News
Taking mileage of the road: Samskip and Pro-Log operate 1000th barge trip with MS Theodela
Samskip Multimodal Container Logistics BV and Pro-Log BV are proud to have completed their 1000th barge trip between Rotterdam and Duisburg. In 2009 the barge MS Theodela has successfully executed a frequent schedule between the Rotterdam harbour and Port of Duisburg. Both Samskip, Prolog and the MS Theodela are looking forward to the next 1000 sailings and by doing so taking around 80.000 truck loads of the busy European roads.
For its container transports to and from Germany Samskip Multimodal Container Logistics uses the train and barge where possible. The well used barge connection between Rotterdam and Duisburg shows that it can be very efficient to utilize Europe's inland waterways. The MS Theodela is a 110 meter long vessel with a loading capacity of 208 teu (equaling 80 x 45ft containers). Using the barge option is not only a very cost efficient transport solution, but also a sustainable one. By using the barge, Samskip and its customers take many mileage of the road: decreasing CO2 emission output as well as road congestion.
Mr Diederick Blom, Route Director at Samskip Multimodal Container Logistics, adds:
“Most shippers have quite a steady base volume. Especially for these base volumes the barge is a very reliable and cost efficient solution. The additional fluctuating shipments can easily be executed by road. But shipping the base volume per barge (or train in other examples) takes unnecessary loads off the road as well as in some cases takes unnecessary stock out of warehouses. We know from experience that by using the barge, great costs efficiencies can be gained within the customer's supply chain.”
Samskip Multimodal Container Logistics is committed to create cost efficient as well as sustainable transport solutions for its customers. The company has build an extensive network of rail, barge and road connections to serve the European hinterland. Dhr Blom explains the untapped potential of barge and rail.
“Many shippers have the impression that the road is needed to operate an efficient supply chain. And for sure in some cases road will be needed. But in reality we see there is a great potential to improve the utilization of the rail and inland waterways to increase the total supply chain efficiency. The reliability of these modes creates the possibility to plan well ahead. Furthermore the increased driver's regulations, surcharges and road congestion really make rail and barge a cost efficient alternative. The transit times even create possibilities for “moving stock”, lowering the stocks in warehouses.”
About the cooperation with Pro-Log and the MS Theodela, Dhr Blom says:
“Our cooperation with Pro-Log and the MS Theodela has been very fruitful over the years. We started working together in may 2006 and have already been executing many trips since than. It is important to work with reliable partners who value the same high service standards. We are looking forward to the next 1000 trips.”
