As reported on 15 November 2008(http://www.worldcargonews.com/htm/w20081115.185679.htm ), HPH and NYK have signed a share-swapping agreement through which HPH will become the majority shareholder of Ceres Container Terminals Europe BV (CTE) in Amsterdam in exchange for NYK taking “a minority stake” (10%) in ECT Delta terminal, Rotterdam.

CTE is a holding company of both Ceres Paragon Terminals (CPT) and Ceres Amsterdam Marine Terminals (CAMT), the latter being a ro-ro terminal that caters for car carriers. That facility also caters for project and breakbulk cargoes and operates a number of cocoa warehouses.

The purpose-built Paragon container terminal is famous for its indented dock that enables ships to be worked simultaneously from both sides, with four cranes on the north side and five on the south side. These five cranes can also be swung into the facility’s ”conventional” linear quay via a curved rail system. 

Amsterdam Alderman Freek Ossel, who is responsible for port affairs, expressed his contentment with HPH’s arrival in Amsterdam: “This is an interesting development for our port that is creating many opportunities. But it’s also good news for the Port of Rotterdam.

“We’re working together ever more closely, as can be seen in the Betuwe Line and in the port communication systems. The two ports form an economic engine for the Netherlands, creating a lot of direct and indirect employment. We must work together whenever we can.”

Meanwhile, Italy’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure has given the go-ahead for HPH to team up with Evergreen at TICT, Táranto. Up to now a solus Evergreen concession, TICT will henceforth be a 50:50 joint venture, as reported on 13 December (http://www.worldcargonews.com/htm/w20081213.726008.htm).

However, in addition HPH has itself disclosed that Evergreen is obtaining in exchange minority stakes (percentages not known) in Thamesport, London and ECT Delta.

Finally, in a new development, Ports of Stockholm AB (SHAB) has awarded HPH the right to operate the container terminal at Stockholm Free Port from 1 March 2009.

The 25-year agreement paves the way for HPH to develop the new container handling facilities at Norvikudden, (Nynäshamn) that SHAB has been planning for some time.

“HPH is the leader in port operations and logistic services,” said SHAB’s CEO Christel Wiman. “The agreement will strengthen [our] market position. The next challenge for us is to establish the port Stockholm-Nynäshamn, Norvikudden, where HPH’s decades-long experience in mega-port operations will be a great asset.”

As previously reported in WorldCargo News, the new terminal will cover an area of 25 hectares and will be developed in three phases with a quay length of 800m and a depth alongside of 15m. The new terminal is expected to be operational in 2012.