The Ennsdorf site is emerging as a pilot project for voestalpine’s future scrap logistics hubs. In an effort to meet the significant scrap demand of electric arc furnaces, LogServ, along with its subsidiary CargoServ, is developing a highly automated and efficient logistics model. This initiative aims to create one of the most modern scrap hubs in Europe.
Ennsdorf: Ready for Expansion
Currently, the Ennsdorf scrap hub is operating with reduced quantities, but the groundwork has been laid for gradual expansion. The facility is designed to handle increasing volumes of scrap, ensuring a stable supply for voestalpine’s electric arc furnaces. This will help maintain the high quality and reliable delivery of voestalpine’s products. Established procedures and well-rehearsed processes will support this critical phase, enhancing infrastructure capacity and supply security.
The Schwandorf-Ennsdorf Scrap Pipeline
The logistics chain for scrap begins not in Linz but in Schwandorf. Here, scrap from various yards across Germany is collected, bundled, and pre-sorted before being transported to Ennsdorf and then to Linz. CargoServ, in cooperation with DB Cargo, has developed a comprehensive logistics concept to manage this task efficiently.
Since November 2023, Phase 1 of this project has seen CargoServ operating shuttle trains that transport scrap and steel from Schwandorf to Ennsdorf. This operation involves a hybrid locomotive and trained personnel, aiming to streamline the process by reducing interfaces that can introduce errors and delays. As of early 2024, CargoServ train drivers are handling the round trip between Regensburg and Ennsdorf, further stabilizing operations and conserving resources.
The "scrap pipeline" is designed to be flexible, capable of adjusting to short-term changes or peaks in demand. Currently, trains run three to four times a week, with plans to increase frequency to two to three trains daily starting in 2027, coinciding with the commencement of the electric arc furnace operations.
Supporting Sustainable Steel Production
This logistics project is part of voestalpine’s broader initiative to transition to greener steel production under the greentec steel program. With a growing demand for high-quality, CO2-reduced premium steel, the transformation encompasses not only technological advancements but also sophisticated logistics solutions.
LogServ, a reliable partner in this transformation, is implementing environmentally friendly logistics concepts. These include railway infrastructure, wagon management, and innovative solutions for the transport of scrap. Under the motto "Scrap on track," the initiative underscores both the direction towards sustainable supply security and the use of rail as an environmentally friendly transport method.
CargoServ's efforts in developing the Ennsdorf scrap hub and the Schwandorf shuttle are crucial steps in supporting voestalpine's goal of sustainable steel production. By enhancing logistical efficiency and ensuring a stable scrap supply, these projects contribute significantly to the green transformation of the steel industry.
