Aurich/Hannover: “This really is a great day for the whole of north-western Germany”, said Lower Saxony’s Minister of Economics Walter Hirche today following presentation in Aurich by the Waterways-and Shipping Directorat Northwest of the planning approval notice for the construction of the new German deep-sea container terminal at Wilhelmshaven, JadeWeserPort (JWP).  “Following the granting a year ago of the operator concession to Eurogate, Europe’s largest container terminal and logistics group, another milestone has now been reached along the road to fulfilling this crucial infrastructure project in Lower Saxony,” said Minister Hirche.
The Minister explained that the official notice was combined with an order for immediate execution. “Irrespective of any possible objections against this decision, we assume that construction work will start without delay this summer,” explained Minister Hirche. The WSD has considered the economic and ecological aspects and has thoroughly examined the project over susceptibility to litigation. “This planning decision finally places JadeWeserPort plans on a solid footing,” said the Minister. “Last November's EU Commission decision to grant subsidies stated explicitly that environmental issues connected to this mega project had been adequately considered,” emphasised Hirche. “If this had not been the case, we would not have received the promise of €50 million due to strict European environmental laws.”
Minister Hirche added that the economics of this huge project were not in any doubt. “Germany's  seaport infrastructure needs this terminal!”, an assertion underlined by double digit growth rates in international container traffic.  Minister Hirche further added that, “Ports are turning more and more into job machines.”