APM’s container terminal in Rotterdam launches a direct rail connection with Container Terminal Herne GmbH

In late September, the port of Rotterdam’s rail network gained another new node. In its role of rail operator, APM’s container terminal in Rotterdam launched a direct rail connection with Container Terminal Herne GmbH – a stone’s throw from the cities of Bochum and Gelsenkirchen, the company said in its release.

Rail connections are on the up and up at APM as it is: in November, the terminal will be doubling the frequency of its shuttle to Duisburg from three to six round trips per week. ‘The demand for a swift, stable rail product means that we can schedule these runs.’ In addition, the direct rail service between APM’s terminal at Maasvlakte 2 in Rotterdam and the Cabooter Terminal in Venlo will be increased to eight runs per week as of 1 November. This frequency is expected to rise even further by the end of the year – to 12 or possibly 14 runs per week. ‘This is also reflected in our figures: last year, APM despatched some 700 containers per week by rail; this year, the average stands at some 2,000 containers per week by rail,’ says Roy de Haan.