Rotterdam World Gateway (RWG), the Delta terminal of Hutchison Ports ECT Rotterdam (ECT) and Kramer Group will be the first market parties to be connected to the Container Exchange Route (CER), a closed track for faster, more efficient and integrated transport of containers between locations on the Maasvlakte.
Agreements with these parties have already been signed. By the end of June 2022, it was already agreed with the Dutch Customs Administration to connect the State Inspection Terminal to the CER, in order to strengthen the integrity of transports to and from this location.
Connection to the Closed Transport Route
Port of Rotterdam Authority will now realise the connections to the sites
The Port of Rotterdam Authority will now realise the connections to the sites and the connection to the Closed Transport Route. The first transports over the track could take place by the end of 2023.
The exchange of containers between terminals, container depots, distribution centres, as well as customs facilities (in the event of an inspection) requires the most efficient and integer transport possible.
Commissioning of the Container Exchange Route (CER)
To achieve this, the Port Authority commissioned the Container Exchange Route (CER). This is a closed road network, about 17 kilometres long, which will connect a large part of the terminals, depots, distribution centres and the State Inspection Terminal on the Maasvlakte. Carriers have the option of using the track for manned transport.
Allard Castelein, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Port of Rotterdam Authority, said “I am delighted that RWG, ECT, the Dutch Customs and Kramer Group will be the first parties to be connected to the Container Exchange Route. This commitment underlines the important role of the CER in future-proofing the container cluster in the port of Rotterdam.”
Development of the Port of Rotterdam
Ronald Lugthart, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rotterdam World Gateway (RWG), said “The realisation of the CER plays a crucial role in the development of the Port of Rotterdam with the aim of growth, optimisation and efficient 24/7 exchange of containers for all logistics service providers and stakeholders.”
Kees Groeneveld, President of Association of Rotterdam Shipbrokers (VRC), said “We are very pleased that the connections to the CER will be realised. Efficient handling of cargo flows is essential for container shipping companies, when choosing their ports of call. The CER increases safety, flexibility and reduces the risk of congestion. These efficiency benefits improve the accessibility and competitiveness of the port of Rotterdam.”
CER contributes to safety and integrity of the logistics chain
The CER fits perfectly with the desire of Dutch Customs to take additional measures in the port of Rotterdam"
Jan Kamp, the Regional Director - Customs at Rotterdam Port, said “The CER fits perfectly with the desire of Dutch Customs to take additional measures in the port of Rotterdam, as part of the fight against drug trafficking and subversion. Customs wants to route the transport between the terminals and the State Inspection Terminal over the CER, so that this transport takes place in a controlled and closed environment. The CER Track contributes to strengthening the safety and integrity of the logistics chain.”
Leo Ruijs, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hutchison Ports ECT Rotterdam, said “The envisaged time savings, improved road safety and lower emissions through efficient and safe container exchange in the port of Rotterdam strengthen the position of the port of Rotterdam.”
Transport over the CER improves accessibility of the terminals
André Kramer, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kramer Group, said “We are looking forward to being connected to the CER. Transport over the CER improves accessibility of the terminals and thus makes a major contribution to solving bottlenecks in container logistics.’”
Optimal accessibility and safety are of great importance to the port of Rotterdam. Port of Rotterdam Authority, therefore, invests a hefty sum in state-of-the-art infrastructure every year. This allows further strengthening its position as Europe’s leading container hub. Good news for the port, the companies in the port, and their employees.