The year 2024 was one of significant progress and strategic growth for Steinweg. And despite global challenges such as geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties shaping our sector, we have once again demonstrated our agility and reliability.
Focus regions: India and Southern Africa
India and Southern Africa were key areas of focus in 2024. In India, we strengthened our presence with a new location on the east coast in Vizag (Visakhapatnam). This facility plays a crucial role in the import and export of metals and other raw materials, addressing both the rapidly growing domestic demand and increasing international trade flows. India is a region of immense potential: its expanding economy, dynamic market, and improving infrastructure position it as a long-term strategic priority for Steinweg.
In Southern Africa, we expanded our network to meet the growing demand for storage and logistics solutions in the region. Rich in natural resources such as copper and cobalt, big exports of pulses to the world and with fast-developing economies, Southern Africa remains a key region in our global network. Our presence enables us to support customers in both the export of raw materials and the import of essential goods.
Growth in the Middle East
The Middle East also experienced substantial growth in 2024, marked by the opening of a new location in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and in Abu Dhabi. Combined with our two existing locations in the UAE – Dubai/Jebel Ali and Ras Al-Khaimah, and our terminal in Sohar, Oman, this expansion solidifies our strong position in the region. The Middle East remains a vital hub for international trade, and our investments ensure that we can provide optimal service to customers in this strategic market.
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Innovation in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, we completed two major projects in 2024 that underscore our commitment to innovation and sustainability. At Pier 6 in Rotterdam, we focused on efficiency and sustainability with fully electric cranes and smart infrastructure when finalizing our world-class multi-purpose terminal. Additionally, we fully redeveloped the Hartel Terminal for our subsidiary Marcor, creating a truly unique and best-in-class facility for the covered storage and handling of bulk cargoes. This terminal is nearly emission-free, featuring state-of-the-art, fully electric cranes directly powered from the grid, eliminating the need for diesel generators. With a quay depth of 16.65 meters, it can accommodate the largest bulk carriers, allowing direct discharge into warehouses with specialized sliding roofs. The terminal also offers storage capacity with a load-bearing capability of 25 tons per square meter – an exceptional feature in bulk cargo handling. These innovations make the Hartel Terminal a benchmark in sustainable logistics, aligning with Steinweg’s mission to combine operational excellence with environmental responsibility.
Steinweg Online: Digital solutions for our customers
Steinweg Online remains a cornerstone of our digital service offering. In 2024, we added new features, including integrated trade finance. This allows customers to execute transactions and manage inventory faster and more easily, all within a single platform. Our focus remains on simplifying processes and providing user-friendly digital solutions tailored to customer needs.
Expanding into new regions
In 2025, we will take further steps in our global expansion, with plans to open new locations in Indonesia. This move underscores our commitment to being present in regions with significant growth potential. Indonesia’s rich resource base and robust trade flows offer promising opportunities. We have already started in Jakarta as the biggest location and are now investigating an expansion to Surabaya as well.
Additionally, 2025 will see increased focus on soft commodities such as coffee and cocoa. With strategic acquisitions in Hamburg, Germany, Genoa and Trieste, Italy, we have strengthened our position in this sector. Our efforts are centered on growing the business and providing integrated solutions that combine storage, transport, and financing, enabling customers to fully leverage our global expertise.
Geopolitical and economic influences
2025 promises to be a challenging year from a geopolitical perspective. Elections and global conflicts inevitably impact the economy and influence the logistical choices of our customers. We remain vigilant about the effects of these developments. As an experienced service provider, we aim to help our customers stay flexible and adapt in an uncertain world.
Sustainability and innovation
Sustainability remains a cornerstone of our strategy. From fully electric cranes and solar energy at upgraded or new locations to reduce CO₂ emissions, to growing tree seedlings for local farmers in Malawi to give back to the people and the environment while tackling deforestation, we are dedicated to making a positive and lasting impact.
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At the same time, we constantly explore innovations like artificial intelligence (AI). Our internal working group is assessing how AI can enhance our services while ensuring we maintain a human touch.
Steinweg: Trusted, agile, and innovative
With more than 175 years of experience, Steinweg remains a beacon of stability and trust in the logistics sector. At the same time, we continue to innovate and adapt to an ever-changing world. Through a combination of strategic growth, innovative solutions, and an unwavering focus on customer service, we are ready to make a difference for our clients worldwide in 2025.
Ulf Boll, CEO C. Steinweg Group
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