Port capacity demonstrated
Measuring in at 397 metres, the MV Solitaire is the largest ship ever to have passed IJmuiden’s massive sea lock and moor in the Port of Amsterdam.
The pipe-laying vessel, which will be undergoing heavy maintenance and adjustments in Amsterdam, will be used for the construction of natural gas pipeline systems and oil pipelines. Owned by Swiss/Dutch offshore pipe-laying and subsea construction company Allseas, the ship was moored in the USA Terminal/Dutch Offshore Base in the Amerikahaven port.
This marks an important step in the port’s strategy of accommodating more companies operating in the offshore industry. Amsterdam’s central and strategic location (including to Schiphol Airport), its non-tidal port and its goal of expanding its services to the offshore industry were all factors in the construction of the large terminal operated by the Ter Haak Group.
Richard ter Haak commented: "The arrival of the Solitaire is beneficial to the Port of Amsterdam and a milestone for Amsterdam’s offshore operations. In taking on this challenge, we are demonstrating our capacity in this area both here in the Netherlands and internationally. We have really expanded our services with this project, and now other companies operating in the offshore industry will also start considering Port of Amsterdam as an option."
