Kloosterboer, Europe Container Terminals (ECT) and the Port of Rotterdam Authority are seeking to join forces in setting up a Rotterdam Cool Port. The three companies announced their proposal during the Fresh Corridor Verslogistiek in Beweging (Fresh logistics on the move) conference.
The proposed location for the intermodal hub for transhipment and storage of frozen and refrigerated and frozen products is the Prins Willem Alexanderhaven, part of the current ECT City Terminal. Construction could begin in September 2013 and the facility could be fully operational just over a year later.
Rotterdam Cool Port would focus on transhipment and storage of temperature-controlled cargo such as fruit, vegetables, meat and fish. At the existing ECT City Terminal, a cold and frozen storage facility and a cross-docking facility for rapid and efficient transit operations would be built and integrated into the existing transhipment process. Quality checks and inspections will be performed directly at the terminal and services will be
offered, such as pre-trip inspections and the return of an empty container.
The aim is for Rotterdam Cool Port to become the hub for temperature-controlled products heading for destinations in Europe. From Rotterdam Cool Port, the temperature-controlled products will be transported further into Europe in an efficient and sustainable way. Thanks to the design, it will be quite possible to put a great emphasis on inland shipping, rail and short sea. Rotterdam Cool Port will enhance Rotterdams position as a port for refrigerated and frozen products and will link the port with the Greenports in the Netherlands.
