Roll on, roll off
RORO means 'roll on, roll off'. It involves mobile cargo, such as cars, which is driven on and off RORO vessels by specially trained drivers.
2023-08-18
Portrait of two RORO companies: Van der Vlist and Sallaum
The handling of RORO cargo such as cars, vans and crane trucks is very important to our port. But what does all that involve? We outline the route taken by a new car through a portrait of two of the companies at our port.
Port of Antwerp-Bruges is the world leader in RORO, with Zeebrugge as the largest car port in the world. The fact that we are so strong in the sector is partly due to the excellent connectivity between the deep sea network and the short sea network.
Pepijn de Vreese,Business Development Advisor Port of Antwerp-Bruges
Port of Antwerp-Bruges handled 3 million new cars in 2023. Cars of all major brands pass through here on their way to their final destination. The automotive sector is not only a major share of the port's throughput, but also provides a lot of added value. The choice by car manufacturers to sail here attracts other companies that engage in value-added services, such as accessory installation, washing and inspections. That creates additional employment.
Van der Vlist: more than just transport
Van der Vlist is a transport company specialising in unusual transport. The family business has been in logistics for ninety years and three generations. Today, they have about 300 trucks for exceptional transport and several branches, including two in Zeebrugge.
12,000 in a row
On the Van der Vlist grounds, rows of yellow excavators impressively stand side by side. Almost 20 years ago, Van der Vlist won a tender for the distribution of Caterpillar machines across the European market. In 2005, the company put 600 machines from Caterpillar on the market. Last year, there were nearly 12,000. It is therefore their main customer on this site, in addition to other companies, such as the French Manitou Group.
Added value
Pascal Pannier, Managing Director of Van der Vlist Belgium, explains that they work for Caterpillar in two segments. "We have some compact machines – these arrive both in containers and with RORO ships. We also have the heavier machines of 20 tons and more. We handle those here." Those huge excavators often arrive half-assembled. That makes the parts easier to transport. At Van der Vlist, talented mechanics then build them.
"A small delay in production in China or Japan means that a machine sometimes has to wait 6 to 8 weeks to get to Europe on the next ship. By doing that last step of production with us, you no longer run that risk. Thus, the customer gains a few months in supply to the end customer. But we also provide quality control, technical checks, functional checks and even customs formalities. That makes the machines ready for the market."
Sallaum: green at sea and on land
Sallaum Lines is an international shipping company specialising in worldwide RORO cargo transport. An ambitious investment project means to prepare the Antwerp terminal for a sustainable expansion of activities.
Added value
The renovation of the terminal has a price tag of 15 million euros. "Antwerp is an important base of operations for Sallaum Lines and we are aiming to attract new factory cargo. The contract for a 46,000m2 multi-story parking garage was approved and it should be operational by the end of 2023. Charging stations for electric vehicles unloaded at the terminal will also go into operation soon," says David Van Ballaert, Managing Director at Sallaum Lines Belgium.
At a new PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection) centre, Sallaum will offer value-added services such as washing and de-waxing, applying stickers or special protective films and providing manuals.
©Jens MollenvangerClimate neutral in 2050
In order to meet the 2050 climate goals, Sallaum Lines aims to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 40% by 2030. "In the meantime, we are already ahead of schedule, having ordered eight new LNG ships. These are going to double the current fleet by 2025." The shipping company is aiming for a fully optimised green shipping fleet by 2026. They are switching to biofuels for this purpose and are also exploring alternative energy sources.
The Antwerp terminal already uses 100% green electricity through wind turbines and is testing out electric terminal vehicles as well. In addition, they are looking at opportunities for installing solar panels and battery storage, and for providing shore power for ocean-going vessels.
©Jens MollenvangerStay informed
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