By shipping out its first containers, CTU Flevokust brought into use the new container port near Lelystad, the Netherlands, earlier this week. In the coming months, people will still be hard at work to complete the port area of five hectares by mid-2018. At the same time, the industrial estate inside the dikes connected to the port is being prepared for construction. The new port boosts the regional economy and offers plenty of opportunities for entrepreneurs. The Port of Flevokust has the potential to become an important link in the logistics of the Netherlands.
CTU bv, the container branch of the Theo Pouw Groep, has brought the first part of 200 x 50 metres quay of the Port of Flevokust into use by shipping the containers. “The Port of Flevokust was actually already in operation because we took care of transhipment via a temporary location at the Maxima centre. By bringing the port site into use, we’re one step closer to an efficient opening up of the Flevoland region via water,” says Etienne Morriën, manager of CTU bv. “As a terminal operator, we see good opportunities for ourselves here. With this new regional port we can offer transporters plenty of flexibility and more speed when loading and unloading.”
Port of Flevokust
The Port of Flevokust is a completely new multimodal inland port with a transhipment quay and industrial estate north of the city of Lelystad. Due to its central position near the A6 motorway, the Amsterdam - Lemmer service, Lelystad airport and the Hanze railway line, the port can develop into an important link in logistical activities. Moreover, the port is situated in the centre of a large agrarian production area, for which inland shipping can be a good alternative to the road. Transport over water is cleaner and could result in fewer traffic jams. The port is suitable for storage and transhipment of containers, project cargo and mixed cargo.
Construction work on schedule
After delegate Appelman pumped up the last bit of water from the excavation more than a year ago, the crew has been working hard on the new port site, the groyne and a channel. A junction was built for the Port of Flevokust with the IJsselmeerdijk. The new junction will soon connect the estates inside and outside the dikes with each other via the IJsselmeerdijk. In coming months, the estate layout will be finalised, and it’s expected the port will be completely operational mid-2018.
Industrial estate inside the dikes
In the meantime, 7.4 hectares of land for the industrial estate inside the dikes is also being prepared for construction. This is part of stage one, which consists of 43 hectares in total. Based on market demand, the remaining part of the industrial estate is being prepared for construction. This work will be finished in the first quarter of 2018. Because of that, the location is suitable for construction. The Port of Flevokust is distinctive in its approach due to the ample opportunities in plot surface, building height, energy return and environmental regulations. Besides, the Port of Flevokust offers opportunities and room for agro-related and bio-based activities.
Cooperation
The Flevoland province and the municipality of Lelystad are working together for the development of the Port of Flevokust. The province realises the container terminal and container port outside of the dikes, and the municipality of Lelystad the industrial estate inside the dikes. The project is important for the economic structure enhancement and employment in Lelystad and the region. “With the realisation of the Port of Flevokust we’re one step closer to efficiently opening up Flevoland via water. Due to the active connection between government, business and knowledge institutes, the Port of Flevokust offers plenty of room for new initiatives,” says delegate Appelman.