SSAB’s port operations in Raahe develop safety together with ESL Shipping
(Posted on 25/06/26)
The long-term safety cooperation between ESL Shipping and the port of SSAB’s Raahe site is visible in everyday operations through open dialogue, joint exercises, and continuous development of working practices. Close collaboration helps anticipate risks and strengthens safety in demanding operating environments.
ESL Shipping Ltd is the leading carrier of dry bulk cargoes in the Baltic region. SSAB is a global leader in premium steels, shaping a stronger, lighter, and more sustainable world.
ESL Shipping and the port operations of SSAB’s Raahe site have worked closely together on safety for many years. ESL Shipping’s vessels are a near-daily sight in the Port of Raahe, as the company’s handysize vessels transport raw materials to the SSAB Raahe site, while coaster vessels carry finished products to global markets.
The foundation of this cooperation lies in regular safety meetings, where both safety and operational matters are discussed openly. Success is built on a culture where all parties are open to development ideas and, even in problem situations, the focus is not on assigning blame but on improving operations.
“A positive cycle is created when development ideas are received on both sides with appreciation rather than offense. The proximity of SSAB and its port is not only a logistical advantage, but it has also created a unique and close-knit safety culture for us,” says Ari Hurula, Regional Director at ESL Shipping.
Key tools in safety cooperation with SSAB include sharing safety observations, safety walks, and regular safety and emergency exercises.
“Safety is a fully shared responsibility for us. Close cooperation and regular safety meetings have improved our response time to reported deviations and helped us anticipate situations before they escalate. We develop operations together and seek solutions on both sides to stay one step ahead in demanding environments at the port and on vessels,” says Ari Harju, Port Manager at SSAB Raahe.
The most recent example of close cooperation was a fire exercise on board the vessel Haaga, carried out together with the port of SSAB’s Raahe site and the site fire brigade. The aim was to give the ship’s crew experience of the type of support available from a shore-based fire brigade in a fire situation, while also improving the site fire brigade’s understanding of the fire-fighting capabilities on board the vessel. The exercise also allowed the entire port organization to practice operations in fire situations and communication between different stakeholders.
“Ship crews regularly train for fire situations, but there is no routine for joint exercises with the port. Exercises like this are highly valuable, and we will continue similar joint exercises with the port in the future,” says Suvi-Tuuli Lappalainen, Safety Manager at ESL Shipping.
Latest News
Liverpool sees 200% rise in fertiliser imports interest amid ongoing uncertainty
(Posted on 22/06/26)The Port of Liverpool is experiencing a surge in demand from fertiliser importers as continued uncertainty... Read more
PD Ports strengthens Teesport bulk handling with £5.4m crane investment
(Posted on 18/06/26)PD Ports has further strengthened its bulk handling capability at Teesport with the arrival of... Read more
Enstructure to acquire LOGISTEC Marine Terminal Division
(Posted on 18/06/26)Enstructure, one of North America’s leading terminal and logistics companies, has announced that... Read more
Duluth ranks among top performers in Green Marine environmental report
(Posted on 18/06/26)The Duluth Seaway Port Authority and its terminal operations on Rice’s Point once again ranked... Read more
Port of Middlesbrough positions itself as a specialist hub for bulk cargo
(Posted on 18/06/26)AV Dawson, owner and operator of the Port of Middlesbrough in the UK, has strengthened its position... Read more
Rotterdam reaches milestone in autonomous shipping
(Posted on 11/06/26)The port of Rotterdam has formed the setting for a significant milestone in the development of autonomous... Read more
Rob Smeets appointed CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges
(Posted on 07/06/26)The Board of Directors of Port of Antwerp-Bruges has appointed Rob Smeets as CEO of the Antwerp-Bruges... Read more
AD Ports acquires Brazil’s leading agri-bulk port terminal operator
(Posted on 07/06/26)Abu Dhabi based AD Ports Group, a leading global enabler of trade, industry, and logistics solutions... Read more
Port of Bilbao promotes its services in Liverpool
(Posted on 07/06/26)The aim is to foster the multimodal logistics services that the Port of Bilbao companies offer to trade... Read more
Hamburg and Estonia deepen strategic port cooperation
(Posted on 29/05/26)Hamburg’s Senator for Economic Affairs, Dr Melanie Leonhard, has welcomed Estonia’s Minister... Read more
