Stevedore DP World has its main office in Dubai and branches all over the world. For years, the company has been offering container services, and it is in the global top-three of stevedores.” In total, we have 77 operational sea and inland terminals throughout the world, spread over six continents,” says Ron van Gestel from DP World Antwerp. “We deal with all types of containers here, but that means mostly 40’ reefer containers as regards temperature-controlled containers. We see an increase in the number of containers every year. In 2015, for example, the volume was still 43,000 reefers, and in 2016, 45,000 reefers arrived at our terminal.”
Investing in the reefer business
The increase in reefer containers has been happening at the Port of Antwerp and globally for many years already. “That is why we have invested heavily in the reefer business, and the number of reefer plugs was recently increased. We are also working on an expansion of the depots. Another investment was made in three new cranes. Ships are increasingly becoming larger nowadays. We can unload ships of up to 25 containers wide. We have two different ways to deal with containers in the yard at our terminal, including automatically with the Automatic Stacking Cranes (ASC). It is all done as efficiently as possible. We want to ‘move’ each container as little as possible.”
Trimodal
The Antwerp Gateway was opened 2005. “Our terminal is equipped to process containers for fruit, perishables and temperature-sensitive products. Our terminal at the Deurganckdok offers a good entrance for large container ships. Additionally, we are trimodal, we have a direct connection to the water, the road and the rails from this terminal. The railway is actually not used enough yet, and we, with our customers, want to market new products for that to continue growing. The railway still offers so many possibilities to quickly transport containers to and from the hinterland.” Van Gestel indicates that they do not know exactly which product is in which container. “To us it is important to place them neatly, and to ensure they reach their final destination. Together with our customers, we create a supply made-to-size, including transportation possibilities.”
Expansion
DP World Antwerp has 1,112 permanent reefer connections and nearly two kilometres of quay length and a capacity of 2,200,000 TEU. The Global Container Services empty depot has a total container capacity of 7,500 TEU, and they also offer the possibility of repairs. The Empty Depot will be expanded in 2017. “The expansion is currently already happening at both locations, additional space of 300,000 TEU has already been realised at the Antwerp Gateway terminal. In total, there will be an additional capacity of 600,000 TEU, so that AG will have a total container capacity of 2,800,000 TEU. That will be enough space for growth for now.”
Importance of inland terminals
DP World’s most important customers are shipping companies. “Competition is tough, and shipping companies often consolidate. We have noticed that focus for our buyers is increasingly shifting towards price, so we have to distinguish ourselves with our service. Besides, we offer inland terminals, which are starting to become more and more important. We have two in Belgium and three in Germany. These are an additional service, customers can get the containers at a location far inland quickly in this manner. We also offer transport between terminals. Furthermore, it is an advantage to relieve our deep sea terminal.”
In recent years, the expert group of the Port of Antwerp, with which multiple companies in the port participate, often held meetings about current affairs. “One of the things we have noticed was the need for more ‘first port of calls.’ Antwerp tends to be the ‘last port of call.’ Together, we try to make the port more attractive, to get more callers, preferably some who will use Antwerp as their first port of call.”
During the Fruit Logistica DP World will be present at the communal stand of the Port of Antwerp, B03 - Hall 23.
For more information:
Ron Van Gestel
DP World Antwerp
T: +32 (0)3 730 33 72
Molenweg – Haven 1950
9130 Doel - Belgium
www.dpworld.com