Many consider the transport of fresh flowers and plants by rail throughout Europe impossible. “Yet we do it,” laughs Mike van der Kooij, Senior Transport Coordinator at Van Dijk Flora. “And in doing so, we reduce CO₂ emissions per trailer of flowers or plants by about 45 to 60 percent. Reason enough to further expand intermodal transport, even though that is not always easy.”

Van Dijk Flora, based in Honselersdijk in the Westland region, supplies flowers and plants to discount retailers in thirty different countries. Innovation and sustainability are key pillars within the company, and it was on this fertile ground that Van der Kooij was given the opportunity to experiment with intermodal transport. “Of course, we knew it would be challenging,” says the transport coordinator. “We transport fresh produce, which means short delivery times with little room for delays. If a truck breaks down by the side of the road, you uncouple the trailer and hitch it to another vehicle. If a train derails, you can’t get to it, and you can’t just send another train. That is a risk.”

Successful pilot

In 2023, Van der Kooij launched a pilot to Sweden in collaboration with Joint Corridor Zuid-Holland, Evofenedex, and partner carrier Hartman. “We started with a major operation: three depots and three full trailers of flowers that could be transported intermodally,” he explains. “Each trailer was booked separately and loaded onto the train via the terminal. It was a logistical puzzle, but it worked, and the results were convincing: up to 900 kilos of CO₂ reduction per trailer compared to road transport. The client also responded enthusiastically. “Retailers in Scandinavia greatly appreciate this step towards sustainability. CO₂ reporting is becoming increasingly important to them. I do notice, however, that this is not yet the case in all European countries.”

Guaranteed transport

However, rail transport within the floriculture sector is not a given. “There is a chain of lights that all need to be green,” explains Van der Kooij. “Besides our own volumes, this ranges from train availability to terminal timing and the carrier’s commitment. One hitch in the system and your entire schedule is thrown into disarray.” Fixed volumes are crucial for profitable operation, but that is not a certainty. “It is difficult for us to secure guaranteed transport every week and create such a stable structure. Ideally, we bundle volumes with other exporters. That is also where the collaboration with Joint Corridor Zuid-Holland and Evofenedex becomes important: they help bring parties together.”

Pioneers

For Van Dijk Flora, rail transport fits into a broader sustainability strategy. “Transport is a key component of this. Intermodal transport is simply the only way to achieve major CO₂ reductions,” says the transport coordinator. Although planning the routes is not always without bumps, Van der Kooij is determined to continue using the train. “We have already learned a lot and are building further on knowledge and experience. It is pioneering work, but that is precisely what makes it so great.” His ambition extends beyond Van Dijk Flora alone. “If we really want to make an impact as a sector, we must continue to share knowledge and collaborate. Rail transport offers enormous opportunities for sustainability. It is a necessary change.”

Mike van der Kooij together with the three other winners: Robbe Van Grembergen, Marieke Koekkoek and Daan van de Kar.