Innovation through tradition: introduction of the barge taxi in Hamburg

From June, a new transport system will be introduced at our Hamburg site: The barge taxi. This system will have a positive impact on both the environmental impact and the logistical processes.

The barge taxi

The inland barge is a traditional open watercraft that is usually used in inland waterway transport for the transport of goods. A barge can transport around 20-30 containers at a time, but can be extended as required by attaching a lighter. A lighter is an inland vessel without a motor.

At least 50% of all containers that we move in Hamburg will be transported by barge taxi in future.

In contrast to transport by truck, the containers are brought directly from the seaport terminals to our quayside by barge taxi. There, the containers are unloaded by crane and stored on the terminal site.

Eco-friendly and efficient

By using the waterway, the logistics process is optimised and traffic on the roads in Hamburg is relieved. Possible delays in road traffic are avoided, which has a positive effect on delivery times.

This also has a positive effect on the environment: the reduction in CO₂ emissions reduces the environmental impact.

Long-term benefits for our customers

The long-term benefits outweigh the low additional costs. The investments in the infrastructure of the barge taxi and the implementation of new logistics processes will be reflected in a more efficient and sustainable service.

Customers can continue to rely on a high-quality service in the future, while at the same time contributing to sustainability.

The next steps

In co-operation with Deufol, we are planning a double container flow. This means that we will take care of the import utilisation (transport from the terminals to Vollers), while Deufol will take care of the export (transport from the Roßhafen back to the terminals).

We are pleased to be able to offer our customers this new, efficient and sustainable service, continuing our commitment to the environment.