South Coast Logistics Hosts Belgian Embassy Delegation

South Coast News

South Coast Logistics was honoured to host a high-level Belgian delegation at its headquarters, a visit that underscores the strong international partnership forged through the recent acquisition of South Coast Logistics by the global integrated logistics and port operations leader, Katoen Natie.

The company welcomed H.E. Ambassador of Belgium to Ireland, Nicolas Nihon, accompanied by Consul David Van Lierde and Jacques Vanhoucke of Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT). The visit provided an opportunity to discuss the future of the Irish logistics sector, driven by this significant cross-border investment.

Pioneering the Future of Irish Liquid Chemicals Logistics

A central focus of the visit was a presentation by Managing Director, Richie O’Flynn, on the company’s flagship development: the Inland Port Terminal Project in Dublin.

This state-of-the-art facility, believed to be the first of its kind in Ireland, is set to fundamentally change the liquid chemicals supply chain by providing a dedicated, highly regulated hub away from the core port area.

“The acquisition by Katoen Natie, a company with shared family values and a massive global footprint, marks a major milestone for South Coast Logistics,” said Richie O’Flynn. “Coupled with the development of our Dublin Inland Port Terminal, we are not just expanding our capacity; we are raising the bar for safety, compliance, and efficiency in the bulk liquid chemical and pharmaceutical sectors in Ireland.”

Key Strategic Impact on the Industry

The new facility in Ballycoolin, Dublin, addresses critical bottlenecks and service gaps in the Irish market:

Upper Tier Seveso Site: The terminal will operate as an Upper Tier Seveso site, adhering to the highest EU safety and compliance standards for the handling and storage of large volumes of hazardous substances. This is a crucial assurance for multinational chemical and pharmaceutical clients.

Integrated Solutions: The terminal will provide comprehensive services, including storage for over 220 tank containers (TEUs), specialised tank heating, washing, repair, and maintenance, all within a single, secure, and regulated location.

Enhanced Global Connectivity: By leveraging Katoen Natie’s global network, which includes operations in over 35 countries and deep expertise in petrochemicals and specialty chemicals, South Coast Logistics can offer Irish producers and importers seamless, end-to-end logistics solutions across the world.

The visit concluded with a strong commitment from both the Belgian delegation and the leadership of South Coast Logistics to foster continued innovation and investment, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of the Irish logistics industry.

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