Waregem, Belgium -- Beaulieu International Group (BIG) announced the results of its global logistics platform that uses waterway transport to reduce its dependency on truck transport. This program reduced the company's container transport-related CO₂ emissions by 36% in 2017 and is scheduled to achieve a further 55% reduction in the coming years.

Since the start of the program in 2015, it has grown substantially and now 60% of BIG's output by container is transported via barges starting at the River Terminal Wielsbeke (RTW). The RTW acts as BIG's global inland hub, connecting the company to major shipping routes and destinations around the world via the Port of Antwerp. The container transport organization has been set up in close cooperation with RTW operator Delcatrans, who provide barge transport services, and Manuport Logistics, who act as a Fourth party logistics partner for BIG.

Previously all container cargo went by truck to the Port of Antwerp, a distance of 90 km. By changing to water transport, journey times have become more reliable as traffic congestion isn’t factored in; there are fewer trucks on the roads reducing traffic for other road users; and the company's CO2 emissions have fallen. In 2017 the company shipped 3,000 containers via combined road + barge transport, reducing CO2 emissions by 300 tonnes, compared with pure road transport.

“Our target is to increase barge use by 10% this year and barge capacity is planned to increase from 60 to 90 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) in the coming years,” said Isabelle Vandamme, group supply chain and procurement director, BIG.

For more information, visit bintg.com.