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🇧🇪 Belgium /Economy & Trade

Aalter canal quay diverts 13,000 trucks from roads in first year

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • A new transshipment quay along the Ghent-Oostende canal in Aalter has successfully diverted approximately 13,000 trucks from the road in its first year.
  • The facility handles goods via inland barges instead of trucks, contributing to reduced road congestion.
  • Operators are satisfied with the quay's performance, meeting initial expectations for cargo volume and efficiency.

A new transshipment quay along the Ghent-Oostende canal in Aalter is proving its worth, having removed an estimated 13,000 trucks from the road in its first year of operation. The facility, opened just over a year ago, allows goods to be transported via inland barges, significantly reducing reliance on road freight. This initiative by De Vlaamse Waterweg (The Flemish Waterway) aims to shift cargo transport from congested roads to more sustainable waterway routes.

The Aalter quay, operated by Grondstock, a company specializing in soil and sand trading, has handled 317 ships since its inauguration. The 5-hectare site accommodates various types of vessels, including those carrying general cargo, bulk goods, and containers. According to De Vlaamse Waterweg, such transshipment centers represent the future of logistics, emphasizing the environmental and efficiency benefits of moving freight off trucks and onto barges.

Geert Weymeis of De Vlaamse Waterweg expressed satisfaction with the results, stating, "We are pleased with these figures. This is what we anticipated. The first year went very well." The quay can accommodate ships up to 1,500 tons, equivalent to 60 containers. Recently, the facility received its first shipment of paper for the local company Igepa.

Weymeis highlighted Aalter's strategic location as ideal for the transshipment center, situated on key transport axes. The facility is particularly intended to replace long-distance truck transport, such as that serving the port of Antwerp, with more efficient inland waterway shipping. The success of the Aalter quay demonstrates a viable model for reducing road congestion and promoting greener logistics in the region.

We are satisfied with these figures. This is what we anticipated. The first year went very well.

— Geert WeymeisGeert Weymeis of De Vlaamse Waterweg expressing satisfaction with the performance of the new transshipment quay.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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