Zeeland Seaports combines the ports of Vlissingen and Terneuzen to form the Netherlands’ third-largest seaport after Amsterdam and Rotterdam. One of its key advantages is its strategic location on the estuary of the Western Scheldt, between the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp, and close to some of the main economic centres of north-west Europe.
Zeeland Seaports is dedicated to its modern-day role as a European hub for cargo-handling and logistics. The two ports are eminently qualified for this role, thanks to their unique geographical location, free access to the open sea and a first-rate network of road, rail, pipelines and waterway links to Europe’s hinterland. Even the largest seagoing vessels are able to call at either port with minimal deviation from the main shipping routes and without tidal restrictions. In addition, the ports handle a wide range of shortsea and inland vessels, providing a comprehensive network of cargo services right across Europe.
Flexibility, speed, quality and customer service are other reasons why more and more companies are choosing Zeeland Seaports. With plenty of space for development and with new business projects springing up all the time, it has ample opportunity for future growth. Its experienced staff look forward to helping customers to develop and grow their business.
Zeeland Seaports has various dedicated terminals for handling specific goods, which include: general cargo, break bulk and containers; forest products; food and agriculture products; roll-on, roll-off; and dry and liquid bulk.
One-stop shop for offshore energy
The North Sea is a perfect location for power generation; the wind is favourable, and the relatively shallow waters facilitate the construction of large wind farms. Not surprising, then, that quite a few offshore wind projects are planned, which require a great deal of materials that need to be shipped in by sea.
The port of Vlissingen is an ideal base for delivery for wind energy projects, as well as oil and gas production activities. There are also plans to build major wind farms off the coasts of nearby Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the north of France, the Netherlands and the UK over the coming years.
Because of the easy access to Zeeland Seaports, broad installation vessels can navigate freely. This is important because, as is the case anywhere, time is money. For the transport of heavy loads, special ships are needed that can only bring with them a limited amount of material each time. Therefore, speedy handling is of the utmost importance.
Space is another of Vlissingen’s advantages. Many wind generator parts are manufactured on the hinterland by companies that often look to the port for storage of monopiles, transition pieces and so forth. Firms such as BOW Terminal and Verbrugge Terminals offer the space and facilities needed for efficient transport to the building sites, and Hoondert and VDS are specialised in the building of large steel constructions; Heerema provides foundations for drilling platforms; Mammoet specialises in heavy transport; Multraship can be deployed as a towage service; and there are many others that provide great services. There is even a heliport only 5km from the port.
In short, Zeeland Seaports has everything needed to facilitate the building of offshore energy projects. So far, this has resulted in the successful development of more than 25 projects.
A lasting legacy
Zeeland Seaports works to maintain and reinforce the idea that offshore wind has a long future. Today’s constructions will increase shipping movements and create jobs, especially if the company is to accommodate construction and assembly work. Some years from now, these sites will require maintenance and replacements, calling again for increased production, transport and employment.
The company has joined forces with trade and industry to promote the opportunities presented by Vlissingen. As it continues such efforts, the firm can favourably present the port of Zeeland with all its advantages for the offshore wind industry.
Zeeland Seaports is not merely an onlooker where wind farms are concerned. Together with five other parties from Zeeland, the port company is developing a plan for the realisation of an offshore wind farm along the coast: the Zeeland Offshore Wind Project. The port company collaborates with Delta NV as energy supplier, Heerema as Zeeland builder of offshore constructions, Verbrugge Terminals with its logistic expertise, Zeeuwind and the initiator the Zeeland Environmental Federation to obtain the support of the Zeeland population.
