Professor Christa Sys from the University of Antwerp emphasized the need for resilience in supply chains, citing geopolitical tensions, data, and cyber risks. She advised companies to map their dependencies on suppliers, raw materials, and transport routes, and to develop alternatives. Multimodal transport is thus strategically employed to manage risks and switch gears faster during disruptions.
Wouter Desplenter, general director of the Ostend-based sheltered workshop Oesterbank, highlighted how local collaboration provides certainty within international chains. Oesterbank acts as an external workshop for its clients, aligning its production and logistics with their processes. Short series and its own transport fleet ensure flexibility, with deliveries within two hours of a call-off. Desplenter stated that collaborating with a sheltered workshop is smart, strategic entrepreneurship linked to reliable supply and local employment.
Linum Group, Grandeco Wallfashion Group, and TVH shared their experiences with multimodal transport. Yarreth Plysier (Linum Group), Willem Duran (Grandeco Wallfashion Group), and Christophe Decaluwe (TVH) cited company strategy, cost savings, and operational advantages as reasons for adoption. Besides CO₂ reduction, more efficient processes, flexibility, and collaboration with local partners were central. Questions about transshipment costs and partner selection were encouraged to be discussed with experts.
In a panel discussion with Jan D’Haeyer (Network De Vlaamse Waterweg), Rudi Loontiens (Infrabel), Johan Staes (Transport & Logistiek Vlaanderen), and Catrien Scheers (Fastlines), the complementarity of inland navigation, rail, road transport, and shortsea was stressed. The truck retains an important role in a multimodal chain, depending on the goods flow and customer needs. Panelists pointed to the need for government support in infrastructure investments, stable regulations, and attention to automation to address the driver shortage.
Jean de Bethune, chairman of POM West-Vlaanderen, emphasized the importance of European support for developing a cohesive transport network in the province. He highlighted investments in inland waterway terminals (Wielsbeke, Roeselare) and transshipment centers (Veurne, Diksmuide), as well as the LAR rail terminal and Kortrijk-Wevelgem Airport. Collaboration with Multimodaal.Vlaanderen strengthens this approach, focusing on innovation like drone applications and Physical Internet, and open access to logistics infrastructure.
