European Cargo Logistics (ECL) from Lübeck Celebrates 25 Years

On July 1st, the Lübeck-based freight forwarder European Cargo Logistics (ECL), a subsidiary of the Lübeck Port Company (LHG), celebrated its 25th birthday. On this occasion, representatives of the IHK zu Lübeck congratulated yesterday with a certificate. A look into the chronicle reveals that the roots of the company go back much further. Everything began in 1970.

(Lübeck) At that time, the Finnish paper and cardboard industry founded a company called “Impaka,” which took care of the distribution of their forest products from the entry port of Lübeck to European end customers. In the meantime, the shareholders renamed the company to “Warico.”

In 1996, the Finnish corporation UPM Kymmene took over the company and appropriately renamed the new subsidiary to UPM Kymmene Distribution. On July 1, 1999, UPM brought LHG on board to further solidify the long-term collaboration in the forest products business. They agreed on a new name that was meant to promise neutrality: this was the birth of European Cargo Logistics GmbH (ECL). Meanwhile, LHG holds 100 percent of the shares.

The former paper logistics company has broadened its focus over the years and developed competencies mainly in the intermodal sector. ECL has been committed to shifting freight transport from road to rail for many years. This goal holds a high priority in the company’s mission statement. With the “One-Stop-Shop” network, ECL helps its customers save hundreds of tons of CO2 equivalents daily compared to equivalent road transports. In addition to traditional forest product logistics, the service portfolio includes conventional rail and road transports, truck partial loads, and short-sea shipping.

In the forwarding services, the principle also applies: transports should be as environmentally friendly as possible. It is no coincidence that “green” is one of ECL’s corporate colors. Modern Euro-6 vehicles and efficient route planning with minimal empty runs are key components in fulfilling this claim. Complete compensation for emissions generated during transport is also part of this commitment.

Rüdiger Schacht (IHK zu Lübeck, left) congratulates ECL Managing Director Jörg Ullrich on the birthday of the freight forwarder

A few years ago, the freight forwarder moved its offices from Lübeck to Travemünde, to the port house at Skandinavienkai. Here, the ECL team is close to a unique logistics hub for RoRo traffic, forest products, new vehicles, heavy goods transport, and of course intermodal traffic. These run through the Baltic Rail Gate terminal, the 50 percent subsidiary of LHG and Kombiverkehr.

Further Boost from Track Extension

Managing Director Jörg Ullrich expects further momentum for the company’s business from the track extension currently being advanced at BRG. “Existing traffic can then be handled even more smoothly, but above all, we will have significantly more room to develop new routes,” explains Ullrich. If everything goes according to plan, trains of up to 740 meters can soon operate there. Thanks to the possibility of longer trains and a third crane facility, the capacity will increase to 240,000 transport units, usually trailers or containers. “It remains exciting. Times are not easy for medium-sized freight forwarders, but I am optimistic that we will also master the next 25 years well,” says Ullrich.

Photos: © ECL