Rail/ship intermodal handling achieves double-digit growth with further investment planned.
The port of Kiel slightly improved its handling result in 2013 over the previous year by 12,000 tons to 6.32 million tons.
The ferry lines formed the backbone of the port’s business, rising up to 5.1 million tons (plus 1.3%), making up more than 80% of the total handling rate with the biggest increase achieved by Stena Line on its Kiel-Gothenburg route.
DFDS Seaways features the highest transport volume.
Kiel’s rail/ship intermodal handling business increased by 14.7% to nearly 24,000 cargo units and the portfolio will be extended again next month by a direct train link between Kiel and Duisburg.
Handling bulk goods increased by 0.6% to a total of 1.2 million tons.
For the Port, 2013 was particularly marked by the extension of the cargo and logistic capacities in Ostuferhafen with new facilities including a scanning gate, yard-IT, a new gantry crane and a fourth warehouse.
Berth No. 1 was revamped and newly equipped with a refurbished ro-ro ramp.
The port is continuing its investment into Ostuferhafen with a 10 million Euro investment.
The port has seen a growth in intermodal handling with almost 24,000 cargo units transshipped by rail at the intermodal handling terminals of Ostuferhafen and Schwedenkai during 2013, a surplus of 14.7% compared to the same period last year.
Intermodal transport is continuing to develop at the port with another block train connection allowing easier train access to the port.
A third terminal is also being developed – due to open in June – for cruise ships, increasing the handling capacity to 150 calls.
“While we focused on optimizing Ostuferhafen last year, we will now concentrate on expanding this part of the harbour by integrating an adjacent industrial area,” said Dr Dirk Claus, Seehafen Kiel GmbH & Co. KG MD.
“It is our aim to strengthen our market leadership in ro-ro transport to the Baltic States.”
