In March 2011 operator Deutsche Binnenreederei started third weekly departure in field of hinterland transportation via barge.

The common project of Deutsche Binnenreederei and Czech CSPL as well as German and Czech port operators was set up in March 1995. At the beginning container transport at river Elbe was combined with transports of bulk, general and heavy cargo.


picture: Deutsche Binnenreederei AG

Flat dipping pushing boat technology enabled innovative container logistics and maintain regular transports between seaport of Hamburg and hinterland ports. An efficient use of the waterway dimensions can be done by a modern fleet of container barges. But shipping companies will only invest in those technologies if policy signals clear commitment to inland navigation especially in Elbe region. For that purpose a guaranteed water depth of about 1,60 m on 345 days a year is necessary.

Today Deutsche Binnenreederei already integrates newest vessel technology to their line service. Since December 2010 the prototype of a pushing barge is in use. With its dimensions the barge can operate mainly at Elbe as well as at canal system. The construction of SL FRANC conserve not only weight but also minimize energy consumption during transport time. This barge can load a maximum of about 100 TEU and allows container stacking at three levels with an uploading depth of just 1,81 m.

Regular transports to the inland ports of Magdeburg, Aken and Riesa two times a week in 1998 demonstrates rising success of Elbe Container Line (ECL) since the beginning. Reliable transports at inland waterway Elbe lead to growing acceptance by customers into that transport mode. This results in expansion of the line service up to three departures from Hamburg to inland ports in Middle and Eastern Germany. The offered service also includes container post-carriage by truck within the scope of intermodal transport.

Schedule Elbe Container Line (German only)