The construction of Maasvlakte 2, the expansion of the Port of Rotterdam, is proceeding according to schedule.
Currently work is focusing on building the hard seawall, dredging the quays for the first container terminals and the preparations for the construction of infrastructure like roads, intersections, railways and cables and pipelines.
Rail
The first few metres of track have already been laid for the first trains which should start running at the end of 2012.
The 160-km Betuweroute can accommodate 480 trains with freight to the German border every day, ready to be transported deeper into Europe. In the meantime, contractor PUMA has sprayed more than 195 million of the 240 million cubic metres of sand needed for the first stage.
APM Terminals and Rotterdam World Gateway will each have their own rail terminal for an optimum connection with the double track freight railway. The first seagoing ship will be able to moor on the quay in 2013.
[mappress]
Source: portofrotterdam, July 21, 2011;