DP World, together with joint-venture partners APL, HMM, MOL and CMA-CGM, has officially opened the Rotterdam World Gateway, RWG, terminal, providing the global supply chain with the most innovative and automated container terminal in the world.

DP World Chairman, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem attended the grand opening ceremony as guest speaker along with the Mayor of Rotterdam, Ahmed Aboutaleb, RWG Managing Director Ronald Lugthart, RWG Board of Directors Chairman Rob van Dijk and Port of Rotterdam Authority CEO Allard Castelein.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, said: "Rotterdam World Gateway promises to provide an unrivalled level of automation and customer service and brings a new era of technology and modern efficiency in container terminal operations. The ease of connectivity between container vessels, barges, road and rail is a vision of how the future can look in our industry. With RWG, the future of container port operations promises to be cleaner, greener, safer, quicker, more inclusive and brighter. I am extremely proud that DP World and our partners are part of that future."

Mayor Aboutaleb of Rotterdam said, "If we, as a global port, have the ambition to remain a world player, we need outstanding companies that are ready for the future. RWG is such an organisation."

RWG's terminal is able to handle the largest container vessels afloat in the most efficient and reliable way due to its innovative character. With dedicated handling facilities for road, rail and barge and extensive automation on site, RWG looks very different to a traditional marine container terminal. RWG currently employs about 180 people, a large number of whom are IT specialists due to the level of innovation and automation at the terminal. This is a completely new approach to container operations.

The high level of automation at the terminal brings benefits for RWG when it comes to safety and sustainability. These are two areas in which RWG is leading the way. Innovative concepts result in shorter distances for internal terminal transport and less equipment on the terminal. With fully electric cranes which are powered by 100% green energy and generate their own power, RWG is setting new standards in the industry.