The Delta Mariner, the first 15-metre-draught vessel, has arrived at Koole Tankstorage Botlek, marking the opening of the deepened Nieuwe Waterweg.

John Kraakman, CEO Koole terminal, commented: “The deepening enables us to serve our clients at our terminals better. It will result in further improvements in logistics as fewer ship movements will be needed. This also improves the logistics chain’s carbon footprint and lower logistics costs throughout the chain and will continue to improve the competitiveness of clients connected to us.”

“We are extremely proud of this joint achievement together with the Dutch government and Port of Rotterdam to improve the Port accessibility and herewith optimise the value to chain of our customers,” said Koole Terminals in a statement.

Minister Van Nieuwenhuizen (Infrastructure and Water Management), said: “This deepening enables us to open the Port of Rotterdam gateways even further for a new generation of sea-going vessels. Together with the Port Authority, we are investing the maritime accessibility of our Mainport Rotterdam Botlek area.”

Ronald Paul, COO at the Port of Rotterdam Authority, added: “The deepening enables Rotterdam to improve its competitive position and modernise the Botlek into an area in which the latest bulk carriers and chemical tankers feel just as at home as the largest container ships on Maasvlakte 2.”

For more information visit www.koole.com

1st May 2019