Salzgitter and Oldendorff Join Forces to Cut Emissions
Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH, a subsidiary of Salzgitter AG, has announced a significant long-term partnership with Oldendorff Carriers aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the maritime transport of iron ore. This collaboration, set to commence in January 2026, is expected to achieve a minimum 20% reduction in CO2e emissions, translating to approximately 19,000 tonnes saved annually. The environmental impact of this initiative is comparable to removing over 4,000 passenger cars from the roads for a year.
Innovative Transport Solutions for a Greener Future
Under the new agreement, Oldendorff Carriers will utilize fuel-efficient bulk carriers to transport iron ore from various loading ports to Hamburg. The partnership emphasizes optimizing cargo flows and routing to enhance fuel efficiency. Notably, Salzgitter will not face any additional costs due to these changes; instead, the reduction in transport fuel consumption is anticipated to yield cost savings for the company.
Gunnar Groebler, Chairman of the Executive Board of Salzgitter AG, highlighted the importance of this partnership in the context of their SALCOS® project, which aims to decarbonize the entire steelmaking process. He stated, “Logistics – particularly seaborne raw material transport – plays a central role in this context. We are therefore pleased to have Oldendorff, a long-standing partner, at our side as a strong companion on our transformation journey.”
Henrik Christiansen, Executive Director and Head of Sustainability at Oldendorff, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the complexity of decarbonizing maritime operations. He noted that this partnership exemplifies the necessary industry collaboration to make significant strides in reducing emissions and promoting sustainable transport solutions. Both companies are committed to their decarbonization strategies, implementing concrete measures to lower emissions across their operations.
Commitment to Sustainable Practices
Oldendorff Carriers operates a fleet primarily composed of modern “eco”-type bulk carriers, which are engineered to minimize fuel consumption compared to older vessel models. Features such as optimized hull designs and advanced engine technology contribute to a lower carbon intensity per tonne of cargo transported. This aligns with Salzgitter’s commitment to significantly reducing CO2 emissions in its production processes through energy optimization, closed material loops, and investments in innovative technologies.
As one of Europe’s leading steel and technology companies, Salzgitter is actively pursuing a transition toward climate-neutral steel production. The partnership with Oldendorff represents a crucial step in achieving these sustainability goals, showcasing how collaboration within the industry can lead to meaningful environmental progress.
