 years of experience in international logistics services for items such as consumer goods, tobacco, rubber, heavy machinery, hazardous materials, foods and beverages. The company’s eighty employees and twenty trucks offer highly customised service in this field.

EXPANSION TO AN IDEAL LOCATION The premises of the CJ Hendriks Group in the port of Amsterdam, spread over different locations, will be expanded in 2013 to nearly 50,000 m². “In February, we started the construction of a new 14,000 m² warehouse,” says Toine van der Made, a member of the management team who specialises in food and logistics.

“This is needed to process the thousands of shipments we deal with every day.

The new facilities are ideally situated near waterways and motorways, and in close proximity to Schiphol Airport. This allows us to easily receive products from all continents and efficiently manage our inventory before distributing these goods onwards, mainly within Europe.

We inform our customers about logistics capabilities, thinking along with them to find the cheapest, most environmentally friendly shipping route.”

DIRECTLY TO AMSTERDAM Frank London, another member of the management team, gives an example: “We recently started bottling Brazilian rum in the port of Amsterdam. Now the bottles,

which are made in Italy, no longer need to be transported to Brazil for bottling – everything comes together directly in Amsterdam. This saves our customers a lot of the physical movement of their products, which offers environmental benefits, time savings and cost reductions.”

CJ Hendriks handles transport and storage for as many as sixty beverage importers.

“This means that, at any given time, we usually have around ten thousand pallets of wine, beer and distilled spirits. Many wines in Amsterdam restaurants come into the city through us.”

CJ Hendriks takes care of issues such as transportation, procurement, inventory control, insurance, reports, payment of taxes and excise duties, customs clearance, shipping and labelling. “We feel that the more complex the puzzle the better,” London says. “This is our strength and focus. Not every provider offers these additional complex services. We also expect to repackage bulk bags of food in Amsterdam in the near future.”

“In our work, we often deal with customs operations,” Van der Made notes.

“This is one of our specialties. We received Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) certification in mid-2012. As a result, our clients enjoy benefits such as reduced physical customs controls.”

ORGANIC PRODUCTS CJ Hendriks warehouses also contain products such as coffee, cocoa, rice, seeds and nuts. “The control and quality of these products are always paramount,” Van der Made underlines. “Another specialty of our company is the storage of organic food, including tea. At any given time, we might have a hundred pallets with bags of nuts and hundreds of pallets with various types of organic tea in storage. The storage of organic food requires extra attention due to the strict quality and safety demands, such as separate storage to prevent contamination.”

CJ Hendriks is fully certified by Skal, which provides an international standard for the storage and transportation of organic products. Over the past three years, Frank London has seen the share of organic products in food and beverage double. “While this usually comes from smaller customers, there is a huge growth potential.” www.cjhendriksgroup.com

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LABOUR MARKET

Plenty of demand for new personnel in the Amsterdam port region

The festive opening of the new premises of Forklitfcenter in the Amsterdam port on 5 September 2012. Director Björn André de La Porte listens to port director Dertje Meijer. Photo: Arend Velsink

By Noor Backers Dutch company Airborne International is one of the leading manufacturers of composites worldwide. From the brandnew Airborne Oil & Gas facilities in IJmuiden, the head office in The Hague and Airborne Composites Aerospace in Girona (Spain) the company designs and manufactures advanced solutions for sectors such as the oil & gas industry, aviation & astronautics, and the maritime industry. The company is growing fast: It currently employs around 200 highly educated people at its three facilities.

PRESSURE PROOF Airborne Oil & Gas in IJmuiden supplies composite pipes for the offshore industry.

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he seaports in the Amsterdam port region (Amsterdam, IJmuiden/ Velsen-Noord, Beverwijk and Zaanstad) are an interesting location for new companies. Established firms are also regularly on the lookout for new employees. Amsterdam Seaports magazine asked three companies about their personnel requirements.

“These pipes are unique as they are much lighter than steel, can withstand extremely high pressures and are entirely corrosion resistant,” says managing director Eric van der Meer. “They allow the offshore industry to produce oil and natural gas at increasing water depths. Our pipes also offer a sustainable solution for corrosion problems. With its patented production process, Airborne develops long pipes from a single segment with a maximum length of up to five kilometres. We then wind these pipes on a huge reel which we lift on to a supply vessel. From this vessel we unwind the pipe, which results in a highly efficient process.”

FACILITIES IN IJMUIDEN To meet the fast-growing demand for composite pipes, Airborne decided to build a new factory in the spring of 2011. A crucial aspect was direct access to a seaport. After deliberating between two other coastal locations, Airborne decided

Amsterdam Seaports

LABOUR MARKET

to establish the factory in the IJmond harbour (IJmondhaven). “IJmuiden offered us the opportunity to build a brand-new factory that meets all our demands,” Van der Meer continues. “The location is as good as perfect, and the support from the local port authority (Zeehaven IJmuiden NV) and local council settled it.”

The new premises of Airborne Oil & Gas in the IJmond harbour in IJmuiden. Photo: Zeehaven IJmuiden NV

Currently the new facilities in IJmuiden employ nearly seventy people. Around 25 employees transferred from the head office in The Hague, but the majority was recruited from within the region via advertisements in local papers. Van der Meer: “Airborne Oil & Gas will continue to need highly educated personnel, and technical specialists in mechanical engineering, offshore and composites in particular. The specialised knowledge of Airborne, the applications in the offshore sector and the growth potential make a substantial contribution to the development of IJmuiden as an offshore mainport.”

FORKLIFTCENTER OPENS NEW LOCATION Thanks to its growth over the past decade, Forkliftcenter, the brand-independent family business, has centralised its the Amsterdam port. “We currently employ eighteen people; most are in permanent activities in the Amsterdam port. The employment and the rest work freelance.” festive opening of the new premises took place on 5 September 2012. “Our KOOPMAN CAR TERMINAL new head office replaces all our storage The West harbour (Westhaven) in the Amsterdam port accommodates the 350,000 m2 locations in the Netherlands,” says premises of Koopman Car Terminal (KCT), involved in international logistic activities. managing director Bjørn André de la The company receives and (un)loads cars from arriving vessels, trains and trailers. KCT also handles car cleaning and preparations before delivery.

Porte.

“The facilities of Managing director Alain Bresseleers explains that the Forkliftcenter company has considerably expanded its activities since in Australia and 2011, including by attracting LeasePlan as a new client.

Forkliftcenter “This resulted in a substantial volume increase.”

Middle East DMCC in Koopman Autotransport picks up and delivers more than Dubai will 20,000 cars in the Netherlands a year. Bresseleers: “We continue their then perform added value services, such as vehicle tests activities. We and damage repairs. We have also retained our largest have developed client Nissan, which has kept our personnel demand into an pretty stable. This includes (electrical) fitters, inspectors, international car sprayers, damage repairmen and car cleaners, as well as company for Airborne's composite pipe for the offshore industry management staff, designers and engineers.” the purchasing, sale and rental of indoor transport equipment, forklifts FILLING JOB OPENINGS VIA OWN NETWORK and container handling equipment. On the issue of vacancies within the company Bresseleers says: “We have been able to Spanning over 25,000 m², our premises fill the vast majority of job opportunities. Many suitable new employees were attracted include a wide range of forklifts, reach via our own network, for instance via the families and acquaintances of existing stackers, container trucks and port personnel. The remaining vacancies are filled by employment agencies. Based on our experiences, we are looking into changing our recruitment processes, for example by equipment of many different brands.”

“As we continue to grow rapidly, we still using a mix of employment advertisements in newspapers and magazines, radio and need hands-on technical staff. These are social media.” mainly attracted via employment agencies www.koopman.nl and recruitment & selection agencies, and www.forkliftcenter.com partly through our own channels,” says De www.airborne.nl la Porte about the company’s employees in

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