June 30 - Sif Group, Verbrugge International and the Port of Rotterdam Authority have signed an agreement for the construction of an offshore wind energy production and storage terminal at the Dutch gateway.
Sif and Verbrugge plan to set up a joint venture to bring the storage and logistics of the foundations and monopiles under one roof, said the Port of Rotterdam.
At the 42 ha terminal, Sif will produce steel foundations for offshore wind farms and the oil and gas industry; Verbrugge will take care of the logistics at the site, as well as the handling of seagoing vessels.
The new terminal is expected to become operational by the middle of 2016. Cranes will be installed on shore for loading the components and steel foundations, and the port authority will build a 400 m deepsea quay for Sif and Verbrugge.
The Port of Rotterdam says that the new terminal will put Rotterdam's offshore cluster more firmly on the map as a location and supplier for the offshore wind industry.
"By combining production as well as handling and storage services for heavy cargo, Rotterdam will gain a strong position in offshore wind energy with top players in their respective markets," said Allard Castelein, ceo of the Port of Rotterdam Authority.
An artist's impression of the new terminal.
