Welcome to the Year of the Pig

Capacity shortage slows Rotterdam Port

With a tonnage turn over of 377 million tons in 2006, Rotterdam booked a new record. Despite the new record the growth of 1,7% does not compare positively with growth figures in other European Ports. Amsterdam (plus9%,
84 million tons), Antwerp plus 5%. Only when the larger expansion program becomes operational, will growth figures continue in the same pace as the Rotterdam competitors.

The Euromax container terminal, the EMO coal terminal are under construction. Therefore the problem is a short term one. Terminals with deep water, rail connected will become increasingly more wanted. Almost every global logistics player wants a strategic position in the Rotterdam Port. Hans Smits of the Rotterdam Port Authority expects a growth in 2007 of 2,5% to 386 million tons.

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Norfolk Line almost 100% operational

In earlier newsletters we informed you about our new neighbour, Norfolk Line. It is hard to imagine in what state the Vulcaanhaven was back in 2001. A little over 5 years later, the complete Port has undergone what can best be described as an ‘extreme make over’ worthy of a nice television show.

With 3 ro/ro ramps and 6 vessels a day, activities continue to increase at Vulcaanhaven at a quick pace. Positive developments are always welcome!

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Force Majeure declared

Holland Information

Usefull addresses for general information about The Netherlands:

Sparta Rotterdam

With only 8 games to play this season, Sparta has a comfortable position away from the bottom of the league.

If you still want to see one of the home games (only 4 left) please let us know. A game at Sparta is always a big happening, with a great atmosphere. You will enjoy it with us.

Three Irishmen and three Englishmen are travelling by train to a football match in London.

At the station, the three English each buy a ticket and watch as the three Irish buy just one ticket among them. "How are the three of you going to travel on only one ticket?" asks one of the English. "Watch and learn," answers one of the Irish as they all board the train.

The English take their respective seats but all three Irish cram into a toilet and close the door behind them. Shortly after the train has departed, the conductor arrives to collect the tickets. He knocks on the toilet door and says, "Ticket please." The door opens just a crack and a single arm emerges with a ticket in hand. The conductor takes it and moves on. The English are mightily impressed by this.

Later, after the game, the English decide to copy the Irish on the return trip and save some money. When they get to the station, they buy a single ticket for the return trip. To their  astonishment, the Irish don't buy a ticket at all! "How are you going to travel without a  ticket?" asks one perplexed Englishman. "Watch and learn," says one Paddy. When they  board the train, the three Irish cram into a toilet, and soon after, the three English pile into another nearby. The train departs. Shortly afterwards, one of the Irish leaves the toilet and sneaks across to the toilet where the English are hiding. He knocks on the door and says, "Ticket please."