Mosolf expands car operations to Port of Ostend

German logistics group Mosolf is expanding its car operations to the Port of Ostend. Cars from Korean brand KGM have been stored there since the start of the year. The first vessel is due to arrive next week.

The port authority described the move as an important milestone in its development as a multimodal centre. It said the expansion strengthens Mosolf’s European network and supports Ostend’s ambition to attract high-quality industrial and logistics activities.

Mosolf already operates in the Port of Antwerp and the Port of Zeebrugge. However, officials stressed that the new activity in Ostend will not directly compete with those ports. Instead, Ostend will focus on short sea shipping, using smaller vessels to transport cars to Scandinavia, the Baltic region and the Mediterranean. Rail and road links will also be used.

The port can currently handle up to 3,000 vehicles and is exploring options to expand capacity further.

Ostend previously handled car traffic for Toyota, but that agreement has since ended.

The arrival of Mosolf is also expected to boost local employment. Alongside roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) services, vehicles will undergo technical adjustments in a warehouse in Ostend. These activities are labour-intensive, although no figures have yet been given for the number of jobs involved.

^{#FlandersNewsService | Illustratin photo of the Port of Ostend © BELGA PHOTO KURT DESPLENTER}