After a long preliminary phase, the Container Exchange Route (CER) on the Maasvlakte in the port of Rotterdam was officially commissioned on 28 November.
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.
CER
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.
Boudewijn Siemons, interim CEO and COO of Port of Rotterdam Authority, commented, “The Port of Rotterdam Authority wants to further strengthen the port of Rotterdam’s position as 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.”
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.
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.
Volume to be increased
Now that the initial parties will be using the CER, volumes are expected to gradually increase. In the near future, new connections with terminals, depots and distribution centres are also expected.
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Source : Container news
