North Sea Port and Port of Moerdijk are collaborating on a multimodal corridor

The North Sea Port and Port of Moerdijk authorities are joining forces to structurally strengthen inland container shipping. With a new multimodal corridor between Brabant and Zeeland, the ports are offering shippers and logistics service providers a reliable, efficient and future-proof alternative to road transport, in which inland shipping plays a central role.

The collaboration focuses on connecting existing logistics networks more intelligently. By making better use of each other’s waterway and rail routes, a robust corridor is created in which freight flows are efficiently distributed across inland waterway transport, rail and road. Inland waterway transport forms the backbone of this, supplemented by flexible road transport for short-distance feeder and backhaul services.

Cas König, CEO of North Sea Port, emphasises the strategic importance of the corridor: “By strengthening the links between Vlissingen, Terneuzen and Moerdijk, we are boosting the logistical capacity of our port areas. This collaboration demonstrates that inland waterway transport is a fully-fledged, reliable and sustainable alternative for container flows.”

According to Paul Dirix, CEO of Port of Moerdijk, the partnership fits seamlessly with the role the port aims to play in sustainable logistics. “Moerdijk is pre-eminently a multimodal port. By combining our strengths with those of North Sea Port, we are making it more attractive for shippers to opt for inland waterway transport much more frequently. It helps businesses to reduce costs and operate efficiently, whilst also helping to ease congestion on the roads.”

A concrete result of the collaboration is the regular inland waterway connection between Moerdijk and Vlissingen/Terneuzen. Operators Danser Group and Contargo Transbox provide this service. Contargo currently sails twice a week between Vlissingen and Moerdijk; Danser also deploys regular capacity on this route. If volumes are sufficient, the frequency can be further expanded in the future.

The connection links short-sea and deep-sea connections in Vlissingen and Moerdijk to each other’s logistics networks and the European hinterland. From Zeeland, Moerdijk is logically situated on the shipping corridor along the Westerschelde towards the Netherlands and the hinterland, making it easy for ships to call at the port. Food products, fruit and other temperature-controlled cargo form a significant part of the flows, particularly for short-sea transport to Scandinavia and the United Kingdom. The reverse is also true, and cargo can be transported to other destinations via Moerdijk and North Sea Port.

In addition to the new connection, both port authorities are working together to provide a clearer picture of existing import and export flows. Companies and operators from both port areas have shared their logistics processes. This has shown that the ports complement each other well and that there are concrete opportunities to consolidate cargo and plan more efficiently.

The Joint Corridors Off-Road programme supports this collaboration by mapping out logistics flows, sailing schedules and available capacity. By pooling these insights, opportunities become apparent for transporting goods more efficiently via inland waterways, rail and road. In Brabant, the programme is run by Logistics Community Brabant, and in Zeeland by Zeeland Connect.

“Many shippers are not yet aware of the options available and are not always aware that North Sea Port encompasses Vlissingen, Terneuzen and Ghent,” says Remco de Rijke, Zeeland regional manager at Joint Corridors Off-Road. “We look at which barge operators are active, what the sailing schedules look like and which freight flows are already in place. Based on that, we identify opportunities to consolidate flows.”

Frans van den Boomen, Brabant regional manager at Joint Corridors Off-Road, adds: “By working together, both port areas can strengthen their position and organise certain goods flows more efficiently. For some flows, the corridor can also offer an alternative to routes via the busy main ports, making companies less dependent on waiting times in ports such as Rotterdam and Antwerp.”

Invitation to companies and operators

In the next phase, Port of Moerdijk and North Sea Port are inviting terminals, barge operators, logistics service providers and shippers to join the corridor. By pooling volumes collectively, the inland waterway connection can be further strengthened and expanded.

With this collaboration, Port of Moerdijk and North Sea Port are taking the next step towards a resilient and future-proof logistics network.