Trailer on Barge Shuttle

The transport sector is currently being confronted with a rising demand for transport. Meeting this demand proves to be a difficult task due to multiple factors: driver shortage, hours lost in traffic due to increasing road congestion, and the total amount of time it takes to complete a transport order. In other words, on the supplier’s side, it is necessary to make optimal use of the current transport capacity.

Barge as an alternative

Inland shipping is increasingly recognized as an alternative mode of transport, because of its ample availability. There are already efficient solutions being offered for bulk and import/export containers, but for piece goods, it is more difficult. Currently, this cargo is usually transported by trailer. To realize transportation via barge, overloading is necessary, which equals extra handling and costs (infrastructure, material and qualified staff). In addition, it still results in a significant amount of unnecessary road transport, such as repositioning empty trailers, which also causes road congestion.

Goal and opportunities

The goal is to develop a simple and low-threshold concept with expansion possibilities. The aim is to “look at inland shipping differently” and to emphasize the synergy between road transport and inland shipping.

The axes between cities such as Genk – Hasselt – Antwerp – Brussels – Ghent show potential so far, with respect to the current congestion problems on the one hand and the availability of class V and VI waterways on the other hand. Extra shuttle services within service ports can also provide an interesting alternative.

Results

• A ro-ro service that shuttles trailers over short distances via inland shipping in Flanders is technically viable.
• At this moment the unique concept is unable to compete with the prices of door-to-door transport.
• The Flemish waterways lack the necessary infrastructure and ships must also be adjusted to this concept.
• The currently available barges have too little loading capacity and are only used for exceptional transports
• To make a ro-ro service line successful, sufficient volumes must be transported. This is possible by bundling the flow of goods with different companies.
• Elements that contribute to the success of a ro-ro service line are smart route planning to avoid congestion-sensitive traffic junctions, efficient deployment of people and materials, and using new, innovative and ‘future-proof’ technologies.
• This project has proven that there is an interest in the concept of the ro-ro shuttle and there are opportunities to make it work. Long-term cooperation between shippers, transport companies, and inland shipping companies is crucial for an effective start of this sustainable concept.