Euro Rijn and Danser launch new barge connection between Rotterdam and Wesel

Euro‑Rijn and Danser present a new permanent multimodal barge connection between the port of Rotterdam and Wesel in the German state of North Rhine‑Westphalia.

Following a successful trial period in February, the new connection is now being deployed on a structural basis to organise container flows between Rotterdam and the German hinterland more efficiently and sustainably. The barge service provides a direct link between Rotterdam and our recently opened storage and handling facility in Wesel, offering a future‑proof alternative for cross‑border transport.

Strategic logistics hub in Wesel

We recently opened a new storage and handling location in Wesel, Germany, further expanding our logistics network in the Rhine‑Ruhr region. The facility consists of two dedicated warehouses of approximately 1,500 m² each, specifically designed for the storage and handling of ferro alloys and other bulk and packed materials.

The site features a direct water connection with its own 200‑metre berth, enabling efficient deliveries by inland barge. Both bulk cargo and containers can be received and handled via inland shipping. The first inland barges carrying bulk materials have already been successfully delivered.

For container logistics, the Wesel location is served by a weekly container barge connection operated by Danser, part of Euro‑Rijn. In Wesel, the NORDFROST Port Terminal Wesel is served, creating an efficient multimodal link between inland shipping, storage and regional distribution. This combination forms a strong logistics hub for container flows to and from the Ruhr area and the wider North Rhine‑Westphalia region.

Reliable, sustainable and future‑proof solution

With this new barge connection, we further strengthen our position within the multimodal transport network between the Netherlands and Germany. By shifting part of the transport flows from road to water, customers benefit from a reliable, scalable and environmentally responsible transport solution, with lower CO₂ emissions and reduced dependency on road capacity.

The connection also offers an attractive alternative in view of the upcoming kilometre‑based road charge for freight traffic in the Netherlands, which will be introduced on 1 July 2026.

The Wesel facility is equipped with a calibrated weighbridge to ensure accurate handling of inbound and outbound shipments. In addition, the site is monitored by CCTV and secured 24/7. From Wesel, we also provide road distribution services to and from the region, offering customers a fully integrated logistics solution.

One integrated solution within Euro‑Rijn

The launch of the Rotterdam–Wesel barge connection underlines the shared ambition of Euro‑Rijn and our subsidiary Danser to develop innovative and sustainable logistics solutions for container transport between the port of Rotterdam and the German hinterland. By combining inland shipping, storage, handling and distribution, customers benefit from an efficient and resilient supply chain solution in both the Dutch and German markets.