Container terminal Rotterdam World Gateway  has decided to expand its terminal in the Prinses Amaliahaven on the Maasvlakte in the port of Rotterdam. The expansion of the current terminal consists of about 45 hectares in terms of terminal site and 920 metres of quay wall.

This will increase RWG’s capacity by 1.8 million TEU (standard size for containers) in a phased manner. The expansion will be fully automated and carbon-neutral, just like the existing terminal. The first phase of the expansion is expected to be operational by the end of 2025. The terminal will also be prepared for shore power and be connected to the Container Exchange Route (CER)

Currently, RWG has access to approximately 100 hectares of land, 1,150 metres of deep-sea quay and 550 metres of barge/feeder quay. The Port of Rotterdam Authority (PoR) started construction of the quay walls in the Prinses Amaliahaven in spring 2021. Construction of the quay wall will be completed by mid-2024.

The state-of-the-art quay wall is fitted with sensors to measure the forces, which vessels, waves, wind and other elements exert on the structure while it is also being prepared for the use of shore power. The Port of Rotterdam Authority is also equipping the quay wall at RWG with smart bollards, which measure the strength of hawsers so the safety of moored vessels can be monitored continuously.

Allard Castelein, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority: “The economic impact of container shipping is and remains high. The extensive trade flows that arrive or leave Rotterdam by container generate employment, added value, revenue and business establishments in the Netherlands and Europe. In the coming decades, container shipping will continue to grow. Rotterdam aims to facilitate and encourage this growth in a sustainable manner. After all, sustainable logistics choices ensure a well-functioning system that contributes to the prosperity of the Netherlands and Europe. By investing early in the construction of new quay walls, we can now offer our clients the necessary capacity. We are therefore delighted with RWG’s decision to invest in the expansion of the carbon-neutral terminal.”

Ronald Lugthart, CEO of RWG: “With this decision, we are taking the next step in expanding our operations so we can continue to offer reliable, efficient and flexible services to our clients and stakeholders. We are investing not only in additional capacity, but also in further logistics and hinterland connectivity with forward-looking facilities and partnerships. The RWG terminal will become completely carbon-neutral, including through further electrification of terminal equipment and by being prepared for shore power.”