Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison subsidiary Hutchison Ports has acquired 50% of TMA Logistics BV, the Handy Shipping Guide reports. The Dutch logistics solutions provider is a leader in general cargo terminal operations, providing cargo forwarding, warehousing, and barge services.
TMA runs operations at 3 sites in Amsterdam and 1 in Antwerp. “The acquisition of a 50% stake in TMA Logistics complements both our existing operations in Amsterdam and the activities of Hutchison Logistics,” said Clemence Cheng, Hutchison Ports’ executive director. “We have developed a good working relationship with TMA over the last three years which has brought a range of operations to ACT.”
ACT is the Hutchison Ports’ Amsterdam Container Terminal, one of the ports that TMA operates. “Together with TMA, we will maximize the benefits of operating through Hutchison Ports’ network to develop new business opportunities in areas including short-sea container traffic, RoRo, vehicle handling, and general and project cargo,” Cheng said.
ACT has 3 berths in Amsterdam spanning 1,015 meters long and 15 meters deep. The report noted the berth is one of the “deepest water multi-purpose berths in North Europe.” A new sea lock is planned to be opened late in 2019, hoping to meet expectations of it being “the largest in the world.”
Other businesses that TMA is operating at the moment are seen to benefit from the investment boost as well. Thor Amsterdam and Thor Antwerp provide port-related logistic services apart from terminal operations, forwarding, chartering and agency. This includes distribution services done by truck, barge and rail in other ports under its watch.
New opportunities are possible because of the acquisition, said TMA Managing Director Gerben Matroos. “With this step we have the opportunity to grow sustainably in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp range. With the worldwide network of Hutchison Ports, we are not able to expand our activities substantially.”
Matroos sees several areas of growth for the business. “The North Sea Canal terminals in Velsen and Amsterdam are ideally located for offshore activities related to oil, gas and wind energy. Also, local hubs for markets in building and construction materials have great potential. Short sea connections from the Amsterdam terminal include Sweden, Finland, UK and Norway, together with rail connections to Germany and China,” he said.
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