Following a market evaluation by Samskip and PSA HNN, the multi-modal specialist and the terminal operator are to co-operate in the development of the Port of Zeebrugge as an important hub for shortsea container activities in Northern Europe.
Samskip will use PSA HNN's container terminal facilities to expand its intra-European multimodal operations utilising the excellent rail, road and barge links available to the European hinterland.
The first service within this agreement will call at PSA HNN's Container Handling Zeebrugge terminal on January 18th. Thereafter, Samskip will provide a weekly connection between Zeebrugge and Irish ports.
According to Frank Kho, head of PSA HNN’s container division, this new business is a key development for Zeebrugge to position itself as a strategically located shortsea container port.
Kho said that PSA HNN recognised some time ago that it was ignoring a potentially huge extra source of business - i.e. the fast-growing shortsea market.
For Samskip, the development of a second Benelux hub port is extremely important, said Paul Swaak, chief operating officer of Samskip Multimodal Container Logistics.
“Our business continues to expand, and we knew that, unlike most major European ports, Zeebrugge had spare capacity and room to grow as demand warranted. We also identified PSA HNN as a partner with whom we could work and who would be committed to delivering a tailor-made solution very different to that demanded by deepsea carriers.”
He added that the extra cargo volumes will enable Samskip to contribute positively to the development of Zeebrugge port’s inland connections, and will encourage new intermodal rail links.
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