In the anniversary edition of our magazine, we gave companies in the maritime and logistics sector the chance to put themselves in the spotlight. In this contribution, the Port of Ostend explains how it is positioning itself with a view to the future.
“Due to globalisation and the increase in scale of ships and traffic, ports that are not world ports need to reinvent themselves to ensure their future,” says the Ostend port authority. “Port Ostend has therefore resolutely opted since the beginning of 2019 to focus on niche growth markets with active participation in the maritime and logistics chain.”
“This strategy is clearly bearing fruit as evidenced by the historically good financial results, rising employment and strong maritime traffics. Examples of that active participation are the acquisition of 85% of the shares of REBO nv (the heavy lift terminal in the outer port of Ostend), as a result of which, in October 2019, Haven Oostende came into possession of all the shares of this company and REBO nv thus became a full subsidiary of Haven Oostende.”
“This was followed by a successful strategic reorientation of REBO as a pure offshore wind terminal to a multipurpose heavy lift terminal. This resulted in less dependence on offshore wind with a broader market approach and profitability even in years where there are no offshore wind projects.”
Wind turbines
“Since then, REBO has been marketed for construction of wind farms, as well as maintenance and overhaul of offshore wind turbine components, dismantling of wind turbines, sea supply of onshore wind turbines, handling of heavy general cargo, in the context of mobilisation and demobilisation of vessels between two assignments, for erection of large and heavy structures and lift-on lift-off.”
“For example, at the REBO terminal, a VIGAN unloader, one of the largest unloading units, was built and used to vacuum wood pellets. The total weight of the structure was 155 tonnes. It was the first time the Walloon company took advantage of the opportunity to build a large machine in Belgium and ship it in its entirety to its final destination on a boat. Subsidiary MultiTech nv, which specialises in custom technical work, also provided technicians for the assembly.”
Stevedoring Services
“A nice project in which the various subsidiaries of Port Oostende can contribute and Port Oostende can offer a total solution. Another recent example is the construction of a new 6 900m² warehouse that REBO will operate in-house for the storage of goods from newly attracted maritime traffic.”
“Haven Oostende took another step forward in its maritime services on 1 June 2023 by carrying out stevedoring activities in the outer port. To this end, it set up a new subsidiary of REBO nv: Ostend Stevedoring Services Company or Ostend Stevedoring Services Company nv (OSSCO). The fact that the Port of Ostend can now also offer stevedoring activities itself is a very important asset for the further growth of the port”, says the Port of Ostend.
