Port of Rotterdam commissions CER route

The Port of Rotterdam Authority has officially commissioned the Container Exchange Route (CER) on the Maasvlakte after a long preliminary phase.

The 17 kilometre long closed road network currently links the container terminals of Rotterdam World Gateway (RWG), the Delta terminal of Hutchison Ports ECT Rotterdam (ECT), the terminals and depots of QTerminals Kramer Rotterdam (KDD, RCT, and DCS) and the State Inspection Terminal for Customs.

The connected parties will use the CER through various carriers, permitting different forms of transport, such as Multi Trailer Systems (MTS), Terminal Tractor Units with chassis (TT) and normal trucks.

The route comprises some 17 kilometres of paved road, three level junctions, five rail crossings and various systems, such as lighting, cables and pipelines, traffic lights and access barriers.

The CER road network forms a ‘closed’ transport route and is not publicly accessible. Only transport companies with an Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) permit from Customs may transport containers from one location to another on this route.

The CER reportedly aligns with the desire of the Customs authorities to take further measures in the Port of Rotterdam in its war against the drugs trade and subversion.

Boudewijn Siemons, Interim CEO and COO of Port of Rotterdam Authority, said: “The Port of Rotterdam Authority wants to further strengthen the Port of Rotterdam’s position as a container hub, but this is only possible if increasing container volumes can be processed safely, efficiently, and sustainably.

“The interchange of containers via the CER represents a major contribution to this. This cooperation between the affiliated parties is not only unique in the Port of Rotterdam itself, but also in global terms.”

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Transport between terminals and the State Inspection Terminal will basically be routed entirely over the CER, ensuring this transport loop runs in a controlled and closed environment. These containers may only be transported over public roads in exceptional cases.

Now that the initial parties will be using the CER, volumes are anticipated to gradually increase. In the near future, new connections with terminals, depots and distribution centres are expected.

The Port Authority aims to connect as many container companies as possible with the CER, as long as they have the option of a physical link.

Less than two weeks ago, Eneco, a natural gas supplier, applied for the permit to construct the ‘Eneco Electrolyser’ in the Port of Rotterdam.

More recently, Impala Terminals Group, a global infrastructure and logistics company, agreed to purchase the Port Authority of Rotterdam‘s tank terminal, HES Hartel, following an auction process.