Bertschi opens Zomerweg Terminal in Antwerp

The Bertschi Group, market leader in intermodal chemical logistics, has officially opened the new Antwerp Zomerweg Terminal (AZT) in the presence of guests. Strategically located in the largest integrated chemical cluster in Europe, the terminal serves as an ideal hub for imports and exports to and from overseas, solidifying Bertschi’s position in one of the world’s most significant logistics hubs.

(Dürrenäsch/Antwerp) With a total area of 60,000 m², the AZT terminal is well-equipped for the storage of hazardous goods (HG) as well as non-hazardous goods in tank containers. The facility has capacity for more than 2,500 TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit) in containers, including 1,290 TEU specifically for hazardous goods. In addition to storage, the focus is on an expanded trimodal transport offering, which includes rail, inland shipping, and truck connections, thereby optimizing intermodal transport.

The terminal is equipped with a state-of-the-art safety infrastructure, which includes fireproof zones, redundant fire-fighting pumps, and a remote-controlled portal crane. These advanced safety measures ensure a safe and efficient operation and meet the high Bertschi standard.

The facility also features 60 tank container heating spots, where products can be heated on-site. Another special feature is the possibility of customs warehousing, which offers additional logistical flexibility.

With four handling tracks, each 650 meters long, the terminal is capable of accommodating entire trains, enabling seamless goods distribution. Through inland shipping connections from the deep-sea port, imports can be transported directly to the AZT, where they are efficiently stored and subsequently distributed by rail or truck to their final destination.

Festive opening ceremony with over 100 guests

After the facility was gradually put into operation over the past months, the official opening took place on May 7 with over 100 invited guests. The celebration included speeches by Jacques Pitteloud, Swiss Ambassador to Belgium, and Johan Klaps, Alderman of the Port of Antwerp, which were attentively followed by those present. Jan Arnet, CEO of the Bertschi Group, also expressed his joy: “We are proud to open this new terminal and thereby expand our logistics capacities here in Antwerp. With the modern infrastructure, we can offer our customers efficient and safe handling of imports and exports of liquid hazardous goods, including storage and intermodal distribution.”

During the subsequent tour of the terminal, the invited guests were able to gain an impression of the dimensions of the facility and learn in detail about the logistics services offered and the operational processes.

Photos: © Bertschi