According to port alderman C. Hienkens, construction activities for the new container terminal in Beverwijk will commence within weeks. Hienkens expects the first containers to be processed mid-2004.

“It is all pretty much settled. Schavemaker Logistics and Tansko Stevedoring & Warehousing have both signed an agreement which requires but few legal adaptations. The only thing needed is the go-ahead from the city council which is due on 22 January. We will then have no time to lose as construction activities are officially to start on 1 February 2004.”

It is almost certain that the board will agree. Only the CDA, PvdA and Groen Links political parties are still making reservations because they believe the municipality will have to bear the consequences of any setbacks. But Hienkens thinks this is hardly possible. The alderman is most enthusiastic, “If the consortium is going to manage the terminal, the municipality’s risks will be minimal. We are receiving land in collateral and the guarantee that the lease will be paid for at least ten years.”