Newsroom Tata Steel Nederland

Tata Steel Nederland: Increased Rail Transport Cuts CO₂ Emissions by 4,300 Tonnes Annually

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0100

Martin van der Meer, Director of Outbound Logistics at Tata Steel Nederland, explains: “Rail transport is a strategic pillar in our transition towards lower CO₂ emissions. Driven by our sustainability goals and the need for more robust and efficient supply chains, we have significantly scaled up rail freight. This new route offers a reliable, sustainable and efficient solution with reduced Scope 3 emissions. It also saves packaging materials, as the steel no longer requires seaworthy protection, and it’s faster – within 30 hours, the steel reaches the customer.”

This initiative forms part of the mobility strategy of Tata Steel Nederland, optimising logistics in close collaboration with partners across the supply chain. For destinations in Eastern Europe, three trains loaded with steel coils will now depart every two weeks. In the Netherlands and Germany, these trains run on green electricity. The CO₂ savings result from intensive cooperation with around 50 customers, including major OEMs (automotive brands) as well as clients in engineering, construction and packaging sectors.

Find more information here on our way towards becoming a sustainable steel producer.

Steel on track: how steel keeps trains – and railways – moving sustainably

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 08:52:04 +0100

Strong tracks for a safe journey
Every time you step onto a train, you’re relying on the strength of steel. Just think of the crowds during major events – when tens of thousands of people head to festivals, football matches or concerts by rail. The tracks have to cope with all that weight – an average intercity train weighs between 300 and 500 tonnes! It’s steel that gives the rails the strength to bear that load.

Even in extreme weather conditions, train travel remains possible. One reason is the use of heated switches – steel is an excellent conductor of heat and can withstand the tough conditions of the railway. If it gets really icy or snowy, some journeys may be postponed. This helps reduce pressure on the rail network and makes it easier to solve any issues without a complete system shutdown.

Steel in the train itself
Steel is also a key part of the train itself – from the chassis and the outer panels to the motor. Thanks to innovation, the steel used in modern trains is stronger and lighter than ever before, helping to reduce energy consumption. That not only makes rail travel more sustainable, but also safer and more comfortable. A stable ride, reduced noise, and pleasant temperatures inside the carriage – all made possible by smart steel technology.

Did you know?
Much of the steel produced in IJmuiden is transported by train to production sites and customers in the Netherlands and across Europe – mostly using DB Cargo wagons. Tata Steel Nederland and DB Cargo have taken an important step towards greener logistics by signing a contract for the transport of steel coils using green electricity. Thanks to this partnership, over 80% of DB Cargo’s rail transport for Tata Steel Nederland is now CO₂-free.

More than 80% steel transport by train CO2-free

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 11:19:00 +0100

Martin van der Meer, Director Outbound Logistics Tata Steel Nederland: "As a future-proof company, Tata Steel has the ambition to make the entire logistics chain more sustainable. To this end, we are deploying a wide range of sustainability measures. We are therefore pleased that together with DB Cargo we are making the switch to green electricity for transport by rail. In addition, among other things, we are actively implementing plug-in biofuels in the transition to zero-emission vehicles such as electric and/or hydrogen-powered means of transport. We are doing this in close cooperation with our partners and knowledge institutions in the chain."

Every year, 1.2 million tons of steel goes by train from IJmuiden to production sites of Tata Steel Nederland and to customers in the Netherlands and the rest of Europe. This is largely done via DB Cargo's wagons. Nanouke van ’t Riet, CEO/COO at DB Cargo Nederland on the cooperation: “One freight train pulled by an efficient electric locomotive replaces at least 50 trucks. The train is therefore a very sustainable transportation alternative and also good for the accessibility of the Netherlands. We are pleased with the trust placed in us by Tata Steel Nederland to contribute to the further sustainability of their logistics chain."

Zero emissions in the chain

Every year, Tata Steel produces and transports an average of 6 to 7 million tons of steel to its downstream sites in the Netherlands and in Europe and to customers at various locations worldwide. Tata Steel is reducing emissions from that transport as part of the transition to clean, green and circular steel. Tata Steel aims for zero emissions in the chain as part of this, the Outbound Logistics department of Tata Steel Nederland is working daily to make the global transport network as optimal, safe, efficient and as sustainable as possible.

In recent years, efforts have been made to transport as much steel as possible by (inland) ship or train instead of transport by trucks. In 2024, more than 20% of all steel going to customers or third parties will be transported by train.

_{About Tata Steel Nederland}

_{Tata Steel Nederland is one of Europe’s leading steel producers. The company supplies high-quality steel products to the most demanding markets, including construction, automotive, packaging and engineering. Tata Steel Nederland has sites in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and elsewhere in Europe and is part of the Indian Tata Steel Group, one of the world’s largest steel companies. Tata Steel Nederland is working on producing steel with zero carbon emissions by 2045. Green steel in a clean environment, without the use of coal.}