Logistic solutions, distribution & added value

www.shippingchina.com 2009-06-03 11:30:35

Besides all advantages my colleagues have accentuated I would like to highlight the unique nature of Zeebrugge port as a logistic solutions provider indeed: the port of Zeebrugge is not an industrial port, it is not a traditional port but it is a young and flexible port where the needs of all customers receive full attention and follow-up.  Whatever your industry, whatever your niche market, whatever your distribution needs; Zeebrugge will find an adequate solution.
A few interesting case studies will highlight our distribution and added value strengths.

1. StoraEnso
StoraEnso is a testimonial of successful distribution throughout Europe.
The world biggest paper and pulp manufacturer was facing congestion over the roads in their logistics from Scandinavia right through Germany. As a result costs grew and their market access diminished.
Moreover, they wanted a more environment justified logistic pattern seaking a new short sea connection from Gothenburg in Sweden to a mid European port in the range LeHavre to Rotterdam.
This port had to be cost effective to the hinterland and from a maritime point of view easy accessible without in delay in schedule times i.e. a coastal port.
(The world’s biggest paper and pulp manufacturer wanted to organise its European distribution by getting the trucks off the road and focus on environmentally friendly short sea connections. )
They studied every aspect as millions of tons of cargo had to reach the markets. Finally they selected our port :Zeebrugge offering the best market access and with possibility to create an own, dedicated platform.
In the year 2000 they started with 1.2 tonnes of paper from Göteburg Sweden to Zeebrugge.
Special roro ships and containers ensure a cost effective transport and the success of this logistic approach made volumes increase to 2,000,000 tonnes in 2005.
This short sea - rail combinations effectively serve all European markets from northern Scandinavia to the central Zeebrugge hub and back from deep sea volumes coming from Brazil to the newspaper press in the UK.
And also deepsea flows from StoraEnso to the Far East are taken care off from this hub

2. Bridgestone
Bridgestone Firestone is one of the world leaders in tyre manufacturing.  Their European logistics took shape in Zeebrugge in 2001 with an initial 3 hectares dedicated to serve Belgium and the surrounding countries. 
In 2003 there was an extension to 6 hectares.
And today they operate a state-of-the-art distribution centre of 9 hectares.
They have evolved towards distribution of all types of tyres, not only for the surrounding countries but for the whole of Europe.
In view of their success further extensions are being planned.

3. Tropicana
Tropicana is a subsidiary of the Pepsi Coke Group and produces and distributes premium fresh fruit juices comes into the port by

It is then processed in a state-of-the art factory and leaves in boxes and pallets to the shelves of the European supermarkets in Spain, France, Germany, the rest of Europe and, especially the UK.
The interesting fact about Tropicana’s choice for Zeebrugge is their own testimonial
   
Tropicana was indeed convinced they needed to have their factory in a port.  From there they selected around 10 European ports and short listed Finally Zeebrugge proved to have the best overall advantages and the decision was taken.  Slide Zespri
Other examples in food industry & local added value activities are Zespri slide 125,000 tonnes in bins → trays, Efico & 2XL Evian.
Other food products also have their central European distribution hub in Zeebrugge and important volumes of fresh kiwifruit, coffee and drinking water find their way to all European supermarkets.
I want to bring the case of Evian slide: loodsen + Evian in supermarkt water to your special attention; 400,000 tonnes of water are centralised for distribution in Zeebrugge.
They arrive by train and are prepared for the UK market.
Before this Evian had two distribution centres in the UK.  With the Zeebrugge platform they were able to close these and concentrate all activities in one central warehouse in Zeebrugge: efficiency and cost saving were the result.
They were able to close down the distribution operation in UK because out of Zeebrugge, with the very frequent maritime services, sufficient 100% proof guarantees were given that the receivers all over UK would get their daily needs covered!
4.  Furthermore 125,000 tonnes of fresh kiwifruit from the other side of the world arrive in reefer ships and are re-packed from bins into trays that find their way on a daily base to the European supermarkets.

5. Car Centre & Added Value Car Industry
Another fine example of tailor made logistics in the car sector.
New cars are imported for the European markets through our port. However, in order to increase market share and penetration these cars can be customized with loads of options such as roof racks – leather interior – video screens – wheel rims etc.
Up to 78 hrs prior to delivery these option fittings can be executed in this centre fulfilling last wishes of dealer and customer.
From this central stock dealers have a overview of all models available and Car Center Zeebrugge makes sure that their requirements are delt with swifly and at guaranteed quality levels.
   

Automotive - Added Value Logistics

Ladies and gentlemen, another example of tailor made logistics is the car sector. Since 2003 Zeebrugge is without interruption the largest car handling port in the world ! More than 2,000,000 units pas through Zeebrugge every year.
Our location at the heart of the European consumer and production markets considerably adds to our role as distribution point.
But what makes Zeebrugge so special ? Zeebrugge possesses one major trump card : we offer the market a ‘total concept’ :
We offer our customers frequency :
on the seaside we offer the wide range of both intra-European and intercontinental services ; on the landside we offer a variety of connections to the European hinterland by road, rail and (estuary) barge.
We offer space :
we dedicate no less than 350 hectares to car handling !
And last but not least, we offer know-how :
Zeebrugge integrates into the logistic chain by adapting or preparing a large number of car makes for the local markets. The car manufacturers have shifted added value to the ports. Hence, Zeebrugge houses many car centers which are involved in pre delivery and inspection, car processing, vehicle holding, post production option and direct dealer delivery.
Almost 1,000 highly skilled people are involved in the automotive sector in Zeebrugge, guaranteeing the highest productivity ! Zeebrugge handles no less than 7,000 cars/ha/year !

Ladies and gentlemen, Zeebrugge is a unique car hub for the world, bringing together maritime services, inland distribution, terminal handling and value-added services for both cars and High&Heavy roro equipment.
The objective always being to reach the market in a timely, efficient and cost effective way !

Conclusion
Ladies and Gentlemen; these case studies prove one and most important factor about distribution out of Zeebrugge:
“Each and every company who decided to choose Zeebrugge as European distribution platform has been successful; has been cost effective and has expanded its activities and business.
No company has ever left us.
We may not be the mega port. But we are a new logistic hub in Europe. Our growth in trade proves we are serve. It also shows how our customers growth. Our customers feel king and their strategy is implemented up to the detail.
Port of Zeebrugge does not ask you “do you know how big we are, but port of Zeebrugge asks you “What can we do to help you?”