Honda to Deploy Barges for Transport

Honda Motor Europe Logistics in Ghent intends to deploy barges for the transport of its parts and final products. Honda began transporting containers from the port of Antwerp to North Sea Port via inland shipping.

By doing so, the car manufacturer is investing in ‘green’ transport. North Sea Port encourages businesses to invest in sustainability wherever possible. The modal shift – a focus on less transport by road and more transport via inland shipping, rail or pipelines – is a vital aspect of these efforts.

At least 1,420 containers arriving from countries such as Japan, Thailand, the USA, Mexico and China reach their final destination in North Sea Port via inland shipping each year. Honda's altered flow involves the delivery of motorcycles, power products and replacement parts.

Arranging delivery of goods by barge serves to decrease the number of truck movements, which will in turn result in the reduction of CO2 emissions by over 14 tons annually.

The Japanese-owned Honda is a global institution when it comes to designing and manufacturing cars and motorcycles. Honda first set up shop in Ghent over 40 years ago, when the company developed its largest distribution centre in Europe here.

The Ghent facility focuses on the storage and distribution of the entire spectrum of products, from new cars to motorcycles, lawnmowers, outboard motors and separate engines – along with the 300,000 parts those products require.

Ghent also plays a prominent role in Honda's network with regard to IT and education and training. The location employs 600 people.