Rotterdam launches Container Exchange Route in efficiency boost

Rotterdam World Gateway (RWG), the Delta terminal of Hutchison Ports ECT Rotterdam (ECT) and Kramer Group will be the first market parties to be connected to the Container Exchange Route (CER), a closed track for faster, more efficient and integrated transport of containers between locations on the Maasvlakte.

Agreements with these parties were signed earlier this month. By the end of June 2022, it was agreed with the Dutch Customs Administration to connect the State Inspection Terminal to the CER to “strengthen the integrity” of transport to and from this location. The Port of Rotterdam Authority will now realise the connections to the sites and the connection to the Closed Transport Route. The first transports over the track could take place by the end of 2023.

The exchange of containers between terminals, container depots, distribution centres as well as customs facilities (in the event of an inspection) requires the most efficient and integrated transport possible. To achieve this, the Port Authority commissioned the CER. This is a closed road network, about 17 kilometres long, which will connect a large part of the terminals, depots, distribution centres and the State Inspection Terminal on the Maasvlakte. Carriers have the option of using the track for manned transport.

Port of Rotterdam Authority CEO Allard Castelein said: “…This commitment underlines the important role of the CER in future-proofing the container cluster in the port of Rotterdam.”

RWG CEO Ronald Lugthart said: ‘The realisation of the CER plays a crucial role in the development of the Port of Rotterdam with the aim of growth, optimisation and efficient 24/7 exchange of containers for all logistics service providers and stakeholders.’