Above: Visualization of one of the new warehouses that are part of the Bulk Cargo investment project in the port of Szczecin. Credit: Bulk Cargo – Port Szczecin (Rhenus SE & Co. KG)
Bulk Cargo – Port Szczecin, the largest operator in the port of Szczecin, is implementing a comprehensive investment project of strategic importance for the future development of the terminal in Szczecin.
The investment programme includes the modernisation and development of the port's superstructure, including the purchase of a new crane, the modernisation of the mobile equipment fleet and the warehouse expansion.
The Rhenus Group, the majority shareholder of Bulk Cargo, is implementing the announced investments in port superstructure, equipment and technologies as announced at the time of the takeover.
Bulk Cargo – Port Szczecin, which majority shareholder is the Rhenus Group, is implementing a comprehensive investment project worth EUR 16 million, including the modernisation and expansion of the port superstructure, the modernisation of the mobile equipment fleet and the expansion of storage space. The Bulk Cargo investment project is one of the Rhenus Group's largest investments in this part of Europe and is a response to the growing expectations of the port services market and the challenges facing the industry. The launch of the investment programme marks the beginning of Rhenus' extensive investment plan for the Szczecin terminal.
Investments for the future of the terminal in Szczecin
Bulk Cargo is the largest operator in the port of Szczecin, handling approximately four million tonnes of cargo annually. The company's services include the transhipment of bulk and general cargo using specialised equipment, storage, transhipment and port forwarding by inland waterways, road and rail.
The investment project is a key element of Bulk Cargo's development strategy, which focuses on optimising cargo structure, improving service quality and increasing the terminal's long-term competitiveness. The investment programme responds to market needs and includes both the modernisation of key infrastructure and the expansion of storage space.
”The modernisation programme will ensure that our superstructure complies with current and future market requirements, strengthening the terminal's readiness for further development. Thanks to these investments, we will improve operational efficiency, increase transhipment rates, ensure process continuity, as well as work safety and ergonomics," comments Adam Czarnul, Managing Director of Bulk Cargo – Port Szczecin. “Our projects are fully in line with the development plans for the port of Szczecin and are a response to the completed project to deepen the fairway to 12,5 m, allowing ships with a draught of up to 11 m to be accommodated.”
The largest element of the modernisation programme is the purchase of a new crane manufactured by ARDELT with a lifting capacity of up to 65 tonnes, which will replace two obsolete devices that no longer meet modern operating standards. This investment is an important step in the process of modernising the quay and adapting it to handle larger ships and heavier cargoes.
Replacing the most worn-out handling equipment and purchasing modern mobile machinery, including a heavy forklift, a mobile crane and three tractor units, is another element of the planned improvements.
Bulk Cargo's investments also include the construction of two new warehouses with a total area of 11,400 m², which will increase the terminal's total storage capacity by 27%. The new facilities have been designed for the storage of general cargo, in particular products requiring flexible and secure storage solutions.
Solid foundations and a long-term business perspective
Over the past decades, the port of Szczecin has undergone a significant transformation. Formerly known for transhipping coal and ore for Polish mines, steelworks and coking plants, today it is a multifunctional port specialising in handling general cargo, containers and bulk cargo, becoming an important transhipment hub on the map of Europe.
‘When talking about the future, we have to take into account the growing expectations of the market, bearing in mind the challenges that the modern world poses for our industry,’ comments Jaroslaw Siergiej, President of the Management Board of the Seaports of Szczecin and Swinoujscie - ‘Our contractors' investments represent real growth and greater efficiency, which is why we are watching Bulk Cargo's investment programme with interest. Investments are undoubtedly the driving force behind the development of the entire Port of Szczecin’.
The future of the port services industry is marked by increased efficiency, digitalisation and compliance with stringent environmental requirements. Among the expectations and trends, the leading ones are automation of operations, modernisation of infrastructure and reduction of the carbon footprint.
The Rhenus Group has been operating in Poland and at the port of Szczecin for over 30 years, and in 2024 it became the majority shareholder of Bulk Cargo, thereby committing itself to the further development and modernisation of the port's superstructure. Bulk Cargo's investment programme is a response to this commitment and a preparation for the challenges facing the port industry. The overall objective is to strengthen the market position of the terminal in Szczecin in the long term, improve operational efficiency and increase the flexibility of the services offered in response to changing market expectations.
‘The Rhenus Group's investment in the Bulk Cargo modernisation project demonstrates our commitment to cooperation with the Port of Szczecin,’ -comments Michael de Reese, CEO of Rhenus Port Logistics. ‘This programme provides a solid foundation for the further development of our services and confirms the company's long-term approach to modern, sustainable and scalable port superstructure.’