DFDS A/S has announced that it has sold its subsidiary DFDS Seaways Maasvlakte B.V. in the Port of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, to the Rhenus Group.

Following the acquisition of Norfolkline in 2010, DFDS was in possession of two fully equipped ro-ro terminals in Rotterdam, the former Norfolkline terminal in Vlaardingen and the DFDS terminal in Maasvlakte. On 1 January 2011, in order to enhance operations and customer services, all DFDS’ ro-ro freight activities were concentrated in Vlaardingen, which is situated closer to the motorway network and also accommodates other activities.

The Maasvlakte terminal continued to operate and further develop as a break-bulk terminal, handling growing volumes of commodities such as steel, wood, bricks and project cargo. Break-bulk activities, however, are not DFDS’ core activity and produce limited synergies with other parts of the business. It was therefore decided to find a new owner for the terminal.

The Rhenus Group will as the new owner of the company and the concession of the terminal, through its logistics branch, take over operation of the terminal as of today. All 32 staff have been informed throughout the sales process and the works council has provided positive advice for the transaction, which was concluded today. The acquisition will be supplementing the group’s existing capacity at Waalhaven in one of the growth centers for global trade – the port of Rotterdam. “Backed by this modern equipment, extended storage capacity, a 16.5 meters draft, additional quay facilities and competent staff, we are now in an even better position to partner with our existing and future base of customers to introduce a more complete and efficient supply chain for them,” says Peter van der Steen, Managing Director of Rhenus Logistics B.V.

“We sincerely appreciate and warmly thank all employees who through their hard work have made the terminal a successful part of DFDS and helped DFDS secure a stronghold in Rotterdam. Their loyalty has helped facilitate a smooth transaction and at a difficult time contributed greatly to keeping customer service at a high level while securing growth in the break bulk business. We are therefore very pleased to have found an experienced and reputable new owner, and we wish our colleagues in Maasvlakte all the best in the future,” says Kell Robdrup, Senior Vice president, DFDS Group and head of DFDS’ North Sea freight business.

DFDS Seaways Maasvlakte B.V. has been operating the Maasvlakte terminal in Rotterdam since 2003. The sale of the Maasvlakte Terminal will have no effect on DFDS ro-ro and logistics operations in Rotterdam.