New Venture Aims to Increase Breakbulk at Zeebrugge

International Car Operators and Rhenus Holding Belgium have announced the formation of their joint venture company Zeebrugge Breakbulk Terminal.

ZBT will focus its activities on the breakbulk and project market, including handling and storage. ZBT will occupy the deep and short-sea quays located at the Noordelijk Insteekdok in the Port of Zeebrugge, which includes necessary handling and storage infrastructure.

ZBT’s partners will ensure their respective global experience and knowledge of forest products, steel, agricultural and general cargo markets will put Zeebrugge back on the map as a conventional breakbulk seaport.

This joint venture demonstrates the commitment to growth by both partners, as well as ICO’s parent NYK Group and the Port of Zeebrugge, who welcomed today’s announcement as part of their long term diversification strategy.

“Today’s announcement marks a key milestone in our plans as a terminal operator to realize the full potential of the Port of Zeebrugge,” Marc Adriansens, managing director of ICO said. “We look forward to working with our Rhenus partners through ZBT expanding the breakbulk tonnage being handled by Zeebrugge.”

Hugo Geerts, Rhenus Holding Belgium Managing Director added, “An efficient global supply chain is vital to our business. Our investment in Zeebrugge will allow us to expand business effectively through this modern and efficient gateway port to the world’s major markets.”

Joachim Coens, CEO Port of Zeebrugge stated, “We are committed to the long term growth of our port and are delighted with the joint venture announced by ICO and Rhenus, which further broadens the range of capabilities offered by Zeebrugge.”

About ICO:
ICO is one of the world's major terminal operators for roll-on/roll-off cargo handling with a volume of over 1.5 million vehicles per year via its terminals in Belgium, Italy and India. ICO is a 100 percent daughter company of Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK), a global leader in the transport industry.

About Rhenus:
The Rhenus Group is one of Europe’s leading logistics services providers with an annual turnover amounting to €2.7 billion. Rhenus employs 16,300 people at more than 290 business locations worldwide. The Rhenus business areas - Contract Logistics, Freight Logistics, Port Logistics and Public Transport - manage complex supply chains and provide a wealth of innovative value-added