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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
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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
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