Rhenus Weserport Bremen, renowned for over 25 years for its expert transshipment services, is entering a significant partnership with Nabaltec AG, signaling a major expansion of its railway infrastructure. The port agency, affiliated with the Rhenus Group, traditionally focused on cargo transfers from seagoing vessels to trucks and inland waterway vessels. Now, with the collaboration with Nabaltec AG, Rhenus Weserport is enhancing its rail loading facility in Germany’s southernmost seaport to facilitate the shipment of imported aluminum hydroxide and aluminum oxide.
Nabaltec AG, a global supplier of eco-friendly flame retardant fillers and specialty alumina, is strategically diversifying its supply chain due to rising energy costs and the anticipated de-industrialization trend in Germany. Seeking to procure essential materials from smelters worldwide, the company prefers German ports, citing cost advantages over Dutch and Belgian alternatives. The transported aluminum hydroxide, a flame retardant crucial for plastic cables, and aluminum oxide, vital for technical ceramics, are stored in Bremen, ensuring a reliable supply.
While awaiting the completion of the new fully automated rail loading system in Terminal 4, Nabaltec temporarily utilizes Terminal 2 in Bremen’s industrial harbor for aluminum hydroxide shipments. The licensing and construction processes for the Terminal 4 alterations are underway, with the system set to be operational by the end of 2024. The expanded terminal and automated rail loading system will enable Nabaltec to achieve its goal of shipping 70,000 to 140,000 tons of aluminum hydroxide and aluminum oxide annually. The contractual agreement between Rhenus Weserport and Nabaltec spans ten years, with an option to extend.
Image source: https://www.rhenus.group/nl/en/news-media/detail/rhenus-weserport-builds-its-first-rail-loading-facility-collaboration-with-schwandorf-based-nabaltec/