The case
Rotterdam Short Sea Terminals (RST) is a growing company that focuses on container handling in the port of Rotterdam, where it accounts for some 95% of all short-sea activities and handles more than half a million containers every year. Its most important plant and equipment are container gantry cranes, reach-stackers and other logistical equipment. This comprises some 60% of the balance-sheet total.
|
|
The challenge
RST invests every year in replacing or adding to its production equipment.
|
|
Our solution
RST needed to invest in a new port crane, and so it contacted Amstel Lease. “Together we devised a lease construction, where the term of the contract corresponds with the economic life of the crane. And we have a ‘balloon term’, so that we can choose between continuing to lease or to go for repayment. Our contract is ideal.”
RST saw many advantages of leasing. Its balance sheet remains healthy because the credit structure is not saddled with an additional burden. Furthermore, subsequent investments are safeguarded which creates stability in the organization. On the advantages of the lease, De Hoog says: “RST now has its hands free to respond to new developments in the market. We can absorb peaks and troughs in demand without any problem at all.”
|
|