Broekman Logistics expands breakbulk activities Broekman Logistics has already been a strong player in breakbulk cargo for quite some time. Through the consolidation of this specialism and the three terminal locations, this has also become more apparent to the market. Since the 1st of January, they have been operating under the name Broekman Breakbulk Terminals. The main activities are steel logistics, offshore & heavy lift and project cargo. The new positioning fits in with the restructuring the entire group has undergone. This is reflected in the new, central name: Broekman Logistics. This makes clear that the focus is on logistics. In recent years, the company has been successful in strengthening its position through specialisation and internationalisation. The company has evolved from shipbroker to supply chain manager whilst simultaneously achieving substantial growth. Breakbulk logistics is one of the spearheads. “We are positive about the future of this market,” says Rik Pek, general manager of Broekman Distriport, one of the two breakbulk terminals at Broekman’s disposal in its home port. Broekman Project Services is the second terminal in Rotterdam while the third terminal is in Eemshaven in the north of the country. Broekman Distriport Broekman DistriPort is located at the Brittanniëhaven in RotterdamBotlek. “We recently made substantial 16 In the Spotlight Breakbulk 2015 investments in this steel and multipurpose terminal, among other things in a ro-ro ramp and additional site paving,” says Rik Pek. “This took us six months. We are also planning to build a new shed and a new office at the terminal.” These investments are related to a new scheduled service between Rotterdam and Scandinavia which was launched on the 1st of April. The Norwegian aluminium producer Hydro has selected logistics service provider Pacorini Metals – which entrust the handling, warehousing and forwarding to Broekman – for its European exports via Rotterdam. At the same time, Broekman Distriport is developing into a hub for breakbulk cargo to Norway. Pek: “This not only involves cargo from Europe, but also transhipment, particularly from the United States and the Far East.” The terminal has two quays with a depth of 12.65 meters, an all-weather terminal and almost 30 hectares of storage capacity – partially open-air and partially covered. This year, additional terminal equipment was purchased: 124 machines in one go. “We also hired fifty additional people.” Broekman Project Services Broekman Project Services is located at the intersection of the Nieuwe Maas and the entrance to the Waalhaven port area. Here, four large sheds on the site of the former RDM shipyard have been refurbished and fitted with all conceivable facilities for the storage and handling of heavy cargo, for example for the offshore industry and the power energy sector. “From the very beginning, we dynamically picked up the renovation together with the Port of Rotterdam Authority; approximately 16 million euros have been invested in the sheds and outside areas,” says Jos Masselink. “Among other things, the floors, 7 overhead cranes, lighting and fire extinguishing systems have been replaced. The entire operation will have been completed in the second quarter of this year and then we will have a state-ofthe-art Offshore & Heavy Lift Centre,” says the general manager of Broekman Project Services. What makes the sheds special is the fact that they offer all facilities for assembling and modifying parts and even complete turbines. “In the past, this had to be done at the factory. If a turbine had been in storage for a while, it even needed to be transported all the way back to the factory. Now, manufacturers can carry out these activities right here. We provide the space and tools and assist in the activities.” Broekman Shipping Early this year, the three ships agencies companies within Broekman Logistics (Broekman Motorships, Tjonger Marine Services and Voigt) were merged into Broekman Shipping. “That makes everything more transparent for both shipping lines and customers,” explains general manager Jaap van Zevenbergen. “The synergy leads to lower cost and greater flexibility. Now, we can deploy more people for shipping lines and customers, allowing us to serve them better and faster.” Broekman Shipping represents shipping lines active in breakbulk, containers and ro-ro. “Regarding breakbulk, our particular focus has always been on West Africa. Simply because the shipping lines which we represent hold a strong position there. But we are noticing a gradual expansion to North and South America, the Caribbean and the Middle East. These shipping lines are tapping into new markets and we are supporting them in this.” One advantage in that respect is that shipping lines are able to make use of Broekman’s international network and terminals. “The collaboration between Broekman Breakbulk Terminals and Broekman Shipping runs smoothly. The organisational layers are short and we reinforce one another. We know what the shipping line or customer wants and then internally ensure that the handling meets their expectations. In this respect, we can arrange everything from A to Z - up to and including customs clearance.” All divisions are AEO-certified. BROEKMAN LOGISTICS Waalhaven Z.Z. 21 (Port Number: 2235) 3089 JH Rotterdam Postal address: P.O. Box 5322, 3008 AH Rotterdam The Netherlands T +31 (0)10 487 39 11 E [email protected] I www.broekmanlogistics.com In the Spotlight Breakbulk 2015 17
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