The Spree in Berlin is now also a transport route for parcels. DHL wants to extend its mail boat project, which has been running since last year, and expand the range of services.
Since last autumn, the logistics group DHL has also been testing parcel deliveries by ship in the capital – the only project of this kind in Germany to date is now to be expanded and extended. “The current route is being expanded – and a second new route is being planned,” said the group. The company intends to present details in the coming week. With a special solar boat, DHL has been testing to what extent the capital’s waterways are suitable for transporting parcels for several months. In view of the rapidly growing number of online orders in recent years, this could reduce traffic in city centers and avoid CO2 emissions – so it is hoped.
The solar-powered ship is 10.50 meters long and 2.50 meters wide. According to Post, the parcels that it is supposed to transport first arrive by road at the Börnicke parcel center northwest of Berlin. From there, an emission-free truck brings the deliveries to the southern port of Spandau, where they are loaded onto the ship. It then continues across the Spree to the Westhafen. From there, deliverers on electric cargo bikes will take the parcels to the recipients in the immediate vicinity.
Source: Stern
