Shortsea shipping is gaining traction as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional freight modalities. At the heart of this evolution is Rotterdam’s Waal-Eemhaven, home to the City Terminal—the largest hub for specialized shortsea shipping in Europe, boasting a capacity of over a million TEU per year. Here, various shortsea players collaborate to offer state-of-the-art services. This article, highlighting global shortsea stars based in Rotterdam, focuses on QTerminals Kramer Rotterdam.
QTerminals Kramer Rotterdam stands out as the largest player in its field in Europe, operating from five strategic locations across a total area of 65 hectares. Marcel Kramer started the company in the mid-1960s, initially focusing on cleaning containers. Over the years, it expanded its services to include container repairs and more, eventually being acquired by QTerminals in late 2023. “We provide a comprehensive package that eases the customer’s load both at the port and beyond,” says André Kramer, the proud President-Director.
The City Terminal, where QTerminals Kramer Rotterdam is based, is unique in its concentration of services. From cleaning and repairing containers to maintaining the temperature of refrigerated units, this location offers every imaginable depot service. “Our strength lies in our ability to deliver these services at strategic locations,” Kramer explains. The terminal’s clustering of specialized shortsea services provides logistical advantages that benefit the entire supply chain, a significant factor as the sector competes with road transport.
QTerminals Kramer Rotterdam’s role extends beyond traditional depot services. They handle customs clearance for the Rotterdam Shortsea Terminals (RST), facilitated by an authorized internal route between their depot and RST, RSC, MRT, and Cool Port. This setup ensures the swift and efficient exchange of full and empty containers, saving their customers time and money. “Our neutral role and non-competitive stance within the cluster allow us to collaborate effectively with all parties,” Kramer notes.
Sustainability is a key focus for QTerminals Kramer Rotterdam, in collaboration with the Port of Rotterdam. The port’s new energy system, Zero Emission Services (ZES), aims to make inland shipping more sustainable, with a goal of powering 400 electric vessels by 2050 using 650 ZES battery packs across 40 routes. One docking station is expected to be operational at QTerminals’ RCT on the Maasvlakte by the latter half of this year, aiding in the electrification of their equipment.
Internally, QTerminals Kramer Rotterdam has significantly reduced its CO2 emissions by switching from diesel to HVO100, a fossil-free alternative fuel, cutting emissions by 80%. They also plan to transition to emission-free electric equipment within the next four to five years. The company’s commitment to sustainability is mirrored in their collaborative efforts within the shortsea cluster, such as joint procurement of green energy.
Technological sustainability is another area of focus. QTerminals Kramer Rotterdam is exploring automation to enhance efficiency. A recent pilot project is examining the potential for semi-autonomous transport to the Cool Port hub, aiming to reduce the reliance on manual labor and lower transport costs. “Labor market shortages push us to innovate. Automation in our transport can double the number of containers stored in the same area, a necessary move given the expected growth,” Kramer concludes.
By continually improving their operations and embracing sustainability and technological advancements, QTerminals Kramer Rotterdam is reinforcing its leading position in the shortsea sector, ensuring a future-proof and efficient supply chain.
