Port of Esbjerg explores expansion potential

A formal environmental impact process, designed to clarify the potential in expanding the port, is expected to begin in early autumn and will include consultation with the public.

The proposed expansion area is in around the existing East Port area, although the final project area will be decided as part of the impact process stage.

An expansion of 250,000 metres square is already planned for 2017.

The port claims it needs to expand in order to match growing demand from customers for more space.

Analyses prepared for the port predicted that if it is to meet future demand, it needs to further expand by around 1m metres squared m2 and 1 kilometre of additional quay length between 2022 and 2030.

“The Port of Esbjerg must offer an infrastructure that matches the needs of our customers in terms of quality, layout, and size,” said Ole Ingrisch, director at the Port of Esbjerg.

“This is the prerequisite for ensuring continued growth and development for the benefit of both the companies at the port, the port itself, and the whole region. Otherwise, our customers will look elsewhere to conduct their business.

“We anticipate growing demand for areas at the port. Therefore, we must prepare for the future and clarify the possibilities for continuing a stepwise expansion of the port. This will enable us to expand concurrently with the demand of our customers.”

The Port of Esbjerg currently covers an area of 4.5 million metres square.