Agreement for development of 38 hectares for Rotterdam Food Hub
New infrastructure for growing agrifood flows in the port of Rotterdam
Port of Rotterdam Authority, Necron Group and PTP Group are developing 38 hectares of logistics infrastructure in Europoort for the storage and transhipment of chilled and frozen agrifood products, including a new quay wall, various warehouses and terminal facilities. The development also includes its own energy supply. To this end, the parties have signed the issuance agreement. With this expansion, Rotterdam is strengthening its role as a European gateway for these cargo flows.
For the Port of Rotterdam Authority, the project forms part of the ongoing development of the Rotterdam Food Hub as a logistics hub for the (agri)food sector. To this end, the Port Authority is constructing a quay wall over 500 metres long. Additionally, a breakwater is being constructed to protect the moorings from waves coming in from the sea and from passing ships.
According to Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of Port of Rotterdam Authority, the project highlights the importance of the Rotterdam Food Hub: “At this strategic location, we bring together logistics, warehousing and infrastructure, enabling our customers to handle their freight more quickly, sustainably and efficiently. With this development, we are taking an important step towards further strengthening our position as Europe’s leading agrifood port.”
The plan comprises four plots. Necron Group is constructing two cold storage and freezer warehouses – Necron Food Park I & II – in phases on two plots, with a total surface area of approximately 145,000 m². The facilities are designed for cold-store operators and are aimed at meeting the growing demand for efficient and scalable cold chain solutions in Europe.
Part of the plan involves the construction of an energy hub by Necron Group on the third plot, in the southern part of the Rotterdam Food Hub. This supplies the terminal and the cold stores with power from the outset, enabling them to be put into operation immediately.
According to Gerard van Liempt, CEO of Necron Group: “With this development, we are creating logistics real-estate for the storage and transhipment of chilled products, combined with our own energy supply. Drawing on our experience with food and cold chain projects, we can immediately facilitate large-scale and efficient operations at this site.”
Logistics provider PTP Group is developing the associated 73,000 m² terminal on the fourth plot along the Calandkanaal. This terminal will have three berths for deep-sea and inland shipping vessels, along with a waiting area and the necessary logistical and infrastructural facilities to ensure the efficient, water-based handling of cargo flows. Among other things, the terminal is designed to serve the cold stores and handle additional cargo, and it enhances multimodal access to the area. Additionally, PTP will become one of the tenants of the Necron Group’s cold storage and freezer warehouses.
Guillermo Misiano, CEO of PTP Group, emphasises the operational significance of the development: “With this terminal, we are strengthening our position as a port and logistics service provider in Europe. We are creating a direct link between the quay, storage and transport. This enables greater use of maritime and inland shipping transport and reduces processing times for agrifood flows.”
Over the coming period, the parties will finalise the engineering details and apply for the necessary permits. This is expected to lead to the final investment decisions by the Necron Group, the PTP Group and the Port of Rotterdam Authority in early 2027.
Rotterdam Food Hub
Rotterdam Food Hub is located at Kop van de Beer in the western Europoort area, at the gateway to the Maasvlakte. The area is being developed for companies in the agri-food sector, with direct quay access for the efficient handling of chilled and frozen cargo, particularly from South America. Rotterdam Food Hub is designed around the principle of ‘security by design’. In close cooperation with customs, the layout and terminal processes are being developed to ensure that goods from Latin America can be handled in a controlled, secure and efficient way. With this development, Rotterdam strengthens its position as Western Europe’s leading transit port for products from the agricultural, horticultural and fisheries sectors.
For more information on Rotterdam Food Hub turn to: Rotterdam Food Hub
About Port of Rotterdam Authority
The core tasks of the Port Authority are the sustainable development, management, and operation of the port and industrial area and the promotion of effective, safe, and efficient shipping in the port and the coastal approach area. The aim of the Port of Rotterdam Authority is to strengthen the port’s position as a future-proof logistics hub and industrial complex. Quality is central to this. The Port Authority’s ambition is to develop a climate-neutral port that is in harmony with its surroundings.
About PTP Group
PTP Group is a privately owned logistics company that provides integrated port solutions in South America and Europe. Operating in both the bulk and breakbulk sectors, the company operates more than 15 strategic water-side locations in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Spain and the Netherlands. The network comprises ports, terminals, storage facilities, warehouses and logistics facilities. At the Rotterdam Food Hub, PTP Rotterdam will operate both the berths and the terminal.
