The recent transport of seven large storage tanks from Mammoet to Yara in Sluiskil demonstrates how collaboration, precision, and multimodal infrastructure go side by side in North Sea Port.
On 20 and 21 June, the last three storage tanks — each measuring 58 meters in length and weighing over 400 tons — were transported by road to fertiliser company Yara’s site. For this exceptional transport, SPMTs (self-propelled modular transporters) were used: platform vehicles with numerous wheels, especially designed to move extremely heavy and oversized loads. The storage tanks were produced in Belgium by Geldof and transported in parts by ship to Mammoet’s site, where they were prepared for final delivery. These tanks are part of Yara’s Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS) project, where CO2 is captured, temporarily stored in the tanks, and then transported by ship to Norway, where it is stored beneath the seabed by the company Northern Lights JV.
Multimodality as a strategic lever
This exceptional transport required extensive technical and logistical preparation by the teams of Mammoet, Yara, and Geldof. The tanks were transported via water, rail, and road, demanding precise planning and coordination between all involved parties. Along the route, additional space was created by temporarily removing light poles and railway crossing barriers to ensure a safe and smooth passage.
The successful execution of this complex operation was the result of a close collaboration between Mammoet, Yara, Geldof, and various partners within the port area. Several key factors made this possible:
- Multimodal access via water, rail, and road
- Cross-border collaboration between Belgium and the Netherlands
- Available space and expertise for large-scale and precision transport
- The infrastructure and knowledge within the port area
Lever for sustainable growth
This project demonstrates how cross-border collaboration, logistical precision, and the strength of a multimodal port come together to support sustainable industry, and highlights the crucial role ports play in achieving climate objectives. The port serves as a hub where industry, logistics, and sustainability reinforce one another. In the coming years, North Sea Port will continue to invest in infrastructure, partnerships, and future-oriented solutions that contribute to both the economic and ecological development of the region and Europe.
Image: North Sea Port
