Entrepreneurs from horticulture, logistics and transport companies, among others, want to realise a completely CO2 neutral Rail terminal for goods along the highway A12 in Bleiswijk, The Netherlands. The location is ideally suited in the horticultural areas which means high volumes and a constant stream of goods can be guaranteed. The German, Scandinavian, Austrian, Southern European and Chinese markets can be supplied with (fresh) produce from the rail terminal and return streams are guaranteed.
The consortium and Holland Railterminal BV, who are working on bringing the Holland RailTerminal (HRT) to Bleiswijk, consists of logistical service providers such as Samskip Van Dieren, Visbeen, Stenaline, Gistworld etc, shippers such as Combilo, Horticoop, Anthura, Bunnik Plants, Ammerlaan etc, and other companies such as Royal Lemkes, Railbrokerz etc.
Necessity
"The Railterminal has to be in Bleiswijk. Roads are jamming up, it's getting harder and harder to find drivers and CO2 is becoming increasingly important in economic traffic. Together with the government, branch organisations and businesses we are working to reduce the CO2 emissions," according to one of the advocates.
Horticulture Alderman Albert Abee, of the Lansingerland municipality adds: "We fully support the initiative from the municipality. The HRT strengthens the current economy and ensures new business and with it employment in Lansingerland and the region. The HRT provides an important contribution to realising the climate goals of the municipality, region and the Netherlands. The HRT also allows companies to transport CO2 neutrally, which is increasingly important to the consumers."
Completely climate neutral
The HRT could be the first climate neutral rail terminal in the world. The intention is to realise this climate neutral transport chain with an electrical train, electrical pre and after transport and electrical cooling, in which the necessary energy is generated in a sustainable manner. This concerns a so-called Roll-on Roll-off terminal, suitable for all types of trailers, due to which quick loading and unloading is possible, important for conditioned products.
Report
At the moment the Province of South Holland is doing research into a suitable location for a Railterminal in the province. Bleiswijk is one of the locations being looked into, as well as Alphen a/d Rijn and Rotterdam. The final report of the investigation will be ready soon. Preliminary results show that the parties prefer Bleiswijk. A discussion with the province and investigative bureau will follow in mid July to talk about this report and make a principled decision.