As per 1st February 2019 the Rotterdam Bulk Terminal (RBT) in Vlaardingen, a 100% HES International Company, will permanently close down. RBT was a 50/50 joint venture between HES International and Maja Stevedoring until HES took over the shares of Maja Stevedoring in April 2018 in order to be able to organize a well-ordered closure.
In 2018, the decision was taken to close down RBT as a continuation of services was not considered a viable option. In order to safeguard a safe and reliable operation of the terminal’s operations, a major investment program would have been necessary. The investments that were required in that respect were disproportionate to the profitability that could have been achieved. In addition, the terminal has been hampered by its limited capacity, limited draft and close proximity to the city of Vlaardingen.
RBT employees have always been working hard to keep RBT in business. We thank all employees for their tireless efforts and perseverance. In close collaboration with the other HES terminals, vacancies have been found for most employees within the group, which enabled HES to find a suitable solution for the complete workforce.
Customers of RBT also found a suitable solution within the HES group. The recent major extension of the covered storage capacity to over 650,000 cbm at European Bulk Services (EBS) in the Port of Rotterdam enabled a smooth transfer. We thank all our valued customers for their trust and cooperation during this process and look forward to continuing this collaboration at our other HES terminals.
The demolition activities at RBT are already in an advanced stage and will conclude in the first quarter of this year.
For more information:
Contact Esther Erkelens, Manager Corporate Communications
e.erkelens@hesinternational.eu | tel +31 (0)10 7900700