Quick solution for steel production after Moselle accident

DB Cargo secures steel production after accident on the Moselle

An accident on the Moselle in early December 2024 had far-reaching consequences for the steel industry in Saarland. When a barge rammed the gates of the Moselle lock at Müden and caused severe damage, shipping on this important transport corridor came to a standstill. Companies such as Dillinger and Saarstahl, which rely on the delivery of raw materials such as ore and coal as well as the transport of oversized sheet steel across the river, needed help quickly. This is where DB Cargo came into play.

Fast and flexible solutions

Within a very short space of time, we had to transport more trains with raw materials such as ore and coke for our customer to the blast furnaces in Dillingen / Saar. The steel is produced there, from which the sheet steel is rolled and transported overseas to Rotterdam. In addition to the regular trains, additional iron ore trains were organised, accompanied by a new transport concept from Vlissingen with additional trains. 

Teamwork and commitment in top form

This achievement was only possible thanks to a strong team and exceptional commitment. DB Cargo Netherlands, DB Cargo's Control Tower and the operational colleagues from the West and Southwest regions worked hand in hand with the customer. Voluntary two-shift shifts were introduced in the Saarbrücken workshop to get damaged wagons back into operation as quickly as possible. In addition, exemptions from the Dutch infrastructure company ProRail made it possible to operate at weekends.

Thanks from the customer

Frank Becker, Head of Raw Materials Purchasing at Dillinger and Saarstahl, was impressed: "As a land-based company with a port of loading 500 kilometres away, we are dependent on a functioning supply chain. Rail transport plays a key role for us here. Over the festive period in particular, the DB Cargo team made a decisive contribution to ensuring that we were able to produce without interruption thanks to their special commitment and additional transport operations. On behalf of my entire team, I would like to thank you for your great commitment and reliable cooperation, especially in such exceptional situations!"