German shipowner Oldendorff Carriers and steel producer Salzgitter AG have entered a long-term partnership to significantly reduce carbon emissions from the seaborne transport of iron ore to Hamburg.
Beginning in January 2026, Oldendorff will deploy a fleet of fuel-efficient bulk carriers to transport iron ore from multiple loading ports to Salzgitter’s steelmaking facilities. The initiative is projected to reduce CO₂ emissions by at least 20%, equivalent to around 19,000 tonnes of CO₂e over the duration of the contract—comparable to removing 4,000 cars from the road for an entire year.
The collaboration underscores that emission reductions can go hand in hand with cost efficiency. By consuming less fuel, Oldendorff expects to achieve operational savings while helping both partners meet their decarbonisation targets. The resulting emission cuts will count as Scope 1 reductions for Oldendorff and Scope 3 reductions for Salzgitter.
“Reducing emissions doesn’t have to mean increasing costs,” the companies said in a joint statement.
Oldendorff will employ its modern ‘eco’-type bulk carriers, which feature optimized hull designs, advanced engines, and energy-saving technologies to maximize fuel efficiency and minimize emissions.
For Salzgitter, the deal builds on its broader decarbonisation roadmap. In late 2023, the company also partnered with HGK Shipping to advance low-emission inland logistics and develop new vessel concepts for Germany’s river network—further reinforcing its commitment to sustainable steelmaking.
