Germany: Commissoning JadeWeserPort delayed

At the German logistic company Nordfrost everything pointed to the deep water container dock JadeWeserPort becoming active on 5 August, this was until last Tuesday. The state ministers of Niedersachsen and Bremen, during their summit decided that the opening will be delayed until mid September. "After a long period of uncertainty, this decision is for us a dull disappointment with significant economic consequences," says Britta Heine, daughter of company owner Horst Bartels and marketing manager of the company.

Torsten Reichert, head of fruit and vegetables logistics at NordFrost, said: "The trade in fresh fruit and vegetables is seasonal. If the port can not be brought into use in August, we will lose a whole year. That is the worst possible start for new trade relations."

Nevertheless there are daily expenses. "New appointed staff must be paid as well as the lease and ongoing capital services for a realized investment of 45 million," said company owner Horst Bartels, who is now reflecting. "We will continue to examine our legal position to recover damages."