HES Bulk Terminal Rotterdam has successfully completed a comprehensive revamp of its train loading station, a critical asset that has served as the heart of operations since its construction in 1976. The modernisation project, completed during the summer period, represents a significant investment in operational reliability and efficiency for the facility.
Critical Infrastructure Modernisation
The train loading station handles up to 6 million tonnes of iron ore annually for steel-producing customers in the HBTR hinterland. Recognising the critical role this infrastructure plays in operations, the company undertook a comprehensive modernisation to extend the asset’s operational life, replacing conveyor belts and upgrading systems to ensure continued reliability for years to come.
Peter de Klerk, technical manager at HBTR, emphasised the collaborative nature of the project: “This project was a real team effort. By coordinating closely with the HES Group and our customers, we were able to modernise a critical piece of equipment without any disruption to operations and, most importantly, without compromising on safety.”
Advanced Automation Enhances Operations
The modernised station now operates as a fully automated system, managed remotely from the control room. This technological advancement enables a single operator to efficiently supervise several machines simultaneously, representing a major step forward in both operational efficiency and safety protocols.
The achievement reflects the value of strong collaboration between the terminal’s technical team and the HES Group. Over a two-year period, the teams worked together to plan the renovation during a scheduled production slowdown, strategically aligning the project timeline with client blast furnace maintenance schedules. This careful coordination enabled the completion of major infrastructure work without disrupting customer operations.
Comprehensive Safety and Project Management
The revamp project required approximately 15,000 contracted man-hours to complete. To reinforce the company’s commitment to safety, an external safety advisor was engaged and maintained a daily presence on-site, supporting supervisors and ensuring strict compliance with all safety protocols throughout the construction period.
Jeroen van der Neut, COO of HES Group, highlighted the strategic importance of the investment: “The revamp of the train loading station is a great example of how we approach maintenance as part of our long-term asset strategy. By investing in reliability and efficiency, we ensure that our operations remain competitive whilst continuing to provide the high level of service our customers expect.”
Strategic Asset Management
The successful completion of the train loading station revamp demonstrates HBTR’s commitment to long-term asset management and operational excellence. The modernisation ensures continued reliable service for steel industry customers whilst incorporating advanced automation technologies that enhance both safety and efficiency.
The project represents a significant milestone in HBTR’s ongoing investment in infrastructure reliability, positioning the terminal to maintain its competitive edge in serving the iron ore supply chain for steel production in the region. The careful planning and execution without operational disruption underscores the terminal’s ability to deliver major infrastructure improvements whilst maintaining uninterrupted customer service.
For more information visit www.hesinternational.eu
