Strategically located in the heart of Europe’s offshore wind territories, Zeeland Seaports is a key contributor to the success of many of the sector’s biggest companies. And while there will be many more opportunities to reap rewards in the region, Commercial Manager Peter Geertse of Zeeland Seaports believes that time is of the essence…
PES: Welcome to the magazine. Would you like to begin by explaining a little about the background of your organisation and how you serve the wind industry?
Peter Geertse: Zeeland Seaports is the port authority for the ports of Vlissingen and Terneuzen in the southwest of the Netherlands.
Our ports are strategically located for North European offshore wind projects in the North Sea (UK, Germany, Scandinavia, Belgium and of course the Netherlands.
The ports have a track record of more than 20 offshore wind projects and the port authority supports all companies involved in the offshore industry, located and using our port facilities.
We support our clients by facilitating them in our port area, and with promotional activities such as advertising, and exhibiting at trade shows like EWEA Offshore
PES: Is wind energy a growing business area for you? How are you capitalising on this growth?
PG: Offshore wind is a rapidly growing business for both the port and a number of companies in our port area. Zeeland Seaports is capitalising on the extensive logistic and operational activities related to the development of Northsea offshore wind parks.
PES: What’s the state of the wind transportation market at the moment? We’re hearing mixed reports…
PG: As far as I can see, there is still a lot of activity in our ports, as we are presently handling four offshore wind projects at the same time.
PES: It seems that there is more to the success of a port than its strategic location. What else do you offer that sets you apart?
PG: Apart from the strategic location, the space available in the port for storage and constructing is also important, plus the fact that our port is very easy to enter for the biggest type of work ships. The same goes for the draught that is sufficient for these type of ships.
The availability of dedicated terminals, coupled with lifting and quay capacity is essential. Also, we have highly-motivated staff and companies in our port who are very eager to do their business well and to work fast and safely.
