Aglobis and Rhenus sign MoU

Aglobis, a solution provider for the reliable and long-term sourcing, marketing and distribution of Sulphur and Sulphuric Acid, and Rhenus, a leading global logistics service provider, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding and a land reservation agreement in order to develop a molten sulphur solution for the European market.

As part of this partnership, the construction of a sulphur remelter plant is planned at Terminal 4 operated by Rhenus Port Logistics Rhein-Ruhr in the Port of Duisburg.

Aglobis and Rhenus sign MoU to develop a sulphur remelter plant in the port of DuisburgAglobis and Rhenus sign MoU to develop a sulphur remelter plant in the port of Duisburg
Terminal 4 in the Port of Duisburg, operated by Rhenus Port Logistics Rhein-Ruhr. Credits: Rhenus SE & Co. KG

The cooperation between Aglobis and Rhenus results from the changes in the supply of sulphur to local industries. Due to the reduction of fossil fuel-based energy production in Europe, sulphur, previously a by-product of these energy plants, has decreased from an oversupply to becoming an import product, particularly molten sulphur. “Ensuring a stable and efficient supply of this crucial material is more important than ever,” explains Jan Joop Alberts CEO & Chairman Aglobis AG. “That’s why Aglobis, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsui & Co., Ltd., is taking proactive steps to support the European industry’s long-term needs for molten sulphur.”

Aglobis aims to increase the overseas import of sulphur, in order to address the growing demand of European chemical industries. The sulphur remelter plant will be operated by Aglobis and have an output of approximately 400,000 tons per year, with the aim of starting the operation in 2027. Rhenus is set to support Aglobis by providing onsite sulphur warehousing and handling services at the Duisburg terminal. Aglobis is currently assessing logistics options for other stages of the supply chain, including seaport handling in Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as transportation to Duisburg via the River Rhine. To identify the best partners and solutions for these logistics needs, Aglobis is engaging with multiple service providers.

The complete supply chain will include the sourcing and shipping of solid sulphur in large quantities, transshipment to appropriately sized barges and inland waterway transport to Duisburg, remelting at the plant and distribution via low-emission transport to the industry locations in the region. Rhenus has reserved an area of circa 17,000 square metres at its Terminal 4 in Duisburg. “We are looking forward to starting this cooperation with Aglobis in order to provide industrial manufacturers in Duisburg and the Ruhr area with this critical raw material. As a traditional port logistics provider working with our industry customers for over a century, this project and the logistics services involved are not only part of our key competence, but also of significance for the future of this region,” adds Michael Petersmann, Managing Director of Rhenus Port Logistics Rhein-Ruhr.