The shipping company CLdN, part of the Cobelfret Group, is expanding its terminal network with the acquisition of Broekman Distriport in Rotterdam.
CLdN has acquired 100% of the shares in Broekman Distriport Real Estate BV and its wholly-owned subsidiary Broekman Distriport BV, it has now been confirmed[ds_preview].
The acquisition offers the opportunity to further expand and diversify the range of services to and from the port of Rotterdam, according to the statement explaining the transaction, for which no financial details were disclosed.
Broekman Logistics, on the other hand, announced investments in its Project Services Terminal in Rotterdam-Heijplaat, which will be converted into a location for assembly and technical services for industrial and offshore installations and heavy machinery.
“A perfect fit with CLdN’s strategy”
The shipping company CLdN is primarily known for its activities in bulk and RoRo shipping. The company operates a ro-ro fleet of 30 vessels that transport vehicles as well as heavy-lift and MPP cargoes. The shipping company focuses on short-sea services between Northern Europe, the UK, Ireland, Scandinavia and the Iberian Peninsula. A number of newbuildings have also been ordered. CLdN Ports also owns and operates ro-ro ports in England, the Netherlands and Belgium.
The new Distriport site is located on a 22-hectare site on the opposite side of the Brittanniëhaven from CLdN’s existing Rotterdam terminal. The infrastructure includes 630 meters of quay facilities for RoRo and LoLo vessels as well as container handling and storage facilities. Florent Maes, CEO of CLdN, commented that the acquisition was a “perfect fit” with CLdN’s strategy of investing in high-quality port infrastructure.
According to Broekman, the transaction is the next step in the implementation of the strategy presented at the end of 2023: focus on being an end-to-end supply chain specialist in the three market segments of mechanical engineering, industry and chemicals. This is in contrast to the Distriport multi-purpose terminal, where steel and containers are handled in addition to RoRo trailers.
“While Distriport is a good strategic fit with CLdN’s activities, it is less in line with Broekman Logistics’ strategic focus as a sector specialist for machinery, industry and chemicals,” says CEO Rik Pek.
