RELATION INLAND WATERWAY SHIPPING AND CARGO HANDLING

Inland shipping plays a major role in the transport of the cargo transshipped in Rotterdam. Cargo flows and modal split in 1990 are compared with those foreseen for 2010. Increasing concern over environmental strain will pose new requirements to transshipment and ship operators on the one hand but favour inland shipping on the other. The technological situation in inland shipping and cargo handling today are reviewed. New developments and constraints to development are indicated. A case study is presented regarding the choice of transport made for pelletised fertiliser. The relative importance of cargo handling and storage in the transport chain from producer to end user are discussed on the basis of this case.