North Sea Port and the Port of Moerdijk have joined forces to structurally strengthen inland container shipping, establishing a new multimodal corridor between Brabant and Zeeland that offers shippers and logistics service providers a reliable and future-proof alternative to road transport.

The collaboration focuses on connecting existing logistics networks more intelligently by making better use of shared waterway and rail routes. The result is a corridor in which freight flows are distributed across inland waterway transport, rail, and road, with inland shipping forming the backbone of the network, supplemented by flexible road transport for short-distance feeder and backhaul services.

A concrete outcome of the partnership is a regular inland waterway connection between Moerdijk and Vlissingen/Terneuzen, operated by Danser Group and Contargo Transbox. Contargo currently sails twice a week between Vlissingen and Moerdijk, with Danser also deploying regular capacity on the route. Both operators have indicated that frequency could be expanded if volumes warrant it.

The connection links short-sea and deep-sea services in Vlissingen and Moerdijk to each other’s logistics networks and the broader European hinterland. Food products, fruit, and other temperature-controlled cargo form a significant portion of the flows, particularly for short-sea transport to Scandinavia and the United Kingdom.

Alongside the new connection, both port authorities are working to build a clearer picture of existing import and export flows. Companies and operators from both port areas have shared their logistics processes, revealing that the ports complement each other well and that concrete opportunities exist to consolidate cargo and plan more efficiently.

The collaboration is supported by the Joint Corridors Off-Road programme, which maps logistics flows, sailing schedules, and available capacity across both regions. In Brabant, the programme is run by Logistics Community Brabant, and in Zeeland by Zeeland Connect. Programme representatives noted that the corridor could also offer companies an alternative to routes via busier main ports, reducing dependence on waiting times at Rotterdam and Antwerp.

Cas König, CEO of North Sea Port, said the corridor would boost the logistical capacity of the port areas and demonstrated that inland waterway transport is a fully-fledged, reliable, and sustainable alternative for container flows. Paul Dirix, CEO of Port of Moerdijk, said the partnership would make it more attractive for shippers to opt for inland waterway transport, helping businesses reduce costs and operate efficiently while easing road congestion.

In the next phase, both ports are inviting terminals, barge operators, logistics service providers, and shippers to join the corridor, with the aim of pooling volumes to further strengthen and expand the inland waterway connection.

For more information visit www.northseaport.com