'Beer train' to replace thousands of lorries and help cut CO2

Brewer AB InBev and supermarket chain Delhaize have launched a “beer train” that will remove the equivalent of 5,000 lorries from the roads every year.

The rail link between the Jupiler beer production centre in Jupille, Wallonia, and the Delhaize distribution centre in Ninove in East Flanders was launched this week.

“Of course, road transport is essential to every distribution system, but Delhaize wants to look wherever possible for sustainable modes of transport, such as rail, waterways and other alternatives,” said Delhaize CEO Denis Knoops. “I’m very proud that this partnership has succeeded in pulling thousands of lorries a year from the roads. I hope this is only the beginning and others will follow our example.”

Fewer lorries on the roads means less congestion and less carbon dioxide output, said Alexander Soenen, logistics director for Leuven-based AB InBev. “We have set ourselves the target of reducing CO2 emissions by 25% by the end of 2017,” he said. “This project will certainly make a contribution. And we will also help reduce traffic jams. The lorries normally follow the classic route of the E40 and the Brussels Ring.”

As well as AB InBev and Delhaize, the project includes transport company Remitrans of Ninove, Brussels-based transport experts Lineas and the province of East Flanders.