ECT Delta Terminal turns away empty containers
The sharp increase in container flows is putting so much pressure on facilities that the ECT Delta Terminal will not accept empty containers for the time being.
No restrictions have been set on loaded import containers, although these containers are now stored outside the immediate operational area of the terminal after fourteen days.
These measures are necessary to reduce the massive increase in the average time containers spend in the port. ECT hopes to let in limited quantities of empties again after two to four weeks
While empty containers are still accepted in Rotterdam for storage at the specialised depots beyond the terminals, it is uncertain if they will have enough capacity to bridge the two to four week period. Storage capacity in the hinterland will probably also be needed.
APM Terminal Rotterdam and terminals in Hamburg have already set limits on the acceptance of empty containers.
Port Authority CEO Hans Smits said: “Due to the growth spurt in the European economy, the increase in containers far exceeds the 10-15% expansion in terminal capacity. It’s down to imports from the Far East and South America, but also increasing German and Dutch exports.”
In addition, he said, there has been a massive increase in numbers of empty containers. Normally, Rotterdam is already the main collection point in Western Europe for these containers. However, the increase in the port’s activities in the Baltic region has increased return flows proportionately.
He pointed out that the restrictions in Hamburg also resulted in a shift to Rotterdam.
Other factors contributing to the issue include the temporary disruptions due to the storm, action by customs staff, and fewer terminal staff during the holiday period which began this week.
While the Port Authority, in consultation with ECT, is looking for a possible (partial) emergency solution to the problem, the fact remains that space outside the terminal is limited.
No restrictions have been set on loaded import containers, although these containers are now stored outside the immediate operational area of the terminal after fourteen days.
These measures are necessary to reduce the massive increase in the average time containers spend in the port. ECT hopes to let in limited quantities of empties again after two to four weeks
While empty containers are still accepted in Rotterdam for storage at the specialised depots beyond the terminals, it is uncertain if they will have enough capacity to bridge the two to four week period. Storage capacity in the hinterland will probably also be needed.
APM Terminal Rotterdam and terminals in Hamburg have already set limits on the acceptance of empty containers.
Port Authority CEO Hans Smits said: “Due to the growth spurt in the European economy, the increase in containers far exceeds the 10-15% expansion in terminal capacity. It’s down to imports from the Far East and South America, but also increasing German and Dutch exports.”
In addition, he said, there has been a massive increase in numbers of empty containers. Normally, Rotterdam is already the main collection point in Western Europe for these containers. However, the increase in the port’s activities in the Baltic region has increased return flows proportionately.
He pointed out that the restrictions in Hamburg also resulted in a shift to Rotterdam.
Other factors contributing to the issue include the temporary disruptions due to the storm, action by customs staff, and fewer terminal staff during the holiday period which began this week.
While the Port Authority, in consultation with ECT, is looking for a possible (partial) emergency solution to the problem, the fact remains that space outside the terminal is limited.
