The two ports have much in common - one is the Gateway to the Americas, whilst the other is the Gateway to Europe. However, the similarities do not end there, as both are currently investing heavily for the future.
The Port of Miami is currently working on a number of large scale projects, including dredging the port's waters to a new depth of 50m (approx 15.2m), as is already the case in Rotterdam and Panama, enabling the handling of larger container vessels. Also this work is ongoing on a $665 million tunnel, connecting the port directly to the US Interstate Highway Network, and in the development of rail infrastructure. These projects, in the words of Port Director, Bill Johnson, are aimed at enabling the port to capitalise on its position at the "heart of the Northern Hemisphere," a natural gateway for goods to Europe and transshipments from Latin America and Asia.
At the same time Rotterdam is expanding also, expecting to soon open the much heralded Maasvlakte 2, a 1000ha extension of the port on land reclaimed from the sea.
At the event presentations were delivered from key parties within the logistics chain. Pieter de Bruin of the Netherlands customs service demonstrated how the Netherlands Douane at the Port of Rotterdam in particular, is responsible not only for the entry of goods in the country, but to the whole of Europe - particularly since the Schengen agreement ended all border checks within the EEA and Switzerland.
Sofie Talk, Port of Roterdam's Business Manager of perishable shipments, gave a presentation on trends and developments in perishable cargo. Sophie pointed out that perishable shipments at Rotterdam were now 95% container based and said the shift from specialised reefer shipping had taken place rapidly over the past few years. Sofie also explained the planned developments at the port of Rotterdam.
At the event presentations were delivered from key parties within the logistics chain. Pieter de Bruin of the Netherlands customs service demonstrated how the Netherlands Douane at the Port of Rotterdam in particular, is responsible not only for the entry of goods in the country, but to the whole of Europe - particularly since the Schengen agreement ended all border checks within the EEA and Switzerland.
Sofie Talk, Port of Roterdam's Business Manager of perishable shipments, gave a presentation on trends and developments in perishable cargo. Sophie pointed out that perishable shipments at Rotterdam were now 95% container based and said the shift from specialised reefer shipping had taken place rapidly over the past few years. Sofie also explained the planned developments at the port of Rotterdam.
After the first presentations the delegates were taken by boat on a tour of the Port of Rotterdam to witness for themselves the workings of one of the world's largest and most efficient harbours.
As well as showcasing developments at the respective ports, the event also provided the opportunity for the directors of both to come together and plan towards taking things forwards.
From left to right: Eric Olafson, Port of Miami; Sophie Soudai, Alternative Global Logistic; Bram Heerschap, A Van Dongen & Heerschap; Hans Smit, CEO Port Rotterdam; Bill Johnson, Director Port Miami; Jan Van Dongen, A Van Dongen & Heerschap; Svi Soudai, Alternative Global Logistic.
For more information:
Jan van D
ongen
A van Dongen & Heerschap B.V.
Tel: +31 187685083
Mob: +31 653118246
Fax: +31 187685084
www.avandongenheerschap.com
As well as showcasing developments at the respective ports, the event also provided the opportunity for the directors of both to come together and plan towards taking things forwards.
From left to right: Eric Olafson, Port of Miami; Sophie Soudai, Alternative Global Logistic; Bram Heerschap, A Van Dongen & Heerschap; Hans Smit, CEO Port Rotterdam; Bill Johnson, Director Port Miami; Jan Van Dongen, A Van Dongen & Heerschap; Svi Soudai, Alternative Global Logistic.
For more information:
Jan van D
ongenA van Dongen & Heerschap B.V.
Tel: +31 187685083
Mob: +31 653118246
Fax: +31 187685084
www.avandongenheerschap.com