West Flanders, Maximally Multimodal 2025: region fully committed to modal shift

More than 170 logistics and industry professionals sought answers together yesterday during West Flanders: Maximum Multimodal 2025 at O'Forty (Oostkamp). The annual event of Multimodaal.Vlaanderen (VIL) and POM West Flanders showed that multimodal transport is no longer futuristic, but the key to more sustainable and efficient supply chains.

From insight to impact: how companies are living the modal shift

After the welcome by delegate Jean de Bethune (president of POM West Flanders) put Pieter Decloedt (head of unit transportation & logistics at POM West Flanders) set the tone. He outlined the current state of the multimodal landscape. He highlighted the opportunities and challenges for rail, inland navigation and terminal development. The message was clear: West Flanders has all the assets to pull through multimodal transport on a large scale. The key lies in cooperation and decisiveness.

Jean de Bethune underscored the crucial role of logistics with a pictorial comparison: "For every soldier at the front, three logisticians are needed."

Concrete examples that convince

During five interactive panel discussions, companies from sectors such as chemical, food, wood and design shared their experiences. Their message: multimodal transportation is not a distant future, but a viable and profitable reality.

• Rail, inland navigation and shortsea prove themselves to be full-fledged alternatives to the road.
• Cooperation between shippers and logistics partners results in tangible benefits: reduced carbon emissions, increased efficiency and a more reliable supply chain.

Renowned companies Altachem, Alpro (Danone), Orac, Mulder Natural Foods and Vandecasteele presented practical examples. They gave the companies present in the room not only insight but also concrete inspiration to take the step themselves.

"The strong turnout proves the growing interest and willingness around multimodal transportation. It is increasingly alive within the industry." - Louis Boel, Logistics lead (Orac)

The event was concluded by Shauny Ammeloot, manager of Multimodaal.Vlaanderen. She called on the companies present not to put off the step to multimodal transport any longer and to use the expertise of Multimodaal.Vlaanderen in the process. The modal shift is not only achieved through infrastructure or policy, but also through cooperation.

West Flanders: logistics hub on the move

The meeting underscored the province's strong logistics position. Thanks to years of investment in multimodal platforms, West Flanders is growing into a pivot in the Flemish modal shift.

For participants, the event offered more than knowledge sharing: it was also an opportunity to Network, find partners and forge new collaborations.

"After five editions, I continue to be surprised by everyone's willingness to share experiences. The inspiring debates and expertise help convince just those 10 to 15 percent who are not yet familiar with multimodal transport." - Jerri Smet, Logistic & Intermodal Manager (MSC Belgium NV)

"This is where we can proudly display our rail products. It is the place where customers, colleagues and even competitor colleagues inspire each other." - Lieven Goethals, Senior Sales Manager (Lineas)

Ready for action: from inspiration to implementation

The message of West Flanders: Maximum Multimodal 2025 was clear. Multimodal solutions are available today, efficient and future-proof. Companies that dare to opt for rail, inland navigation or shortsea are making climate gains while strengthening their competitive position.

👉 Does your company also want to work on modal shift?
Please contact Multimodal.Flanders and find out what multimodal solutions are waiting for you.