Synopsis

thyssenkrupp Steel is making substantial investments in modernizing terminal operations at the Port of Rotterdam. This includes replacing an aging ship unloader with a state-of-the-art one. The investment, in the mid-double-digit million euro range, signifies a commitment to efficiency, environmental sustainability, and safety. This move aligns with thyssenkrupp Steel's strategy to ensure a steady supply of raw materials for steel production, even as they transition to greener practices, including hydrogen-based steelmaking.

Article:

hyssenkrupp Steel is embarking on a significant endeavor to modernize its terminal operations at Ertsoverslagbedrijf Europoort C.V. (EECV) in the Port of Rotterdam. This substantial investment, in the mid-double-digit million euro range, will see the replacement of an old ship unloader with a state-of-the-art one. The primary objective is to enhance efficiency, environmental sustainability, and safety in the port, ultimately securing the future of EECV and thyssenkrupp Veerhaven, both Dutch logistics subsidiaries of thyssenkrupp Steel.

At EECV's terminal in the Port of Rotterdam, four powerful grab cranes work tirelessly to unload iron ore and coal from large bulk freighters destined for steel production in the Ruhr region. Among these cranes, one aging ship unloader is set to be replaced, marking a significant step forward. This investment reflects a strong commitment to the future of EECV and thyssenkrupp Veerhaven, who collectively handle the unloading and transport of around 24 million metric tons of raw materials annually, supporting steelmaking in Duisburg throughout the year.

This strategic move to enhance port operations comes in the wake of ongoing efforts to decarbonize steel production. The "tkH2Steel" decarbonization project, approved by Brussels and supported by the German government and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, will gradually reduce coal usage from 2027 onwards. However, iron ore remains a crucial raw material for producing climate-friendly steel. With the new ship unloader and a proven push boat fleet, EECV and thyssenkrupp Veerhaven will continue to ensure a reliable connection between the Port of Rotterdam and environmentally conscious steelworks in Duisburg for decades to come.

The new ship unloader is a substantial piece of machinery, weighing around 2,000 metric tons, standing over 60 meters tall, and boasting a crane boom length of approximately 100 meters. It has the capacity to unload large bulk freighters at a highly productive rate of up to 2,600 metric tons of iron ore per hour, setting new standards for efficiency and environmental friendliness. To minimize potential dust emissions, the unloader will feature a water spraying and misting system in the bunker area, while noise emissions will remain within approved limits. This investment also significantly enhances occupational safety and employee comfort.

Dr. Heike Denecke-Arnold, Chief Operations Officer (COO) at thyssenkrupp Steel, emphasizes the importance of these developments for raw material supplies, stating, "The amounts of coal being transshipped will gradually decline from 2027 onward, but iron ore will still be needed for the production of climate-friendly steel. As a result, EECV and thyssenkrupp Veerhaven will transport the raw material for the new direct reduction plant in the future."

Frank Tazelaar, CEO of EECV and thyssenkrupp Veerhaven, highlights the flexibility this investment brings, stating, "With the new crane, we are investing in the future of EECV and the security of raw material supplies for thyssenkrupp Steel and HKM. It will give us the flexibility to further develop our business as we move forward with phasing out coal from 2027 onwards."

Beyond ensuring uninterrupted raw material supplies, thyssenkrupp Steel is also looking toward the future of steelmaking. Explorations into hydrogen supply chains with the Port of Rotterdam are underway, aligning with the company's green transformation strategy. Hydrogen is a critical component for sustainable steel production and could be transported from Rotterdam to Duisburg via pipeline corridors.

Conclusion

thyssenkrupp Steel's significant investment in modernizing terminal operations at the Port of Rotterdam underscores its commitment to efficiency, sustainability, and safety. This move aligns with the company's strategy to ensure a steady supply of raw materials for steel production, even as it embraces greener practices. As the steel industry transitions toward decarbonization and hydrogen-based steelmaking, these improvements in infrastructure position thyssenkrupp Steel for a sustainable and competitive future.

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