Port of Antwerp-based terminal operator Zuidnatie will start the construction of a warehouse this summer which will host a steel service centre where coils up to 32 tonnes can be processed.
Located at Zuidnatie’s Terminal Zuid – Q118, the warehouse will have a total area of 5,500 sq m. The development of the Zuidnatie Slitting Center (ZSC) represents an investment of EUR13.5 million (USD15 million) – the company’s largest investment in five years – and will include a cutting machine and an overhead crane. Designed in Italy, the machine can handle coils up to 32 tonnes with a width up to 1,650 mm.
“For decades, Zuidnatie has been handling coils from all over the world coming to the port of Antwerp-Bruges. The new warehouse expands these services, offering the total package to the customer, from vessel to slitting at the terminal. After the slitting process, the steel is ready for its final consumer,” Zuidnatie explained.
The warehouse will be equipped with solar panels on the roof and the generated energy will be used, among other things, at the facility.
Paul Feys, Zuidnatie ceo, said: “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 emphasises our commitment to sustainability and growth, and we look forward to starting the construction.”
William Demoor, chief customer relations officer at the port of Antwerp-Bruges, added: “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.”
