Author: Vivian Kranz

Dear Readers,

With the summer holidays just around the corner, many of us are looking forward to taking a short break, recharging our batteries and stepping away from the demands of everyday business for a while.

The first half of the year has been both demanding and eventful. The logistics industry continues to face rapidly changing conditions: geopolitical developments, new regulatory requirements such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), volatile energy markets and changing customs regulations are increasingly affecting international trade flows and supply chains. What seemed predictable yesterday often requires a completely new approach today.

In this dynamic environment, one thing has become increasingly clear: success depends on reliable partnerships, short decision-making processes and people who work together to develop practical solutions. At Haeger & Schmidt Logistics, this means identifying developments at an early stage, remaining flexible and providing our customers with reliable transport solutions, even under demanding conditions.

We are particularly proud of our employees. Whether at one of our locations, on our terminals, on board our vessels or in our offices, they keep supply chains moving every day with their experience, commitment and team spirit. We would like to express our sincere thanks for their outstanding dedication.

The articles in this edition reflect exactly this approach. They provide insights into current projects, new developments and, above all, the people who make Haeger & Schmidt Logistics what it is today. Modern logistics is not built on infrastructure and technology alone, but on committed teams and a culture of trust and collaboration. We hope you enjoy this edition, wish you a relaxing summer and look forward to continuing to shape the opportunities and challenges of the second half of the year together with you.

Yours sincerely,

Heiko Brückner & Stefan Hütten

Haeger & Schmidt Logistics Gruppe

Continuous improvement is part of Haeger & Schmidt Logistics’ DNA. While technology and processes play an important role, it is above all our people who drive the company forward every day with their ideas, commitment and experience.

This mindset led to the creation of Move Maker as part of our Future Team Programme. Move Maker brings together employees from different areas of the company: Steffen (Projects), Chris (Port), Franzi (Intermodal), Nico (Administration), René (Finance) and Marcel (IT).

By bringing together different perspectives, Move Maker encourages a cross-functional view of processes, collaboration and everyday work at HSL. Their goal is to identify opportunities for improvement at an early stage, develop ideas together and strengthen collaboration across departmental boundaries in a sustainable way.

One of the first visible outcomes is the “First Move – Move Break” initiative. Once a month, all employees are invited to step away from their desks for a short time and join a lunchtime walk with colleagues from different departments. Without a fixed agenda, these informal conversations often generate new perspectives, ideas and inspiration that later feed into the work of the Move Maker.

Another initiative is job rotation. In the future, employees will have the opportunity to spend a day accompanying colleagues from other departments and gain first-hand insight into their daily work. This strengthens understanding of different roles and processes, promotes knowledge sharing and makes collaboration across the company’s many interfaces even easier.

Beyond these initiatives, Move Maker is developing further ideas and projects aimed at simplifying day-to-day work, strengthening cross-functional collaboration and supporting continuous improvement. The objective is not change for its own sake, but creating tangible added value for employees while making processes even more efficient.

The people behind Move Maker do not see themselves as a traditional project team, but as an initiative that generates momentum and drives new ideas forward. Some of these ideas are already being implemented, while others are currently being tested and refined in everyday operations.

Sustainable progress rarely comes from one major initiative. More often, it is the result of many continuous small steps, driven by people who are willing to take responsibility, learn from one another and actively shape collaboration.

Haeger & Schmidt Logistics is further expanding its intermodal services along the Rhine corridor with another future-ready vessel: the Leonie Deymann is now operating in scheduled container services between Andernach and Basel. For our customers, this means above all greater reliability, high efficiency and a modern transport solution that delivers strong performance even under demanding conditions on the water.

The vessel has undergone a comprehensive modernisation at the Concordia Damen shipyard in Werkendam, the Netherlands. Originally built as the dry cargo vessel Hirschhorn, the Leonie Deymann has been transformed into a fundamentally modernised inland vessel specifically designed to meet today’s intermodal transport requirements. As part of the conversion, the entire stern section was replaced with a newly designed structure incorporating a modern wheelhouse and crew accommodation.

A key feature for day-to-day operations is the new propulsion system. Instead of a single engine with one propeller, the vessel is now equipped with two propellers and two electric motors, each delivering 630 kW, as part of a diesel-electric propulsion concept. This enables the Leonie Deymann to operate far more efficiently, reducing fuel consumption and lowering emissions. At the same time, the technical design offers significant advantages during periods of low water levels, an increasingly important factor in maintaining reliable transport chains along the River Rhine.

This is where the real customer benefit lies. In a market shaped by growing demands for efficiency, sustainability and supply chain reliability, shippers, shipping companies and freight forwarders require dependable solutions across the entire transport chain. With the Leonie Deymann, Haeger & Schmidt Logistics is strengthening its fleet with a modern vessel that enables container transport to be handled efficiently, sustainably and reliably.

The partnership also plays a key role. The vessel is owned by the Deymann shipping company based in Haren, with whom Haeger & Schmidt Logistics will operate this service in close cooperation. Partnerships like this create the foundation for continuously developing transport solutions and meeting customer requirements with efficient, market-oriented concepts.

With a length of 135 metres, a beam of 11.45 metres, a draught of 3.20 metres and a capacity of 268 TEU or 3,413 tonnes, the Leonie Deymann is ideally suited for scheduled intermodal services. Among its greatest strengths are fuel savings of more than 10 percent and an improved low-water performance of approximately 30 centimetres compared with the previous stern design. As a result, the vessel can now operate safely in water depths of around 125 centimetres.

For Haeger & Schmidt Logistics, the Leonie Deymann is far more than a modernised vessel. It represents another important building block in providing customer-focused, efficient and future-oriented transport solutions along the Rhine corridor.

Felix Zocher, Head of Intermodal Sales at Haeger & Schmidt Logistics:
“With the Leonie Deymann, we are strengthening our service offering for customers who depend on reliable and sustainable container transport along the Rhine corridor. The vessel’s modernisation demonstrates how efficiency, environmental performance and operational reliability can be successfully combined.”

On 19 May 2026, a remarkable transport project was successfully completed in Andernach. The H&S Wisdom became the first HSW coastal motor vessel in nine years to load cargo directly in Andernach.

What made this operation particularly noteworthy was the combination of several challenging factors. Located far inland, Andernach is only accessible to coastal motor vessels to a limited extent due to their greater draught compared with conventional inland vessels. At the same time, the current low water conditions on the River Rhine placed additional demands on the planning and execution of the transport. The fact that loading could nevertheless take place directly in Andernach demonstrates the high level of flexibility and the close coordination between all parties involved.

For the customer, this solution offered one decisive advantage: additional pre-carriage by inland vessel or truck, as well as further cargo handling, could be avoided entirely. The cargo was taken over directly at the site and transported onwards without additional handling interfaces. This created a direct and streamlined transport chain, reducing logistical effort and increasing the efficiency of the entire operation.

This shipment highlights the versatility of HSW’s service portfolio. By intelligently combining coastal and inland shipping, efficient and tailor-made transport solutions can be realised even under challenging conditions. The successful loading operation in Andernach demonstrates how HSW, with its experience, flexibility and strong network across the entire transport chain, masters even complex logistical challenges. Our special thanks go to everyone involved on site who contributed to the success of this project.

Over the past few years, Fortitudo has established itself as a high-performance transport solution for demanding heavy cargo operations on Europe’s inland waterways. The vessel is now undergoing an extensive technical upgrade.

Since entering service in 2018, Fortitudo has been operating across Europe, transporting complex project cargo and heavy loads. The heavy cargo barge was built in Fécamp, Normandy (France). Designed specifically for oversized heavy cargo and bulky project shipments, the vessel is capable of transporting individual loads of up to 300 tonnes directly via the inland waterway and canal network. Without this concept, many of these transports would otherwise require far more complex short sea shipping operations.

Fortitudo is particularly well suited to the French inland waterway network. The heavy cargo barge has been designed precisely to meet the requirements of the French canal system. Its dimensions are tailored to lock specifications, enabling highly efficient operations. While a conventional péniche typically carries around 220 tonnes at a permitted draught of 180 to 200 centimetres, Fortitudo offers significantly greater transport capacity.

The cargo hold entrance has also been widened. Measuring 460 centimetres instead of the standard 380 centimetres found on conventional péniches, it provides additional flexibility for transporting oversized project cargo.

Extensive Modernisation Programme
Fortitudo is currently undergoing a comprehensive refurbishment and modernisation programme. The former self-propelled heavy cargo barge is being converted into a fully equipped motor vessel. These works represent another important milestone in the continuous development of the Haeger & Schmidt Logistics fleet.

“With the current conversion, we are creating the foundation for deploying Fortitudo even more flexibly and efficiently in the European project logistics market,” explains Toni Nicolay, HSL Branch Manager in Neuenburg. “This modernisation is an important step towards meeting our customers’ growing requirements over the long term.”

The main focus of the conversion is the vessel’s technical modernisation. Fortitudo is being equipped with a significantly more powerful hydraulic drive system and a new propeller, enabling more precise and higher-performance manoeuvring. In addition, a new living area is being created for the crew, providing substantially improved working and living conditions on board.

The wheelhouse is also being partially rebuilt and comprehensively modernised. The work is complemented by the construction and installation of a mobile gangway, providing additional flexibility for day-to-day operations. All modifications are being carried out in accordance with current ES-TRIN regulations and modern technical standards.

Advancing the Fleet’s Technical Capabilities
With this conversion, Haeger & Schmidt Logistics is responding to the growing demands of the European project cargo and heavy transport market. The technical upgrade will enable Fortitudo to operate even more flexibly, efficiently and independently in the future. The work is scheduled for completion by the end of July. With the modernised Fortitudo, Haeger & Schmidt Logistics is further strengthening and expanding its capabilities in project logistics.

Three busy days at the exhibition, countless conversations and many new ideas: For Haeger & Schmidt Logistics, Breakbulk Europe 2026 in Rotterdam once again proved to be an important meeting point with customers, partners and industry representatives from around the world.

With more than 11,400 trade visitors, around 660 exhibitors and participants from over 120 countries, the exhibition once again underlined its position as one of the world’s leading platforms for project cargo, heavy lift and breakbulk logistics.

Together with the companies of the Felbermayr Group as well as PSA, HSW, Best Logistics and Rijnmond Logistics, Haeger & Schmidt Logistics exhibited in Hall 2.5. The joint presence once again highlighted the close cooperation within the Group and the combined logistics expertise spanning the entire transport chain.

The focus was on the many conversations with customers and partners. At a time when geopolitical developments, new regulatory requirements and changing supply chains continue to challenge the logistics industry, personal exchange remains more important than ever. For many years, Breakbulk Europe has provided the ideal setting for exactly that: bringing people together, creating space for new ideas and enabling open dialogue on tailor-made solutions for complex project cargo and heavy lift transports.

The traditional booth party was once again a highlight of the exhibition days. Alongside valuable conversations and networking opportunities, the freshly prepared Kaiserschmarrn served at the stand has long since become a Breakbulk Europe tradition in its own right.

Breakbulk Europe 2026 once again demonstrated that successful logistics is built on strong partnerships, mutual trust and personal exchange. For Haeger & Schmidt Logistics, the exhibition was therefore far more than a platform for presenting services. It provided an opportunity to strengthen existing relationships, establish new contacts and discuss the logistics solutions of tomorrow together with customers and partners.

Felbermayr Holding and Haeger & Schmidt Logistics have increased their stake in the Dutch inland shipping company Rijnmond Logistics BV from 50 to 65 percent. This marks the next step in the strategic development of the partnership while further strengthening our presence across the European inland waterway network and reinforcing our position in multimodal logistics solutions.

Based in Papendrecht, Rijnmond Logistics is ideally positioned along the Rhine corridor and the Moselle River. The company transports a wide range of cargo, including agricultural products, construction materials, minerals, dry bulk cargo and containers. Since Felbermayr Holding acquired its initial stake in 2023, the close cooperation with the Inland Navigation and Intermodal divisions of Haeger & Schmidt Logistics has already created numerous synergies and resulted in the successful implementation of joint projects.

The increase in our shareholding also marks the end of an important chapter in the company’s history. We would like to sincerely thank Gerrit Drenth for the trust and cooperation over the past years and wish him every success, both personally and professionally. At the same time, we look forward to continuing our successful collaboration with Cees van Putten and the entire Rijnmond Logistics team.

For our customers, the expanded partnership means one thing above all: an even stronger network. By combining expertise, fleets and strategically located operations along Europe’s key inland waterways, we are creating efficient multimodal transport solutions that intelligently connect inland waterways, rail and road transport. Against the backdrop of growing demand for sustainable and reliable supply chains, inland navigation continues to play a vital role.

A particular advantage lies in the close proximity to the Port of Rotterdam and the strong cooperation between the teams in Papendrecht and Ridderkerk. Together with the other locations of the Haeger & Schmidt Group, transport operations can be coordinated flexibly, capacities utilised efficiently and individual customer requirements implemented effectively.

Looking ahead, Haeger & Schmidt Logistics and Rijnmond Logistics will continue to further expand their successful partnership. Our shared objective remains to strengthen the European inland waterway network while providing our customers with reliable, flexible and sustainable transport solutions along Europe’s most important waterways.