New storage warehouse an asset for EBS and Rotterdam
(Posted on 04/10/21)
The enormous grey and white building at the Europoort terminal in the Rotterdam Beneluxhaven is the new European Bulk Services (EBS) covered warehouse for agricultural products.
‘The size of the warehouse, in combination with its design and location, is unique for Rotterdam’, said André Brussé of EBS about the new warehouse, plans for the future and the history of the company.
EBS specialises in the storage and transhipment of all types of bulk goods and has two terminals: in Botlek for non-agricultural products and one in Europoort for agricultural products, where the new warehouse is also located. The warehouse has a storage capacity of 50,000 m3 for, among other things, grains and derivatives and consists of seven different compartments. ‘This allows us to store more different products and also smaller batches for multiple customers. The design of the warehouse is aimed at flexibility, which is ensured by the conveyor belt, built according to the latest techniques. The warehouse is also ATEX-proof, which means it meets the highest European safety guidelines for explosion hazards.’
Brussé (58) is a sales manager at EBS and has been working in the port since 1983. ‘After my military service, I came here as a twenty-year-old. I first worked outside, then the commercial department had a planning vacancy in 1998 and I’ve been there ever since. The great thing about EBS is that it is a relatively young company with a long history. EBS was created in 1991 from a merger of three large stevedoring companies: Interstevedoring, Graan Elevator Maatschappij and Koninklijke Frans Swarttouw, which was established around 1887. EBS is a 100% subsidiary of HES International, established in 1908.’
Anyone who has worked in the port for that length of time has also seen a lot of changes. Brussé: ‘Absolutely, many companies have merged or disappeared. When we merged, we had six terminals, now we have two. This is partly due to technical developments that make work easier and digitisation. In the past, many tons of grain were transhipped, now we store and transship more semi-finished products and minerals. Rotterdam is no longer just a transit port, but also an important storage and transhipment port. We noticed that demand for storage was increasing and that is why we now focus on expanding closed and flexible storage.’
With the new warehouse, EBS has a total storage capacity of 700,000 m3, an important step in a larger plan for the future. ‘In the coming years, we will be investing heavily in closed storage to strengthen our position as a market leader. For example, a new warehouse with a capacity of 66,000 m3 will be built in Botlek. And in Europoort, we still have an area where we can build a 50,000 m3 warehouse. To this end, we work closely with the Port of Rotterdam Authority to achieve this as effectively as possible.’
Like the port, EBS is always on the move. We ensure responsible storage and transhipment of bulk goods that contribute to tomorrow's world. ‘Our parent company HES has a far-reaching policy to make the terminals more sustainable. Reducing emissions is a top priority, we want to minimise the use of diesel and electricity as much as possible. We use LED lamps for lighting, also in the warehouses.’
Latest News
VCK joins forces with Aug. Bolten and opts for international growth
(Posted on 14/01/26)The consortium consisting of the Spanish company Ership, the German shipping line Aug. Bolten and the... Read more
ABP first port to purchase The Scarlett Box, supporting women in maritime
(Posted on 14/01/26)Associated British Ports (ABP) has become the first port operator to purchase The Scarlett Box, a pioneering... Read more
Trois-Rivières awards the title of First Vessel of the Year 2026 to VECTIS PRIDE
(Posted on 07/01/26)The Port of Trois-Rivières has awarded the title of the first vessel of the year to VECTIS PRIDE... Read more
New Terneuzen Lock trial voyage with wider ship to ArcelorMittal
(Posted on 06/01/26)The New Lock in Terneuzen has been operational since 1 August 2025 and a new phase has now begun: On... Read more
Two modern fertiliser warehouses opened in Gdansk Free Trade Zone
(Posted on 06/01/26)Two modern warehouses belonging to Solid Port, one of the key operators in the Inner Port, have been... Read more
Rail freight is key competitive advantage for German seaports
(Posted on 23/12/25)With this year’s Rail Conference “Rail Freight Transport and Seaports”, a joint initiative... Read more
ABL Group and ICG announce the successful acquisition of SCF Containers
(Posted on 18/12/25)Asian Bulk Logistics (ABL Group) and ICG have jointly announced the successful completion of ABL&rsquo... Read more
AD Ports and AVESTO establish New Logistics JV in Tajikistan
(Posted on 18/12/25)Abu Dhabi based AD Ports Group, a leading global enabler of integrated trade, industry and logistics... Read more
Patrick Krawutschke appointed new Managing Director at HPC
(Posted on 18/12/25)The Executive Board of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) has appointed Patrick Krawutschke as Managing... Read more
Karachi Gateway agreement to develop clean bulk handling and storage facility
(Posted on 09/12/25)Abu Dhabi based AD Ports Group, a global enabler of integrated trade, transport, industry, and logistics... Read more
