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OIL TRANS B.V.

Our network

Where our product goes, and how it gets there.

From the Amsterdam–Rotterdam–Antwerp hub, our product reaches customers along the Rhine, across the Benelux and around the North Sea.

The ARA hub

One of the best-connected fuel markets in the world.

The Amsterdam–Rotterdam–Antwerp region brings together refineries, independent storage terminals and one of the densest waterway networks in the world. Product arriving by ocean-going tanker can be transferred to inland barges for onward delivery within a short time.

By operating across all three ports, Oil Trans can select the optimal point of origin for each product and destination. The majority of deliveries are made by inland barge, the most efficient means of transporting liquid bulk into continental Europe.

Route map

Our main corridors at a glance.

A simplified diagram of the routes we use most. Distances are not to scale.
Oil Trans route map Schematic map showing routes from Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Antwerp along the Rhine to Duisburg, Cologne, Mainz, Frankfurt, Mannheim and Basel, from Antwerp to Liège, and by sea to the United Kingdom, Scandinavia and the Baltic. NORTH SEA To Scandinavia & the Baltic To the UK Amsterdam Rotterdam Antwerp Duisburg Cologne Mainz Frankfurt Mannheim Karlsruhe Basel Liège Rhine and Main Amsterdam–Rhine Canal Albert Canal Coastal and short-sea routes

Hubs

Three ports, one stock position.

Rotterdam

Our home port and main storage location. Deep-water access for ocean and coastal tankers, and the start of the Rhine corridor.

Amsterdam

A major hub for gasoline, jet fuel and diesel, connected to the Rhine by the Amsterdam–Rhine Canal.

Antwerp

Gateway to the Belgian market and the Albert Canal, and linked to Rotterdam through the Scheldt–Rhine connection.

Transit times

Typical destinations.

Indicative barge transit times upstream from Rotterdam unless stated. Actual times depend on water levels, lock waiting times and berth availability.
Destination Corridor Transit
Duisburg Germany Lower Rhine 1–2 days
Cologne Germany Lower Rhine 2 days
Mainz and Frankfurt Germany Middle Rhine and Main 3–4 days
Mannheim and Karlsruhe Germany Upper Rhine 4–5 days
Basel Switzerland Upper Rhine 5–7 days
Liège Belgium Albert Canal (from Antwerp) 1–2 days

Corridors

How product travels beyond the hub.

01

The Rhine

Europe's busiest inland waterway and our most important route. Tank barges carry product from the ARA terminals to depots and industrial users along the river as far as Switzerland.

02

Belgian waterways

The Albert Canal and the Meuse connect Antwerp with the industrial areas of Flanders and Wallonia.

03

Coastal and short sea

Coastal tankers take larger parcels to the United Kingdom, Northern Germany, Scandinavia and the Baltic.

04

Road

Trucks collect from terminal loading racks for customers across the Benelux and western Germany who need smaller, more frequent deliveries.

Low water

When the Rhine runs low.

In dry summers and autumns, falling water levels on the Rhine mean barges can carry only part of their normal load. Fewer tonnes per barge means more barges, higher freight costs and tighter supply inland.

The water gauge at Kaub, in the Middle Rhine, is the level the market watches most closely. We plan around it so that our customers feel the effect as little as possible.

Plan ahead

We watch the water level forecasts every day and tell customers early when a low-water period is likely.

Spread the load

When barges can only be part-loaded, we spread volumes over more barges and adjust schedules to keep deliveries moving.

Hold stock closer

For customers who depend on regular supply, we can build up stock at inland terminals before the dry season.

Price it openly

Low-water freight surcharges are passed on at cost and shown separately, so you can see exactly what you are paying for.

Plan a delivery.

Please share your delivery location and timing. Our operations team will propose the most suitable route, transit time and price.

Contact us