Antwerp-based terminal operator Zuidnatie has opened its slitting centre, where steel coils up to 32 tonnes can be processed.
With the opening of the slitting centre, customers can have their heavy steel coils custom-slit at the Zuidnatie facility. By handling the entire process – from unloading to slitting – on a single terminal, it reduces the need for steel transport and therefore significantly reduces CO₂ emissions. In addition, the facility’s roof is fitted with solar panels that generate green energy to power the operations.
“Nowhere else in Europe are coils of up to 32 tonnes discharged directly from sea vessels and processed into finished products on a port terminal,” Zuidnatie said.
It represents a total investment of EUR13.5 million (USD15.7 million) – Zuidnatie’s largest investment in the past five years – and was developed in response to rising customer demand in the steel industry across Europe. Construction began last year, as HLPFI reported here.
“This new facility is an investment in the future of our company. It enables more sustainable and efficient operations, creates new jobs and business opportunities, and supports economic growth in the port of Antwerp. ZSC [Zuidnatie slitting centre] marks a major milestone in our 155-year history,” said Stéphanie Feys, managing director at Zuidnatie.
