Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. announced that its new joint venture container terminal, Rotterdam World Gateway (RWG), located at Maasvlakte 2 in the port of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, was officially opened in a ceremony on September 11.

RWG is MOL’s most advanced, and most environment-friendly terminal, and will serve as the company’s European hub.

RWG features remote-controlled loading and unloading operations, in addition to automated container movement in the yard and trailer loading and unloading. The remote control of gantry cranes from a central operation room further enhances the automation, allowing the terminal to provide high quality service. The new terminal has an annual capacity of 2.35 million TEUs.

MOL already operates its own terminals in Japan, the U.S., and in Asia in Vietnam, Thailand. RGW marks the company’s first expansion into the port terminal business in Europe.

“Using the experience and know-how accumulated in its container terminal operation, MOL will strive to further enhance container transport services in Europe and ensure even greater reliability and efficiency,” the company said, in a statement. “The port of Rotterdam handles more cargo than any other in Europe, serving as a gateway to the continent and offering a full transport network.”

In preparation for future diversification in demand for transport services, RWG is designed for efficient connections to inland transportation, through the use of container barge piers and railways. Maximizing the use of barge and rail service also helps limit CO2 emissions, the company noted.