Intermodality

The growth of maritime transportation can be explained by the ongoing globalization and containerization as well as the transfer of production sites to low cost areas. To reduce their fixed costs, container carriers reduce the number of port calls and expand the capacity of their ships. Consequently, the requirements regarding maritime accessibility, port handlings and inland transportation are developing further and further.

Transport between terminal and customer

The optimization of the operational processes within and through the port is a responsibility that is shared by all the actors in the logistics chain, each with his own interests and his own contribution. We can perform an analysis or simulation that makes improvements, challenges and potential solutions visible.

Most maritime container terminals have their terminal process quite well organized. The optimization and integration of the transportation between the terminal and the final customer often makes the difference. Ports must offer effective, efficient and competitive inland transportation services: intermodal services by train or barge, logistic services, speedy procedures.

The development of an effective, efficient and reliable inland transportation system is a major challenge regarding the competitive position of ports. Shippers, forwarders and shipping lines value the quality and efficiency of the connections between the ports and the inland transportation systems, with an important effect on their port choice. In order to be competitive, a port must develop intelligent, innovative logistic solutions.

Improve competitive position

Long haul railroad services have brought distant markets within reach, with a significant effect on port competition. Many ports have tried to improve their competitive position by developing new container shuttles. The start of such a new service is a risky adventure for container operators as the costs are fixed and relatively high.

The key to success is limiting this risk to an acceptable level. Ports often offered initial financial support for start-ups, but unfortunately the shuttles often stopped when this support stopped. We have developed another approach, minimizing the risks and making them manageable for all parties involved, resulting in a service that meets the requirements of the market at acceptable conditions.