MSC opens new trimodal terminal to increase eco-friendly trade

Mediterranean Shipping Company MSC has opened a new trimodal container terminal in Belgium as part of efforts to increase trade and improve its network offering.

In a statement, MSC said the Westdorpe terminal is accessible by barge, train and lorry, and is located in the Zeeland Flanders’ agricultural and industrial region near the Dutch-Belgian border.

The carrier said the 30,000sqm terminal will unlock the area and connect it to MPET Antwerp, Europe’s largest container terminal, by direct rail and barge connections, which will cut customers’ carbon emissions.

As part of its offering around the new terminal will be three rail connections to MPET per week, with a capacity of 60 TEU per one-way departure, and a daily barge connection to all major container terminals in Antwerp and Rotterdam.

There will also be a dedicated trucking company, Swagemakers, which MSC said will ensure a flexible service for first and last mile supply chain solution and “modern storage and bagging solutions” for exporters of sugar and fertilizer.

The overall capacity of the terminal will be 20,000 TEU a year.

“The Port of Antwerp is the natural gateway for Belgium, Netherlands, Luxemburg, the North of France and the Rhine area in Germany,” MSC said.

“MSC Belgium can offer an extensive network of trucks, trains and barges connecting over 40 inland terminals and depots.

“MSC strongly believes in developing intermodal solutions as an alternative for the full truck, creating a more efficient and reliable supply chain and reducing CO2 emissions.”

https://www.porttechnology.org/news/msc-opens-new-trimodal-terminal-to-increase-eco-friendly-trade/