COSCO Considers the Port of Rotterdam Europe’s Most Important Port

The China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO) has invested €125 million to acquire a 35% stake in the Euromax Terminal in Rotterdam. This terminal is strategically located as both a sea and inland terminal, making it a key logistics hub. COSCO made this move shortly after signing an agreement to acquire a majority stake in the Port of Piraeus (Greece). The Rotterdam stake was acquired from Hutchison Port Holdings, a company also based in Hong Kong.

COSCO Chairman Xu Lirong has publicly stated that he regards Rotterdam as the most important port in Europe.

Capacity Expansion

The fully automated terminal, situated in the northwestern corner of Maasvlakte directly on the North Sea, has been operational since 2010. It serves vessels from COSCO, K-Line, Yang Ming, and Hanjin. Due to expected growth in container traffic, a second phase of expansion is planned, aiming to increase the terminal’s annual capacity from 2.55 million TEU to 3.2 million TEU.

Potential Conflict

A notable aspect of COSCO’s investment in Rotterdam is the potential conflict with its alliance partner CMA CGM, which holds a 10% stake in the consortium that owns Rotterdam World Gateway (RWG)—the competing second container terminal on Maasvlakte.