2025 has once again underscored how essential stable and reliable partnerships are in an increasingly complex economic environment. High energy prices, new regulatory requirements, and infrastructural bottlenecks have presented many companies with additional challenges. For all of us, this year was characterized by adaptability, speed, and a clear focus on ensuring a reliable supply.
In this environment, one concept has emerged as our leitmotif: Resilience.
For us, resilience also means investing with foresight. To name a few examples: our motor vessel “Schwelgern” was modernized, and our new photovoltaic system at our Duisburg site was completed—though final certification is unfortunately not expected until the first quarter of 2026.
This facility marks an important strategic step: it will significantly increase our share of self-generated electricity, reduce emissions, and contribute to the long-term stability of our energy costs.
Despite all this progress, we must openly address a topic that is on many of our minds: Germany needs predictable energy prices, reliable political frameworks, and an infrastructure that supports rather than hinders industrial demand. Companies can achieve a great deal, but sustainable competitiveness remains a joint task for both business and politics.
This makes us all the more grateful to you—for your trust, your loyalty, and the close, constructive cooperation during this challenging year. The past few months have shown us once again how valuable partnerships are when they are based on openness, reliability, and mutual understanding.
Our special thanks go to our employees, whose daily commitment and high motivation contribute significantly to the success of the HSL Group.
With this foundation, we look forward together—reliable, solution-oriented, and with the ambition to actively shape the time ahead.
We hope you enjoy reading, and we wish you a Merry Christmas with your loved ones, a Happy New Year, and a healthy, successful 2026.
“My journey at Haeger & Schmidt Logistics” – Franziska Großbongardt shares her experience
When Franziska discusses Haeger & Schmidt Logistics (HSL), it is immediately apparent that she feels at home here. All her colleagues simply call her “Franzi” – a name that expresses a sense of familiarity. For her, HSL is more than just a place of work: it is a place where she can take on responsibility and develop both personally and professionally.
Trade fair project in Düsseldorf, Naming ceremony of the MSC MICHELCAPPELLINI at the MSC quay in Bremerhaven
Start of training in 2016 In 2016, Franzi began her training as a freight forwarding and logistics services clerk at HSL. She got to know various departments and was able to take on her own tasks early on. In addition to customer service work, she also gained insights into administrative areas such as accounting.
Weil am Rhein – first area of responsibility A key part of her training took Franzi to Weil am Rhein. There, she was actively involved in customer service processes from the very beginning:
“I was really allowed to participate, not just watch. That showed me that commitment is recognized at HSL.”
This experience boosted her self-confidence and showed her that initiative is valued.
Kehl – logistics up close The next stop was Kehl. There, Franzi worked in the gate handling office and in import customer service for barges and rail.
“Kehl was special for me because I was able to experience logistics firsthand – with my head, my heart, and my hands.”
Duisburg – a wide range of insights During her training, Franzi also had the opportunity to get to know various areas in Duisburg, including internal departments such as Inland Navigation, Projects, and HSW Logistics GmbH. These insights made the training very diverse and showed her how the various departments work together in a network.
Hamburg – trying out new things After successfully completing her training, Franzi initially worked in internal sales in Duisburg. In 2020, she moved to Hamburg, a location that is currently being developed:
“In Hamburg, I realized that nothing is impossible. We look for solutions that really help our customers – throughout Europe.”
Hamburg was a real highlight for Franzi. She particularly enjoyed the operational handling of projects. These included flat-rack containers, which also had to be stowed and were often more difficult to handle because the loaded machine parts were particularly large and heavy, or containers that were transported as part of a trade fair project. Due to the large number of containers, fast delivery by truck had to be coordinated. In order to manage the whole process in the best possible way and be able to react to changes, Franzi was on site at the exhibition grounds – an intense, educational experience that showed her how important advance planning and responsiveness are for successful projects.
In Hamburg, she learned to work in a structured, solution-oriented, and courageous manner.
Back in Duisburg – more responsibility Franzi returned to the Duisburg headquarters in 2022. With the experience she gained at various locations, she is now back in internal sales and, since 2025, also in field sales. Her responsibilities include customer service, preparing quotations, and operational coordination.
To this day, she particularly appreciates the professional support she receives from her supervisor Felix Zocher (General Manager Intermodal and Sales/Business Development), who has been mentoring her since she completed her training.
“Felix has continuously encouraged me and supported me in my development. I still benefit from this today.”
For Franzi, he is a reliable professional contact whose regular feedback and exchange of ideas support her in her professional development.
Studies and further development In 2023, Franzi began a part-time Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration degree. HSL is supporting her in this:
“I want to develop further, step by step.”
Why HSL is the perfect fit for Franzi
“HSL is an employer that takes you seriously and gives you the opportunity to take on responsibility.”
What matters most to her is being able to contribute her own ideas while still having the support of the team. A path that opens up opportunities.
Today, Franzi connects people, locations, processes, and customer requirements. Her career shows how much can be achieved when motivation meets trust—and when a company truly supports development.
Away from logistics and her studies When Franzi is not at HSL or studying, she can often be found at the riding stable, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, or on long walks in nature. She prefers to recharge her batteries on vacations at Lake Garda or in the mountains – a perfect mix of activity, relaxation, and enjoyment.
In autumn 2025, our motor vessel Schwelgern underwent an extensive overhaul. With this investment of almost half a million Euros, we are sending a clear signal about the future viability of inland navigation and the satisfaction of our customers. The goal of the measures is to further increase the reliability and quality of the ship’s operation, improve sustainability, and, above all, significantly enhance the living and working conditions for our crew.
Crew Involvement from the Start Even long before the project began, a joint meeting with all crew members took place in Andernach. Here, everyone was able to contribute their own ideas and suggestions for improvement. Many of these suggestions were incorporated into the planning and implementation of the overhaul – an important contribution to the identification and motivation of the crew.
MS Schwelgern at the Meiderich Shipyard
Technical Modernization and Sustainability The focus of the work was the complete overhaul of the main engine and all auxiliary units. The propulsion system was brought up to date through the revision of the turbocharger, the overhaul of the gearbox and shaft bearings, and an upgrade of the rudder hydraulics. These measures not only ensure higher reliability and operational safety but also enable a reduction in emissions – an important contribution to sustainability and environmental protection.
The electrical system was also comprehensively modernized: The conversion to LED technology, the renewal of the gangway lighting, and the installation of new control elements ensure greater energy efficiency and better illumination of all work areas. The revision of the electrical system and the updating of the circuit diagrams increase operational safety and simplify maintenance.
Improvements for the Crew: Comfort and Safety On Board A special focus was placed on improving the living and working conditions for the crew members. The accommodations and the wheelhouse were fitted with new, high-quality floor coverings that are not only visually appealing but also easy to maintain and slip-resistant. The radiators in the living areas and the wheelhouse were renewed, and the heating pipes were insulated, ensuring a comfortable indoor climate even in the cold season. The air conditioning systems were serviced and overhauled.
The bathrooms were modernized, bathroom furniture was renewed, and shower facilities were checked. New upholstery in the wheelhouse and in the common area provides more comfort during rest periods. The lighting in the living areas was switched to modern, energy-saving technology.
Communication on board was also brought to a new level: The installation of a modern Wi-Fi system and the reorganization of the IT in the wheelhouse mean that internal communication is now even more reliable and flexible, as it will be handled via a smartphone app in the future, further improving accessibility and information flow.
Occupational Safety: Focus on Protection and Prevention Occupational safety was consistently considered in all measures. The renewal and modernization of the lighting ensure optimal visibility and minimize accident risks. The procurement of new rescue equipment guarantees that the crew is protected in the best possible way in an emergency. Employees from occupational safety and professional associations accompanied the entire project.
A special highlight is the purchase of a new motorized dinghy, which can be used as a rescue boat in an emergency. This further increases the safety of the crew on the water.
In November, the motor vessel will also receive a new hatch cover, manufactured by a Belgian specialist company. The roof is made entirely of aluminium, which significantly minimizes the effort required by the crew to open and close the hatches – another important contribution to reducing workload and preventing accidents.
Technical details such as the retrofitting of protective grilles, the checking and repair of the rudder system, and the regular performance of electrical checks (E-Checks) and safety inspections also contribute to ensuring that the motor vessel Schwelgern meets the highest safety standards.
MS Schwelgern with new hatch cover
Work Still Outstanding Unfortunately, some work on the hull, such as sandblasting and preservation of the outer skin, had to be postponed due to the low water level, as the ship could not be taken into the dry dock (Helling). These measures will be carried out at the next opportunity to ensure the high standard here as well.
Voices from the Crew Philipp Neisius, an aspiring shipmaster, reports on everyday life during the shipyard period: “The shipyard time is always very labour-intensive and chaotic, as many craftsmen from various companies work on board at the same time. We are housed externally because the work in the apartments does not allow us to use our sleeping quarters. We admire our Technical Inspector Frank Althaus, who is on board almost around the clock, holds all the strings, and keeps the goal in sight to meet all deadlines.”
Timeline and Conclusion The repair time was approximately three weeks – a remarkable achievement by everyone involved, given the multitude and complexity of the tasks.
With the overhaul of the motor vessel Schwelgern, we are specifically investing in the future viability of our company, in environmental protection, and – most importantly – in the well-being and safety of our crew. We are convinced that these measures will not only further increase the reliability and quality of our services but also send a clear signal to our customers: We are committed to sustainable, modern, and safe inland navigation.
At the beginning of August, like many companies in logistics, we became the target of a cyberattack. An unpleasant situation, but one that demonstrated above all else: Our precautions, our emergency plans, and our network work. Today, all systems are back in stable operation, and we are utilizing the experience gained to take our IT infrastructure to the next level.
Stylistic depiction of the new server architechture
What happened – brief and transparent In the context of the attack, we precautionary disconnected central IT systems from the network and transferred operations into structured emergency setups. This allowed us to contain risks while largely maintaining our services.
External specialists supported us with the analysis of the incident and technical recovery. For our customers and partners, this meant: Systems were running again quickly, and we were able to reliably process orders.
Emergency plan took effect – Reliability in the crisis It is particularly important to us that the emergency plan proved its worth. Thanks to clearly defined procedures, a quickly convened task force, and close cooperation between IT, operational divisions, and management, we were able to react rapidly and proceed in an orderly manner.
This professionalism during a crisis is a central building block of our role as a reliable logistics partner: Even in exceptional situations, we maintain an overview and ensure that our customers’ supply chains remain as stable as possible.
IT updates brought forward – modern infrastructure and strong backups
We had already planned extensive modernizations of our IT landscape prior to the attack. The new situation significantly accelerated this process:
Planned infrastructure updates were brought forward and have already been implemented.
Comprehensive backup structures were further expanded and put to the test.
Recovery processes are being continuously optimized to enable an even faster reaction in an emergency.
For you as a customer, this means: Your data and order information are secured in a system environment that is technically state-of-the-art—with multiply secured background structures.
Strong IT Alliance with Felbermayr An important success factor is our alliance with the Felbermayr Group. The exchange with Felbermayr’s IT department has been significantly intensified over the past weeks. We represent bundled know-how, share analysis results, and utilize the gained insights group-wide. In this way, all locations benefit from the experiences of this incident—a clear advantage that strengthens our IT security in the long term.
Looking ahead – Security as an ongoing process The detailed analysis of the cyberattack continues. We will use relevant findings to continuously adjust our protective measures. IT security is not a static state, but an ongoing process—and that is exactly how we understand it.
One thing this situation has impressively shown is that reliable emergency plans, committed teams, and strong partnerships are the basis for ensuring we keep our service promise even in challenging moments.
We thank you for the trust you have placed in us during these days and continue to work on handling your transports and projects in the best possible protected IT environment.
On November 28, 2025, CSA Andernach reached another milestone: since the start of the collaboration, 250,000 containers with white coils and plates have been handled for thyssenkrupp Rasselstein.
Participants of the celebration at the Andernach terminal
Since 2000, Haeger & Schmidt Logistics (HSL) has been working with Stadtwerke Andernach as port operator to provide customized solutions, particularly in combined freight transport at the trimodal KLV terminal CSA Andernach for transshipment, freight forwarding, and warehousing.
View of the container terminal in Andernach
HSL’s range of services includes multimodal transport solutions with regular container services along the Rhine by inland waterway and by train to seaports, pre- and on-carriage by truck, and other container-related services at the port of Andernach. For many years, thyssenkrupp Rasselstein, Haeger & Schmidt Logistics, Stadtwerke Andernach, and Becker & Co. have enjoyed a partnership characterized by high quality, precision, and reliability.
In recent years, CSA Andernach has continuously expanded its role as a central hub for regional and international goods traffic. The joint further development of the terminal – from optimized handling processes and improved IT systems to expanded storage capacities – ensures that increasing volumes can be handled reliably, efficiently, and sustainably. HSL and Stadtwerke Andernach place particular emphasis on resource-saving transport chains and the intelligent combination of rail, ship, and truck.
Looking ahead to the coming years, HSL and Stadtwerke Andernach plan to further expand the technological infrastructure and capacities in line with demand.
This means that CSA Andernach will remain a reliable location factor for industry in the region and an important element in its customers’ supply chains – both in the steel sector and beyond.
Heiko Brückner (CEO Haeger & Schmidt Logistics): „The 250,000 containers represent solid processes, sustainable optimizations, and consistent performance. But we are not resting on our achievements; we are constantly developing our processes and procedures further, enabling us to respond flexibly to new customer requirements.“
Oliver Pellin (Leiter Verkehrswirtschaft thyssenkrupp Rasselstein): „The supply chains developed by HSL have proven their worth. Our long-standing partnership is based on mutual trust—the ideal foundation for the further dynamic development of our cooperation.“
Every year, HSL Day is a special highlight for our company, a day when more than 100 employees from our twelve branches in Germany, the Netherlands, France, Poland, and Belgium come together. The goal of the event is not only to duly celebrate the successes and efforts of the past twelve months but also to strengthen personal exchange and relationships between colleagues who rarely have direct contact in their daily work routines.
Teamwork and Exchange This year, teamwork was again a priority: In our Burger Challenge, eight teams competed against each other for the culinary favour of the jury. Creativity, skill, and cooperation were required, a perfect opportunity to experience team spirit and mutual support in a relaxed atmosphere. The subsequent evening program was entirely dedicated to shared exchange: In addition to enjoying the grilled delicacies, the evening offered plenty of space for networking, sharing experiences, and simply celebrating togetherness.
Commitment to Sustainability Another central component of HSL Day was our commitment to sustainability. As part of the event, we reaffirmed the strategic alignment of our company towards an increased focus on sustainable practices. As a visible sign of our collective dedication, participants signed a poster featuring the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Signed board featuring the development goals, HSL Day participants
This poster is intended not only to mark the launch of our sustainability initiatives but also to serve as a daily reminder that responsibility and sustainable action are integral to our corporate identity.
We have already reported on some of our ongoing sustainability projects in the previous issue. We are currently developing further initiatives aimed at making our logistics processes even more environmentally friendly and creating long-term value for our customers and society. We look forward to providing further insights into these projects in upcoming issues.
Your Sustainable Logistics Partner If you are interested in sustainable logistics solutions yourself or would like to learn about specific approaches, please feel free to contact us at our central email address: green@haegerundschmidt.com. Let’s work together to make logistics even more sustainable.
