The new facility will sit next to Vlaeynatie's tri-modal 3MCT container terminal in the Autrichehaven in Terneuzen.

The new depot will take advantage of 3MCT's regular barge (with Antwerp and Rotterdam) and rail (Antwerp, Zeebrugge) connections.

Around 58% of North Sea Port's cargo traffic goes by inland waterways.

MSC already operates depots at Stukwerkers in Ghent, and Kloosterboer and Verbrugge in Flushing.

"An additional depot will expand our container handling, which continued to grow last year. When a top player like MSC makes such a move, it is not without reason and it does not go unnoticed. It once again shows North Sea Port's significant role as a link between deep sea container ports and the hinterland," Daan Schalck, CEO, North Sea Port, commented.

Photo: North Sea Port