Rotterdam – a model for joined-up container efficiency
Port of Rotterdam has commissioned its long-awaited Container Exchange Route (CER) which seeks to ensure increasing container volumes are processed safely, efficiently and sustainably.
The 17-kilometre-long closed road network links Rotterdam World Gateway (RWG), the Delta terminal of Hutchison Ports ECT Rotterdam (ECT), QTerminals Kramer Rotterdam (KDD, RCT and DCS) and the State Inspection Terminal for Customs.
“The Port of Rotterdam Authority wants to further strengthen the port of Rotterdam’s position as container hub, but this is only possible if increasing container volumes can be processed safely, efficiently and sustainably,” said Boudewijn Siemons, interim CEO and COO of Port of Rotterdam Authority.
”The interchange of containers via the CER represents a major contribution to this. This cooperation between the affiliated parties is not only unique in the port of Rotterdam itself, but also in global terms.”
Unique system
The connected parties will use the CER through various carriers, permitting different forms of transport, such as Multi Trailer Systems (MTS), Terminal Tractor Units with chassis (TT) and normal trucks.
With the CER, the Port Authority is introducing – together with the affiliated parties and carriers – a unique system that does not exist in any other port at this scale.
The CER road network forms a ‘closed’ transport route and is not publicly accessible. Only transport companies with an Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) permit from Customs may transport containers from one location to another on this route.
This means that the CER is perfectly in line with the desire of the Customs authorities to take further measures in the port of Rotterdam in its war against the drugs trade and subversion.
So the CER route not only contributes to greater accessibility, but also to enhancing the security and integrity of the logistics chain.
Now that the initial parties will be using the CER, volumes will gradually increase. In the near future, new connections with terminals, depots and distribution centres are expected t be made.
The Port Authority said it aims to connect as many container companies as possible with the CER, as long as they have the option of a physical link.
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