Rickmers-Linie and terminal operator Wallmann & Co are to extend their co-operation in the port of Hamburg, with Rickmers-Linie taking a 25.1% share in the Wallmann Terminal, effective January 1, 2008.
The deal secures terminal capacity for Rickmers-Linie to handle breakbulk, heavylift and project cargo in its home territory.
Wallmann & Co handles vessels employed in Rickmers’ Round-The-World Pearl String service with twice-monthly sailings to Asia, as well as ships departing to and from the Middle East and India every three weeks.
The co-operation with Wallmann dates back to the year 1991, when Rickmers-Linie started its service to the Middle East. Vessels employed in the Pearl String Service have been calling at the Wallmann Terminal since beginning of 2003.
Last month Rickmers-Linie announced that it will inaugurate a joint terminal venture with DP World and Conti-Lines in Antwerp under the name DP World Breakbulk NV, effective January 1, 2008.
According to Wolfgang Harms, Rickmers-Linie director of operations, many ports focus their investments on container handling facilities; Rickmers’ strategy is to safeguard know-how and access to handling facilities for breakbulk and project cargo through joint ventures.