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Month: December 2021

SAFELOG earns Bavarian award

Posted on by David Priestman

Due to the COVID pandemic the past two years have been very challenging, not only for SAFELOG but for companies worldwide. SAFELOG GmbH was therefore all the more pleased to receive the ‘Bayerns Best 50’ award from the Bavarian State Ministry for Economic Affairs, State Development and Energy.

Disrupted supply chains, hygiene regulations, an unpredictable order situation and a shortage of resources are just some of the challenges that have had to be overcome during the pandemic. A jury of experts from the auditing firm Baker Tilly GmbH & Co. KG identified candidates who had dealt with the crisis in an impressive way from among some 8,000 medium-sized companies in Bavaria. Together with 49 other medium-sized companies, SAFELOG impressed the jury with its effective crisis management.

A decisive factor in winning this award was SAFELOG’s sustained corporate success as well as its continued growth both in terms of sales revenue and number of employees over the past five years. Despite the volatile situation, the company increased sales in the pandemic year 2020 by 12% compared to the same period in the previous year. The management considers the quick reaction to the challenges of the crisis to be the main reason for the company’s continued successful growth.

The company did not fall into a state of shock, but consistently stuck to its planned strategy under difficult conditions. The focus was on the development of new AGV models and the further optimisation of the company’s own software modules.

“This award confirms our view that you can emerge stronger from a crisis,” commented Michael Wolter, the company’s founder. “We are very proud to be among Bavaria’s best medium-sized companies thanks to the dedication of our employees and our consistent adherence to COVID rules – this is a clear sign that hard work and dedication are rewarded and that they are also noticed outside the company.”

About the awards

Entrepreneurs who seek out new opportunities for growth and employment and exploit them consistently are the backbone of the economy. They live entrepreneurship, take responsibility, and create the jobs that form the basis for the high standard of living in Bavaria.

To recognise this achievement, the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy honoured the 50 fastest-growing SMEs with the BAYERNS BEST 50 award. The prize is awarded to particularly fast-growing SMEs that have been able to increase the number of their employees and their sales above average in recent years. In addition, the “Bavarian Entrepreneur of the Year” is awarded from among the BAYERNS BEST 50. The selection criteria in this case are the economic success of their company and their active role in the business.

In-company training is also central to entrepreneurial growth and sustainable economic success. At the same time, it is an expression of the entrepreneur’s social responsibility. For this reason, the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy is awarding a special prize to two companies for outstanding commitment to in-company training.

Particularly in times of the COVID pandemic and its negative effects, the focus was on entrepreneurial role models who can serve as orientation for small and medium-sized businesses in a difficult environment.

Cargotec-Konecranes merger seeks competition clearance

Posted on by Keith McKinley

In order to secure approvals to complete their previously announced merger, Cargotec and Konecranes are in active dialogue and cooperation with the relevant authorities to consider ways to mitigate concerns raised by the competition authorities.

Cargotec and Konecranes submitted a remedy package to the European Commission comprising a commitment to divest Konecranes’ Lift Truck business and Cargotec’s Kalmar Automation Solutions. The proposed divestitures would eliminate overlaps between the parties’ Container Handling Equipment businesses but allow the combined company to combine others and continue to be a strong player in all aspects in container handling equipment.

Cargotec and Konecranes understand that the EC will now examine the proposed remedy package and may conduct a customary market testing.

In a statement, Cargotec and Konecranes have said are confident that the proposed remedies appropriately address the concerns raised by the EC. Should clearance be obtained based on the offered remedy package, the merger would proceed comprising of Konecranes’ Industrial Equipment and Service businesses as currently operated, Cargotec’s MacGregor and Hiab businesses as currently operated, as well as the operations of Konecranes’ Port Solutions and Cargotec’s Kalmar businesses other than the areas subject to remedy discussions.

Cargotec and Konecranes are confident that the future company will create customer value within container handling industry with its wide product and lifecycle service offering, as well as development and innovation capabilities.

The divestments, if made in line with the proposed commitments, will not change the industrial logic behind the combination of Cargotec and Konecranes. The companies will announce the expected high-level financial impact of the proposed remedies once information is available on the exact scope and possible ancillary arrangements relating to the possible remedy divestments in due course.

The final decision on possible divestitures of any businesses as well as possible terms and conditions thereof will be confirmed only after the EC’s review and market testing process, as well as further proceedings with the other competent authorities. The possible divestitures are further subject to various local legal requirements. Cargotec and Konecranes have started an assessment of possible external buyers in order to identify the best alternatives to satisfy the authorities’ requests and to support the future development of these businesses.

Further announcements on the approval processes will be made in due course once further decisions on possible material approval conditions and possible divestitures are made.

Cargotec and Konecranes remain confident that the merger will be completed by the end of H1/2022. Until all merger closing conditions are met and the transaction completed, both companies continue to operate fully separately and independently.

Solvares Group acquires Opheo

Posted on by Keith McKinley

With the acquisition of Opheo Solutions GmbH, Solvares Group is expanding its portfolio to include solutions for truck dispatching and route optimisation in the transport sector and is continuing its course of strategic growth.

Solvares says SaaS-based software provider Opheo is an ideal fit for its strategic course. Opheo optimises route planning across truck dispatching. This industry focus is on logistics for building materials and food & beverage, among others. The software automates the dispatch process and relieves dispatch teams of all calculations.

Thanks to AI-based route optimisation and smart forecasting algorithms, kilometres can be reduced and transport resources better utilised. Opheo combines route planning, route optimisation, telematics, and ETA forecasting in a modern workplace environment for dispatchers and drivers – the digital transport control centre.

Opheo, with its 50 employees, is now the fourth company in the Solvares Group. The beginning of the group was the acquisition of FLS – FAST LEAN SMART in 2018. FLS GmbH is the technology leader for route optimisation and specialises in software-supported real-time optimisation for efficient scheduling, route and delivery planning of vehicle, expert, and technician fleets.

Before Opheo, Austria’s impactit GmbH and Germany’s Städtler Logistik joined in 2021. With its SaaS solution portatour, impactit offers its customers targeted and personalised tour planning and route planning, especially in field service optimisation for sales, consulting, and service. Städtler Logistik optimises complex and company-specific logistics and transport processes with software products such as TRAMPAS and LP/2. It takes control of governance tasks such as freight auditing for its customers and has been advising on all logistics issues for over 60 years.

With the third M&A expansion this year, the Solvares Group demonstrates its ability to grow dynamically through mergers & acquisitions. The continued focus is that the group grows sustainably – as a team and to the benefit of all involved. Thus, Dr. Stefan Anschütz, CEO of Opheo, will continue his entrepreneurial work at Solvares and play a key role in driving growth in the tour optimisation business segment both strategically and operationally.

“Solvares convinced me because I can continue to act as an entrepreneur, but move as part of a team with related businesses and entrepreneurs,” said Anschütz. “This allows me to focus primarily on my product and my clients while benefiting from the know-how and synergies of the group. Opheo joining the Solvares Group is a booster for the growth of our business.”

Dr. Jens Stief, CEO of Solvares Group, is pleased with the group’s strengthening: “Stefan Anschütz complements our management team in the field of logistics and will help us to further expand the route planning segment in particular. Opheo enhances our penetrating power in logistics with a universally applicable intelligent product as well as a motivated and capable team.”

The Solvares Group is backed by its investment partner DBAG (Deutsche Beteiligungs AG). Like the Solvares Group, DBAG is thus focusing on SaaS-based solutions, a future market in the field of logistics along the entire value chain.

Ragnar Geerdts, member of the management board of Deutsche Beteiligungs AG, added: “With Opheo, Solvares Group is consistently pursuing its buy-and-build strategy to position itself as a European champion for resource optimisation and to grow both organically and through M&A.”

Konecranes launches Battery as a Service

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Konecranes has launched Battery as a Service (BaaS), a breakthrough innovation in both technology and business model to facilitate financing and support our customers of the E-VER range of Li-Ion powered electric forklift trucks.

Through this service, Konecranes provides chargeable, upgradable and remotely monitorable Li-ion batteries to its BaaS users. This will allow the customers to purchase an E-VER electric heavy forklift without battery and to choose the best battery set up that suits their needs. The battery is subscribed to a monthly fee, based on its actual usage which can be monitored in real-time at yourKonecranes.com customer portal (the battery becomes an OPEX). This continuous monitoring guarantees the optimal performance of the battery.

The launch of Konecranes BaaS makes the purchase decision much easier and represents a better balance between the capital expenditure (CAPEX) and the operating expenditure (OPEX) which is also more comparable to the LCC distribution of a diesel engine powered lift truck.

BaaS also represents a future-proof solution to long-existing challenges such as battery degradation, battery renewal, battery upgradability and lower resale value. This service keeps the machine resale value independent from the battery degradation.

Batteries can be renewed when the rental agreement comes to an end or if needed by the renter during the hire period.

The innovation of vehicle-battery separation and battery subscription has come true. The successful launch of BaaS is another significant milestone for Konecranes Lift Trucks.

Tips to help hauliers cope with high Christmas demand

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The Christmas rush is something hauliers anticipate every year. But it’s going to be felt more acutely this year with the additional pressures of a driver shortage and Brexit affecting the supply of some goods.

The haulage sector is set to experience its busiest Christmas period on record. On top of the usual increase in demands, there’s the perfect storm of the HGV driver shortage and supply chains impacted by Brexit and COVID. By focusing on increasing efficiency and reducing empty running, hauliers can meet these higher demands and ensure their customers receive the highest level of service.

This means hauliers will need to be even more efficient and prepared in order to meet the demands of businesses and consumers this Christmas.

In this article, supplied by Mandata, we cover how hauliers can cope with arguably the most demanding Christmas we’ve ever experienced.

Make planning more efficient

Efficient planning is paramount to success for all hauliers, but never has it been more important than right now. A Logistics UK survey revealed that 96% of hauliers are struggling to recruit drivers, with 13% saying their shortage is severe to very severe. To meet high demands with a potentially depleted workforce, hauliers need to get the most out of their available resources.

That’s where route planning software comes in. By feeding in all the collections and deliveries you need to make, and your vehicle and driver availability, you’ll be able to plan the most efficient routes and get the most out of your fleet.

With these solutions, you’ll have one view of your business supported by real-time information. Your planners can then make informed decisions. In the hectic traffic rush leading up to Christmas, it’s critical you can identify and manage exceptions as deliveries progress because it’s undoubtedly the busiest period on the road.

Eliminate empty running

When you have a larger-than-usual task on your hands to keep up with demand this Christmas, running empty seems even more wasteful than usual. Yet, for many hauliers, this is the case on their return journeys. If your drivers travel back empty from Glasgow to Plymouth on their return journey, for instance, that’s a lot of wasted mileage.

Using a freight exchange platform gives hauliers the opportunity to not only make the most of their journeys but also serve more customers in a time of increased demands. This can help optimise fleets in the short term and also enables hauliers to expand their network to connect with new shippers. Haulage companies with loyal customers but limited resources have the opportunity to subcontract their excess work on these platforms, meaning they can still take on additional haulage loads and get customer’s jobs done.

Allow your drivers to do more in their workday

The changes to drivers’ hours, which means drivers can work up to 11 hours a day twice a week, has been extended once again to January. But we know that making already overworked drivers work longer hours isn’t the solution, especially when many of the drivers who’ve left the sector have done so due to poor working conditions.

Giving your drivers the tools they need to achieve more in their workday is a much better solution. Not only will this allow your business to be more efficient, but you’ll also improve their satisfaction by making their jobs easier. Let’s face it, dealing with paper proof of deliveries is difficult to manage and adds time to their day.

It’s these inefficient processes that can frustrate drivers, cause delays, and even result in them finishing their day later than expected. It’s no wonder that drivers are leaving businesses that aren’t addressing this problem. Using digital tools like electronic proof of delivery and apps that provide real-time details of their deliveries allows them to focus on the job and get more done in their day.

DHL accelerates use of autonomous forklifts

Posted on by David Priestman

DHL Supply Chain has introduced its largest-ever single implementation of autonomous forklifts to date, with 15 embedded in its warehouse operations at Tyrefort in the West Midlands (UK).

The autonomous forklifts form part of DHL’s operation for a major customer in the automotive sector, taking over picking, put-away and replenishment of products and empty media in the warehouse. The vehicles reduce the number of manual pallet transfers without requiring significant changes in warehouse infrastructure.

The indoor robotics transporters work safely up to 11.5m high – believed to be a first in the logistics industry – easily reaching the highest warehousing racks to handle a range of pallets, stillages and waste cages. Safety features including LIDAR and camera obstacle detection, bumper tip sensors and side bumper bars, all minimise interaction with manual trucks operating in the same facility. The forklifts are fully integrated with the Blue Yonder Warehouse Management System and charge autonomously when required.

Maintaining a high quality service to the customer throughout the implementation was critical, with DHL working closely with MAXAGV to ensure the deployment was completed without any interruption to just-in-time operations in the live warehouse.

The investment marks the next step in DHL Supply Chain’s Accelerated Digitalization strategy, which seeks to roll out the most innovative technologies to benefit its customers and colleagues, while lowering the operation’s carbon footprint.

Simon Woodward, Head of Accelerated Innovation and Digitalization, DHL Supply Chain UK & Ireland said: “Indoor robotics have the potential to bring huge benefits to our warehouse environments, and this is no exception. Autonomous forklifts can be safely deployed and make a difference immediately, creating capacity and increasing efficiencies. They are also helping us manage skilled worker shortages at a time when we are struggling to recruit.”

“Working closely with MAXAGV we’ve been able to seamlessly deploy a fleet of significant size with no downtime for the customer, which is testament to the strength of our partnership and the hard work of the team.  Excitingly, we’re already reaping the rewards and now plan to accelerate their rollout with more to follow in 2022.”

With 24/7 operation, DHL calculates that a fleet of just a dozen autonomous forklifts can handle more than a million pallets per year in just one facility. Automated indoor robotic transport increases efficiency and improves workplace safety by taking over the repetitive task of driving pallets around. Improvements of this kind are helping DHL to increase operational excellence for its customers while making its operations more effective.

Falcon upgrades refrigerated trailer fleet

Posted on by Keith McKinley

UK commercial vehicle hire company, Falcon Vehicle Solutions, has taken delivery of 15 new Carrier Transicold Vector HE 19 MT (multi-temperature) refrigeration units, in a move to deliver improved sustainability and reduced costs for its rental customers.

Aligned with Carrier’s 2030 ESG goals to reduce customers’ carbon footprint by more than one gigaton, these fuel efficient units will reduce the emissions of Falcon Vehicle Solutions’ rental fleet. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, a leading global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable and intelligent building and cold chain solutions.

Mounted to new 13.6m Chereau trailers, this is the first time Falcon Vehicle Solutions has specified Carrier Transicold’s flagship Vector HE 19 unit, previously opting for the legacy Vector 1950 MT system for its 250-strong fleet of temperature-controlled trailers and vehicles, which is now 97% Carrier-cooled.

“We’ve been a Carrier Transicold customer for more than a decade, during which they have continually impressed us with outstanding products and aftersales support,” said Darren Moore, Senior UK Key Accounts Manager, Falcon Vehicle Solutions. “When we were shown the environmental and cost benefits of the Vector HE 19 unit, we knew they would be the ideal choice. Being more efficient and much quieter, all 15 additional trailers were immediately snapped up by our customers and we’re getting excellent feedback.”

Combining Carrier Transicold’s E-Drive all-electric technology with an all-new multi-speed engine design, the Vector HE 19 MT unit can cut fuel consumption by up to 30% while operating 3 dB(A) quieter – which to the human ear equates to 50% less noise – when compared to the previous generation Vector 1950 MT unit.

Additionally, the unit’s fully hermetic scroll compressor and economiser provide a 40% increase in refrigeration capacity during pull-down, reduces the chance of refrigerant escape by 50% and, when plugged into the electrical grid on standby, is 19% more efficient.

Collectively, these factors reduce diesel, maintenance and electricity costs, making the Vector HE 19 MT unit an extremely attractive proposition for end-users.

“As a vehicle hire business, we don’t experience the fuel savings first-hand, but the new units allow us to drive down fuel costs for our customers, while cutting emissions and increasing their fleet sustainability – precisely what customers want from a trusted supplier,” added Moore. “This experience with the Vector HE 19 has reminded us why Carrier Transicold remains our number one choice for transport refrigeration equipment.”

The trailers will operate for six years, primarily delivering frozen and chilled food to the hospitality and retail sectors for a range of customers. They will clock up approximately 120,000km per year and be on the road seven days a week.

Falcon Vehicle Solutions was founded more than 30 years ago and, since 2017, has been part of the Ballyvesey Holdings Group of Companies. It has two branches in Somerset, plus an HGV operation based in Bridgwater, with a complete fleet size of approximately 700 vehicles and trailers hired to both corporate and private customers across the UK.

Michelin appoints new MD for UK & Ireland

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Michelin Tyre plc has appointed John Howe as Managing Director for the UK & Ireland, with effect from 1st January 2022. He will also hold the role of B2C Sales Director, with responsibility for the company’s car, motorcycle and bicycle markets.

Howe, 41, brings 25 years of service within the company, having begun his career in the warehouse of Solideal UK, before continuing with the business through a series of acquisitions first by Solideal International, Camoplast, Camso and then finally Michelin in 2018.

He has a wealth of experience in the tyre industry at all levels, having initially worked as a warehouse operative and mobile service technician, before becoming an Area Sales Manager and later General Manager for Solideal International. During seven years at Camso, between 2013 and 2020, Howe progressed from Commercial Director to UK Managing Director, and finally Original Equipment Aftermarket Director for the EMEA region.

Since February 2020 he has worked directly within Michelin, spending his first 18 months as Global Program Manager within the agriculture, construction and materials handling markets, where he was responsible for helping the 10 regions globally Go to Market in the most effective way. Most recently he has been Global Business Development & Corporate Account Manager for these same three sectors, heading a team responsible for Michelin’s largest international key accounts.

Commenting on his new role, Howe said: “I’m excited about the opportunity to evolve the business here in the UK & Ireland, whilst also respecting the legacy of Michelin. The market is getting more dynamic all the time, and I want to ensure Michelin remains a true pioneer – with, around and beyond tyres.”

Howe will be based in Stoke-on-Trent and replaces Chris Smith as Managing Director, who recently moved to Michelin’s international headquarters in Clermont-Ferrand, France, to take over the role of Global Marketing Director long distance transportation.

Bolzoni opens portal for rental and used attachments

Posted on by David Priestman

As an alternative to the purchase of a new attachment, the Bolzoni rental and remanufactured product range is now available on a new European web portal.

Especially in times of shortages in logistics chains and extended lead times when investing into new equipment, alternative options, such as rental and used products, become more important than ever.

In the case of seasonal peaks, an unexpected breakdown or, simply to cover an additional fleet requirement, to rent an attachment or to buy a reconditioned unit can be a good alternative rather than purchasing a new one, in particular because of its prompt availability.

The Bolzoni Group supports customers with solutions to save money on investments without renouncing Bolzoni’s equipment efficiency and quality. The new portal offers a wide range of Bolzoni Auromo and Meyer original equipment.

Each attachment is carefully checked and refurbished after every hire. Each used or rental product is inspected, reconditioned and tested according to the highest quality standards, becoming a convenient alternative to purchasing a new product.

After the reconditioning process, the attachment will have the appearance and quality as expected from an OEM with a guarantee of a 12-month warranty.

Whether the need is to purchase a reconditioned attachment or, to face a short- or medium-term rental, Bolzoni says it provides the best solution to meet all industries special requirements.

Through the European-wide network of workshops with support and aftersales service, Bolzoni is able to offer a localised 360° support, from commercial consultancy to preventative maintenance, throughout the period of use. Bolzoni is the qualified partner not only to purchase or to rent used and brand-new products, but also to sell and to trade-in no longer used attachments. Instead of being wasted, the used ones will be reconditioned to replenish the Bolzoni Rental & Used fleet.

Choosing the Bolzoni’s Rental & Used service means a fast and efficient way of solving downtime or bridging peak demands within production facilities and logistic chains. A wide range of attachment on stock is available for shipping either the same day or within 24 hours.

The reconditioned attachments follow a strict multiphase process to fit in the quality standards that characterise Bolzoni’s products. Upon return, every used unit undergoes a reconditioning process, which includes cleaning and preliminary inspections. Once the equipment overall conditions are taken into consideration, the appropriate level of maintenance to refurbish and replace all wear parts is defined. Finally, in the painting and assembly phase, each product receives its final touch that makes it almost impossible to be distinguished from a new one.

And only after having successfully passed the stringent tests of the Bolzoni quality process, the attachment is placed back into stock ready for its next assignment.

Patrizia invests €230m in largest Dutch DC

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Patrizia AG, a leading partner for global real assets, has on behalf of its institutional clients invested in the €230m turnkey acquisition of a 233,000 sq m distribution centre in the container hub of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest port, from Dutch logistics developer DHG. The acquisition, which represents the largest logistics investment on record in the Netherlands in terms of square metres, was made on behalf of Patrizia’s Logistik-Invest Europa III Fund and Patrizia PanEuropean.

The Smartlog Maasvlakte distribution centre is a mammoth logistics complex under construction on a 30ha site at Distripark Maasvlakte West on Rotterdam’s most recent land reclamation area and the biggest ever to be developed in the Dutch market.

One of the key features of the property is its extensive solar panel roof which includes 46,000 solar panels spanning 210,000 sq m across 10 buildings, generating sufficient energy to power almost 7,000 homes. The asset also contains the best-in-class technical installations and is fully reliant on alternative energy sources to gas.

Alexander van Gastel, Patrizia’s Director for Transactions Netherlands, said: “The Netherlands is one of the most attractive logistics real estate investment markets in Europe and this acquisition consolidates our presence in Rotterdam, one of the ‘Top 10’ largest container seaports in the world. The deal follows on from our first transaction with DHG in 2019 when we acquired a portfolio of distribution centres in three locations in and around Rotterdam. The city’s port area is a leading European logistics hotspot and competition among occupiers for warehouse space in prime locations such as the Maasvlakte is intense, with little high-quality product available due to the rapid take-up of space by domestic and international occupiers.”

The state-of-the-art logistics hub at the western tip of Rotterdam port is 80% pre-let and will comprise 10 warehouse units ranging in size from ca.17,800 to 22,000 sq m plus mezzanine space (ca.1,500 to 2,000 sq m), outside storing terrain and ancillary offices. Tenants include well-known names in the Dutch market including Odin and Zwaluw Logistics. Each unit will be finished to a high specification offering exceptionally smooth concrete floors with a floor load of 6,000 kg/sq m, electrically operated overhead doors on each dock, battery-charging points, LED lighting and floor heating generated by a climate control heat pump. The development is due to be completed in June 2022.

The addition of Smartlog Maasvlakte to the Patrizia portfolio lifts the company’s logistics assets under management in the Netherlands to over €800m, equivalent to roughly 770,000 sq m spread over eight locations across the country. Patrizia’s European logistics portfolio now totals over €6bn in AUM.

Patrizia and developer DHG have entered into a partnership with Dutch solar energy company Sunrock, part of COFRA Holdings, which will own and operate the solar panel installations at Smartlog Maasvlakte. Altogether the ‘sunroof’ can generate 2.5MW of power which will be fed back to the local grid. Including this asset, Patrizia’s Dutch logistics portfolio now comprises almost 400,000 sq m of solar panels, generating sufficient energy for nearly 12,000 households.

Emile Poort, Patrizia’s Country Manager for the Netherlands and Head of Transactions Benelux, said: “The logistics sector has proven to be a safe haven during the Covid-19 pandemic and as economic recovery continues, we are seeing further growth in e-commerce and increasing demand from logistics occupiers, especially for assets that have strong sustainability credentials.”

Smartlog Maasvlakte is ideally located in Europe’s largest container hub served by state-of-the-art deep-sea, inland waterway barge and rail terminals. Distripark Maasvlakte West has excellent connections to the European hinterland via high-frequency multimodal connections. The proximity of Rotterdam city means employers can also tap into a pool of skilled logistics workers.

Rotterdam is the Netherland’s second largest city with a population of over 650,000 inhabitants representing more than 180 different nationalities and a port covering a surface area of 12,600ha. The Maasvlakte was created in the 1960s by reclaiming land from the North Sea, and Distripark Maasvlakte West, the only ‘greenfield’ site available for distribution in the area, is located on the most recently reclaimed land which extended the port area by 2,000ha upon completion in 2013. Rotterdam port accommodates the arrival of more than 30,000 maritime ships and over 105,000 inland waterway vessels annually, with its intermodal transport connections spanning highways, 400 international rail connections and pipelines. The volume of goods throughput in Rotterdam in 2020 totalled 436.8m tonnes, double the figure for Antwerp port and triple that of Hamburg.

Logistics real estate investment volumes in the Netherlands have surged in 2021 and are set to eclipse last year’s record of €3.4bn. The strength of the market is underpinned by occupier take-up, which was already higher in the first nine months of 2021 than the total achieved in full-year 2020.

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