Terminal operator BCTN is opening a third terminal in Belgium for the start of 2018 to create a direct connection with the ports of Antwerp, Zeebrugge and Rotterdam.
The new Meerhout terminal will take lorries off the road and increase the capacity of inland shipping in Belgium by working with logistics specialist GHEYS to expand its operations from 8,500 containers per year to 20,000 by 2020.
BCTN has a long term aim to increase this capacity to 50,00 by including other logistics partners and forming a network between Meerhout and its seven other terminals (pictured below).
The new terminal will feature an electric gantry crane that will load push barges through the Albert Canal five days a week with freight bound for the ports of Antwerp, Zeebrugge and Rotterdam.
Two barges will be in Beringen every day and one in the Port of Antwerp.
Read the Major Port Developments in 2016 technical paper by Shanghai Maritime University and University of Antwerp
Joop Mijland, CEO of BCTN, said: “In May 2017, BCTN was the only inland operator to be awarded the second Lean & Green Star, the main recognition for sustainable entrepreneurship in the logistics sector.
“BCTN tries to carry out its services as sustainably as possible, among others by using low-energy equipment.
“GHEYS and BCTN's terminals in Geel and Beringen will result in more than 50,000, and in the long term 80,000 less lorries on the road every year.”
