News / Hutchison Ports expands its European footprint with half-share in TMA Logistics

Hutchison Ports has acquired a 50% shareholding in Amsterdam-headquartered terminal and logistics operator TMA Logistics, as the Hong Kong giant looks to extend its operations into ro-ro-and shortsea container activities.

The acquisition was today granted EC competition approval.

TMA has a variety of general cargo terminal operations, warehousing, shipping, logistics and project cargo activities at three sites in Amsterdam and one in Antwerp, as well as at Hutchison Ports’ Amsterdam Container Terminal (ACT).

Hutchison Ports executive director Clemence Cheng said: “The acquisition of a 50% stake in TMA Logistics complements both our operations in Amsterdam and the activities of Hutchison Logistics. We have developed a good working relationship with TMA over the last three years, which has brought a range of operations to ACT.

“Together with TMA, we will maximise the benefits of operating through Hutchison Ports’ network to develop new business opportunities in areas including shortsea container traffic, ro-ro, vehicle handling and general and project cargo.”

TMA managing director Gerben Matroos added: “We have the opportunity to grow sustainably in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp range. With the worldwide network of Hutchison Ports, we are now able to expand our activities substantially.

“The North Sea Canal terminals in Velsen and Amsterdam are ideally located for offshore activities related to oil, gas and wind energy.  Also, local hubs for markets in building and construction materials have great potential.

“Shortsea connections from the Amsterdam terminal include Sweden, Finland, the UK and Norway, together with rail connections to Germany and China.”

ACT operates three berths, with total length of 1,015 metres and depth of 15 metres. It said access would be further improved when a new sea lock at Amsterdam, the largest in the world, opens at the end of 2019 at the entrance to the North Sea Canal.

ACT als0 offers an on-dock rail facility with three 700-metre-long tracks which offer a range of intermodal distribution options.

TMA’s Thor Antwerp and Thor Amsterdam arms provide terminal operations, logistics services, agency, forwarding and chartering, as well as truck, barge and rail distribution in their respective ports.

It also has 120,000 sq metres of warehousing under its control in Amsterdam.