Fos-sur-Mer –September, 30th 2025 GravitHy SAS and HES FOS SAS, a subsidiary of HES International, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore a long-term partnership that will create critical infrastructure connecting GravitHy’ s new industrial site in Fos-sur-Mer with HES FOS’s established maritime terminal.
GravitHy is developing a large-scale industrial project in Fos-sur-Mer to support Europe’s transition to low-carbon steelmaking. Its operations will rely on the import of iron ore pellets and the export of hot briquetted iron (HBI), requiring reliable maritime access and storage capacity. The plant is scheduled to become operational by 2029, making the timely development of port connections and storage infrastructure essential. HES FOS, with its strategic location, established quay facilities, and handling expertise, provides the ideal partner to meet these needs.
Through the MoU, the parties will work together on the development and construction of the infrastructure necessary to link GravitHy’ s site directly to HES FOS’s terminal. This includes storage, handling, and transfer facilities designed to ensure efficient supply chains for incoming raw materials and outgoing products. The collaboration aims to secure a long-term, commercially viable framework that justifies the required capital investment.
“This agreement marks an important milestone for GravitHy as we take another step toward building a sustainable and competitive industrial ecosystem,” said Alice Vieillefosse, Managing Director at GravitHy. “Partnering with HES FOS gives us direct access to world-class port infrastructure, which is vital for securing the efficiency and reliability our business requires regarding the flow of our materials.”
Frederic Pellegrin, Terminal Manager at HES International, added: “This MoU is a strong example of how HES FOS can leverage its location, infrastructure, and expertise to support the energy transition and the industrial decarbonization in Europe. We are proud to partner with GravitHy in developing a solution that aligns with both companies’ ambitions and supports the regional economy.”
The MoU sets the framework for both parties to negotiate a final agreement by 2026. It reflects a shared commitment to creating resilient, future-ready infrastructure that will play a key role in decarbonizing European industry.
Press contact GravitHy
GravitHy Communications +33 6 58 72 46 59
press@gravithy.eu
Press contact HES Fos
Firas Ezzeddine +31 614839070
f.ezzeddine@hesinternational.eu
ABOUT GRAVITHY
GravitHy, a sustainable iron company, was launched in 2022 to address the growing market for green, decarbonized steel. It aims to significantly reduce emissions from the sector by producing and using low carbon hydrogen to produce direct reduced iron (DRI/HBI). This iron will be traded and used as a raw material to produce green steel. The company’s shareholders include InnoEnergy, Capgemini, Ecolab, Engie New Ventures, FORVIA, GROUPE IDEC, Japan Hydrogen Fund (a fund serviced by Advantage Partners), Marcegaglia, PlugPower, Primetals Technologies, Rio Tinto and Siemens Financial Services.
ABOUT HES INTERNATONAL
HES International is the leading European seaport infrastructure operator for dry and liquid bulk products. Our companies hold a unique independent position in the supply chain of bulk goods for a wide range of products providing first class access to Europe's deep draft terminals and excellent hinterland connectivity by barge, rail and truck. With 14 terminals in 4 countries at strategic located ports in Europe we are an important switch in the continuous delivery of essential building blocks for our everyday life needed to develop, sustain and improve the world around us. Our professional staff ensure that bulk commodities are safely stored, handled and processed 24/7 for customers from all corners of the globe. We have a strong ambition to further broaden our product portfolio and also want to respond optimally to the opportunities that the energy transition offers us. HES International is headquartered in Rotterdam and has already been carefully handling bulk raw materials since 1908. Macquarie Asset Management, via Macquarie European Infrastructure Fund 5, and West Street Infrastructure Partners III, managed by the Goldman Sachs Asset Management Infrastructure business, each indirectly control 50% of the shares of HES International B.V. For more information, please visit www.hesinternational.eu.