Too low water depth affects cargo throughput at Rostock

Seaport of Rostock to invest about EUR 50 million in 2012 to modernise and expand facilities for cargo throughput

The year 2011 was marked by light and shadows for cargo throughput at the seaport of Rostock. At 22.3 million tons (gross) last year’s volume was failed by six per cent. The main reason therefore was the 38 per cent decline in handling of liquid goods to 2.9 million tons. As for bulk goods volume declined three per cent to 5.8 million tons.

“As long as tankers with a loading capacity of 120,000 tons can’t call Rostock due to the too low water level of the sea canal at 16.50 metres, because they have to be discharged to 80.000 tons previously at another port, we are facing severe competitive disadvantages“, explains Ulrich Bauermeister, Managing Director Hafen-Entwicklungsgesellschaft Rostock mbH.

As for general cargo the Seaport of Rostock improved by 50 per cent to 550,000 tons in the reporting period. Particularly more sheet metal, pipes and crane systems were handled. As for rolling stock the annual balance sheet shows a two per cent-increase in ferry goods to 11.7 million tons, and ro-ro rose six per cent to 1.3 million tons. The number of trailers handled rose from 104,306 in the year 2010 to 113,250 units. Also rail wagons carried on ferry ships from/to Trelleborg increased slightly from 6,746 (2010) to 7,274 units.

The combined load terminal was passed by 76,720 units, weighing 1.5 million tons in total. This means plus nine per cent compared to 2010. Every week 30 combined transport trains are operated between Rostock-Seaport and Verona (12), Duisburg/Hamburg (6), Basel (5), Novara (3), Wels (2) and Brno (2).

In the year 2012 the Seaport of Rostock will implement an investment totalling about EUR 50 million. About EUR 21 million thereof are budgeted for the further expansion of the ferry and ro-ro terminal, as well as the throughput facility for combined loads. The construction and completion of the eastern road connection to the industrial park at the area adjacent to the port for about EUR 2.5 million, the construction of logistics areas at the berth 25 (4,500 m²) and the grain silos at pier IV (6,500m²), and the renovation of a 1.2 kilometres segment of the east-west road are further major projects says Ulrich Bauermeister.

Quelle: LogEastics
Portal: www.logistik-express.com