German logistics company Nordfrost haswon a significant contract to handle monthly arrivals of Argentinean fruit – including table grapes, apples and pears – shipped in conventional reefer vessels, transferring them from the Port of Wilhelmshaven to its terminal 8km away.
The fruit, which was previously shipped via Rotterdam, amounts to around 3,500-4,000 pallets per sailing in around 200 containers, according to local newspaper the Wilhelmshavener Zeitung and began earlier this week with a Baltic Reefer vessel carrying table grapes.
Horst Bartels, chief executive of Nordfrost, explained that the move represented a breakthrough following 'a good amount of persuasion' in light of nearby container terminal JadeWeserPort's apparent failure to attract significant cargo volume since its opening in September 2012.
Containerised fruit consignments destined for the Nordfrost terminal continue to be brought in from Bremerhaven, he added.
'Transshipment of the fruit at our south-west quay means we can absorb at least part of the additional cost,' he told the newspaper. 'As announced, we are also contributing to the revival of the inner harbour.'
He added: 'Of course, in this situation we must not be more expensive than Rotterdam.'
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