Ultimate form of collaboration for more than 70 refrigerated containers

When multimodal transport becomes truly cool

“The key: efficient planning. Transporting a lighter (barge) for 72+ TEU in one go. Otherwise, we would have several calls at MPET, with the risk of missing the departure, and we would be able to cool them down immediately upon arrival,” explains Gosselin's Bruno Cambien in an email to MSC’s Intermodal Executive Martijn Lagaune. It is the start of a remarkable journey.

One agreement later, including MSC's request to Gosselin to document this exceptional project, saw the kick-off of a multi/intermodal project to be reckoned with. 

The importance of the cold chain

Reefer containers (refrigerated containers) are unloaded from the lighter at Wielsbeke's River Terminal at Gosselin West and transported by truck to Agristo for last-mile delivery. The containers are loaded immediately upon arrival and returned to the terminal. They are then returned to the lighter and made ready in time for departure to the Port of Antwerp Bruges, quay 1742, for unloading for export.  And all this within less than 48 hours...

It sounds simple at first, but efficiency, speed, and planning are crucial in such a project. An optimal relationship between all parties involved is absolutely necessary to avoid breaking the ‘cold chain’.

“Reefer containers have the ability to keep their goods cold for long periods of time, even when they are not plugged in. But even that has a ‘limit’,” explains Vince Van Wellen, Head of Business Development at Gosselin Logistics. “That's why very tight planning and a good overview of the project are very important.”

“After maximum cooling of the containers, the temperature drops by an average of 1°C/hour. From 24 hours after disconnection, this becomes crucial,” says Bruno Cambien. "Gosselin West's RTW (River Terminal Wielsbeke) is equipped to receive and ‘plug in’ refrigerated containers. Moreover, the barges used there are also equipped for this purpose. But of course, never 70 at a time!"

Consolidation = win/win

For the shipping company and handling in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, it is also beneficial to receive one shipment rather than several trucks or consignments. It was therefore necessary to request a specific and guaranteed timeframe for unloading the lighter. “Of course, we at MSC want to ensure that such projects run smoothly,” says Martijn Lagaune. “We kept a close eye on that lighter.”

“The relationship between the many different parties is extremely important. Keeping an overview and keeping our finger on the pulse is something we at Gosselin are known for,” laughs Vince Van Wellen, “But admittedly, this project does give us a thrill.”

The images speak for themselves: Together with Remant, MSC, and Contargo, Gosselin has succeeded in getting Agristo's goods safely and on time in and out of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges by combining last-mile logistics with a multi/intermodal solution.

About Gosselin Logistics

Gosselin Logistics is a leading provider of logistics services. With activities ranging from terminal operations, forwarding and warehouse storage to customs formalities Gosselin Logistics can offer its customers a constant supply chain. Heavy-Gosselin is a division of Gosselin Logistics specialized in industrial projects.  

Gosselin Logistics is a division of the Gosselin Group that has its headquarters in Antwerp, Belgium. The company was founded in 1930 and employs a staff of 1,500 that generates more than 450 million euros in turnover.