After securing all necessary permissions, H.Essers is moving forward with preparatory work for the new Markiezaat Container Terminal, whose final size is contingent upon EU funding approval. Positioned strategically along the Schelda-Rijn canal, between the ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam, the terminal aims to become a consolidation hub for maritime and terrestrial traffic. The terminal will replace the current land infrastructure and feature a 325-meter quay, two container cranes, two reach stackers, and 19,000 solar panels, along with an expansion of 45,000 square meters of warehouse space, bringing the total to 210,000 square meters. It is designed to handle a maximum capacity of 250,000 TEUs annually, including refrigerated containers and hazardous goods.
The project, requiring an investment of 75 million euros, awaits the decision on an EU grant that is critical for the realization of a fully sustainable facility, including the installation of zero-emission cranes and the use of green energy. Failure to secure this grant could lead H.Essers to significantly revise its construction plans.
The Markiezaat terminal is not only expected to strengthen the North Sea-Mediterranean corridor but also to contribute to H.Essers' intermodal strategy. Richard Klaassen, Operations Manager at H.Essers, emphasizes the terminal's positive impact on the region, enhancing logistic efficiency and reducing environmental footprint through traffic reduction and the adoption of sustainable technologies like solar energy.
