On 20 March 2019, 70 international experts in multimodal logistics met at the Sennebogen Academy in the Port of Straubing-Sand under the title "Danube logistics meets growing markets: B2B Forum for biobased and high & heavy cargo". The focus of the event, which was organised by BioCampus Straubing GmbH in the frame of the ENERGY BARGE project, was laid on current topics of inland navigation and their offers for cargo from the biomass and heavy load sectors. In the form of a business speed ​dating, the participants had the opportunity to exchange ideas with new and well-known business customers.

"The Danube is of paramount importance for Lower Bavaria. That is why we are constantly working to adapt our port services to market demand. The freight goods biomass and heavy load play a central role“, said the managing director of the port Andreas Löffert during his welcome speech. He was pleased that so many business representatives from both the logistics and the customers and shippers had accepted the invitation. In addition to representatives from Germany, guests from Austria, Croatia, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Serbia and the Netherlands attended the meeting in Straubing.

Source: Port Authority Vukovar (left), BioCampus Straubing GmbH (right)

In his keynote address, Peter Sonnleitner, Head of International Affairs at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce Niederbayern, spoke about the importance of the transport mode inland waterways for the Lower Bavarian economy and warned not to miss the connection to logistics megatrends like the new Silk Road. In two thematic sessions with a total of nine presentations, representatives of shipping companies, the sea and inland ports of Rotterdam, Straubing and the Bayernhafen Group, as well as users of inland navigation such as Sennebogen and ADM Spyck discussed current challenges and opportunities of inland navigation. The great untapped potential for transferring heavy load transports from the already congested roads to the water was highlighted. Users and providers of inland waterway logistics must work together on innovative, multimodal solutions and speak with one voice when it comes to improving the infrastructural prerequisites. In addition, it will be important to make the logistics sector more attractive for young professionals.

Source: Port Authority Vukovar

The presentations were followed by a business speed ​​dating. In the run-up of the conference, the participants were asked to invite discussion partners to a business discussion via an online platform. In total, 45 bilateral meetings took place to establish new business relationships or to deepen existing contacts. "Through the talks, the participants should take extra value for their business compared to conventional lecture events," explained the organiser of the event Ann-Kathrin Kaufmann. She received positive feedback from Piet Hendrix of Dutch Anglo Superior Shipping from the Netherlands: "I have learned many interesting things and made new contacts – a great format!"

After the official part, a factory tour provided impressions to the participants of the Sennebogen cranes and the unloading of a rapeseed ship on a bus tour to the Port of Straubing-Sand. The forum was supported by the Port of Rotterdam, Sennebogen and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce Niederbayern.