Traffic Shifts to the Elbe Increase Significantly

The Logistics Network Central Germany promotes collaboration among stakeholders to optimally utilize different modes of transport through an increase in combined traffic. In Central Germany, the Saxon Inland Ports Oberelbe GmbH (SBO) has seen a significant increase in large shipments on the Elbe due to favorable water levels recently.

(Leipzig/Dresden) By mid-May, the SBO was able to conduct about 20 percent more large shipments at the Alberthafen Dresden-Friedrichstadt compared to the same period last year. A total of 16 large shipments were made using the SBO heavy-duty crane LR 1600/2. The goods handled included transformers, turbines, engines, presses, and containers with piece weights ranging from 40 to 250 tons. The goods were transported by inland vessel from the port of Dresden to the seaports of Hamburg and Antwerp. From there, they were shipped to the wider world, including Asia and South America.

Relief for the Roads

“These shipments demonstrate the contribution that inland ports with their trimodal infrastructure can make to traffic shifts,” explains Frank Thiele, SBO Sales Manager and board member of the Logistics Network Central Germany, adding: “Heavy and bulky goods belong directly in the nearest port. This relieves the roads and also has sustainable effects. For an inland vessel, these goods are not a problem. Of course, a navigable waterway is a prerequisite. This is how the Saxon inland ports make a real contribution to traffic shifts.” “In Central Germany, we have excellently developed infrastructures in the areas of road, rail, water, and air, which can often complement each other sensibly. Transshipment points, such as the inland ports of the SBO, play a crucial role in shifting goods traffic from road to rail or waterway. This ensures relief and a more sustainable goods transport overall,” says Toralf Weiße, Chairman of the Board of the Logistics Network Central Germany.

Logistics Network Central Germany e.V.

Founded in 2008, the Logistics Network Leipzig-Halle e.V. has been named the Logistics Network Central Germany e.V. since 2018 due to its expanded operational radius. It unites numerous “classic” logistics service providers as well as companies from the field of logistics-related services, personnel and real estate sectors, local authorities such as the cities of Leipzig and Halle, regional chambers of commerce, and research and educational institutions, including eight universities. Since 2016, the network has had regional offices in Dresden and Chemnitz. The network represents the federal states of Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt in the Working Group Logistics Initiatives Germany. Among the central tasks of the network are innovation, personnel and business development, and positioning the logistics region of Central Germany as an established European gateway and central distribution location with fast connections, particularly to Eastern European and East Asian markets, which is significantly supported by cooperation with the Port of Hamburg and the logistics region of Sassnitz-Mukran in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Photo: © Saxon Inland Ports Oberelbe (SBO)