This year's container market shortages have meant a considerable volume increase at Rotterdam Fruit Wharf in the Netherlands. "Far more fruit has been shipped conventionally, especially from South Africa. The Seatrade and Baltic Shipping shipping companies are doing this too. These form the Reefer Alliance. They have a weekly service from South Africa to Rotterdam and St. Petersburg [in Russia]," says Peter van der Laar.
"That largely applies to citrus. However, for 2022, some Seatrade ships are already scheduled for mainly the grape season. That hasn't happened in the last ten years. Banana exporters also know to use Rotterdam as a gateway. That's to their final destinations elsewhere in Europe."
The Kivits Logistics Group now owns Rotterdam Fruit Wharf. And the Wharf is investing heavily in increasing its customer services.
For example, they recently purchased two heat sealing machines to meet client needs. "Our activities are increasingly expanding from fruit pallet logistics to so-called added value services. These will further unburden buyers," concludes Peter.
For more information:
Peter van de Laar
Rotterdam Fruit Wharf
Tel: +31 (0) 102 215 000
Email: [email protected]