Sustainable transport by water

Peter Joos has every confidence that the modal shift and sustainable transport will continue unhindered. He has noticed a rapid gain in the transition. “The European Green Deal, which shows common sense on limiting the CO2 emissions and a new generation of managers are setting the tone”, says the CEO of JoGo Logistics.

JoGo Logistics explains the term ‘sustainable logistics’ and as a logistics supply chain director, aims to assist companies in their transport issues. “The central point is the achievement of the modal shift, in which we want to make the leap from road transport to transport by water”, explains Peter Joos of JoGo.

“As a logistics director, we always adapt to the customer's situation and discuss how - with a view to sustainable transport - we can make their transport chain as sustainable as possible. We work using our own resources and staff to assist them more effectively”.

 

“Did you know that over 100 million pallet units are transported by road in Belgium? Surely we can transport at least 10% by water? Take into account the enormous amount of waterways in Belgium and you’ll understand what we can achieve a great deal of sustainable transport!”

 

Sustainable transport and modal shift are continuing unhindered

Why is this modal shift so important to companies? Peter sums up some of the reasons:

“Of course, we are thinking in the first instance of limiting congestion on the road and aiming towards a cleaner environment, since a ship emits less CO2 per loaded tonne than a truck. Where companies in the initial stage were asked to carry out their production processes, production emissions and waste water disposal as cleanly as possible, we are now witnessing a shift towards making transport more sustainable. This is one of the major sources of CO2 emissions. The government sets environmental standards for companies. They must now be able to demonstrate that they are making their transport more sustainable”.

A further reason for the modal shift: the speed and streamlining of your logistics. “Transporting goods by water is a much faster and more reliable process: 10 to 50 truckloads can fit into a single barge”, says Peter Joos.

Besides that, there's the matter of cost. “Per tonne of cargo in waterway transport, there is 30% less fuel consumption than in road transport. A striking point is that we are noticing that the cost is becoming less and less of a consideration in logistical decision-making. Under pressure from legislation such as the Green Deal, people are prepared to pay more for sustainable transport”.

Sustainable transport by water gives peace of mind

There are even more reasons behind the modal shift towards sustainable transport. “The modal shift fits perfectly into the increased need for efficiency among companies”, says Peter. “Because the daily arrival of one or more trucks at a company site always entails a great deal of hassle: there’s the administrative handling during loading and unloading, the hustle and bustle at the site, waiting trucks, language and IT problems, and so on.

You can process large loads by water, using a ship that docks once or twice a week. This reduces the hustle and bustle and increases efficiency when deployed logistics personnel on site. In addition, you’re working at the back of the company, where is waterway is often situated. All in all, transport by ship gives your company peace of mind!”

Sustainable logistics: energy transition start for smaller ships

Peter is certain of one thing: the energy transition is also continuing in shipping. “This transition is in full swing, especially among smaller 500-600 tonne ships. Typically, these barges - especially in dry cargo - are manned and operated by a skipper-owner. In the short term, these ships will be replaced by new, more sustainable ships”.

Are you looking for an efficient, reliable, more beneficial and green alternative to road transport? Are you ready to make the modal shift? Ask your question using the form below!