---

The port of Antwerp is to invest in the construction of hybrid, zero-emission barges as part of a EUR 1.4 million project aimed at making port-generated freight traffic more efficient and sustainable.

Dutch company Port-Liner specializes in building zero-emission barges, and the company recently submitted details of a project in which it plans to construct five hybrid barges that will operate between De Kempen intermodal terminal, located in the south of the Netherlands, and Antwerp.

It is estimated that the operation of these five barges will result in 23,000 fewer trucks on the roads annually.

Overall, seven projects have been selected for financial support, which in total is expected to reduce the number of truck trips by up to 250,000 per year.

Port alderman Marc Van Peel explained: "A modal shift towards more sustainable methods of transport that place less burden on our roads or even avoid them altogether is crucial for more efficient mobility, not only at present but also in the future. That's why the Port Authority will be supporting private sector projects over the next few years that contribute to more efficient truck and other transport in and around the port."

Last month, Bunker Index reported that Nedcargo, Heineken and Port of Rotterdam Authority held initial discussions regarding the possibility of developing the first electric inland container vessel, which would be used to transport products via an emission-free, 'green corridor' between the Alpherium container terminal in Alphen aan den Rijn (south of Amsterdam), Rotterdam and Antwerp.