DP World has expanded its European inland network, adding three key ports in the Alsace region through its affiliate company, Swissterminal.
In May, the public authority Syndicat Mixte des Ports du Sud Alsace (SMO) awarded the concession contract of the Ports of Mulhouse-Rhin to the public-private company composed of the SMO, the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations and Alsaceteam. Alsaceteam is a joint venture between Swissterminal and the two French seaports Grand Port Maritime de Marseille and Haropa Port du Havre.
The operation of the three French inland ports is granted through a subdelegation contract to Alsaceterminal, which will take over the ports of Ottmarsheim, Huningue-Village-Neuf and Ile Napoléon over the course of 2021.
More specifically the move will improve transport connections in the border triangle region between France, Switzerland and Germany, which holds such economic importance for numerous industries such as chemicals, metals, food processing, and construction.
DP World state that it believes the strategic location of the ports is also expected to grow in significance in the near future, with new rail connections due to be implemented to link the inland ports to the two main French seaports of Le Havre and Marseille-Fos, as well as strengthening links to the ports of Rotterdam (Netherlands) and Antwerp (Belgium).
Rob Harrison, Vice President for Inland & Logistics of Europe & Russia at DP World, had this to say: “This is an incredibly exciting announcement for everyone involved, but also for trade in the region, as we as a sector continue to strive to introduce more products, improve efficiency and reliability, while of course reducing our carbon footprint and that of our customers through more sustainable inland transport methods, such as barge and rail.”
Source: DP World
