Sallaum Terminal in Antwerp, Belgium will invest EUR20 million (USD21.7 million) to expand operations.
The company aims to enhance its capacity to manage the increasing demands of the automotive sector and streamline logistics processes at the Port of Antwerp. A key investment is the construction of a multi-story parkhouse covering 47,000 sq m.
On completion of the first stage of the parkhouse, the terminal’s capacity is set to expand to 15,000 units. Phase two will see that figure rise to 17,000 units, amplifying its capability to handle vehicle shipments efficiently and effectively.
The move to expand capacity at Sallaum comes amid space constraints faced by many European terminals. David Vanballaert, the terminal’s managing director, said: “While Sallaum Lines has been the sole operator at the terminal, the expansion plans will enable us to accommodate new carriers and OEMs, allowing them to benefit from our terminal’s strategic location,” stated Vanballaert.
The company said that manufacturing and sales volumes in several European markets have yet to recover, and the lead time to restore ro-ro, trucking, and rail capacity will be years. While pent-up volume is projected to level off, overall capacity pressures are expected to persist, intensified by increased volume from OEMs and new requirements for electric vehicles.
Sallaum offers a range of services including pre-delivery inspection (PDI), breakbulk and project cargo handling, and the management of heavy lifts. The terminal is also equipped to handle truck and rail operations. Additionally, the terminal offers extensive storage and warehousing solutions.
The port of Antwerp is the second-largest European seaport after Rotterdam and functions as the central hub of Sallaum Lines’ shipping activities in Europe. The terminal receives cargo from Belgium and all the surrounding European countries, including Germany, Switzerland, France and Holland. It’s terminal at Antwerp currently spans 240,000 sq m. It also features a berth line spanning 1,200 m, capable of accommodating up to four vessels simultaneously.
In April 2024, Sallaum Lines held a steel-cutting ceremony at Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding’s shipyard in Fuzhou, China, for the first ship in its Ocean-class series of vessels. Ocean Explorer will boast a capacity of 7,500 ceu and utilise dual-fuel LNG technology. With a length of over 200 m, 38 m in width, and a depth of 15 m, the vessel will also have a higher ramp and deck capacity, expanding the range of cargo that can be loaded.
