Fritel opts for inland shipping and reduces emissions and transport kilometres
POM Limburg and Multimodaal.Vlaanderen support the transition to more sustainable transport
Electrical manufacturer Fritel from Hasselt, specialized in household appliances such as deep fryers, waffle makers and grills, is making the switch to inland shipping. In doing so, the company takes a concrete step towards a future-oriented supply chain. During this process, Fritel received guidance from Multimodaal.Vlaanderen, with support from POM Limburg.
Overseas containers used to reach Fritel’s warehouse by truck, travelling back and forth between the port of Antwerp and Hasselt. This resulted in many kilometres on busy roads and CO₂ emissions of around 280 kilograms per transport. Today, the electrical manufacturer aims to combine cost efficiency with sustainability and therefore called on the expertise of Multimodaal.Vlaanderen, with support from POM Limburg.
Multimodal solution
Thanks to a warehouse located 17 kilometres from Port of Limburg, inland shipping is a smart choice for Fritel. Part of the incoming containers is now transported by ship from Antwerp to Genk, after which only the short last mile to the warehouse is completed by truck. This multimodal approach aligns well with logistical planning and ensures more reliable, punctual and environmentally friendly transport.
“This is a great collaboration between logistics, procurement and sustainability,” says Petra Maes, PR & Sustainability Manager at Fritel. “Reducing CO₂ was our main driver, but at the same time we achieve clear operational benefits. The terminal operates 7/7, meaning we no longer lose time at the quay or in traffic between Antwerp and Hasselt.”
Fewer kilometres, lower emissions
The benefits of this modal shift are clearly visible. Fritel saves 214 kilometres of truck transport per container and limits road transport to 34 kilometres via locally situated, quieter roads. CO₂ emissions decrease from 280 kg to 70 kg per transport, a saving of 210 kg of CO₂.
This choice also delivers clear societal benefits. Fewer trucks on the road means less traffic congestion and improved road safety, contributing to smoother mobility in Flanders. At the same time, Fritel demonstrates that companies can already take concrete steps towards more sustainable transport today, without compromising on reliability or efficiency. Multimodaal.Vlaanderen supports companies in developing such smart logistical solutions.
