At Combined Cargo Terminals (CCT), everything revolves around speed, safety, and control. With biometric access control and the CargoCard from Secure Logistics, CCT has taken visitor registration to the next level.
What began in 2004 as a small terminal with fifteen employees has grown into a strategic logistics hub in Moerdijk. Today, Combined Cargo Terminals (CCT) employs over 170 people and functions as an intermodal hub connecting the main ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp. Thanks to its location by the water and direct rail and road connections, Moerdijk is a logical link in the logistics chain for shortsea, rail, and road transport.
With over 800 trucks per day and more than 650,000 containers handled annually, it is essential that safety, efficiency, and flow are perfectly aligned.
Smart access as a strategic choice
For Peter van Veelen, General Manager at CCT, forward thinking is second nature. “In 2010, we decided to build an automated gate, even though volumes were still limited at the time. We saw growth coming and wanted to be ready.” During that development, CCT came into contact with Secure Logistics. The CargoCard matched their customer base well, including many drivers from southern Netherlands and Belgium. “With the CargoCard, we could remain broadly accessible while standardising. That was a logical step for us.”
Identity verification at the front end also adds clear value. Drivers are pre-screened, ensuring that only correctly registered and verified individuals gain access. “As an ISPS and AEO location, it’s crucial for us to know exactly who enters our site,” says Van Veelen. “That assurance is what Secure Logistics provides.”
Thanks to biometric verification via finger vein recognition and the CargoCard, the terminal is optimally secured and access is faster and fully automated. “We save time at the gate every day,” Van Veelen explains. “Drivers can pass through independently, no manual checks are needed, and there are no queues. At the same time, we know exactly who is on-site. That combination of speed and control is fantastic.”
One standard, multiple benefits
CCT aims to make the CargoCard the leading access pass for the terminal—not only for operational efficiency but also for the convenience of complete visitor registration. The wide acceptance of the CargoCard at ports and terminals from Rotterdam to Antwerp makes the system consistent and user-friendly. This enables CCT to create a uniform, future-proof access process that fits seamlessly into daily operations.
Their approach hasn’t gone unnoticed. “We often get questions from companies nearby asking how we handle visitor registration,” says Van Veelen. “The system we use really captures people’s attention. It’s safe, fast, and provides clear oversight. That enthusiasm is contagious.”
A partnership that moves forward together
Over the years, the collaboration between CCT and Secure Logistics has grown into a true partnership. “We have short lines of communication and work with people who think along with us, are proactive, and always available. That’s the difference between a supplier and a real partner,” Van Veelen says. “We prefer to work with long-term partners who understand us and evolve with us. Secure Logistics is a great example of that—they help us move forward and think about the long term.”
Digital resilience is also becoming an increasingly important factor in partner selection. “With NIS2 on the horizon, this is even more urgent,” says Van Veelen. “The fact that Secure Logistics is ISO 27001 certified and well-prepared for NIS2 requirements gives us confidence. That’s exactly what we expect from our structural partners.”
Looking ahead with control and confidence
Van Veelen concludes: “Moerdijk is perfectly positioned as a hub within Europe. We’re connected by water, road, and rail. To continue fulfilling that role, we need reliable partners and systems that move with us. That gives us control and confidence—now and in the future.”
Photo: Peter van Veelen (General Manager, CCT), Richard Markus (Sales Engineer, Secure Logistics)