Scaling Safe and Sustainable Chemical Logistics in Europe

Chemical logistics is entering a new phase: flexibility and safety must scale together. In our experience, traditional storage models are no longer sufficient to meet the growing complexity of global supply chains.

At DP World, our customers increasingly expect more than capacity. They need adaptable, compliant and future-ready solutions for sensitive products.

Europe’s Role in a Changing Landscape

Operating across 79 countries and handling more than 100 million TEUs each year, we connect global trade at scale. Within our global network, Europe - and especially Germany - plays a pivotal role in our chemicals strategy.

In Germany alone, we operate 11 chemical logistics sites that connect regional industries with global supply chains. These locations play a key role in supporting a wide range of sectors and ensuring the safe handling of dangerous goods.

Flexibility and Growing Demand

We typically serve 20 to 25 customers per site, each with different products and requirements. This makes flexibility essential. Instead of focusing on narrow specialisation, we rely on broad permitting frameworks that allow us to handle a wide range of hazard classes while maintaining strict safety standards. Certain materials, such as infectious or radioactive substances, remain excluded.

One of the most dynamic segments we see today is lithium-ion batteries. Demand continues to grow rapidly, and we are adapting our infrastructure accordingly. This includes moving from single-user storage models towards more flexible multi-user environments, allowing us to scale capacity more efficiently.

At the same time, this shift requires advanced safety systems. Continuous thermal monitoring, for example, helps detect deviations early and enables immediate response measures. In many cases, we are already operating close to capacity in this segment, which reinforces the need for further expansion.

A Stabilising Market and Targeted Investments

After a period of volatility between 2021 and mid-2023, the market has stabilised. Demand remains strong, but more predictable. We are also seeing longer storage durations, which reinforce the importance of contract logistics and long-term partnerships.

To support future growth, we continue to expand our footprint. One example is a planned 30,000-square-metre warehouse in Wolfenbüttel with direct rail access. Our broader ambition is to increase chemical logistics capacity in Europe by around 30% by 2028, with a clear focus not only on scale, but also on capability.

Navigating Complexity and Looking Ahead

Developing chemical logistics infrastructure requires close coordination with authorities and strict safety compliance. While these processes are essential, greater standardisation, particularly for lithium-ion batteries, would help accelerate expansion and simplify approvals.

Chemical logistics is becoming more complex and more critical at the same time. At DP World, we believe the future will be shaped by providers who combine flexibility, scale and uncompromising safety standards.

Our focus is clear: we continue to invest in the infrastructure and expertise needed to support resilient and sustainable supply chains. Find out more about our Chemical Logistics and Warehousing solutions.