First pile for Zeeland fertiliser terminal

Vlaeynatie’s new warehouse, with an area totalling 32,000 sq metres, will take nine months to build. On completion, the facility’s scope of work will primarily be packaging, storage and transfer of products for SQM and its subsidiary Plantacote.

Plantacote intends to produce both premium and standard controlled release fertilisers at the Axelse Vlakte development. In addition, SQM fertilisers from other production sites will be shipped to the new Vlaeynatie terminal.

The new facility will be ready at the beginning of 2016 with the next phase already planned for 2017. As well as storing and shipping SQM and Plantacote products, Vlaeynatie will also provide similar services to other companies.

“The good location and facilities that Axelse Vlakte has to offer are decisive reasons to build here,” said Marcel Genadry CEO Vlaeynatie. He also praised the excellent cooperation with Zeeland Seaports and the local authorities.

Zeeland Seaports said it was delighted with the arrival of two new companies, especially as it will boost the region’s already strong position in the global fertiliser market. This market position will, it said, in turn attract more business to the area. The arrival of the two companies is expected to bring an additional 50 jobs to local economy.

Now that the first foundations have been laid, discussions concerning the terminal’s second phase are underway. “The future looks rosy for the two Belgian companies,” said Zeeland Seaports. “The possible extension that will follow commissioning will provide additional business. In short, with a boost like this, the companies in the port keep developing – ever moving forward.”