In the Netherlands, European Bulk Services (EBS), a multipurpose dry bulk terminal operator in the Port of Rotterdam, has completed an additional 126 000 m3 of covered storage capacity at its Laurenshaven facility. The Boreas coaster was the first vessel to utilise the new warehouse when it unloaded, weighed and transferred around 1 400 tonnes of bauxite into storage on February 20, 2019, using a certified Gottwald 6 crane.
European Bulk Services (EBS) is a dry bulk subsidiary of HES International B.V, one of the largest independent terminal operators in dry and liquid bulk products in Europe. In the Port of Rotterdam EBS operates two terminals, Europoort and Laurenshaven, that focus on the storage and trans-shipment of goods such as wood pellets, minerals, and agricultural products.
To grow its services in agricultural products, minerals, building materials, and biomass, high quality covered storage is required and EBS is executing a four-year masterplan to construct a total of 350 000 m3 of additional covered storage capacity at the Laurenshaven and Europoort locations.
This will increase EBS’ total available covered storage that currently stands at 650 000 m3, including the new 126 000 m3 of covered space at the Laurenshaven terminal, to over 800 000 m3. The permit for the next 50 000 m3 warehouse has already been approved.
These multi-purpose sheds are located at storage areas previously used for the storage of in particular steam coal and feature several separate compartments, to keep storage shipments clean, dry, and free from contamination.
A unique system of hatches developed in-house allows the crane operator to open and close a roof hatch with the press of a single button, in order to guarantee the quality of the products. The convenient location on the quay allows bulk goods to be unloaded directly from the ship to the warehouse. EBS has land and berth capacity available for further expansion.
