IFB invests in an increase of the capacity of container terminal Main Hub
Antwerp – September 2009 – IFB, specialist logistic solutions for container transport and terminal manager, has taken advantage of the summer period to accomplish important improvement works to the Antwerp container terminal Main Hub, in view of a significant increase of the capacity and flexibility.
On the one hand, IFB has increased the surface of the terminal significantly for 100.000 m2 to 140.000 m2. This extension increases the capacity of 200.000 to 300.000 units per year, what comes down to 4 more round trips per day.
Moreover, IFB has upgraded the flexibility of the transport of the containers on the terminal. The existing static rubber tyred gantries (RTG) and the Multi trailer systems were replaced 9 new straddle carriers, that can be used anywhere on the terminal. This investment will improve the speed with which the containers are being moved.
In the mean time, the terminal management system Interman was also updated, in function of the change of the lay-out of the terminal. This update permitted that after the construction works, all commercial and administrative processes were perfectly adapted. Interman is a particular development of IFB and manages the planning and processes for all terminal-, rail-, barging- en truck handlings in real time,
IFB has foreseen an extensive and professional training for all employees that are working on the terminals, in order to guarantee that the new materials are used in a safe way.
Geert Pauwels, CEO of IFB and coordinator of the BCargo Group: “IFB is the reference in the field of rail container terminals, in Belgium, and especially in Antwerp. Despite the economical circumstances, we felt it was important to make this important investment to increase the capacity of the Main Hub. The existing products of IFB, like the Narcon and the new connections between Main Hub and Rotterdam, are very successful. Even in times of economical crisis, we continue to invest, as well in the development of our terminal activity, as in the launch of new connections.”
About IFB
Inter Ferry Boats is member of the BCargo Group and a full (100%) subsidiary of NMBS/SNCB. The company is based in Antwerp and has for more than ten years been providing reliable multimodal solutions for transporting containers, chemicals, automotive products, paper and wood and consumer goods at home and abroad by rail, freighter or truck. IFB provides rail transport, but also manages various terminals in Belgium, Germany and France for freight handling. It has developed the successful National Rail Container Network (Narcon), a daily link via rail, terminal and truck between the quays in Antwerp and Zeebrugge and the hinterland. Rail Force is a division of IFB that provides transport specifically for the chemical and automotive industries. H&S Container Line is also a subsidiary of the IFB Group and a specialist in inland navigation between North Sea ports and the economic centres of the Rhine Area. www.interferryboats.be
For more information
IFB nv – Veerle Van Mierlo – Telephone: 00 32 (0)2 525 87 18 – 00 32 (0)472/92 02 29 – E-mail: veerle.van.mierlo@interferryboats.be - 25A Houtdok - B-2030 Antwerp