Rail Logistics and Freight Cars for the European Steel Industry

The European steel industry is adapting new production processes to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, which currently account for about five to seven percent of EU-wide emissions. This transition to greenhouse gas-reduced manufacturing processes requires an increased use of recycled steel scrap. As a result, the physical transport flows within industrial supply chains are changing. The demand for transporting primary raw materials is decreasing, while the requirements for resilient industrial logistics for scrap are increasing. This systemic shift requires adapted rail transport capacities to continuously maintain the material supply to the steel mills.

To manage these logistical demands, GATX provides specific freight car configurations. For the transport of steel and aluminum coils, Shimmns freight cars are used, which are designed to hold five or seven coils. These closed systems isolate the cargo from weather conditions and minimize mechanical damage during transport. For the transport of steel scrap, reinforced Eamnos freight cars with a loading volume of 64 cubic meters and Eanos freight cars with an 83 cubic meter loading volume are deployed. Both car types are equipped with Hardox steel floors. This choice of material provides the necessary structural resistance against the abrasive and dynamic loads that occur when loading heavy and bulky scrap.

For the transport of long steel products such as beams and rails for construction and infrastructure projects, the portfolio includes Snps freight cars. These units are equipped with loading supports that feature a Tectan lining. This technical coating reduces physical wear and protects the structural integrity of the cargo during transport. To ensure operational safety within rail logistics, GATX conducts training on load securing and car handling. These technical instructions take place either directly at the customers' production sites or at the GATX Training Academy in Lehrte. The operational network of these transport solutions connects central production and recycling centers, including the Rhine-Ruhr region, Duisburg, as well as facilities in Austria, France, and the Benelux countries.

Edited by Maria Brueva, Induportals Editor – adapted by AI.

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