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Day: 14 July 2021

New Sitma sorting system features cutting-edge technology

Posted on by David Priestman

Sitma Machinery is launching Symphony, a sorting system that takes up the baton of Easy Sort and Speedy Sort, its existing best-sellers in the logistics automation sector. Through Symphony, Sitma takes another step forward, creating a cutting-edge technology that remains easy to use and fully satisfies the new challenges facing the sector.

Symphony can be configured in both a “tilt tray” and “cross belt” mode. The first example of this technological evolution was created for an important operator in North America, where it is currently being installed, with testing forecasted by autumn of this year.

The growth of the logistics sector driven by e-commerce, is one of the most relevant phenomena in recent years. According to data provided by PR Newswire, the sector boasts a compound annual growth rate of 23% globally and will reach $16 trillion in value by 2027. This increase creates new needs, including the necessity to create increasingly complex and articulated layouts that can move objects even faster.

Sitma has put in place the know-how accumulated in over 40 years of activity in the logistics sector and working around the concept of modularity, has launched a system that is able to support particularly complex configurations. Symphony can in fact be set up with straight or curved modules, suitable for supporting upward or downward movements and preserving the packs from the risk of falling and damage — even at high speeds. All of this is achieved in incredible silence.

Single starting point

A single modular base structure allows the use of both a tilt tray and cross belt technology, depending on the specific needs. Symphony can also support multi-output and multi-directional configurations, helping to increase production capacity and line efficiency. The chutes for unloading products allow for maximum flexibility, giving customers the opportunity to manage different outlet configurations and container positions for collecting the products. Even for large dimensions, the outputs can be dynamically configured according to the changing production needs.

Speed ​​is an increasingly determining factor for players in the logistics chain, whether they are postal operators, couriers or third-party providers. This was demonstrated by The Canada Post Corporation, which found this innovative technology to be the ideal solution for tackling logistics management. According to a survey carried out by PwC, receiving a product as quickly as possible is in fact at the top of the list of services requested by those who order through e-commerce platforms.

Having a fast and efficient sorting system is a fundamental requirement to meet this need. Symphony offers top performance in this sense, being able to manage up to 14,000 products per hour in the tilt-tray configuration and up to 20,000 with cross-belt configuration. The system also boasts an increased load capacity compared to previous solutions, being able to sort larger and heavier products. In the tilt-tray configuration it reaches up to 15kg per tray, while in the cross-belt configuration, it can manage up to 30kg.

These performances require a handling system that guarantees operational fluidity and maximum reliability. Symphony runs on polyurethane wheels, specifically designed to minimize noise (which is below 70dB) providing add-on value in the work environment. The system is also gearless and equipped with standardised transport cells, which are very light and highly technological. The brushless motors are installed on-board and each cell is powered by electricity; being interconnected via wi-fi with the PLC, to communicate its positioning in real time. These features are not only useful for purposes of planning sorting activity (for example to send and receive inputs from PLC for unloading) but also for the constant monitoring of the line. To be more precise, it’s possible to know where the products are at any given moment in time.

Little or no maintenance

Finally, Symphony minimises maintenance activities by using a high number of identical parts, thanks to this new development that has been extremely simplified. Sitma has also turned its design efforts towards arriving at a solution that is completely maintenance-free – a goal that can be achieved by equipping the sorter as an alternative to mechanical traction systems, with electromagnetic traction solutions. In this case, linear motors and magnets are used, which are installed directly on the cells. In addition to the total elimination of maintenance activities, this also entails a further reduction in noise.

Report: only 12% of companies have resilient supply chain

Posted on by David Priestman

A new report by global consultancy partnership Kearney and the World Economic Forum has found that only a minority (12%) of leading companies globally are sufficiently protected against future supply chain and operational disruptions. The remaining 88% urgently require additional measures aimed at building resilience, with 52% of businesses in this group considered mainstream players while 36% are ‘resilience laggards’.

A variety of drivers are affecting companies’ resilience. Around three-quarters of executives globally (76%) indicate COVID-19 as a significant disruptor, though this was less felt by executives at UK companies (40%).

Meanwhile, emerging technologies, geopolitical tensions, trade barriers, political uncertainties, social injustice and the implications of climate change are also acting as barriers to resilience building for many firms globally. For example, among UK companies in particular, the majority (84%) of executives believe geopolitical tensions will be disruptive to their company’s value chain within the next five years. Furthermore, executives globally expect the impact of disruption on corporate value to increase by 15-25% over the next five years.

Despite its challenges, COVID-19 is helping to prompt change in this area, with 60% of executives surveyed in this report saying that the crisis has encouraged them to pursue long-term resilience and prepare for future disruptions. Additionally, 75% see the pandemic as a dress rehearsal for further disruptions to come.

However, the majority of companies will require support when it comes to building long-term resilience in a variety of key areas. Consultations with senior executives in operations and supply chain suggest that resilience in product portfolio, customer orientation, financial viability and go-to-market channels is needed if businesses are to satisfy customer demand. Furthermore, resilience in logistics, manufacturing, suppliers and planning is also necessary so that companies can secure the supply to be able to run production.

Only 12% of those surveyed by Kearney said they have heavily invested in their customer orientation, while a mere 14% have mastered the development of a robust logistics system, for example.

12% of companies representing a healthy mix of industries and regions were classed as ‘resilience leaders’ in this report, who consistently outperformed the remaining 88% across all areas of resilience, further indicating the importance of resilience in securing a strong and future-proof business model. No company in any single sector or region is insulated from supply chain disruptions and, as such, every business needs to adopt the relevant strategies that will help them tackle this.

Per Hong, Strategic Operations Partner and leader of the study at Kearney, comments: “Though the world is opening up, the challenges from COVID-19 are far from over, from ensuring safety and security on the shop floor and facing supply and demand disruptions, to accelerating digital transformation and reskilling to build resilience.

“So far, we have explored where resilience leaders are excelling and observed how companies can chart their own path; however, no company can manage the repercussions of large-scale disruptions alone. This is where collaboration between different players in the ecosystem becomes vital to enabling a rapid response.

“Organisations need clear and accessible support to identify priorities, manage risks and confidently define sustainable strategies to navigate disruption and uncertainty. Next generation operations and supply chain leaders will be defined by their ability to withstand and quickly adapt to increasingly disruptive headwinds, and the priority for many businesses now should be accelerating the resilience-building process so they can best respond to future disruption.”

The World Economic Forum’s Platform for Advanced Manufacturing and Production and Kearney, will continue engaging leaders across different industry sectors such as healthcare, automotive, consumer goods, and transport and logistics, as well as government, academia, and civil society, to jointly design globally-coordinated responses and build resilient value chains for the future. Forthcoming work will offer in-depth archetypes of resilience leaders to further the mission of building global resiliency and identify priority areas and actions for organisations.

Report: only 12% of companies have resilient supply chain

Posted on by Keith McKinley

A new report by global consultancy partnership Kearney and the World Economic Forum has found that only a minority (12%) of leading companies globally are sufficiently protected against future supply chain and operational disruptions. The remaining 88% urgently require additional measures aimed at building resilience, with 52% of businesses in this group considered mainstream players while 36% are ‘resilience laggards’.

A variety of drivers are affecting companies’ resilience. Around three-quarters of executives globally (76%) indicate COVID-19 as a significant disruptor, though this was less felt by executives at UK companies (40%).

Meanwhile, emerging technologies, geopolitical tensions, trade barriers, political uncertainties, social injustice and the implications of climate change are also acting as barriers to resilience building for many firms globally. For example, among UK companies in particular, the majority (84%) of executives believe geopolitical tensions will be disruptive to their company’s value chain within the next five years. Furthermore, executives globally expect the impact of disruption on corporate value to increase by 15-25% over the next five years.

Despite its challenges, COVID-19 is helping to prompt change in this area, with 60% of executives surveyed in this report saying that the crisis has encouraged them to pursue long-term resilience and prepare for future disruptions. Additionally, 75% see the pandemic as a dress rehearsal for further disruptions to come.

However, the majority of companies will require support when it comes to building long-term resilience in a variety of key areas. Consultations with senior executives in operations and supply chain suggest that resilience in product portfolio, customer orientation, financial viability and go-to-market channels is needed if businesses are to satisfy customer demand. Furthermore, resilience in logistics, manufacturing, suppliers and planning is also necessary so that companies can secure the supply to be able to run production.

Only 12% of those surveyed by Kearney said they have heavily invested in their customer orientation, while a mere 14% have mastered the development of a robust logistics system, for example.

12% of companies representing a healthy mix of industries and regions were classed as ‘resilience leaders’ in this report, who consistently outperformed the remaining 88% across all areas of resilience, further indicating the importance of resilience in securing a strong and future-proof business model. No company in any single sector or region is insulated from supply chain disruptions and, as such, every business needs to adopt the relevant strategies that will help them tackle this.

Per Hong, Strategic Operations Partner and leader of the study at Kearney, comments: “Though the world is opening up, the challenges from COVID-19 are far from over, from ensuring safety and security on the shop floor and facing supply and demand disruptions, to accelerating digital transformation and reskilling to build resilience.

“So far, we have explored where resilience leaders are excelling and observed how companies can chart their own path; however, no company can manage the repercussions of large-scale disruptions alone. This is where collaboration between different players in the ecosystem becomes vital to enabling a rapid response.

“Organisations need clear and accessible support to identify priorities, manage risks and confidently define sustainable strategies to navigate disruption and uncertainty. Next generation operations and supply chain leaders will be defined by their ability to withstand and quickly adapt to increasingly disruptive headwinds, and the priority for many businesses now should be accelerating the resilience-building process so they can best respond to future disruption.”

The World Economic Forum’s Platform for Advanced Manufacturing and Production and Kearney, will continue engaging leaders across different industry sectors such as healthcare, automotive, consumer goods, and transport and logistics, as well as government, academia, and civil society, to jointly design globally-coordinated responses and build resilient value chains for the future. Forthcoming work will offer in-depth archetypes of resilience leaders to further the mission of building global resiliency and identify priority areas and actions for organisations.

60,000th Combilift truck delivered to Austrailia

Posted on by David Priestman

The Irish manufacturer Combilift has marked a further milestone when its 60,000th unit came off the production lines at the company HQ in Monaghan and was shipped to the other side of the world. The customer taking delivery of this special forklift is Metroll, a leading Australian manufacturer and supplier of steel building products including roofing, cladding, rainwater, structural and fencing.

Metroll has branches across the country, and the new Combi-CB3000 will be a further addition to its fleet of 13 Combilifts that are operating throughout the Metroll Group, with another 10 already on order. These range from 3t multidirectional units to a highly customised 10t model.

Combilift number 60,000 will be working at the site in Toowoomba and has been fitted with features such as 4.9m triplex mast with a 3050mm spreader to safely and easily manage the long loads that are typically handled by Metroll.

Metroll Operations Manager Vic Josephs said: “Like most businesses, we are very busy and we’re also growing at a significant rate, so space has become a premium resource. With this unit we can utilise our space more efficiently whilst at the same time operating safely. Safety is of paramount importance. This forklift allows our machinery to get into tighter spaces and for us to space our racks more closely together to maximise factory floor space.”

Combilift CEO and Co-Founder Martin McVicar commented: “This is a great achievement for Combilift, particularly as almost every truck we manufacture is a one-off, designed for specific and individual requirements. There are very few other companies, if any, that can offer this level of customisation whilst manufacturing in such volume. The first half of this year has been by far the best in our 23-year history for the number of orders we have received – not just for Combi-CB models but across our complete product range.”

Chris Littlewood, Country Manager of Combilift Australia said: “The Combi-CB 3t model is the most popular unit in the Australian market and accounted for 50% of the machines we sold in the year ending March 2021. So we are particularly pleased that it is one of our customers in this country that has been able to receive this landmark machine.”

Following the successful collaboration with Metroll in Australia, Combilift now also supplies its trucks to the company’s Californian-based operations too. “We have often found that a recommendation from one country leads to sites elsewhere adopting the same material handling processes with our products,” said Martin McVicar. “So we’d like to congratulate Metroll on taking delivery of our 60,000th truck, and thank them for their continued support over the years.”

Click here to watch the video.

60,000th Combilift truck delivered to Austrailia

Posted on by David Priestman

The Irish manufacturer Combilift has marked a further milestone when its 60,000th unit came off the production lines at the company HQ in Monaghan and was shipped to the other side of the world. The customer taking delivery of this special forklift is Metroll, a leading Australian manufacturer and supplier of steel building products including roofing, cladding, rainwater, structural and fencing.

Metroll has branches across the country, and the new Combi-CB3000 will be a further addition to its fleet of 13 Combilifts that are operating throughout the Metroll Group, with another 10 already on order. These range from 3t multidirectional units to a highly customised 10t model.

Combilift number 60,000 will be working at the site in Toowoomba and has been fitted with features such as 4.9m triplex mast with a 3050mm spreader to safely and easily manage the long loads that are typically handled by Metroll.

Metroll Operations Manager Vic Josephs said: “Like most businesses, we are very busy and we’re also growing at a significant rate, so space has become a premium resource. With this unit we can utilise our space more efficiently whilst at the same time operating safely. Safety is of paramount importance. This forklift allows our machinery to get into tighter spaces and for us to space our racks more closely together to maximise factory floor space.”

Combilift CEO and Co-Founder Martin McVicar commented: “This is a great achievement for Combilift, particularly as almost every truck we manufacture is a one-off, designed for specific and individual requirements. There are very few other companies, if any, that can offer this level of customisation whilst manufacturing in such volume. The first half of this year has been by far the best in our 23-year history for the number of orders we have received – not just for Combi-CB models but across our complete product range.”

Chris Littlewood, Country Manager of Combilift Australia said: “The Combi-CB 3t model is the most popular unit in the Australian market and accounted for 50% of the machines we sold in the year ending March 2021. So we are particularly pleased that it is one of our customers in this country that has been able to receive this landmark machine.”

Following the successful collaboration with Metroll in Australia, Combilift now also supplies its trucks to the company’s Californian-based operations too. “We have often found that a recommendation from one country leads to sites elsewhere adopting the same material handling processes with our products,” said Martin McVicar. “So we’d like to congratulate Metroll on taking delivery of our 60,000th truck, and thank them for their continued support over the years.”

Click here to watch the video.

EFAFLEX high-speed doors help optimise workflow

Posted on by David Priestman

Facilitating fast and efficient movement of goods; minimising the risk of incidents; increasing workflow; automatic activation; creating a safe environment and protecting operatives around high- risk machinery… these are just some of the reasons EFAFLEX says it has become the partner of choice for customers operating within the processing or logistics sector.

How exactly can EFAFLEX help the processing & logistics industry? Take an aerial view of a warehouse or logistics facility. You might see loading bays where goods arrive and depart, production lines where produce is assembled or manufactured, and temperature or environmentally controlled areas where goods are stored in specific conditions. Add in machinery, operatives, and produce. This is an environment that is familiar to EFAFLEX.

At loading bays and docks where areas are exposed to the elements, fast-opening and -closing door speeds are essential. Internally between halls or different zones of production areas temperature control, or air purity may be your key consideration. Along conveyor lines, or around robotic or hazardous equipment, machine protection may be your concern.

Return to PPMA

EFAFLEX UK Limited returns to PPMA where three of its most popular high-speed doors used within the packing and processing sector will be in action. Darren Turrell, UK Managing Director, says: “Warehouse and logistics clients operate in an environment that continually expects shorter and shorter delivery lead times, while finding ways to improve and streamline processes, enhance operational performance and bottom line. It’s a fact that the transportation and storage industry have more incidents involving workplace vehicles than any other sector.£

EFAFLEX will be showcasing its high-speed spiral featuring its EFA-THERM insulating laths, the EFA-STT turbo, and the fabric roll-up option.

Turrell continues: “There is nothing quite like seeing our high-speed doors in action. PPMA gives us this opportunity to meet with customers and discuss their specific requirements. Each order is manufactured bespoke to the customer requirements. Our high-speed doors are a premium brand, but when you factor in the whole-life cost savings, such as radically reduced energy costs due to their operating speeds and insulation properties, they are a cost-effective option.

“60% of our orders are from customers who have made this calculation and chosen to replace old roller shutters or overhead sectional doors because of the many benefits that an EFAFLEX door will offer.

Consider too that incidents not only can cause injuries to people, but they can result in unwanted costly downtime, which can have an unexpected knock-on effect that ripples throughout the processing facility.

Key features of EFAFLEX processing & logistics solutions:

  • A complete range of doors to suit every aspect of the facility
  • Internal roll up doors or exterior spiral and folding models available
  • Machine Protection solutions to add safety in higher risk areas
  • A range of activation methods to suit your needs
  • Selection of colours and finishes

See the EFAFLEX range of interior and exterior doors at PPMA stand J62, from 28 -30 September, NEC, Birmingham.

 

EFAFLEX high-speed doors help optimise workflow

Posted on by David Priestman

Facilitating fast and efficient movement of goods; minimising the risk of incidents; increasing workflow; automatic activation; creating a safe environment and protecting operatives around high- risk machinery… these are just some of the reasons EFAFLEX says it has become the partner of choice for customers operating within the processing or logistics sector.

How exactly can EFAFLEX help the processing & logistics industry? Take an aerial view of a warehouse or logistics facility. You might see loading bays where goods arrive and depart, production lines where produce is assembled or manufactured, and temperature or environmentally controlled areas where goods are stored in specific conditions. Add in machinery, operatives, and produce. This is an environment that is familiar to EFAFLEX.

At loading bays and docks where areas are exposed to the elements, fast-opening and -closing door speeds are essential. Internally between halls or different zones of production areas temperature control, or air purity may be your key consideration. Along conveyor lines, or around robotic or hazardous equipment, machine protection may be your concern.

Return to PPMA

EFAFLEX UK Limited returns to PPMA where three of its most popular high-speed doors used within the packing and processing sector will be in action. Darren Turrell, UK Managing Director, says: “Warehouse and logistics clients operate in an environment that continually expects shorter and shorter delivery lead times, while finding ways to improve and streamline processes, enhance operational performance and bottom line. It’s a fact that the transportation and storage industry have more incidents involving workplace vehicles than any other sector.£

EFAFLEX will be showcasing its high-speed spiral featuring its EFA-THERM insulating laths, the EFA-STT turbo, and the fabric roll-up option.

Turrell continues: “There is nothing quite like seeing our high-speed doors in action. PPMA gives us this opportunity to meet with customers and discuss their specific requirements. Each order is manufactured bespoke to the customer requirements. Our high-speed doors are a premium brand, but when you factor in the whole-life cost savings, such as radically reduced energy costs due to their operating speeds and insulation properties, they are a cost-effective option.

“60% of our orders are from customers who have made this calculation and chosen to replace old roller shutters or overhead sectional doors because of the many benefits that an EFAFLEX door will offer.

Consider too that incidents not only can cause injuries to people, but they can result in unwanted costly downtime, which can have an unexpected knock-on effect that ripples throughout the processing facility.

Key features of EFAFLEX processing & logistics solutions:

  • A complete range of doors to suit every aspect of the facility
  • Internal roll up doors or exterior spiral and folding models available
  • Machine Protection solutions to add safety in higher risk areas
  • A range of activation methods to suit your needs
  • Selection of colours and finishes

See the EFAFLEX range of interior and exterior doors at PPMA stand J62, from 28 -30 September, NEC, Birmingham.

 

Antwerp sees growth despite pandemic

Posted on by David Priestman

During the first six months of 2021, 120 million tonnes were transhipped through the Port of Antwerp, an increase of 5% compared with the same period last year, despite the impact of the ongoing pandemic. Transhipments with the UK and Ireland also show positive figures; the expanded shortsea connections in response to Brexit are proving effective.

Containers are the only cargo type that has continuously grown since 2014, up by 4.3% in the first half of the year compared to 2020, and by 3.9% compared to 2019 (in tonnes). Conventional breakbulk has grown by 41.2% compared to 2020 and equals the throughput of the first 6 months of 2019. The throughput of iron and steel, the main goods group in this segment, increased by 37.8% due to a peak in the supply of steel. RoRo also did very well in 2021 and increased by 22% compared to the first half of 2020.

Dry bulk transhipment increased by 7.5% but there are fluctuations because some products, such as fertilisers, are seasonal. Liquid bulk grew slightly by 1.2% compared to 2020 but decreased by 6.1% compared to 2019. In May, the volume of fuels was the highest since October last year, while the transhipment of chemicals increased by 8.9% compared to 2020. Demand for chemicals is booming globally due to the recovery in industrial production and is exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

Brexit: growth in declining market

With an annual cargo flow of around 15 million tonnes, the UK is the third-largest maritime trading partner for the Port of Antwerp. The start of Brexit at the beginning of this year therefore created major challenges due to increased administrative complexities and more controls, which resulted in congestion, longer transit times and higher costs. As a result, the flow of goods between the EU and the UK is decreasing. Despite these difficult conditions, however, the Port of Antwerp recorded growth in total throughput of 11.1% with the UK and 12.1% with Ireland in the first half of the year compared with the same period in 2020.

In preparation for Brexit, Port of Antwerp put all its efforts into further expanding short sea connections with the UK and Ireland in order to achieve the modal shift from ferry to container transport. Five years after the Brexit referendum, the port of Antwerp is now connected with 12 British and Irish ports. In fact, Irish importers and exporters are increasingly abandoning the land bridge over the UK and are instead opting for a direct maritime connection. This way, cargo remains within the European Union and British customs formalities and duties are bypassed. For example, Eucon, an Irish shipper, has expanded its shortsea sailings from Antwerp to Ireland with an additional ship, mainly between Antwerp and Dublin.

Step towards CO2 reduction

The Antwerp@C consortium is taking important steps forward in the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon port. The feasibility studies have been completed and the consortium is preparing to enter the design phase. The project, an initiative by Air Liquide, BASF, Borealis, ExxonMobil, INEOS, TotalEnergies, Fluxys and Port of Antwerp, has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions in the Port of Antwerp by half by 2030. It will do this by capturing CO2 and using it or storing it permanently.

Serge Amorgaste, Sales Manager at Eucon, said: “The strategic location of Antwerp and the reliability and flexibility of the network offered from and to Antwerp, ensure the right transit time to meet the growing demand of our customers. Multimodal transport is the right tool for this door-to-door concept.”

Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO Port of Antwerp: “We knew that Brexit would have major consequences for the transport of goods between Europe and the UK. By preparing ourselves well and focusing on short sea connections and LoLo cargo, we can convert the challenges into opportunities. The positive half-year figures for transhipment with the UK and Ireland confirm this. After Brexit, Antwerp wants more than ever to be the gateway between Europe and the UK and Ireland.”

Annick De Ridder, Port Alderman: “Despite the difficult circumstances in which we started 2021, we can show that the port is holding its own and is once again even recording growth in container handling. The economic urgency for extra container capacity is clearly demonstrated, more than ever. The figures are a confirmation of the resilience of our port and of the flexibility of all employees who ensure that everything keeps running.”

Antwerp sees growth despite pandemic

Posted on by Keith McKinley

During the first six months of 2021, 120 million tonnes were transhipped through the Port of Antwerp, an increase of 5% compared with the same period last year, despite the impact of the ongoing pandemic. Transhipments with the UK and Ireland also show positive figures; the expanded shortsea connections in response to Brexit are proving effective.

Containers are the only cargo type that has continuously grown since 2014, up by 4.3% in the first half of the year compared to 2020, and by 3.9% compared to 2019 (in tonnes). Conventional breakbulk has grown by 41.2% compared to 2020 and equals the throughput of the first 6 months of 2019. The throughput of iron and steel, the main goods group in this segment, increased by 37.8% due to a peak in the supply of steel. RoRo also did very well in 2021 and increased by 22% compared to the first half of 2020.

Dry bulk transhipment increased by 7.5% but there are fluctuations because some products, such as fertilisers, are seasonal. Liquid bulk grew slightly by 1.2% compared to 2020 but decreased by 6.1% compared to 2019. In May, the volume of fuels was the highest since October last year, while the transhipment of chemicals increased by 8.9% compared to 2020. Demand for chemicals is booming globally due to the recovery in industrial production and is exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

Brexit: growth in declining market

With an annual cargo flow of around 15 million tonnes, the UK is the third-largest maritime trading partner for the Port of Antwerp. The start of Brexit at the beginning of this year therefore created major challenges due to increased administrative complexities and more controls, which resulted in congestion, longer transit times and higher costs. As a result, the flow of goods between the EU and the UK is decreasing. Despite these difficult conditions, however, the Port of Antwerp recorded growth in total throughput of 11.1% with the UK and 12.1% with Ireland in the first half of the year compared with the same period in 2020.

In preparation for Brexit, Port of Antwerp put all its efforts into further expanding short sea connections with the UK and Ireland in order to achieve the modal shift from ferry to container transport. Five years after the Brexit referendum, the port of Antwerp is now connected with 12 British and Irish ports. In fact, Irish importers and exporters are increasingly abandoning the land bridge over the UK and are instead opting for a direct maritime connection. This way, cargo remains within the European Union and British customs formalities and duties are bypassed. For example, Eucon, an Irish shipper, has expanded its shortsea sailings from Antwerp to Ireland with an additional ship, mainly between Antwerp and Dublin.

Step towards CO2 reduction

The Antwerp@C consortium is taking important steps forward in the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon port. The feasibility studies have been completed and the consortium is preparing to enter the design phase. The project, an initiative by Air Liquide, BASF, Borealis, ExxonMobil, INEOS, TotalEnergies, Fluxys and Port of Antwerp, has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions in the Port of Antwerp by half by 2030. It will do this by capturing CO2 and using it or storing it permanently.

Serge Amorgaste, Sales Manager at Eucon, said: “The strategic location of Antwerp and the reliability and flexibility of the network offered from and to Antwerp, ensure the right transit time to meet the growing demand of our customers. Multimodal transport is the right tool for this door-to-door concept.”

Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO Port of Antwerp: “We knew that Brexit would have major consequences for the transport of goods between Europe and the UK. By preparing ourselves well and focusing on short sea connections and LoLo cargo, we can convert the challenges into opportunities. The positive half-year figures for transhipment with the UK and Ireland confirm this. After Brexit, Antwerp wants more than ever to be the gateway between Europe and the UK and Ireland.”

Annick De Ridder, Port Alderman: “Despite the difficult circumstances in which we started 2021, we can show that the port is holding its own and is once again even recording growth in container handling. The economic urgency for extra container capacity is clearly demonstrated, more than ever. The figures are a confirmation of the resilience of our port and of the flexibility of all employees who ensure that everything keeps running.”

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