Belgian family business, Zuidnatie, a logistics partner in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges for project cargo, heavy-lift, iron & steel, general cargo, containers, bulk and soft commodities, is moving forward with, what it calls, a unique concept in European ports, involving a €13.5 million investment. 

The company said it is starting construction of a warehouse at its Terminal Zuid – Q118 that will become the Zuidnatie Slitting Center (ZSC), a steel service centre where coils up to 32 tons can be slit. The company has been handling coils for decades, and the investment in the new warehouse will enable the expansion of these services.

Handling coils up to 32 tons

The warehouse will have a total area of 5,500 square meters and next to the storage area, there will be a cutting machine and overhead crane. The new machine can handle coils up to 32 tons with a width of up to 1650 mm.

The transport of such heavy coils is only possible by sea transport, making the ZSC the first steel service centre in Europe at a terminal where these weights can be handled. The machine can cut steel coils with a thickness of up to 3 mm.

Sustainability

The ZSC continues the sustainable character of Zuidnatie, where Zuidnatie can offer customers the total package (transport to handling steel). For example, steel coils are finished on the terminal to the desired end product and transportation is minimized which benefits carbon emissions.

Moreover, the warehouse will be equipped with solar panels on the roof and the generated energy will be used in the warehouse.

Read also: New shore power pilot project launched at Zuidnatie’s terminal in Antwerp

Paul Feys, CEO Zuidnatie, “After three years of preparatory work, we are delighted to finally announce this project. ZSC will strengthen our position in the market and also adds value to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. This investment emphasizes our commitment to sustainability and growth, and we look forward to starting the construction.”

“This new investment will add significant value within the Port of Antwerp-Bruges breakbulk segment. With their explicit sustainability ambitions, Zuidnatie’s strategy is fully in line with our own long-term vision. The family-owned company thus contributes to expanding the range of breakbulk services available at our port,” said William Demoor, Chief Customer Relations Officer, Port of Antwerp-Bruges.

ZSC is one of Zuidnatie’s largest investments of the past five years. It marks an important milestone in Zuidnatie’s ongoing efforts to grow as a company and expand its sustainable operations.