RAI Amsterdam and its logistic partner DB Schenker are taking part in a joint pilot project aimed at achieving more sustainable logistics during major events. For the build-up and breakdown of METSTRADE, the world’s largest B2B trade show for the leisure marine industry (13–15 November), DB Schenker has offered exhibitors the option to deliver goods to a transhipment facility outside of Amsterdam. The goods are then combined and transported to and from the RAI in a sustainable Scania LNG truck and unloaded with electric forklifts.
The logistics pilot project with DB Schenker is not the first initiative to positively impact the traffic flow around the RAI. “Traffic in and around the city has become a major issue in Amsterdam,” says Jules Broex, director of operations at RAI Amsterdam. “The increase in road traffic is impacting the city’s residents, businesses and environment. The RAI aims to minimize its logistical footprint and reduce some of the traffic around the complex during the build-up and breakdown of large events as well as the CO₂ emissions in the city.”
“We recently opened a new buffer zone in the Westpoort area on the outskirts of Amsterdam to regulate traffic flows to and from the RAI. Focused on the efficient handling of the delivery and removal of material, the pilot with DB Schenker is another logistical step to further reduce traffic flows, while the use of sustainable transport lowers our environmental impact.”
Like RAI Amsterdam, sustainability is a major focal point for DB Schenker, one of the top-three logistics service providers with activities worldwide. Green thinking is one of the key elements of the company’s partnership with RAI Amsterdam. “As a logistics partner we organize activities around the RAI and also have a responsibility to the environment in which we work,” says Özkan Aksoy, responsible for national fairs at Schenker Logistics Nederland. “Together with the RAI we are constantly seeking ways to increase the sustainability of our logistics processes.”
“In addition to the use of electric forklifts and a Scania LNG truck with lower emissions and a silent engine, the 3,800 m² transhipment facility on the edge of Amsterdam plays an important role. Suppliers can deliver their materials there so that we can transport them with a maximum load factor to the RAI during low-traffic periods. To efficiently organize traffic in the halls, we provide a porter service with electric carts during event build-up and breakdown. This allows exhibitors to move goods to their stands quickly and efficiently.”
There are three main goals of the pilot project: reducing traffic movements in the direct surroundings of the RAI, cutting back on CO₂ emissions, and realizing a more efficient build-up and breakdown process. If the results prove positive, the concept will be rolled out for other exhibitions and events at the RAI.
