APM and Rotterdam sign R&D deal

APM TERMINALS and the Port of Rotterdam have signed a fiveyear research and development agreement designed to improve global container terminal operations. Research projects will be undertaken worldwide focusing on container terminal environmental best practices, sustainability, safety, cargo security, cost reduction and supply chain integration. “Globalisation and economic growth generate a structural increase in goods transport. Our aim as a port authority is to make sure that this is facilitated within our port by increasing the productivity of existing terminals and making new ones very efficient,” said Rotterdam Port Authority CEO Hans Smits. APM Terminals currently operates APM Terminals Rotterdam at the Port of Rotterdam with a concession agreement at the planned Maasvlakte II facility scheduled to become operational around 2013.