Rotterdam World Gateway accelerates terminal expansion, adding capacity and automation to enhance sustainability and support future growth.
Rotterdam World Gateway (RWG) is accelerating the ongoing expansion of its container terminal capacity on Maasvlakte 2 in close consultation with its shareholders, DP World, CMA CGM, ONE, and HMM. The terminal will add its fourth and final berth for the world's largest container ships. In addition, the focus is on further automation and the terminal's sustainability.
In this final phase, RWG will utilize the full quay capacity allocated by the Port of Rotterdam Authority. The terminal will have a fourth deep-sea container berth for the world's largest container ships. Consequently, RWG is investing in five new quay cranes, eleven storage modules, 22 automated stacking cranes, and 24 automated guided vehicles (AGVs). RWG will also explore the possible implementation of a BoxBay system for storing empty containers (approx. 30,000 TEU).
The further development of the terminal is expressly geared towards further automation and sustainable operations. For instance, RWG is increasing the charging capacity for electric material and expanding the office space and maintenance facilities. The capacity of the gates and the storage for non-standard cargo is also being expanded. The total investment of the last phase is approx. EUR 500 million, financed in part by the existing lenders, taking the total for the development of RWG to approx. EUR 2 billion.
The development of the fourth berth will take place in phases at the existing terminal, alongside the third-berth expansion announced in 2023, which RWG expects to enter commercial operation in 2027. After finalizing the contracts for the final phase, RWG will continue civil engineering works in preparation for further development of the site. The company expects to take the extra capacity into commercial use before 2030. Total storage capacity will be some 5 million TEU.
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Ronald Lugthart, CEO and Chairman of the Board of RWG:
"This final phase marks a special moment in the development of RWG. What started as an ambitious plan on a greenfield site on Maasvlakte 2 is now progressing towards the final phase of the terminal as originally conceived. In many ways, RWG's story reads like a children's adventure novel: from the very first plans, literally being the new kids on the block in Rotterdam, we built something together that many people could only dream of at the time. This is an achievement we may rightly be proud of.
This milestone is the result of entrepreneurial spirit, confidence, vision, and investments of our shareholders, but above all of the hard work and dedication of our employees. They have built RWG into one of the most advanced, fully automated, and sustainable container terminals in the world. This requires guts, perseverance, skill, and a shared ambition to become better every single day. As newcomers among established players, we have taken our place in Rotterdam based on our own vision, strategy, and leadership, combined with a firm belief: actions speak louder than words. This mentality has brought RWG to where we are today and will also form the basis for our further development.
At the same time, we could not have achieved this without the foresight and cooperation of our stakeholders, including the Port of Rotterdam Authority. Together we have invested in a terminal that is ready not only for today's growth but also for tomorrow's logistical challenges. We have always followed our own course, with one common goal in mind: further strengthening Rotterdam's position as Europe's gateway in the interests of our shareholders and alliance partners.
The last phase will not only strengthen RWG's continuity, but it will also enhance the competitive position of Rotterdam as the most important gateway to Europe. That makes this more than an investment in a terminal; it is an investment in the future of Port 2.0, the region, and Rotterdam's international position. We will continue delivering on our promise of 'seamless access to Europe.'
"A world-class achievement from Rotterdam, showing what can be achieved when collaboration, entrepreneurship, innovation, and perseverance come together."
