Not everyone is as happy with the Rotterdam port area's new toy. The unions have estimated that the arrival of the automatised terminal and that of competitor RWG will end up costing hundreds of jobs. RWG's terminal is expected to open some time next year.
The King gave the command via walkietalkie to an employee in the control room to put the cranes into operation. The 'opening command' by the King also symbolises how the container terminal works. The dock cranes for handling the ships can be controlled from a distance and it is the first time this has been possible. After the opening there was a show visible from a floating pontoon with containers moving to music. The display was closed with fireworks.