Rotterdam, 21 january – interview with Paul van Gelder, CEO of HES International.
2025 was a significant year for HES International. How do you look back on the past year?
Paul van Gelder: “2025 was transformative in many ways. Our industry is evolving at pace, and that requires clear direction combined with tangible action. Over the past year, HES International demonstrated that we are not only adapting to change, but actively helping to shape it. The focus was on laying strong foundations: for new energies, for decarbonisation, for long term resilience, and for one unified HES.”
Which developments stood out most to you?
“Two important achievements stood out for me. In France we acquired a new terminal , HES Fos. This terminal is a stepping stone for developments in the field of Green Steel. Decarbonized steel production will contribute to Europe’s strategic autonomy. It’s crucial to have our won own steel production in Europe. Another important milestones was achieved at HES Wilhelmshaven Tank Terminal, where we secured the option to connect to Germany’s hydrogen backbone via the Wilhelmshaven Coastal Line. This goes far beyond a technical connection. It is a concrete step towards positioning the terminal as a New Energies Hub and enabling large scale hydrogen imports into the German market. At a time when Europe is accelerating its energy transition, having the right infrastructure in place is critical.”
Decarbonisation plays a central role in your strategy. How is HES putting this into practice?
“At HES, decarbonisation is about action, not ambition alone. Together with Harbour Energy, we took the next step in our Carbon Capture and Storage cooperation, developing practical solutions to capture and permanently store CO₂ emissions from industrial sources. This partnership is an important milestone in reducing the carbon footprint of our sector and in supporting Europe’s climate goals with scalable solutions.”
Your activities extend beyond hydrogen and CCS. What else is happening in the energy transition space?
“In France, our newly established subsidiary HES Med Terminals signed a Memorandum of Understanding with GravitHy. Together we will develop the port infrastructure linking GravitHy’s future industrial site in Fos sur Mer to our dry bulk terminal. This project clearly illustrates the vital role ports play in enabling new industrial ecosystems, particularly those focused on green steel production and low carbon value chains.”
How do you balance long term investments with day to day operational excellence?
“Operational excellence is the foundation of everything we do. At HES Bulk Terminal Rotterdam, the team completed the full modernisation of the train loading station; a key asset that has been in operation since 1976 and handles up to six million tonnes of iron ore per year. By putting safety first and embracing automation, we now operate a more efficient and future proof system that continues to meet our customers’ evolving needs.”
Were there other milestones within your bulk terminals?
“Yes. In Poland, HES Gdynia Bulk Terminal reached a major milestone with the official opening of a new, fully automated flat grain warehouse. This investment significantly increases our agricultural storage and handling capacity, reinforcing our position as a reliable partner within the agri bulk supply chain.”
2025 also marked an important step towards ‘One HES’. What does that mean in practice?
“As of 2 April, EMO B.V. and European Bulk Services officially rebranded under the HES International name. EMO is now HES Bulk Terminal Rotterdam, and EBS has become HES Bulk Terminal Maasdelta. This change is about much more than a new name or visual identity. It reflects a shared culture, aligned standards and a clear promise to our customers: wherever you engage with us, you engage with one HES. In December, SOSERSID SOMARSID also transitioned to HES Med Terminals, further strengthening our international alignment.”
How important are relationships and engagement with customers?
“Extremely important. Beyond projects and investments, 2025 reminded us of the value of personal connection. Hosting our clients at HES Bulk Terminal Amsterdam during SAIL Amsterdam 2025 was a fantastic opportunity to step away from daily operations and have open discussions about the future of our industry — in the setting of one of the world’s most iconic maritime events.”
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about in 2026?
“From January 2026, 65% of the storage capacity at HES Botlek Tank Terminal will be dedicated to biofuels, surpassing our strategic target more than two years ahead of schedule. This milestone reflects both market demand and our ambition to actively support the transition to renewable fuels. We will also introduce new products at HBTA, further increasing the terminal’s flexibility and relevance in a rapidly changing energy landscape. At the same time, we are accelerating our New Energies initiatives, supported by a new brochure that clearly outlines how HES enables hydrogen, CCS, biofuels and other emerging energy carriers across our terminal network.”
Finally, what gives you confidence as you look to the future?
“What truly makes the difference is our people, our partners and the trust our customers place in us. I am proud of what we have achieved together, not only in terms of projects delivered, but in building an organisation that is resilient, future oriented and purpose driven. As we move into 2026, our direction is clear: operate safely, invest responsibly, innovate pragmatically and lead the transition where it truly matters; at the interface of industry, logistics and energy.”