The Rotterdam-based terminal APMTR may be sold to Hutchison Ports, owner of the adjacent ECT Delta terminal. APMTR is to continue as an independent organisation for the time being with a five-year volume guarantee from Maersk and no forced redundancies for the next four years.

The current shareholder APM Terminals (APMT) has signed a letter of intent to this effect with Hutchison Ports.

Under the wings of Hutchison Ports, APMTR can grow into a leading, modern and future-proof terminal, says APMT in a statement. Hutchison Ports has indicated that it would like to enter into discussions with the Port of Rotterdam Authority for an extension of the lease agreement.

Advice has been sought from the Works Council. Consultations will also be held with the trade unions. In addition, approval of the sale must be sought from the relevant competition authorities before the sale can be completed.

Picture: APM Terminals Rotterdam (by Zandcee).