Gosselin spreads out activities to improve accessibility to Antwerp

“Everyone will have to do their part to ensure an improved flow of goods to and from the port, and Gosselin is no exception,” says Walter Van Mechelen, senior director of Gosselin Logistics in Deurne after the announcement to keep the Deurganckdok open around the clock. “This is why we have decided to support this to the best of our ability using nighttime deliveries in the preliminary phase and during the trial period, even though I hasten to add some comments.”

Handling more than 90,000 containers each year means that Gosselin, with its facility on the Belcrownlaan in Deurne, is a major player in transport to and from the port of Antwerp. “We definitely applaud this initiative, and mostly hope that it will set a number of things in motion,” Van Mechelen adds. “We also see the Port Authority’s recommendation to jump on the bandwagon as an opportunity.”

Thanks to its location on the Albert Canal, Gosselin Logistics has the advantage of being able to implement multimodal transport. The company already transports almost half of its shipments (46%) by water. “We are now taking the initiative to better spread out the remaining road transport activities, including during the nighttime hours. In the meantime, we are working internally on optimizing scheduling in order to keep so-called empty runs to a minimum. Although I must add that we do not have full control over this,” according to Van Mechelen.

“In order to optimize spreading these activities out, we need help. On the one hand, this has to come from the suppliers and drivers, and on the other, from our customers. Opening a few terminals isn’t enough. We have to be able to be more flexible in our responses to the closings. However, we will press on in the hope that other companies will also help to support this initiative, since we will not solve the mobility problem by navel-gazing,” Van Mechelen concludes.

About Gosselin:

Founded in 1930, Gosselin currently employs more than 700 people who generate total sales of over 200 million Euros. Gosselin’s headquarters is located on the Albert Canal in Deurne where the container terminal connects the ports of Antwerp, Zeebrugge and Rotterdam with the European hinterland. With 48 offices in 32 countries, the company has strong representation in Europe, Eastern Europe, Russia, the Caucasus, Central Asia and China. The Gosselin Group consists of two divisions: Gosselin Mobility and Gosselin Logistics.

Gosselin Mobility handles international moves and offers relocation services for multinationals, expats, diplomats, military personnel and private individuals.

Gosselin Logistics provides logistics services to businesses. With activities ranging from shipping, forwarding and warehouse storage to customs formalities including specialized services such as lashing and securing and the production of wooden crates, Gosselin Logistics can offer its customers a constant supply chain.