ITG Meerhout (BCTN) and PSA Antwerp (PSAA) have partnered to introduce a new high-frequency barge service connecting Antwerp and Meerhout. This new service, named the “Meerhout – PSAA Express,” will offer a swift and dependable inland link between PSAA’s North Sea Terminal at Quay 913 and ITG Meerhout, commencing operations on January 6, 2025.

The service will operate three times weekly, with fixed calls at Quay 913 every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. This consistent schedule is designed to enhance planning certainty and operational efficiency for barge operators and cargo owners alike.

According to PSA Antwerp, the Meerhout – PSAA Express represents a significant advancement in optimizing barge handling. By implementing fixed time slots and standardized operational procedures, PSAA aims to boost predictability and reliability at the terminal. This approach will enable barge operators to plan more effectively and deliver a more consistent service to their clientele.

ITG Meerhout, recognized as the largest inland container terminal in the Benelux region, operates 24/7 and is committed to continuous investment in delivery reliability. This new express service will establish a dedicated, point-to-point barge connection to and from PSAA terminals.

The collaborating partners anticipate that the service will lead to reduced turnaround times, improved operational reliability, and increased transparency throughout the logistics chain. Shippers and logistics service providers are also expected to benefit from more streamlined inland transport flows.

Edward Tah, Managing Director of PSA Belgium, stated, “The ‘Meerhout – PSAA Express’ service leverages the combined strengths of PSA Antwerp and ITG Meerhout to provide faster, more reliable, and sustainable inland connections. By aligning our operations and introducing fixed time slots, we are creating a predictable solution that empowers customers to plan more effectively and ensures supply chains continue to move efficiently.”

David Huybrechts, General Manager Zuid at ITG Meerhout (BCTN), added, “This service offers guaranteed inland transit times between Antwerp and Meerhout. This fixed point-to-point connection allows our customers to manage import and export flows with greater efficiency and provides a valuable alternative to the increasing road congestion around Antwerp. With this launch, ITG now has fixed calls at all major deep-sea terminals.”

This new barge connection further strengthens inland connectivity within the Port of Antwerp, reinforcing the commitment to more efficient and sustainable transportation solutions.

ITG Meerhout and PSA Antwerp launch new ‘Meerhout – PSAA Express’ barge service