A young seaport has become a major port, connecting the world to Europe.
Annual magazine of the Seaport of Bruges / 2017
zespri for 20 years / clean port / auto eco / a kiss every wednesday / wood on the catwalk / north sea fish CONNECT #3 / 3
coming home
20 17
Annual magazine of the Seaport of Bruges: Zeebrugge
Zeebrugge, the seaport of Bruges, is one of the world’s foremost roll-on/roll-off ports, where nearly 40 million tons of goods are transshipped annually. The coastal port is also a container port. A new container service was recently launched from New Zealand and Peru. The offering of both intra- European and intercontinental services is what makes Zeebrugge such an important access port to the European markets.
Zeebrugge also focuses on the transshipment of conventional cargo, liquefied natural gas, cruises and – not in the least – the handling of new cars and “high & heavy” loads. Handling 2.8 million units on an annual basis, the coastal port is one of the main car-handling ports in the world. The coastal port is also developing as a food cluster. As a non-industrial or “clean” port, Zeebrugge is the ideal location for COVER IMAGE combining perishable food cargoes. The LNG bunker ship ENGIE ZEEBRUGGE arrived at its home port of Zeebrugge on Saturday, 1 April. The world’s first seagoing LNG bunker ship is owned The port also offers almost 20 intra-European ferry services to destinations in the UK, Ireland, Scandinavia, by ENGIE, Mitsubishi Corporation, NYK Line and Fluxys. She was built at the Baltic region, Russia and Southern Europe. The extensive range of ferry services and intercontinental Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Co’s Yeongdo shipyard in Busan, container services, together with an inland waterway, railway and road network, make Zeebrugge an ideal South Korea. As Zeebrugge is the ship’s home port, it was christened location to establish distribution centres. Zeebrugge is therefore more than just a maritime crossroads; the ENGIE ZEEBRUGGE. The ship can carry 5,000 cubic metres of LNG and North Sea port has grown into an ultramodern logistics platform completely at the service of the European delivers LNG for use as marine fuel from Zeebrugge to ships that and intercontinental markets. are active in Northern Europe. The bunker ship’s first customers are two brand-new LNG-powered car carriers owned by UECC (United European Car Carriers): the AUTO ECO and AUTO ENERGY. ENGIE ZEEBRUGGE fills up on LNG at the Fluxys LNG terminal in Zeebrugge. CONNECT #3 / 5
content
Around Highlights A kiss every Wood on the table of 2016 Wednesday the catwalk
_ The Port of Zeebrugge is alive _The most important events in _ Every Wednesday, Zeebrugge _ What can you use a tree for? At and kicking. Investments are Zeebrugge of the past year are welcomes the AIDAprima; the StoraEnso, they ask this question opening the way to new growth highlighted. In 2016 Zeebrugge ship with the red lips painted on every day. Even stronger: it is and container transport is consolidated its leading position her bow. This ship is unique for a calling, an ambition and a picking up again. Three as the largest car-handling port many reasons! vision. leading players and the Port’s in the world. _08 _12 _14 _21 CEO discuss their views on the opportunities and challenges for the future.
Zespris at the port Clean Port of The LNG-fuelled Facts and for 20 years Zeebrugge AUTO ECO figures
_ Every year, around 1.2 million _ The seaport of Bruges is located _ The AUTO ECO is the very first The magazine conveys the most _24 _34 _38 _48 kiwis are unloaded, stored, in a coastal area, but not within car carrier in the world fuelled important figures relating to packaged and prepared for ship- direct proximity of heavy indus- by environmentally-friendly Zeebrugge in 2016 in a graphi- ping all across Northern Europe tries. A coastal port, with clean liquid natural gas. As the LNG cally attractive layout! at the Belgian New Fruit Wharf air, is an ideal location for the tanks are located inside the ship, (BNFW) in Zeebrugge. handling and processing of food only the flues reveal that this is a cargoes. very special ship. CONNECT #3 / 7
prologue
We stay ‘Connected.’
RENAAT LANDUYT & JOACHIM COENS
It is with great pride that we present the world’s first seagoing LNG bunker ship, nies are expanding; in terms of terminals third edition of Connect, the annual ENGIE Zeebrugge, has come home to our and/or services; the paper industry is fully magazine of the Seaport of Bruges. coastal port. Additionally, employment reorienting itself. And that’s not even all! at the port has increased considerably to We hope that the many photo presenta- accommodate the car and general goods All ingredients are there to regard the fu- tions and informative articles will capture sectors – Zeebrugge is consolidating its ture of our seaport with greater ambition your interest. By definition, a port is a position as a world-class car-handling than ever. direct gateway to a continually chang- port, the Complex Project ‘Improving ing world. We want to stay ‘Connected’ Nautical Accessibility to the Inner Port of We hope that Connect 3 will further your with you. Zeebrugge’ – read second sea lock – was interest in our seaport! launched by the Flemish government, the ■ This year was marked by numerous Ocean Alliance was established, which developments: kiwis from New Zealand triggered the relaunch of Zeebrugge deep- Renaat Landuyt, are now being delivered in containers, sea container traffic, and the coastal port Chairman of the Board of Directors of MBZ LNG as a marine fuel has become a is strengthening its hold on the United Joachim Coens, reality with the commissioning of the Kingdom & Ireland, Scandinavia and CEO of MBZ AUTO ECO, the AUTO ENERGY and Southern Europe thanks to the launch of the cruise ship AIDAprima, and the various triangular services. Port compa- CONNECT #3 / 9
import Zespri has been a permanent fix in Zeebrugge for 20 years
Every year, around 1.2 million kiwis inland port in 1985. Previously, a large “We store our kiwis in are unloaded, stored, packaged and group of individual exporters shipped the healthy sea air.” distributed all across Northern Europe their kiwis via this port. The name Zespri at the Belgian New Fruit Wharf (BNFW) was launched in 1997. “The first reefer in Zeebrugge. This has made the coastal ship with a cargo of kiwis was handled at port the European gateway for the the BNFW in 1985. The conditions at this Zespri kiwifruit. Until this year, the terminal were good even then,” recalls fruit was always shipped as conven- Philip Marechal, Operations Manager for tional cargo on refrigerated ships, but Europe. “In those days, Antwerp did not recently they were containerised. receive many containers yet. This port on the Scheldt River focused primarily on the “We have always considered Zeebrugge USA.” The Port of Zeebrugge developed as our largest port in Northern Europe,” along with the times and more refrigerat- says Bert Barmans, Managing Director of ed storage space soon became available. Zespri International Europe. “There are The input for more production and the several reason for this. On the one hand, ambition to provide optimum quality is it ties in with our philosophy of extended something we have always been able to at 130,000 pallets. Our supply volume collaboration with the same partners. On appreciate.” depends on the harvest. Our kiwis are a the other hand, we are highly satisfied natural product. The activities that we are with the quality of the services and the Its location close to the sea and the limited undertaking in Zeebrugge are, however, possibilities offered by the port.” presence of heavy industry ensure that expanding. We are making optimal use kiwis stored in Zeebrugge are kept under of the possibility of subjecting our kiwis HIS TORY healthy air conditions. “The port is also to quality control, and custom-packaging well-positioned for delivery to France and them for the consumer market. A notable Zeebrugge and kiwis share a long history. the UK”, explains Barmans. “The volume advantage is that we can do this in spe- Kiwis have been unloaded here as far that we handle in Zeebrugge on an annual cially adapted climate conditions without back as at the opening of Zeebrugge’s basis has remained largely unchanged having to move the product about very far.” CONNECT #3 / 11
“We attach great value to TRAINING PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT ly grown variant, Zespri Organic, should training and educating also be included in this list.” the employees who handle Zespri’s activities provide employment In the meantime, Zespri intends to con- for around 200 workers during the tinue to focus on the development of its Zespri also continues to innovate with re- our kiwis.” supply season, which lasts from May products in New Zealand. “We continue gard to shipment. As from the 2017 season, to November. “We attach great value to invest in our products, from their kiwis are shipped in reefer containers from to training and educating the employ- cultivation onwards,” explains marketing the ports in Nelson, Napier and Tauranga. ees who handle our kiwis,” confirms manager Nele Moorthamers. “We focus Zespri is the driving force behind the new Barmans. “This allows us to supply a on the taste by optimising the cultivation container line that supplies primarily food consistent standard of quality. Despite process. In this, we carry out thorough products from New Zealand and Peru. the seasonal nature of our operations, we research into pinpointing the optimum Although a few logistics adjustments had can successfully build up expertise with harvesting moment or the circumstanc- to be made in New Zealand to accommo- a view to achieving our envisioned high es under which the fruit grows best. By date the new shipping methods, Zespri standard of quality, together with the adapting our pruning method at the aims to continue to do everything in its management of Belgian New Fruit Wharf plantations, for example, we can regulate power to guarantee the quality of the in Zeebrugge. After all, it is the BNFW’s the amount of sunlight. This way, we can Zespri fruit at the highest possible level. employees who handle our products allow our product to develop naturally. ■ with the utmost care, for which we are As from the year 2000, there have been extremely grateful.” two varieties of Zespri: Zespri Green and Geert Weymeis Zespri Sun Gold. Of course, the organical- CONNECT #3 / 13
Engie Zeebrugge is the world’s first seagoing LNG bunker ship. LNG is the green marine fuel of the future.
Thanks to rail transport, there are fewer lorries clogging the already CLEAN strained road network. PORT The port is investing in wind turbines. The port is located in a coastal area, without the proximity of heavy industries.
A coastal port, with clean air, is an ideal location for the handling of food cargoes. A coastal port, with pure, unpolluted air, is the best possible location for a vehicle fleet with sensitive bodywork. Zeebrugge is the largest car-handling port in the world. CONNECT #3 / 15
ecology AUTO ECO: the first LNG-fuelled car carrier in the world
TECHNICAL One or more car carriers on the Port of Zeebrugge’s best customers. It Claire Tillekaerts, CEO of Flanders of the LNG tank. CEO Glenn Edvardsen Bastenaken Terminal? An everyday oc- was therefore not at all illogical that Investment & Trade, was conferred the informed them that the 800 m3 gas tank SPECIFICATIONS currence. At first glance, UECC’s AUTO Zeebrugge would be conferred the honour of being the ship’s godmother takes up quite a bit of space, just in front ECO looks just like any other PCTC, or honour of hosting the ship’s launching and pushing the red mushroom-shaped of the main engine. “Although this tank WHARF: NACKS, CHINA “Pure Car and Truck Carrier”. However, ceremony. button that swings a bottle of champagne results in a shipping deficiency of several if you look closely, you will notice that against the hull, as dictated by tradition. hundred cars, it provides us with the LENGTH: 181 M the ship has two chimneys. And what is On 21 November 2016 the guests gath- It was a perfect hit! Everyone was relieved tremendous advantage of only having to that pipe in between that resembles one ered in a tent near the starboard bow of and pleased. bunker LNG once for a two-week trip.” WIDTH: 30 M of those constructions you used to make the ship. It was an international meeting DRAUGHT: 8,40 M with Meccano as a child? of VIPs, attended by Ingrid Schulerud Flanders Investment & Trade is a Flemish For Zeebrugge, the launch of the AUTO (Ambassador of Norway) and Glenn agency whose core business is to attract ECO is the acknowledgement of the GROSS REGISTERED TONNAGE: 43.200 The AUTO ECO is the very first ro/ro Edvardsen (CEO of UECC), Koichi foreign investors to Flanders and help port’s position as an LNG Port. Minister- carrier in the world powered by environ- Chikaraishi (Representative Director, them with any establishment issues they President Geert Bourgeois thanked UECC CRUISING SPEED: 16.5 mentally-friendly liquid natural gas. As Senior Managing Corporate Officer, Chief may be facing. for choosing the Port of Zeebrugge as a the LNG tanks are located inside the ship, Executive of Automotive Transportation hub, and for its contribution to achieving CAPACITY 4.000 TEU only the flues reveal that this is a very Headquarters of NYK Line), Anders After a brief reception on the main deck Flanders’ ecological ambitions. special ship. Boman (President of Wallenius Lines), of the AUTO ECO, the guests were given a 2 DECKS: 10 CARGO DECKS: 32,000 M , Bjorn Svenningsen (Head of Sales & tour of the ship, from the machine room On 1 April, ENGIE, the brand-new OF WHICH 6,000 M2 HIGH & HEAVY The PCTC also has a unique bow and hull. Marketing at UECC) and Masafumi Ishii to the navigation bridge. seagoing LNG bunker ship – the first in What is so special about it, is that this is (Ambassador of Japan). the world – entered the coastal port of LARGEST DUAL-FUEL PCTC IN THE WORLD the largest car carrier conferred Ice Class This ship is equipped with a MAN B&W Zeebrugge . The ship was built in South
LARGEST ‘1A SUPER’ FINISH-SWEDISH 1A Super, allowing it to sail everywhere in Also present were Margareta Wallenius- 8 S50 ME-GI main engine. Captain Korea by Hanjin Heavy Industries. The ICE CLASS IN THE WORLD the world, from the Baltic Sea in winter up Kleberg and Jonas Kleberg, President of Henryk Laskowski explained that the LNG tanker was ordered by NYK Line, to and including the Northwest Passage, if Wallenius Lines. machine can run on LNG, low-sulphur Mitsubishi Corporation, Fluxys and Engie From left to right: Glenn Edvardsen, CEO of UECC, Geert Bourgeois, Flemish Minister-President, Claire this should ever be necessary. MGO (Marine Gas Oil) or on heavy fuel (formerly GDF Suez). The AUTO ECO and Tillekaerts, CEO of Flanders Investment and Trade Ship owners, terminal operators and cus- oil (HFO). Everyone was surprised that the AUTO ENERGY are its first customers. United European Car Carriers is a tomers were joined by Minister-President the engine looked so normal. Except for a Pioneers! subsidiary of NYK and Wallenius Lines. Geert Bourgeois, Mayor Renaat Landuyt compressor, there was nothing unusual ■ With 615,000 cars shipped every year, the and CEO of MBZ Joachim Coens. to point to the use of LNG. The guests, UECC shipping company is one of the however, were not entitled to a glimpse Text and photos: Mike Louagie CONNECT #3 / 17
Good training 342,712 shifts were performed by is the best foundation dockworkers in Zeebrugge in 2016.
The dockworkers in Zeebrugge worked a total of 342,712 shifts in 2016. With this, for outstanding a new record has been set, which can be attributed largely to increasing auto- mobile, ro/ro and general goods traffic. The Zeebrugge Employers’ Association (Centrale der Werkgevers in Zeebrugge, performance CEWEZ vzw) is the officially recognised organisation for the recruitment and employment of qualified dockworkers. Last year, the Association deemed it necessary to certify 219 new dock- workers. In Zeebrugge, the number of employable dockworkers rose to 1,695 towards the end of 2016. But what will the future bring?
“We have to continue to anticipate on the demand for qualified dockworkers,” says at the beginning of 2017. They will be cer- The training centre collaborates closely Director Guy Benedictus. “After last year’s tified depending on the demand and the with the companies at the port. They 15.4% increase, 2017 is once again seeing anticipated traffic and volume. make available instructors and training an increase in the number of shifts. The materials. “The port companies ultimately labour-intensive conventional cargo in NEW TRAINING CENTRE benefit from the high quality standard Zeebrugge is on the rise, and the handling of our training programmes,” explains of new vehicles continues to require a “Good training is the foundation for Benedictus. “We ensure that the dock- great deal of input. In addition to this, we outstanding performance,” emphasises workers have the necessary knowledge and are also aware of the need to recruit re- Benedictus. “This is why we decided to skills to perform an enormous diversity of placements for the natural outflow of our invest in a brand-new multi-purpose assignments in Zeebrugge. Dockworkers existing contingent. Our search for new training centre, which opened its doors in at this port are expected to be able to people never stops. Fortunately, there are 2016. All dockworkers start their train- perform a wide range of tasks. Our people still many people in this region who are ing with a three-week training course. need to be fully knowledgeable of the latest interested in a career as a dockworker.” After this, they undergo specialist and technical developments, which includes advanced training. Last year, 2,115 stu- driving electrically-powered and hybrid The port expects increasing traffic in a dents registered at the new centre, which vehicles and moving about heavy and high number of sectors in 2017 and 2018 as is equal to a 50% increase in enrolment. equipment. Of course, safety is always our the result of private investments, among The demand for good classrooms and highest priority.” others. It is expected that this will require practical training facilities was very high. ■ the dockworkers to perform many highly In addition to this, our contingent of both specific tasks. To anticipate on this de- permanently employed and temporary Geert Weymeis mand, Cewez embarked on securing a instructors was expanded.” new wharf reserve of around 200 persons CONNECT #3 / 19
exploring the world
Zeebrugge Belgium
Newark Tacoma Philadelphia Halifax New York Dalian Baltimore Port Hueneme Xingang Charleston Long Beach Busan Savannah Beirut Higashi Tanger Djen Djen Qingdao Incheon Nagoya Hitachi San Diego Brunswick Malta Casablanca Aqaba Shanghai Yokkaichi Hitachinaka Galveston Jacksonville Kobe Chiba Ningbo Pyeongtaek Kanda Yokohama Alexandria Gunsan Port Manatee Omaezaki Busan Toyohashi Guangzhou Xiamen Kwangyuang Yantian Gamagori KhorFakkan Hiroshima Hong Kong Jeddah Manzanillo Port Sudan Lazaro Cardenas Veracruz Puerto Quetzal San Lorenzo Laem Chabang Cartagena Acajutla Corinto Djibouti Balboa Puerto Caldera Puerto Cabello Port Klang Singapore
Manta Guayaquil Paita Callao Papeete Portocel
Tamatave Barra do Riacho Iquique Port Reunion Noumea Santos
Paranagua Fremantle Brisbane Durban
Rio Grande East London Port Kembla Auckland Port Elizabeth Tauranga San Antonio Melbourne Napier Zarate Nelson
Containers General cargo Roro CONNECT #3 / 21 exploring Europe facts and figures 2016
By rail Inland shipping Road transport
Kemi Shortsea links Oulu 37,813,064 TONS/YEAR
FINLAND Rauma Composition of Uusikaupunki Kotka St.Petersburg Helsinki Hanko goods transport SWEDEN Ust Luga NORWAY Paldiski Roll-on/roll-off transport and container ESTONIA Drammen Moss Halden RUSSIA transport together account for more than three quarters of total goods Wallhamm Riga Hirtshals Ventspils transshipment in Zeebrugge. In third Göteborg LATVIA Rosyth place is liquid bulk, such as LNG bunkers, 38 % CONTAINERS DEN. fruit juices and molasses. LITHUANIA Teesport Esbjerg Malmö 38% RORO Middlesbrough Hull Killingholme Gdynia Immingham Gdansk BYELORUSSIA Dublin 16 % LIQUID BULK Grimbsy IRELAND Lübeck Cuxhaven Szczecin Hamburg DRY BULK U.K. Bremerhaven 4 % Emden Amsterdam GERMANY Tilbury GENERAL CARGO Sheerness THE NETHERLANDS POLAND 4 % Portbury Purfleet Southampton Ramsgate UKRAINE Brussel BELGIUM
Le Havre CZECH REPUBLIC SLOVAKIA Paris
AUSTRIA 330,223 SWITSERLAND FERRY PASSENGERS ALMOST 2,000 HUNGARIA ROMANIA PASSENGERS Constanta 743,085 FRANCE CRUISE PASSENGER ITALY BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA Vigo MOVEMENTS A DAY Livorno Santander SERBIA Bilbao Pasajes Sète BULGARIA Yenikoy Last year 1,070,308 passenger movements Leixoes Derince Gebze Istanbul were recorded in Zeebrugge. This figure is
Borusan Barcelona composed of the daily service to and from PORTUGAL SPAIN Tarragona ALBANIA Hull (330,223 passengers), on the one TURKEY hand, and cruise passenger movements Setubal GREECE Sagunto Aliaga Valencia (743,085), on the other. Cruise ships called at the port 142 times in 2016.
Gioia Tauro Piraeus
Malaga
Tenerife Las Palmas Tanger
Casablanca Mastaganem CONNECT #3 / 23
facts and figures 2016
Dockworkers 1,695 WORKERS and shifts An average of 1,695 dockworkers work 342,712 SHIFTS at the Port of Zeebrugge. In 2016 they completed a total of 342,712 shifts. This is an increase of 15.4 % in comparison to 2015. A EUROPEAN PORT WITH A STRONG FOCUS ON THE UNITED KINGDOM Geographic distribution in Europe Geographic distribution worldwide 37.8 MILLION TONS Out of a total of 37,813,064 tons, 29,933,477 is related to Europe. Europe 29,933,477 tons (79%) From this European share, 17,099,781 tons, more than half is Asia 3,841,057 tons (10%) Modal split of maritime traffic related to the UK. N & S America 1,996,708 tons (5%) Other 2,041,822 tons (5%) The majority of loads leave or arrive at the port by lorry. However, transport United Kingdom by rail is increasing. Many goods arrive by one ship and leave in another ship.
This is called transshipment. Sweden
Qatar
Ireland 2,776,113 NEW CARS PER YEAR 69.2 % BY ROAD Spain The port of Zeebrugge has retained its solid position of the world’s largest car Netherlands handling port. Last year, car handling activities increased by 14.3%. With USA its offering of intra-European services in combination with intercontinental 10.7 % services, the port is outstandingly equipped as a distribution hub. BY RAIL Finland
Brasil 10 % China BY TRANSSHIPMENT FEEDER EXPORT Top 10 commercial 1,571,927 5.8 % BY ESTUARY SHIPPING partners Zeebrugge The Port of Zeebrugge is a key bridgehead for the flow of goods 4% to and from the United Kingdom. BY PIPELINE Sweden is the second European trading partner, for paper and pulp cargo loads. China is the most im- IMPORT 0.3 % portant trading partner for contain- 1,204,186 BY INLAND SHIPPING er traffic. CONNECT #3 / 25
around the table
“Zeebrugge
remains ambitious The port of Zeebrugge is alive and kicking. Investments in the ro/ro, automotive and gas sectors are leading the way to new growth and the container traffic is picking up again. Three major players and the CEO for the future” of the port weigh the chances and the challenges for the future.
Jean-Louis Vandevoorde, Joachim Coens, Svein Steimler, Pascal De Buck, Peter Stolk, freelance transport journalist, Chief Executive Officer, Port of Zeebrugge Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Managing Director, Fluxys Head of Ports, P&O Ferries asked the questions for this interview. Officer, NYK Group Europe (ICO) CONNECT #3 / 27
“ We very much look forward at intermodality and the combination between rail and ferry. We are now serving Romania and Italy for the UK market.” Joachim Coens
What is the role and importance of important and attractive in the pipeline board experience to our passengers, but only slightly in Europe but more volume is the right niche in containers and grow the port of Zeebrugge in your network business, with different flows of natural also beter facilitating our freight drivers. moving in our direction. We are of course from there, just like we did in automotive, today? gas that come together in this area. There Last year, we obtained some 14 hectares of happy with that. ro/ro and gas. is a pipeline coming from Norwegian gas additional land where we are already han- Svein Steimler: In 2007 NYK established fields, a direct connection with the United dling our routes to Tilbury and Teesport. ICO (International Car Operators). In Kingdom, the Netherlands and Germany It is still early days, but that will allow The fourth main pillar of port activity It means taking a new start. those ten years ICO grew from 84.000 cars and a pipeline connecting into France. us to grow further, because rail connec- in Zeebrugge is the deepsea lo/lo to 2,3 million cars, including our terminal tivity is key. We ship about 55,000 rail container. Zeebrugge has been hit by Joachim Coens: The future is more im- in Antwerp, and from a few hundreds of All this brings the total throughput units per annum and that market grows the latest developments in the liner portant than the past. P&O Ferries today employees to 1,300. This underlines the capacity for natural gas in the Zeebrugge by between 10 to 15% each year, partly business. is a different company from what it was importance of Zeebrugge for us and we area to about 50 billion cubic meters thanks to better equipment improving the years ago. We very much look forward are keen to further develop our position per year, while annual consumption of speed of turn around has improved. There Joachim Coens: Containers come in var- at intermodality and the combination in the port, which we could never have the European Union stands at approx- are quite a number of leads ongoing with ious forms in Zeebrugge: ro/ro, lo/lo, short- between rail and ferry. We are now reached without the close cooperation imately 450 billion cubic metres. And rail operators, who have high interest in sea and deepsea. The challenge we face is serving Romania and Italy for the UK with the port authorities and a good un- the throughput capacity will increase growing the business in Zeebrugge. on the deepsea lo/lo container. There has market. There is the interconnectivity in derstanding with the unions. substantially in the future as a result of been a reshuffling in the liner business. On the shortsea, where you combine the UK the contract we recently concluded with Pascal De Buck: We finished building the terminal side we still have APMT with with the continent, Scandinavia, Spain Our overall goal was to make a state-of- Yamal Trade for transshipments of LNG our new jetty and we invested in a LNG its Chinese and European presence and we and Portugal. That network is in constant the-art terminal. We are not quite there delivery to mainly Asian markets in the bunkering ship. We are also increasing are confident that this platform will have renewal and helping to keep the cargo in yet but we managed to become the world’s first step. LNG storage capacity and building the its use. We have a coastal position which the port. The same goes for Fluxys, with largest car terminal and that is simply due process equipment required to offer is complementary to that of the other new contracts, new markets, additional to staff’s dedication. The main reason we Peter Stolk: Last year P&O Ferries transshipment services under the con- Flemish ports. The Ocean Alliance has de- storage capacity, LNG as fuel. were succesfull, though, was the prime celebrated its fiftieth anniversary in tract with Yamal Trade. These combined cided to bring a service back to Zeebrugge location of the port and its excellent Zeebrugge. In our traffic mix of passen- investments will probably trigger further and we are very keen to attract other The automotive sector is ever more about connectivity to the hinterland both on the gers and freight, we ship about 350,000 investments related to new markets like services. Our deepsea container terminal what you do with the cars, the skills your land-and on the seaside. This fantastic units and 350,000 passengers per annum the use of LNG in seaborne and inland is linking a lot of cargo and has an impact people have, the added value you can pro- location is God’s gift to Belgium. to the UK. The freight component is shipping. Zeebrugge could also become a on other sectors. vide. That is how you create a hub and that becoming increasingly important. very good source of supply for our projects is what we have to do in containers, bulk Pascal De Buck: Fluxys has a long history Zeebrugge is the spider in our web. It is in the Scandinavian area. It all looks very Peter Stolk: We are in a constant dialogue or cruises. You see a niche and you create with the port of Zeebrugge. Our LNG our most important hub in the North promising. with APMT. added value, you interact with other terminal was commissioned in 1987 for Sea sector and we are basically the only sectors. It is good for a port to be versa- the supply of Algerian gas to Belgium. The remaining passenger link between the Svein Steimler: We have major expansion Joachim Coens: The deepsea and the tile, because there are ups-and-downs in will decide to do is still unknown. But second big step came when different users UK and Belgium. plans of our own, which could easily fill shortsea are indeed linked, some paper every sector. the location of Zeebrugge will remain its – Qatar Petroleum/Exxon Mobil, ENI Gas up to hundred hectares of land. We are pulp we handle is going to the Far East, main strength. Just look at the map and & Power, Engie - contracted capacity in continuously being approached by new there is intra-European cargo moving to draw the cirkels. That is a given. our terminal. The developments have P&O Ferries, Fluxys, ICO, all three of you and existing customers for consolidation the Far East. We serve our own region, Will the increasingly protectionistic accelerated since then. Zeebrugge has have embarked upon major expansion of their North European business. We there is the transhipment business to international climate have an impact on As terminal operators, as long as we come become an important trading point for schemes. have proven to the market that with our Scandinavia, the UK and Ireland, Spain your activities? up with new business ideas and get more natural gas and we are witnessing prom- workforce and the flexibility of the port and Portugal, the combination between legs to stand on, we can live with fluc- ising growth in the use of LNG as a fuel Peter Stolk: We just relaunched our ropax authorities there are possibilities here. We ro/ro and deepsea, products we are more Svein Steimler: This is a difficult question tuations in the market. At ICO, we have for ships and trucks. Zeebrugge is also vessels by offering a completely new on- need more space. Car sales are increasing focused on like food, etc. We have to find to answer, because what the politicians seized new opportunities. To handle the CONNECT #3 / 29
Mr Stolk, the Brexit must be of Mr Steimler, a drop in car sales in the UK With the increase of traffic, it is only a but this is definitely a challenge for the paramount importance to P&O would not be good news for you, I guess. question of time before ships need to wait. future. European Ferries? And ships, like aircraft, only make money Svein Steimler: Why would they go down when they are moving. The hinterland connectivity by waterway Peter Stolk: It is still early days regarding because of the Brexit. It could go the other is key to sectors like breakbulk, food, the Brexit. At the moment we see that the way. We don’t know. That is the whole Another key challenge is labour, to make agribulk, containers… It is a struggling currency factor is in our favor. There is point: we haven’t got a clue about what it sure that we can attract young people and point since the beginning of the port. some inflation predicted in the UK that is going to be like afterwards. Let’s wait train them in a professional way to build The Stadsvaart project in Bruges will could have a downside effect. But it all and see what happens. Let’s not forget the up our business. My dream is to start our double the capacity for inland navigation depends on the negotiations within the EU is close to 500 million people, the UK own academy to do that. to 2.500 tonnes. That is not sufficient next two years. So, it is difficult to tell, isn’t is 60 million people. We are talking about and we still need a broadway canal to it. Still, trade with the UK will go on, no ten percent. There are other markets. Getting back to infrastructure and con- improve and extend our reach. If it can’t matter what, and the preconditions here nectivity, it makes no sense whatsoever be done over land, we should do it over in Zeebrugge remain excellent. that an existing canal of about 40 kilo- sea, by connecting Zeebrugge and the Is the gas sector more Brexit-proof, metres is not expanded to better connect river Scheldt. Joachim Coens: In Zeebrugge, 45% of Mr De Buck? Zeebrugge to the hinterland. It would take the traffic is UK related. Out of that total, many trucks off the roads. 64% is export, so the influence is not Pascal De Buck: It depends which part of On the road side, the new A11 highway only being felt by the port but by all the the chain you are looking at. The impact If we don’t act on this kind of challeng- to the port will open in September. industries around us. In the port every on the LNG terminal is probably indirect. es, we could lose out. It is very easy to sector, not only the ro/ro, is linked to this But we also have a pipeline between the become complacent. Our growth has Peter Stolk: The A11 will tremendously huge Yamal modules we had to create a trade, whose importance has grown over UK and Belgium and if the European been magnificent. But if we don’t watch improve the accessibility by road. That is a special zone at our Hanze Terminal. This the years. For us the UK and the ability to regulation on gas transportation does out, there are other people who want this major step forward. “ The location of Zeebrugge wasn’t even on the chart five years ago. continue to export are very important. not apply to the UK anymore, life from a business into their ports. will remain its main At the end of the day our customers want regulatory and commercial perspective Joachim Coens: Another strategic factor strength. Just look at the efficient, timely, damage-free logistics, a I agree with Peter that the demand in could become a bit more complicated. It is cargo in the port, so we need to develop seemless supply chain and it is down to us the UK will still be there tomorrow, all depends on what direction negotia- Where do we stand on the lock and more areas like the Transport Zone and map and draw the cirkels. to deliver just that. but we have to be careful not to create tions will take. the connectivity to the hinterland, the Maritime Logistic Zone where cargo That is a given.” too many obstacles in terms of import Mr Coens? can be stored and given added value. We Svein Steimler Pascal De Buck: I totally agree that you duties. It could be very dangerous to need cargo in and around the port. cannot forecast the future but that the make our products more expensive. We What needs to be done to maintain and Joachim Coens: I agree with Svein that location of Zeebrugge as such is very hope that the European Commission and reinforce the position of the port? these are vital questions. The Flemish Peter Stolk: Companies like 2XL, ECS, attractive. One of the reasons we got the Parliament will understand that creating government has promised to take a deci- NSE, Middlegate… are basically our fuel. contract with Yamal Trade is because the problems for the UK is also putting up Svein Steimler: When you operate out of sion on the new lock this year and that is These key customers are sitting at our position of Zeebrugge is very interesting problems for us. the inner port, the biggest potential bot- really necessary to follow the expansion. doorstep, which is a major advantage. But to them. Of course we already were here, tleneck is the lock. We have one lock only. I would not say we have a problem today, it is vital that they are able to expand. the port authorities were very commercial Paperwork is not the real problem, digital in their approach, there is a market down- information systems can deal with that. stream and our grid offers a highway It could even be in our advantage since it into the German, French, Dutch and UK could stimulate unaccompanied freight market. You have to add it all up. compared to the accompanied freight. In that respect, Calais could suffer more The future is always going to be different because drivers would have to wait, which from what you expected. So flexibility, the costs a lot of money. We could also see ability to see opportunities and to seize more direct shipping between Ireland them is crucial. The same goes for the and the continent, for instance. synergies between us. “ Zeebrugge could also become a Peter Stolk: There could indeed be a shift very good source of supply for our from accompanied to unaccompanied projects in the Scandinavian area.” traffic if border control measures are Pascal De Buck reinforced. CONNECT #3 / 31
“ Still, trade with the UK will go on, no matter what, and the preconditions here in Zeebrugge remain excellent. Peter Stolk
Svein Steimler: In the western world, nity to expand on warehousing. That is to establish partnerships. It is a very close and Antwerp, the challenge since twenty Joachim Coens: ICO, P&O Ferries, Fluxys close to 80% of what we deal with on a definitely where the demand is. community and MBZ is a great facilitator years has been to find the right place on are fine examples of the many very ambi- daily basis, comes on a ship. Just think who glues it all together. That’s the power the market. That is not new. But we found tious and very dynamic players we have what a port like Zeebrugge, with its prime Joachim Coens: Go for it, Peter. of Zeebrugge: because of its scale and tight our position in other sectors and I am in our port, continuously investing and location, can do in terms of employment, network it is very easy to do business and confident that we will do so in contain- looking forward. They help us and push us what it could grow to become if we are just to grow partnerships with other compa- ers. Our position at the coast is one that forward. The world is changing every day, a bit more sensible about it. What issues would Fluxys raise, nies. Zeebrugge is unique in that respect, we can and will be able to leverage. The you do not know what will happen but Mr De Buck? as shown by the cooperation with SOL Seatrade service between New Zealand you have to be ready for the future. Go for Lines and Finnlines, linking Scandinavia, and Belgium proves it can be done. it. That is what we try to do, together with Mr Stolk, connectivity and more Pascal De Buck: If we want to expand the Baltic, the UK and Spain. our private partners. Everybody should logistical activity are crucial for P&O further, we need to do it in the direction of carefully when you start something new. know the port of Zeebrugge is ready for European Ferries too. the sea, to the north-west, where the Tern But as far as gas is concerned,we are care- Joachim Coens: It took time but it’s a good One final remark? the future and ambitious for the future. Island occupied by sea birds is a limit. We ful since 1985. The same goes for estuary thing it happened. Such companies are Peter Stolk: Yes, but the point Mr Steimler need to find a solution to that problem. barges. We have done this for ten years used to keep on moving. Sometimes all Peter Stolk: Zeebrugge is the most made about the lock does have an impact There is no immediate, short-term need, now. Deregulation on certain aspects they need to get this moving is a little push. important hub in our network and with on us as well. We do business with each but we have done the maximum on the should be possible. our partnerships, the expansion of 14 other. We ship cars arriving at ICO, for existing site. Any further expansion abso- Svein Steimler: But if the ships are hectares with our new terminal and the instance. So if that lock is out of order the lutely requires new space. waiting and the staff and the labour is not support of MBZ we have seen that we are whole port is in big trouble. The interaction between all your sectors there… able to grow further. Our ambition is to Second thing: if inland shipping moves is much more developed than one might double our volumes in the next five to six The other point on the agenda is rail. We into the use of LNG, we have a prob- suspect. Peter Stolk: … and the trains are late… years. With the factors I mentioned and all want to grow rail, but in the port, the lem with the limited possibilities out of our ideas for new routes and services, we last mile can be cumbersome at times, Zeebrugge. The market is looking at this Svein Steimler: This interconnection is Svein Steimler: … and the trains are late, stand a fair chance of doing that. with too many delays as a consequence. option. So access over water for inland dictated by the location of the port and we have a problem and then people will We need to speed up the last mile. shipping is certainly a topic which may by the fact that 80% of what we deal with look elsewhere. Complacency is a very Pascal De Buck: At the end of the day we become very important in that respect. daily moves by ship. We do not have daily great danger. We got to be on our front must work together and understand each Another thing is that the number of trailers contacts, but we have common interests toes to make sure this works. other’s needs. The world is changing and The development of logistics in the inner coming to load LNG at the terminal con- that fall in line because of how we all we cannot forecast it. Let’s look out for port still is a difficult thing too. tinues to increase as the market for LNG as live and what we consume. None of this opportunities and be agile in reacting to a fuel for trucks and ships develops. is rocket science. It is pretty basic. But The last sector where critical mass is them. Joachim Coens: It is difficult but space is what it boils down to, is that people here presently missing is deepsea containers. available. Parts of the logistical zone are This growing market requires an appro- are willing to listen and that you can find If that comes back, it reinforces all the Svein Steimler: We are happy with our ready. We have a possible deal to work priate accessibility too. partners who are willing to do their piece. other sectors too. relationship with Zeebrugge. But again, with logistic labour in the warehouses the laurels of yesterday will do us no good and port labour on the rail side. if we go Joachim Coens: There is also the issue of Pascal De Buck: I fully agree. Joachim Coens: It is indeed the sector tomorrow. The basics are there, as is the in that direction, it would be a boost for regulation. There is so many experience where we need to build up critical mass will to move in the right direction, even the port. now already on the gas sector, you should Peter Stolk: And so do I. In Zeebrugge again. A lot of things changed in the if things sometimes move too slowly. We be able to review some of the restrictions the human scale is much more important container business. There has been a as NYK are committed to continue the Peter Stolk: That is a fair deal. In the outer which are limiting the in and out of the than in other ports. It is quite easy to do major reshuffling. The world economy dialogue we have had from the very first port too, there is definitely an opportu- port by LNG vessels. You need to tread business with the port authority MBZ and slowed down. Sitting between Rotterdam day on. CONNECT #3 / 33
cooperating Shipping companies collaborate in triangular services
Zeebrugge strengthens hub on Zeebrugge, a coastal port with a strong This will enable shippers to arrange nal. The expansion covers 14 hectares, a the UK & Ireland, Scandinavia position on the European mainland, is transport via Zeebrugge from Great fourth jetty and state-of-the-art railway and Southern Europe increasingly launching triangular ser- Britain to Scandinavia, the Baltic, Spain infrastructure. vices between Scandinavia, the United or Portugal and vice-versa through a Kingdom & Ireland and Southern single booking. Services can be booked Swedish Orient Lines recently in- Europe. In collaboration with ports in through P&O Ferries, Swedish Orient creased its capacity on the Zeebrugge- the United Kingdom cooperation agree- Lines, Finnlines or CLdN to destina- Gothenburg route by offering a service ments are concluded with various ship- tions in the North such as Gothenburg, that is operated seven days a week. ping companies to connect the British Esbjerg, Hirtshals, Kemi, Oulu, Kotka, SOL is now also offering departures to markets with the European mainland, Rauma, St. Petersburg or in the South, Kemi and Oulu in Finland twice a week. Scandinavia, Spain and Portugal. such as Santander, Bilbao and Leixões. Besides cargo for StoraEnso, the service These services can accommodate handles trailers, new cars and contain- various types of cargo, such as trailers, ers. SOL collaborates with P&O Ferries to containers, new cars and break bulk ship cargo to the eastern coast of Great cargoes. Britain via Zeebrugge.
A SINGLE BOOKING FOR SHIPPING ZEEBRUGGE ‘PITSTOP’ FROM GREAT BRITAIN VIA ON SERVICE BETWEEN of services to the United Kingdom and On the land side, Zeebrugge has access ZEEBRUGGE TO SCANDINAVIA SPAIN AND FINLAND Ireland, has also invested heavily in its to an extensive railway network that OR SOUTHERN EUROPE Scandinavia hub. The fleet was renewed connects the coastal port with Europe’s This year, Finnlines launched a week- and the frequency of the Zeebrugge- primary markets such as Italy – 44 de- P&O Ferries has officially taken its ly northbound service in Zeebrugge Gothenburg service increased. CLdN partures a week to Milan - up to Poland, expanded terminal in Zeebrugge into on the route between Bilbao and also added a southbound service Romania and Greece. commission, effectively doubling its Finland. Zeebrugge acts as a pitstop from Zeebrugge to Santander and ■ capacity. In this, P&O Ferries is meeting for the service between Spain and the Leixões. With departures twice a week. the growing demand of markets to Scandinavian country. This allows Additionally, CLdN added Hirthals to its Lieve Duprez and from Great Britain. P&O Ferries Finnlines to latch on to P&O Ferries’ new hub in Scandinavia in 2016. is offering daily services to Tilbury, various services to Great Britain. Intermodal Route Planner via Hull and Teesport from Zeebrugge. The Flota Suardiaz shipping company www.portofzeebrugge.be Additionally, freight trains from Central CLdN, a leading European ro/ro oper- also facilitates shipping through a single and Eastern Europe arrive at the termi- ator in Zeebrugge with a broad range booking from Tanger Med to Gothenburg. CONNECT #3 / 35
HIGHLIGHTS IN 2016
1-2. 2016 was once again a record year for the cruise sector. More than 142 cruise ships moored at the port of Zeebrugge, equalling 743,085 passenger movements. The increase can be attributed, among others, to the AIDAPrima , which calls in at the Port of Zeebrugge once a week every Wednesday.
3. Intermodal transport operator Hupac lntermodal increased the frequency of the rail link between Zeebrugge and Novara to five times a week. This brings the total number of direct connections (return journeys) with Italy to 41 a week. At present, P&O Ferrymasters and 2 Transmec Group connect Zeebrugge three times a week through their new intermodal hub in Oradea, Romania.
4. With regard to road transport in and around the Port of Zeebrugge work continued in 2016 on completion of the A11 motorway. This missing link will create a fast connection 6 between Zeebrugge and the hinterland as from August 2017.
5. Zeebrugge has been handling an absolute record in new cars with a total of 2,776,113 units. This enabled the largest car-handling port in the world to consolidate its leading position.
1 3 6. The Complex Project ‘Improving Nautical Accessibility to the Inner Port of Zeebrugge’ was launched by the Flemish government. A second lock for Zeebrugge is of crucial importance to 8 the strongly growing automobile sector, which is linked to an increase in the number of ships to the inner port.
7. DFDS achieved the highest figures for the past six years on the destination of Rosyth, Scotland in 2016. Approximately 700,000 tonnes were shipped on this route.
8 - 9. The biggest ro/ro customers in Zeebrugge, C.Ro Ports Zeebrugge and P&O Ferries, have expanded their terminals. C.Ro Ports built 4 5 7 9 additional premises at the Brittannia Dock. P&O Ferries opened its Westerhoofd Terminal. CONNECT #3 / 37
2 7
1 3 6 8
1. 2016 marked the start of a gigantic 3. 2016 was also a year in which records were 6. In 2016, Zeebrugge gained strength as investment programme for car handling. broken with regard to employment. A total a Scandinavia hub. Traffic on this region Zeebrugge aims to make no less than 156 of 342,712 shifts were completed (+15.4%). increased by at least 12%, thanks to CLdN hectares, in addition to the existing 390, This growth could be noted particularly in the launching a new service between Zeebrugge accessible in its inner report to meet the labour-intensive car and conventional cargo and the Danish port of Hirtshals, and Swedish growing demands of players in the car handling sectors. Orient Lines increasing its frequency between sector. Quay walls will be built in order to Zeebrugge and Gothenburg to seven weekly make this additional land available. The work 4. In October, the Port of Zeebrugge signed a departures, for example. is in full sway at the transverse quay of the Memorandum of Understanding with China Southern Canal Dock and comprises a quay COSCO Shipping and China Minmetals, in the 7. On 21 November the brand-new UECC car 4 length of 400 metres with a view of improving presence of Prime Minister Charles Michel. The carrier AUTO ECO was launched in Zeebrugge. the accessibility of ICO’s Hanze Terminal. The objective of the agreement is to also give shape AUTO ECO, as well as her sister ship AUTO Bastenaken Quay will also be extended by 1,070 to the ‘One Belt One Road’ strategy between ENERGY, were designed to sail on heavy metres. In a later stage, a quay wall of 1,130 China and Europa in Zeebrugge. A‘Silk Road’ fuel oil as well as LNG. UECC is also the first metres will be built at the Baudouin Canal. Maritime Operation Center will be established customer of the LNG bunker ship, the MS Engie in Zeebrugge for this purpose. Zeebrugge. The bunker ship’s home port is 2. The considerable increase in general cargo Zeebrugge. (+27%) can largely be attributed to the handling 5. There was also a strong increase of almost of the gigantic factory parts for the construction 18% in ro/ro cargo shipped to Ireland. CLdN 8. The top section of the second LNG jetty at of the gas installations for the Yamal LNG expanded its service to Dublin with a third the Fluxys terminal was finished and taken into project in Siberia. A total of 80 modules, departure. Ro/ro traffic to the United Kingdom, commission. originating from South Korea and China, will Zeebrugge’s most important trade partner, be shipped to Zeebrugge, where they will be also noted a further increase of 1.2%. 5 6 transshipped to Ice Class ships to Russia. CONNECT #3 / 39
exploring
A kiss every Wednesday
The past few years have seen numerous different cruise ships mooring at the Swedish Quay. Our most loyal customer ever moored here for the first time on 4 May 2016. Since that day, the Port of Zeebrugge has been able to welcome back the AIDAprima – the ship with the red lips painted onto its bow – each and every Wednesday throughout the year. CONNECT #3 / 41
The Skywalk is a glass platform built around the elevator tower, featuring dazzling views beneath your feet.
The AIDAprima is the newest and A small percentage of the guests books largest asset of Aida Cruises, a shipping the cruise to see London, Paris, Brussels company that is part of the number or Bruges. However, the destination is one in the cruise industry, the listed not important to the largest percentage of Carnival Corp. & PLC company. guests by far. They simply want to spend the week cruising and fully unwinding The cruise ship was built in Japan and on board. To them, the ship on board of arrived in Europe at the end of April 2016. which it is always summer, is the destina- platform built around the elevator tower, French or Asian specialities: the choice is tion. Guests can choose a different type of featuring dazzling views beneath your difficult to make indeed. This ship is unique for many reasons, holiday every day, at their own pace. feet. Not everyone dares to set foot on it! starting with the route. Every Saturday, the Another option is the utterly German AIDAprima casts off in Hamburg for a trip BEACH CLUB On the promenade deck, also called Brauhaus restaurant with an Oktoberfest around the North Sea. In concrete terms, Lanai, passengers can sit either indoors or ambience and its Lederhosen-clad wait- the ship sets course for Southampton, Le The concept is as simple as it is ingenious: out at one of the many restaurants or bars. ers. There is even a brewery on board. Havre, Zeebrugge and Rotterdam, to sub- no account needs to be taken of the out- The Lanai resembles a seaside prome- sequently return to Hamburg. side temperature. There are some places nade, except that it is on a big ship. The heart of the AIDAprima is the on board where you could easily imagine Theatrium, with its stage located smack AIDA is a cruise product that caters to yourself to be in the Caribbean. Take the Even the spa has a huge deck with whirl- in the middle of the ship. It is a very open German-speaking passengers of all ages, unique beach club, for example, on the pools and sun beds. Just imagine: a lovely space, where guests automatically pass couples or singles, and families with top-most deck and featuring a swimming sauna or steam bath followed by absolute by, just as they would a city square. Guests children during the school holidays: lots pool and palm trees: the indoor part is relaxation, breathing in the salty sea air. can enjoy an espresso or a pre-dinner of children sometimes, in fact. A holiday covered with a huge, transparent dome aboard the AIDA simply can’t compare made from a special type of plastic that MOUTH-WATERING with a traditional cruise. allows ultraviolet light to pass through. This way, guests can sunbathe in winter as When AIDA Cruises started with just one well as summer. ship twenty years ago, a revolutionary concept (for that time) was born. Instead All sorts of passengers enjoy a holiday on the AIDA: For families, the AIDAprima is one big, of the more formal à la carte restaurant guests of all ages, couples and singles, families with never-ending party. Children can romp formula, guests could opt for several orig- children. A holiday aboard the AIDA simply can’t to their heart’s content on the water slides inal buffet-style restaurants, where your and the climbing course in the indoor mouth starts to water as soon as you set compare with a traditional cruise. activities zone at the rear of the ship. foot inside. The various food outlets are reminiscent of Italian or French delicates- SE AV IE W sens, and you can easily get the impres- sion that you have walked into a market What’s absolutely spectacular are the two where fresh produce is sold. elevator towers on both sides of the ship. After you have enjoyed the magnificent The AIDAprima has more restaurants view in the glass elevator and arrived at then there are days in the week, and their deck 16 you can proceed to the Skywalk – chefs know exactly what they have to do to if you dare, that is. The Skywalk is a glass tempt their guests. Be tempted by Italian, CONNECT #3 / 43
The AIDAprima will call in to the Port of Zeebrugge every Wednesday this year, until the end of October 2017.
drink here, while watching the artists applied to keep the ship’s ecological practice for that evening’s show. There is footprint as small as possible, ranging live entertainment here every evening. from waste disposal and recycling to the MALS system, which creates a fine- DYNAMIC meshed carpet of tiny air bubbles under the hull to decrease the friction coeffi- More athletically-minded guests can cient. MALS is the acronym for Mitsubishi opt for a sportive vacation. The gym is Air Lubrication System, which results in staffed with personal trainers who will reduced fuel consumption. Although this put a training programme together for may be construed as advertising, AIDA you that will help you push your limits. is always pleased to announce that the Athletic activities offered on board in- AIDAprima uses ‘only 2.7 litres of fuel per clude yoga and Pilates sessions, and fans passenger per 100 km’. of spinning will find the typical bicycles here as well. The ship also has outdoor However, the most notable innovation volleyball and basketball courts. In win- is the use of liquid natural gas: not for ter, you can even go ice skating and enjoy when sailing, but when the ship is at LOYAL TO ZEEBRUGGE a cup of steaming hot mulled wine at the berth. This comprised a new challenge AND BRUGES Christmas market. for the port authority in Zeebrugge. Every Wednesday, an LNG tanking vehicle The AIDAprima will continue to call in at Right from the very beginning, passen- needed a secure place to park on the the Port of Zeebrugge every Wednesday gers on the AIDA were able to book bicycle Swedish Quay, next to the ship. until the end of October 2017. On 6 excursions. This was something entirely November the ship will give the port one novel at the time! Nowadays, it is not The big advantage to LNG as a fuel is the last farewell kiss on route to the Canary unusual to see a group of safely helmeted virtually complete absence of harmful Islands. In 2018 its role will be taken over cyclists depart from the terminal on the emissions. by the AIDAperla (still under construc- Swedish Quay every Wednesday. tion), and Zeebrugge will once again Once it is at sea, the ship switches to enjoy regular weekly visits from more ECOLOGICAL MDO, where flue gas washers ensure that than 4,000 guests from Germany, Austria the emission of sulphur, nitrogen and fine and Switzerland. AIDA claims that the Prima is the most particles is reduced to a minimum. ■ environmentally-friendly cruise ship in the world. All possible technology was Mike Louagie CONNECT #3 / 45
construction
Group Depre expands New warehouse for “Depre Storage & Handling” (DSH)
“If we feel at home Although the “Depre Storage & UNIQUE SECTION OF THE PORT At the end of 2014 Group Depre was given Even food for human consumption takes somewhere, we will expand Handling” (DSH) Department of the FOR A GROWING COMPANY the opportunity to take over the site from up a considerable percentage of the group’s our business there.” Beernem-based Group Depre only Minne Port Services. Here and there, this activities, from bakery seeds to quinoa and established itself on the British Quay in It is a sunny Spring day when we meet name can still be faintly discerned on a spices. These are traded by the Lenersan the inner port of Zeebrugge two years Frank Bruyneel, director of purchasing wall, but a great deal has changed since Poortman division in Dordrecht. Some ago, the company is already leaving a and trade, and Stef Serruys, trader in then. “Activity here has grown exponen- 400 employees are engaged in this wide distinct mark on the site. Group Depre broken rice and chief commercial officer of tially since we set up shop here,” contin- range of operations, distributed across age aims to ensure that its new warehouse, Depre Storage and Handling. Group Depre ues Bruyneel. branches. The group achieves an annual which will increase its storage capacity is established on Britse Kaai, a unique turnover of EUR 450 million. by almost twofold, will be finished by section of the port. One side affords a view Group Depre has a lengthy history and was 2018. Aside from this, the group also has of the ramrod-straight Badouin Canal, originally specialised in animal feed. This EXTRA SPACE FOR STORAGE many long-term plans in the pipeline. with the Herder Bridge, the sea lock and has remained the group’s core business for OF AGRO PRODUCTS “If we feel at home somewhere, we will the container terminals in the outport the past 65 years, but its activities have ex- expand our business there”, confirms of Zeebrugge in the background. On the panded considerably, from raw materials The site in Bruges is the latest branch to be Frank Bruyneel, Director of Purchase other side, the Belfry and the Saint Salvator for animal feed in Beernem and Deurne to acquired by Group Depre and is intended and Trade. Cathedral are almost within grasp. “This feed for pet birds and rodents in Deurne primarily for storage, with a distinct focus is much more than simply a parcel of land and Dordrecht, and from pet food for dogs on raw materials for animal feed and bro- in an industrial zone”, Bruyneel explains and cats in Ostend and the French city of ken rice – Stef Serruys’ hobby horse – which proudly, while and inland ship is being un- Longué-Jumelles to storage and trade in was stored in Ostend prior to the takeover loaded, despite the approaching twilight. Beernem, as well as in Bruges, of course. of MPS. “In addition to the activities I just CONNECT #3 / 47
mentioned, we also handle the storage of The storage capacity of agro products for third parties, such as soy the site should be expanded meal or wheat gluten flour. We have noticed to 50,000 tons by 2018. a growing demand for these products.”
It was only logical that the group needed more space. Currently, the site has a stor- age capacity of 32,000 tons. This had to be expanded to 50,000 by 2018. To accommo- date this, the oldest warehouse along the water will need to be torn down. Although well as the biggest load of cargo ever for the group has already obtained a demoli- the seaport’s “little brother”. tion permit, a construction permit is still pending. The warehouse should make However, transport by road is also of space for a new 7,000 m²warehouse. paramount importance. “We have the E40 motorway virtually in our back yard. “This warehouse will be used to consol- Flanders and northern France are our idate our existing activities, and partic- most important markets, and these can ularly for the storage of agro products be reached very easily from Bruges,” says for third parties. We will continue to Serruys. “We are happy with the support follow the course that we have chart- walls will be as sturdy as possible to en- ways is also of crucial importance. Soy provided by the port. This site has a great ed out and aim to grow in storage and able goods to be stacked against the wall. meal from Brazil and Argentina, broken deal of possibilities and opportunities.” transshipment,” continues Serruys. “We This is extremely important for increasing rice from Asia and South America, grain will certainly be hiring more staff in the storage capacity. Up until now, most of from the Baltic states and the Ukraine, Taking a tour of the site in the warm Spring time ahead. There are six people cur- the walls are not equipped to deal with and beetroot pulp pellets from Russia are sunshine, this is only too clear. Bruyneel rently employed here, of whom four are such heavy pressure, and some additional all shipped by water. Not everything is points out a good-sized plot of land that is dockworkers. The warehouse may look sections – resembling Lego blocks – must delivered to the British Quay as a matter currently vacant. “We could certainly use impressive now, but we have made sub- be mounted against the exterior walls. of course. “A lot of goods are traded via this plot for further expansion and build stantial investments in rolling stock, from containers. We hope that container traffic another warehouse. A long-term plan, of bulldozers to conveyor belts, in the past “It will be an optimal and efficient storage in the Port of Zeebrugge will once again course, but time passes quickly.” And per- few years. The site has already undergone place, through which goods will be able to attain its previous volumes, but decisions haps the barracks that are currently serv- substantial development.” move very quickly,” predicts Serruys. in regard of this are beyond our sphere of ing as offices may be torn down sometime influence,” explains Bruyneel. in the future as well. “Who knows? If we The warehouse will become a building IDEAL LOCATION feel at home somewhere, we will expand with an adequately closed-off system, At the beginning of March, DSH received our business there.” ■ particularly with a view to reducing any Group Depre is happy in Bruges. Not the Damina, a seagoing ship 116 m long nuisance to the surrounding enterprises. only is the site located in proximity to its with a carrying capacity of 7,594 tons and Sandro Delaere Various partitions will be placed inside home base of Beernem; it also has several 6,000 tons of sunflower seed flakes on to prevent contamination between the unique assets, of which mobility is by far board. This instantly made it the largest various goods. Additionally, the exterior the most important. Proximity to water- carrier to ever enter the Port of Bruges, as CONNECT #3 / 49
exploring Wood on the catwalk
What can you use a tree for? At StoraEnso, The originally Scandinavian company they ask this question every day. Even stronger: listed on the Stockholm and Helsinki stock exchange has developed into it is a calling, an ambition and a vision. a modern world leader that employs 26,000 people. Describing the firm as a producer of paper would not do it justice, considering that paper is only one of its five core activities. The other four are: cardboard, packaging, products based on wood and biomaterials. The digital transition is also boosting a However, we cannot renew them. There is In the meantime, everyone in Zeebrugge growing line of business: that of pack- a growing awareness among people – and has become used to the giant rolls of pa- aging. An example? Due to the explosive also among consumers – that this is not per delivered to and from the multi-pur- growth of web shops, clients need more a sustainable way of living. So, why not pose PSA terminal since the start of the and better packaging. Fortunately, this ensure that everything is not only recycla- new millennium. The paper is delivered is also one of StoraEnso’s pillars. The ble, but also renewable? by ro/ro ships in special containers, company develops and produces pack- called SECUs (StoraEnso Cargo Units), or aging based on wood fibre, from pulp to According to StoraEnso, the tree is the freight ships equipped with side loaders. finished product. number one solution. Is anything made The entire logistics mechanism runs like from fossil materials today? Tomorrow, clockwork, with the primary objective of However, packaging also comes with in- the tree will be a raw material! ensuring that publishers will be able to teresting challenges. StoraEnso has noted continue to print their newspapers and that a lot of what we use every day is made Today, it is possible to penetrate deeply magazines, day in, day out. from non-recyclable materials, such as into wood fibres and transform these into packaging and numerous other products. microfibres. Of course, anything at a level The biggest question is: how long will The firm has already taken some big steps as minute as this can only be perceived these media still be needing paper? Will in this direction. It has developed from a through an electron microscope. In this we still be reading a paper newspaper five producer of paper to a company that calls incredibly small universe, all components years from now, or will everything have itself “the renewable materials company”. that collectively comprise “wood” can be become digital? Old newspapers, wrapping paper on gifts: split off from one another, to be used sep- these are not waste, but a raw material. arately. The tree has become a high-tech It is only self-evident that companies such form of raw material. Impressive. as StoraEnso will need to anticipate on However, a following step is needed. this development, which is happening at Some things can be recycled, – and even lightning speed. several times over, if this is done well! CONNECT #3 / 51
BIOMATERIALS
The “Biomaterials” division produces a broad range of wood pulp products, and is constantly engaged in optimising its processes to ensure that all by-products can also be used. All of these products, lignine is by far the most interesting. It is a substance derived from pulp before paper is made out of it. Second only to cellulose, lignine is the most frequently occurring organic material on earth. Its applications are almost BRUGES, CENTRE infinite. OF MEDIEVAL MINIATURE ART
HI-TECH WOOD ful graphic patterns and bright colours. How about “intelligent packaging”? Methyl cellulose is used to enhance the Since time immemorial, Bruges has Dresden Prayer Book . Although hun- From tree to article of clothing is a reality Boxes, parcels, crates: all of which viscosity of ice cream, toothpaste and enjoyed a close connection with paper dreds of illuminated manuscripts were StoraEnso knows that the various compo- to them. “We enjoy using textiles based automatically inform us of their loca- shampoo. Carboxymethyl cellulose is an and the written word. In the Middle produced in Bruges, only a limited nents of wood will be used in the future on wood, such as viscose. This material tion – whether on a ship or in a delivery ingredient frequently found in gluten-free Ages, the city was an important centre for percentage of these have been preserved as building blocks for new materials. How lends itself perfectly for the application of van – or the ambient temperature of this food or products with a diminished fat the production of illuminated manu- in official and private collections. Most of should we see this? Concretely speaking, powerful and colour-fast prints,” explains location. This is possible through the content. It may sound very chemical, scripts in the Low Countries. Production these manuscripts have become the vic- all PET bottles produced on the basis Emmakaisa Soisalo, Marimekko’s Design use of RFID or NFC technology. (Radio- yet the source of all these substances is increased considerably starting in the tim of war, fire or even a lack of interest. of petroleum can be replaced by wood and Product Development Manager. “The Frequency Identification or Near Field simply the tree. 1380s and 90s, and the manuscripts were derivatives. plant-based fibres create numerous oppor- Communication) soon distributed all over the Western Despite this loss, the Public Library of tunities for creating a diversity of textiles.” A MISSION world as luxury goods. Many of these Bruges still owns approximately 700 Or how about light and strong carbon In what is referred to as “programmable date from before the era in which the manuscripts, some of which are illumi- fibres with which cars, windmills and Marimekko uses viscose for floor-length wood”, it can be modified to accommo- StoraEnso is a company with a mission: Flemish Primitives, such as Jan van Eyck nated and some of which are not. The even aircraft can be produced? The De dresses and wide trousers because of date individual requirements. The tree as a new raw material for a better and Hans Memling, gained renown and lion’s share of these come from the me- Havilland Mosquito fighter plane was the ‘airy’ effect this creates. Wood on the environment. There is no need to be con- became world-famous. The miniaturists dieval libraries of the Cistercian Abbeys developed during the Second World War. catwalk: it has become a reality. So, why not replace glass with transparent cerned about deforestation. The modern and their work from this era are therefore of Ten Duinen and Ter Doest. Several A unique characteristic was its plywood wood? Solar panels could also be made company uses a method that is at the referred to as “pre-Eyckian”. hundred manuscripts are also preserved frame. The aircraft served as a source of The proverbial little cogs in the imagi- from wood. same time mathematical and ecological. in the Major Seminary. inspiration for the American designer of nations of the conceptual engineers at “We plant more trees than we harvest, Manuscripts were ordered primarily by ■ the Splinter, a stunning sports car made StoraEnso never seem to stop turning. The Did you know that some of the products and use every fibre we can.” monarchs, noblemen, prominent mem- almost entirely out of wood, up to and firm has visionary projects in the pipeline we eat are derived from trees? Not only ■ bers of the clergy or wealthy merchants. Chris Weymeis including the wheel rims. that are absolutely astounding. How does do we eat fruit, we also eat cellulose. It is Some illuminators are known by name, it work? No idea. We do know what the a natural ingredient that helps preserve Mike Louagie like Simon Bening, but most of them The designers of the renowned Finnish common thread is: wood fibres and their food, increase its nutrient value or simply had to do with an eponym: the Master of designer brand Marimekko adore power- derivatives. make it taste better. Edward IV or the Master of the CONNECT #3 / 53
exploring
Containerships, a permanent fixture in Zeebrugge.
It will soon be two years ago that TEU. Considering the steady growth it is ‘EQUIPMENT SHARING’ its disposal. Additionally, Containerships the Finnish shipping company experiencing, Containerschips recently AGREEMENT BETWEEN has concluded an “equipment sharing” Containerships started calling in at the placed an order for four container ships ECS AND CONTAINERSHIPS agreement with Zeebrugge-based ECS Port of Zeebrugge on a weekly basis. The with a capacity of 1,400 TEU. The new European Containers. ECS also acts as ships of Containerships enter the port ships, currently under construction at a Containerships is currently investigat- Containerships’ agent in Italy. ECS and for loading and unloading purposes on Chinese wharf, will become the exclusive ing the possibility of retaining one of Containerships collaborate closely in their weekly round: Lübeck, Helsinki, property of Containerships. They will be the ships in Zeebrugge. Containerships shared shipping with a view to working as St Petersburg, Teesport, Thamesport, 170 metres long, 27 metres wide and lay attaches considerable importance to efficiently as possible. What’s more, ECS Zeebrugge. As the volumes shipped are at a depth of 9.6 metres when unloaded. environmentally-friendly services. Not and Containerships are both family-run increasing steadily, a larger tonnage is The ships, which will be delivered in only are the new ships a shining example companies and therefore largely estab- becoming a dire necessity. 2018, will all run on liquid natural gas of this, Containerships’ vehicle fleet in lished along the same principles. (LNG). This will make Containerships the United Kingdom and the Netherlands GROWING FLEET the first shortsea shipping company in includes several trucks that run on LNG. SPHERE OF OPERATIONS Europe to have placed an order for LNG- Besides this limited number of trucks, EXPANDED TO THE BALTIC At present, Containership operates a powered ships. Other characteristics of the company’s fleet currently consists of STATES AND POLAND fleet of eleven to thirteen ships, of which the new ships are: 372 reefer connec- some 15,000 containers: 20’, 40’ and 45’. one is owned by the company and the tions on board and 631 positions for 45’ With the exception of containers for the Containerships aims to ship the majority others hired according to the demands containers. transport of fluids and gases or solid bulk, of its cargo from France and Belgium of the market. These ships each have Containerships has every type of contain- through Zeebrugge. Additionally, more a capacity varying from 800 to 1,000 er for the shipping of containable cargo at cargo will be shipped through Zeebrugge CONNECT #3 / 55
when the ships have been overbooked Kursiu Linija and Lithuania, effectively On 15 June 2015 the first Containerships in Rotterdam. The basic cargo currently extending the shipping company’s sphere ship entered the Port of Zeebrugge: the shipped via Zeebrugge consists of sawn of operations to the Baltic states and ‘Jork Ruler’. Since then, this has become a wood (Rodanar), paper (StoraEnso) and Poland. weekly occurrence. tyres (Bridgestone). Currently Containerships is active in In Zeebrugge the ships are handled at the Containerships celebrated its fifth anni- two large territories, the Baltic Sea – APMT Zeebrugge NV container termi- versary in 2016. The shipping company known as the northern route – and the nal at the Koning Albert II dock in the was founded by Finnish Veli-Ragnar Mediterranean Sea. Numerous North Sea western outport. Containerships enjoys Nordström, in 1966 in collaboration ports are served from the Baltic Sea. The the many assets offered by Zeebrugge, with British Sea Containers of UK. The following ports are served by the northern such as outstanding nautical accessibility, Nordström family still plays a pioneering route: Zeebrugge, Rotterdam, Lübeck, highly flexible and productive services, role in the company. The first service was Riga, Klaipeda, St. Petersburg, Helsinki, motivated and linguistically proficient from Finland to the United Kingdom. Aarhus, Teesport and Thamesport. employees, good accessibility and a cen- Between 1985 and 1990, Containerships tral location in relation to the European developed into a renowned European The dynamic company currently has economic axes. shipping company in the field of trans- 14 offices dispersed throughout the ■ port using pallet-wide containers. European continent. In collaboration Containerships has been active in Russia with seven agents, they guarantee opti- Frank Neyts since 1994, with offices in St. Petersburg mum services to their customers. In 2016 and Moscow. In 2007 the company took Containerships employed 532 direct em- over the Latvian ployees and achieved a turnover of 197.9 million euros. CONNECT #3 / 57
exploring
There is more, however! During the past slow period, APM Terminals Zeebrugge APM Terminals has not been idle, getting the most out of all the available assets to boost the reputation of the terminal in Zeebrugge as a logistics hub. And successfully at that! Both Maersk Line and CMA CGM current- ly use Zeebrugge as a link in the worldwide Zeebrugge NV prepared repositioning of empty containers. These are delivered to Zeebrugge from various European ports and subsequently loaded onto ‘main carriers’ and taken primar- ily to Asia. In that respect, the shipping for Ocean Alliance. companies enjoy the specific advantages offered by Zeebrugge in terms of outstand- ing nautical accessibility and the flexible and fast handling of ships. Geographically to showcase the fantastic benefits and is equipped to receive larger projected In the past years, the container business speaking, Zeebrugge is also perfectly situ- opportunities of the terminal and the Port container ships (26,000 TEU?). Currently, suffered turbulent times, to put it mild- ated in relation to Europe’s economic axes. of Zeebrugge,” continues Carla Debart. seven ultra-modern post-panamax con- ly. This also affected APM Terminals tainer cranes have been installed on the Zeebrugge closely. The economies of Additionally, APM Terminals Zeebrugge “Of course, it is only self-evident that APM quay. These cranes have a reach of 23+1, scale in container shipping, with in- has ample space to accommodate this. Terminals Zeebrugge is prepared for the even up to the eleventh tier of a contain- creasingly larger ships and the concen- Many other shipping companies have relaunch. Additional investments were er ship deck at low tide. The terminal in tration of shipping companies and port noticed this in the meantime and are now made, particularly in IT applications, but Zeebrugge also has a lateral spreader, terminals, brought with them a great showing an interest in launching similar also in a weighbridge. Moreover, our peo- which is unique in Europe. This is spread- deal of uncertainty. services via Zeebrugge. ple – our staff as well as our dockworkers er can be used to store empty containers has since taken over APL), COSCO Shipping – are our most valuable assets. We will be one tier higher on deck of the ship’s, a Following a reorganisation of the contain- (the product of a merger with COSCO and According to Carla Debart, Managing shining the spotlight on them, too. major benefit for the shipping companies. er capacity in Zeebrugge APM Terminals China Shipping Container Line), OOCL Director of APM Terminals Zeebrugge: To facilitate movements on the termi- Zeebrugge was able to succeed in 2016 and Evergreen entered into a collaboration “On account of these routes, the oppor- APM Terminals Zeebrugge is continually nal, APM Terminals Zeebrugge has 22 in retaining the volumes shipped via agreement. tunities we offer as a logistics hub are in search of motivated employees and straddle carriers, 1 reach stacker, 2 RMGs Zeebrugge in the coastal port. However, the brought to the attention of the public and offers a wide range of employment oppor- (Rail Mounted Gantries - for rail-handling last quarter of the year saw a turnaround. At APM Terminals Zeebrugge the last these are making quite an impression, tunities. To bring these to the attention of purposes) at its disposal, and a fleet of The shipping companies adopted a cautious quarter of 2016 focused primarily on the as we can conclude from the interest ex- the general public the company organised forklift trucks of which the heaviest has a attitude. First of all, clarity was needed investments needed to ensure the success pressed by many a shipping company.” a well-attended job fair on 18 March.” capacity of 20 tons (SWL). about the possible partnerships that could of the terminal’s reconnection with Asia be forged among the shipping companies. as from mid-May this year. In the meanwhile, APM Terminals In conclusion, we would like to point The shareholders of APM Terminals This had to be cleared up before the sailing Zeebrugge has been operational in out that the terminal in Zeebrugge is Zeebrugge NV are APMT, with 51%, SIPG schedules of the new alliances could be After all, the new Ocean Alliance had Zeebrugge for a decade. “And this is outstandingly equipped to receive ships (Shanghai International Port Group), with drawn up. On top of this, several important chosen Zeebrugge as its port of call for one something that we wish to celebrate with and cargo under the very best conditions 25% and COSCO, with 24%. takeovers had taken place in the container of the new loops from Northern Europe to all our partners in the logistics chain. On possible. APM Terminals Zeebrugge has shipping business, while other shipping Asia, or more specifically: the NEU 4 ser- 8 May (one week before the reconnection a quay at its disposal measuring 1,300 “In conclusion, we should emphasise companies had undergone mergers. All of vice. This weekly service will be an export with Asia) we are planning an important metres in length. Following on recent that APM Terminals Zeebrugge is here this took up a great deal of time, meaning call for Zeebrugge. It is anticipated that event in which our customers and end technical adjustments, this can now be to stay and that we are fully prepared for that all the parties involved had to wait for 2,500 to 3,000 moves will be handled at ev- customers, as well as our logistics part- dredged across its entire length up to a a successful and professional relaunch,” these reorganisations to be completed prior ery call. CMA CGM will deploy the largest ners (shipping companies, trend shippers, depth of 18 metres at low tide. This will concludes Carla Debart. to taking the next step. Under these circum- ships in its fleet for this loop, meaning that recipients, etc.), will be put in the spot- enable the largest container ships in the ■ stances, the ‘Ocean Alliance’ was estab- Zeebrugge will once again be receiving the light. This coming together of all parties world to moor at the quay without any lished last year, in which CMA CGM (which very largest container ships in the world. involved should be a unique opportunity problems at all. Additionally, the quay Frank Neyts CONNECT #3 / 59
T H S E A F O R I S N H _ Zeebrugge is one of Europe’s primary fishing harbours. The ‘European Fish Centre’ in the inner port is an extensive complex for the supply, trade and -FISHING- processing of fresh fish.
ZEEBRUGGE Zeebrugge is part of the Flemish fish auction, which operates two auctions: one in Zeebrugge and one in Ostend. The mission of the Flemish fish auction is to bring together the supply and demand of freshly caught wild fish, with the objective of securing the best prices for producers and buyers.
Every year, 17 million kg of fresh fish find their way to consumers throughout Europe via wholesale channels.
We hope you, our readers, enjoy the following photo report: “North Sea fish, from the sea to your plate”. CONNECT #3 / 61 CONNECT #3 / 63 CONNECT #3 / 65 CONNECT #3 / 67 CONNECT #3 / 69 CONNECT #3 / 71
Filip Claeys, founder of NorthSeaChefs and chef at De Jonkman
De Jonkman is a restaurant in Sint-Kruis, Bruges which boasts two Michelin stars. Owner and chef Filip Claeys learned the tricks of the trade at Hotelschool Ter Duinen in Koksijde and furthered his professionalism as a chef with Geert Van Hecke (De Karmeliet) and Sergio Herman (Oud Sluis). He took over the restaurant from Ronnie Jonkman in 2006, retaining the original, well-known name. Filip Claeys prefers to cook with high-quality fresh and seasonal regional products supplied by local organic farmers. He is one of the founders and initiator of “North Sea Chefs”, a project supported by half a dozen enthusiastic chefs who aim to promote the use of sustainable, lesser-known fish varieties and by-catch from the North Sea. CONNECT #3 / 73
INGREDIENTS
• 2 mullets • 8 miniature tomatoes • 12 miniature radishes • 200g cream cheese • ¼ kohlrabi • ¼ black radish • 1 lemon • 1 celeriac root • 50g avocado oil
PREPARATIONS
Mullet: Remove the scales from the fish, rinse under Cold streaming water, separate the fillets from the skeleton and take out the bones in the middle. Cut the fillet in half lengthwise, season both sides with salt, pepper, olive oil and lemon juice and allow to marinate for 20 minutes. Tomatoes: Cut a cross into the top of the Marinated mullet tomatoes using a sharp knife, blanch for 10 seconds in boiling water, submerge immediately in ice water, remove the skin tomato / radish / celeriac and season with salt, pepper and olive oil. Radishes: Wash the radishes under cold streaming water, remove the green tops, and season with salt, pepper, olive oil and white wine vinegar. Cream cheese: Mix the cream cheese with salt, pepper and lemon juice. Black radish: Cut the black radish in uniformly-sized cubes, blanch in salted water until they are just tender, scorch with the Bunsen burner and finish with olive oil. Kohlrabi: Roast the kohlrabi on a barbecue for 30 minutes, cut into thin slices and cut into rounds using a cutter. Celeriac jus: Finely dice the celeriac and set to soak in salted water for 20 minutes. Pass through a fine sieve and finish with avocado oil.
FINISHING:
Place the two fillets in the middle of the plate, squeeze the cream cheese in between, garnish with the tomato, radish, kohlrabi slices and black radish cubes. Pour a little celeriac jus over the fish to finish. management
ir. Joachim Coens President - CEO ir. Rik Goetinck Vice-President Policy & Strategy
Chantal Orlans Company lawyer ir. Denis Maly Head of Technical Services, ICT, Spatial Planning and Environment
Amedé Van Herreweghe Connect No. 3 / Zeebrugge, May 2017 Editors Coordination and final editing Head of Nautical Department Editors: Jean-Louis Vandevoorde, Mike Louagie, Lieve Duprez Port of Zeebrugge Geert Weymeis, Chris Weymeis, Frank Neyts, Luc Maertens Maatschappij van de Brugse Zeehaven n.v Sandro Delaere, Lieve Duprez. Layout Head of Finance and Administration (MBZ) d-artagnan Department Photography P. Vandammehuis Foto Joke Swyngedouw Maldegem, Imprint Isabellalaan 1, Maritime Photography Mike Louagie Gent, De Windroos Emmanuel Van Damme 8380 Zeebrugge, Belgium Henderyckx Luchtfotografie Izegem, Head of Trade and Logistics Department Anne de Graaf, Openbare Bibliotheek Brugge, We would like to thank everyone who Piet Vandenkerkhove, Port of Zeebrugge collaborated on this edition. (This magazine is also available in Dutch.) Contact [email protected] © MBZ 2017