Tata Steel and RCT Stevedoring have developed an innovative and sustainable logistics solution for the transport of steel coils between Tata Steel's sites in Duffel (Belgium) and IJmuiden (the Netherlands). Thanks to the collaboration, a large part of the transport now takes place via inland waterways, resulting in 50,000 tonnes of steel being transported by water every year. This initiative contributes significantly to the reduction of road transport, congestion and CO2 emissions.
The collaboration is an important part of the logistics optimisation between Tata Steel IJmuiden and Tata Steel Duffel, where steel coils are processed. Previously, the processed coils were transported back to IJmuiden entirely by truck. With the deployment of RCT Stevedoring and their modern infrastructure in Willebroek, this logistics flow is now largely handled via inland shipping. However, this cooperation is just the beginning. There are further opportunities to expand the modal shift and shift even more transport from road to water, which will lead to further optimisation and sustainability of the logistics chain in the future.
Modal shift: from road to water
Thanks to this modal shift, between 1,400 and 1,800 truck trips and 320,000 road kilometres can be eliminated every year. Most of the logistics chain now runs via inland waterway, from the RCT Stevedoring terminal in Willebroek to IJmuiden. Trucks, powered by HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), are only used for transport from Tata Steel Duffel to Willebroek, where the coils are temporarily stored and consolidated for transport by water.
This modal shift not only has environmental benefits, but also helps reduce the growing problem of traffic congestion on major freight routes in the Netherlands. In addition, Tata Steel Netherlands has received subsidies from the Dutch government aimed at encouraging the use of inland shipping instead of road transport, contributing to a more sustainable road infrastructure and reduced emissions.
RCT Stevedoring: the link to efficient and sustainable logistics
RCT Stevedoring plays a crucial role in this logistics process. With a terminal in Willebroek, equipped with 350 metres of quay and a draught of seven metres, RCT Stevedoring offers an ideal location for the transhipment of large quantities of heavy goods. Thanks to the investment in new infrastructure, including two additional warehouses and a Mantsinen 300 crane with a 40-tonne lifting capacity, RCT is perfectly positioned to support both existing customers and new partners in their growth ambitions. Moreover, RCT uses innovative loading and unloading techniques, which allow it to efficiently and safely handle heavy goods such as steel coils. This forward-thinking approach ensures faster handling and a reduction in its carbon footprint.
Door opener: De Vlaamse Waterweg
Vlaamse Waterweg nv has played an intermediary role in facilitating this modal shift. Their market developers put Tata Steel and RCT Stevedoring in touch, actively thinking about the potential of inland shipping as a logistics solution. Flanders Waterway continues to support companies to integrate waterway transport into their operations, contributing to more sustainable and efficient freight transport in Flanders.
A sustainable future for the steel industry
Tata Steel is committed to a cleaner and more sustainable future. In the Netherlands, Tata Steel IJmuiden is actively working on the transition to green steel, with an ambition to achieve hydrogen-based steel production by 2030. Tata Steel Duffel plays an important role in this by processing steel for various packaging solutions that are used worldwide. This sustainable focus is reinforced by the new logistics collaboration, which not only optimises the transport chain but also contributes to the companies' emission reduction targets.