Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics has signed a concession agreement with the Port of Zeebrugge to develop 121 acres of land located in the inner port. With this concession in place until 2043, the company will nearly double its terminal footprint. WWL will invest $20 million during the next two to three years.

“The agreement marks the next step in WWL’s long-term commitment to the Port of Zeebrugge, the largest ro/ro port in the world, and positions the company for continued growth and expansion all across Northern Europe,” said Ray Fitzgerald, president and chief operating officer of WWL Landbased.

Since beginning its relationship with the Port of Zeebrugge in 1999, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics has expanded its operations at the port to include vehicle processing, technical services for heavy equipment, and yard management services. WWL has been seeking expansion opportunities within the port, and this concession allows the company to attract new business with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and other third parties.

“Both WWL and the Port of Zeebrugge have experienced significant growth together over the last two decades, and this expansion paves the way for an exciting future,” said Hendrik Sohier, terminal manager, WWL Zeebrugge.

The Port of Zeebrugge, which handled 2.8 million units of cargo in 2017, serves as an important hub for WWL with an established network of deep-sea, short-sea and inland transportation connections. To keep up with the growing volumes, WWL has developed specialized service and storage facilities for cars, trucks and heavy equipment.

“The new concession agreement marks a great moment for both the Port of Zeebrugge and Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics, who have been loyal partners these past decades. As a port authority we are very thankful that WWL has chosen Zeebrugge for the expansion, and look forward to working together to make this terminal a success,” said Joachim Coens, CEO of the Port of Zeebrugge.