Boluda Shipping signed an agreement on 3 November to acquire the Matrans maritime terminal in Eemhaven, one of Rotterdam’s main short-sea shipping hubs. The acquisition complements the agreement to acquire Samskip, announced last week.
With the transaction, Boluda wants to strengthen its port capabilities in Northern Europe and expand its range of services for shipping lines, logistics operators and industrial companies. Both the acquisition of Samskip and Matrans are part of the company’s strategy to expand into Northern Europe and develop a broader, more efficient logistics network.
The acquisitions of Matrans and Samskip remain subject to the relevant regulatory approvals and closing conditions.
Last week, another division of Boluda, Boluda Towage, acquired Muller Dordrecht. This shows the Boluda is expanding in other sectors as well.
Also read: Boluda Shipping to acquire Samskip
A multi-purpose terminal
Matrans covers an area of 360,000 m2, including 70,000 m2 of covered warehousing. It offers 1100 metres of quay with a water depth of 12.65 metres, a ro-ro berth with a water depth of 9 metres, and 600 metres of railway track.
Its multi-purpose capabilities enable the terminal to handle containers, forest products and metals, general cargo, project cargo and RoRo traffic. The expertise of its professionals is combined with in-house customs management, fiscal representation, road transport and freight forwarding services.
Matrans Rotterdam Terminal is entering a new phase of growth and development, focusing on increasing operational efficiency, expanding cargo volumes and further enhancing customer service. These initiatives will strengthen the terminal’s position as a versatile multi-purpose terminal in the Port of Rotterdam, enabling it to better respond to evolving market demands.
Also read: Boluda Towage takes over Muller Dordrecht
21 maritime terminals, five rail terminals
The addition of Matrans strengthens Boluda Shipping’s terminal network, which will comprise 21 maritime terminals and five rail terminals once the acquisition of Samskip is also completed. This expanded network will increase the company’s coverage and service capacity while strengthening connections between its markets.
Terminals connect maritime and land transport, facilitating the loading, unloading and storage of goods. Coordinating these operations helps reduce waiting times and improve the efficiency and reliability of supply chains. They also enable intermodal transport, combining sea and rail for long-distance journeys with road transport for final delivery. This model can reduce CO2 emissions compared with road-only transport.
Also read: Boluda inaugurates Rotterdam headquarters
Rotterdam as a strategic hub
The transaction builds on Boluda’s established presence in Northern Europe, where the company operates harbour towage services through Boluda Towage and maritime transport and logistics activities through Boluda Shipping. The inauguration of its new offices in Rotterdam last June further reinforced the region’s importance to its international development.
With Matrans, Boluda adds infrastructure and service capacity in a strategic hub for European trade. The development of this platform will help connect markets with production and consumption centres, facilitating the movement of goods and strengthening business competitiveness through more efficient and reliable logistics.
Picture: Matrans Rotterdam Terminal (photo Boluda).
