Haeger & Schmidt Opens Covered Steel Logistics Hub in Duisburg

The new trimodal steel logistics hub of Haeger & Schmidt Logistics (HSL) will commence its operational activities on February 1, 2022. Located on the steel island in Duisburg, approximately 12 million euros were invested in the new building complex last year. More than 50 percent occupancy of the spaces is anticipated.

(Duisburg) On the occasion of the official launch, DI Horst Felbermayr, managing owner of the Austrian Felbermayr Group, to which HSL belongs, stated: “With the opening of this state-of-the-art warehouse, we are further deepening our offering as a trimodal full-service logistics provider. This significantly expands our capabilities in the distribution of high-quality steel products. Together with our other multimodal port terminals in Krefeld, Linz, and Vienna/Albern, as well as the joint venture with PSA Beakbulk in Antwerp established last year, this site expansion is also a significant enhancement of our service offerings.”

The centerpiece of the trimodal multifunction hub is the heated 9,000 m² steel hall with a capacity of approximately 60,000 tons for high-quality steel products. “The market response is very good. More than half of the storage areas are already booked,” reveals HSL Managing Director Heiko Brückner. Two half-train tracks, each 210 meters long, lead into the hall for the processing of a complete train. Additionally, the new building is connected to the large existing hall with water access via a covered coil ferry.

Regarding the strategic direction, Brückner explains: “With the new building, HSL is setting the course for significant growth in the area of high-quality steel products at the Duisburg location. The investment allows us to delve deeper into the logistics chain and offer steel logistics from a single source.” The modern terminal serves as a hub, providing numerous time and quality advantages for both the stable export business and the increasingly growing import business.

Closing Market Gaps and Opening New Customer Segments

HSL CFO Per Nyström has already received positive feedback: “The combination of trimodality and extensive processing and storage capacities under one roof is in demand. We are closing a market gap, and the ‘indoor steel handling’ opens up a new customer segment for us.”

With the delivery of the overhead crane with a load capacity of 40 tons in mid-January 2022, the steel warehouse is now ready for the handling and processing of heavy goods. HSL’s activities include not only classic handling and storage but also the maritime stowage of containers as well as the professional unloading of coils and sheets from the boxes. Furthermore, HSL takes care of the timely management of the subsequent or preceding transport by inland ship, rail, truck, and short sea. Over 1 million tons of steel are handled annually on the steel island.

Photo: © Haeger & Schmidt / Caption: Commissioning of the crane with Per Nyström (HSL), Björn Becker (HSL), DI Horst Felbermayr (Felbermayr), Prof. Thomas Schlipköther (Duisport), and Heiko Brückner (HSL).