Pipeline transportation

Pipeline transportation is a transport modality that offers huge advantages. It takes up no costly space, and causes no noise nuisance or environmental pollution. The uninterrupted continuous flow of pipeline transportation also means it is unaffected by aboveground congestion.

Pipeline system in the Netherlands

Noiselessly and without most people even knowing of its existence, some 40% of the total transport volume is pumped underground in the form of gases and liquids. Thanks to its excellent pipeline infrastructure, the Netherlands is viewed by the chemical industry and international oil companies as the logistic hub for Europe. From the Dutch ports, these companies transport crude oil and chemicals such as naphtha, kerosene and LPG chiefly to destinations in Belgium and Germany.

• 75% of all transport volume is carried via pipelines, if drinking water, waste water and gas are included in the calculation; 
• freight tonnage (international transportation): 100 million tons per year
• pipeline transportation has led to better sanitary conditions that have considerably raised our life expectancy; 
• pipeline transportation is reliable and cost effective thanks to technical know-how and innovation; 
• ever rising levels of mobility for people and goods are imposing more demands on the use of pipeline transportation.

Based on the advantages offered by underground pipeline transportation, consideration is being given to also carrying other goods flows via this system, in the future. The Dutch/Belgian BIG (Pipeline Industry Guild) aims to have an underground transportation system in the Netherlands with connections to neighboring countries for general cargo (pallets and boxes) by 2025.
 
Source: Pipeline Industry Guild