Holcim France selects train and river transport

During the first half of 2014, 6595 Holcim France, specialised in the production of cement, aggregate and concrete, will set up a transport solution that combines rail and river traffic to transport construction materials between quarries in Bayel and the branched terminal installation in Vernou.

ECR, which won the three-year contract, will offer three trains of 1,500-2,500tonnes/week. Once unloaded in Vernou, the materials are then sent to 6060 Holcim Bétons by barge.

By 2015-2016, 1 million tonnes could be sent via this solution. The group already sends materials by train from sites in Northern and Eastern France to depots in Chelles and Villeneuve-Saint-Georges. In 2013, 500,000tonnes were transported at a cost less than road shipping.

In January 2014, new wagons with loads of 70tonnes will be set up. Finally, in mid-2014, the group plans new river traffic between Grand-Couronne and Ile-de-France for a volume of around 100,000 tonnes/year.