RCT Stevedoring has recently reached an important milestone by handling the largest vessel ever to call at its terminal since the start of its operations in Willebroek. The seagoing vessel, arriving from the Mediterranean region, measured an impressive 152.5 metres in length and 22.5 metres in width and carried more than 7,400 tonnes of steel products.
RCT Stevedoring managed the entire logistics process, from unloading the vessel and temporarily storing the cargo at the terminal to further distribution to the end customer. The handling of the steel products required a total of 24 operational hours of discharge time. The operation involved the deployment of the Mantsinen 300 and the Multidocker, two specialised cranes capable of handling large and heavy cargoes efficiently and safely.
The customer deliberately selected RCT Stevedoring because of its combination of flexibility, specialised expertise and high service standards. The successful execution of this project also marks the beginning of a long-term partnership between both parties.
"This operation confirms our ability to manage complex logistics challenges safely, efficiently and according to the highest quality standards. Thanks to our strategic location, specialised infrastructure and experienced workforce, we are exceptionally well equipped to handle exceptional cargoes and large-scale logistics projects," says Kristof Buyst, General Manager of RCT Stevedoring.
This record operation is no coincidence. Over the past years, RCT Stevedoring has made targeted investments in capacity, digitalisation and specialised infrastructure. With the commissioning of the Mantsinen 300 transshipment crane, the implementation of a new WMS platform with an integrated customer portal, and the recent expansion of its covered storage capacity by 7,200 m², the company has further strengthened its position as a logistics partner for complex steel, project and breakbulk cargoes.
The two new warehouses are equipped with heavy-duty concrete floors, concrete side walls and overhead cranes with a lifting capacity of 40 tonnes. Thanks to this investment, RCT Stevedoring now offers 32,000 m² of covered storage and 70,000 m² of open storage space, specifically designed for the handling and storage of heavy industrial goods.
This successful operation not only highlights RCT Stevedoring's growing role within the European logistics chain but also confirms the trust that international customers place in the expertise, flexibility and service capabilities of the Willebroek terminal.
