From 3 February 2025, WEC Lines, in cooperation with A2B-online, Tailwind Shipping Lines, and Danser Group, will introduce a new barge connection. This new service, operated with the ms Tranquilo, will begin with two sailings per week between Moerdijk (Combined Cargo Terminals, CCT) and Duisburg (Duisburg Gateway Terminal, DGT), seamlessly linking to existing short-sea connections from Moerdijk.
"With this new barge service, we offer a competitive alternative to road transport for our clients in the Ruhr area into Southern Europe and vice versa," stated Brian Vaz, Intermodal Analyst & Projects at WEC Lines. "This supports our commitment to respond to market demand while ensuring a timely, secure, and eco-friendly delivery."
The Duisburg Gateway Terminal, the world's largest inland port, is set to become the first greenhouse gas-neutral terminal, aligning with WEC Lines' goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Every Monday afternoon and Wednesday evening, a barge will depart from Moerdijk to Duisburg, while return trips from Duisburg will take place every Tuesday and Friday evening. The initial focus is on ensuring a stable and reliable service, with future plans to increase the frequency of departures.
With this new service, the Ruhr area will now be accessible from Moerdijk via water, seamlessly integrating with WEC Lines' NWC CAI service, which connects Moerdijk and Iberia. The service also contributes to the expansion of the Port of Moerdijk as an intermodal hub, while improving the sustainability of the Moerdijk-Ruhr corridor by reducing congestion on road networks. CCT has played a pivotal role in making this partnership possible.
A2B-online, Tailwind Shipping Lines, and Danser Group are key partners in the realization of this barge service. A2B-online, a logistics service provider founded in 2006, specializes in innovative and tailored transport solutions by truck, ship, and rail between the Continent and the UK. Tailwind Shipping Lines, a German shipping company and subsidiary of Lidl Stiftung & Co. KG, was established in July 2022. Initially focused on connecting Asia and Europe for Lidl's non-food sector, Tailwind has since expanded its capacity to serve other customers. Danser Group, an intermodal operator for over 40 years, manages a fleet of owned and chartered inland vessels and has established itself as a leading service provider in inland shipping across Northwestern Europe.
These three companies have proven to be ideal partners for WEC Lines in launching this barge service. A2B-online and Tailwind Shipping Lines, like WEC Lines, are committed to fulfilling customer needs, while for Danser Group, the barge operation represents a valuable extension of its network. This collaboration not only establishes a strong new service but also paves the way for future cooperation and expansion in the intermodal transport sector.
For more information:
Eva Rademaker-de Leeuw
WEC Lines
Tel: +31 10 491 3350
Email: [email protected]
www.weclines.com