Zeeland Seaports continues positive trend

This year’s (2011) first quarter throughput at the Zeeland ports increased by over 7% in comparison with the same period in 2010, with general cargo (+23%) and dry bulks (+ 8%) showing the strongest recovery and continuing the growth experienced throughout last year.


With current worldwide economic trends increasing and although still early in the year, the Joint Venture for Zeeland Seaports CEO, Hans van der Hart, believes that throughput could reach around 35m tonnes by the end of the year. This would be a record for the Zeeland ports, bringing them a step closer to the 50m tonne goal in 2020.


Throughput for 2010 reached 33m tonnes, with a turnover of €50m (US$74m); this resulted in a €9.5m (US$14m) loss as a result of the preparatory costs incurred over recent years for the development of the Westerschelde Container Terminal (WCT) being partially written down.


Since 2000, the preparatory costs relating to the development of the WCT had been activated however, with the end of the previous exclusive contract partner agreement with the PSA and in line with general reporting rules, the decision was made to write down €19m (US$28m) of these costs.


Zeeland Seaports remains “confident” that the WCT will be realised and has stated that market research has revealed many parties “interested” in developing the terminal. In addition the Zeeland Provincial Executive has integrated the scheme into its spatial plans.
(Source:http://www.container-mag.com)