Shanghai Port Group joins APM Terminals in Zeebrugge, Belgium
APM Terminals International, based in The Hague, Netherlands, and Shanghai
International Port Group (SIPG) signed a framework agreement related to the Zeebrugge facility. The agreement represents a share transaction equal to 40%, however further details were not disclosed. The agreement reflects the Dutch-based container terminal operator’s growing partnership with SIPG, considered the largest port operator in China with port interests in Shanghai and container terminals and logistics facilities along the Yangtze River in Nanjing, Wuhan and Chongqing. During his visit to Brussels, the Vice Premier of China, Mr. Zeng Peiyan, together with Mr. Reynders, Vice Premier of Belgium attended the signing event to emphasize the importance of the new Sino-European port partnership.
APM Terminals Zeebrugge received its first vessel on May 9th, 2006 and is ideally-located to serve the Central Europe markets of Belgium and France with quick access to inland markets.
The terminal is a common user facility open to all container shipping lines and offers container lines fast access to the main shipping lanes. The Zeebrugge facility is a state-of-the art terminal ready to expand to meet the market growth.
APM Terminals partnership with SIPG dates back to December 2003 when the Joint Venture Contract of Shanghai East Container Terminal (SECT) was signed. The terminal, with a 1250 meter quay, is located in Wai Gao Qiao area along the southern bank of the Yangtze River. SECT throughput reached a record of 1 million TEU during its first year of operation.