From the Port of Hamburg to the world: logistics expertise for Mercer

Globalization and the growth of e-commerce have made container logistics a central element of the international movement of goods in recent years. This is also true for Mercer International, a leading provider of bio-based products made from wood. High-performance transportation solutions are essential for the company to deliver its products safely and on time to customers worldwide.

Mercer recognized the importance of this type of goods transport early on and has strategically invested in its expansion. The company has a team of experienced forwarding agents responsible for all matters relating to transporting pulp in containers at Mercer.

Not far from the world-famous Port of Hamburg is the office of Mercer Stendal Logistik, from where Harm Hastedt, a freight forwarder with 17 years of professional experience at Mercer, coordinates the worldwide sea freight transport of pulp for the Stendal and Rosenthal sites. He has been receiving support from Arne Anderson for the past five years.

One of the team’s main tasks is to acquire suitable shipping companies. Particularly important are the often protracted contract negotiations, in which freight rates, contractual conditions and national and international legal aspects must be carefully examined and evaluated. The negotiated contracts then form the legal basis between Mercer as the client and the shipping company.

Over time, the Hamburg team has built up an extensive network and maintains continuous, personal contact with the service providers.

In addition, the two experts plan, organize and monitor the transportation of pulp around the globe. The latter often covers distances of over 18,000 kilometers – about half the circumference of the Earth – and sometimes spends several weeks at a time at sea.

Adapting to the global market: the growing importance of container logistics for Mercer

Pulp transportation in containers plays an essential role in Mercer International’s overall operations, particularly given global trade flows. Worldwide, around 90 percent of all shipped goods are transported in containers.

In 2024, the company shipped approximately 10,000 containers from Hamburg to global destinations. In view of the changing market dynamics, with demand in Europe stagnating while other markets (such as China’s) are growing, container logistics are becoming increasingly important for Mercer.

Competitive advantage through containers: safe, cost-effective transport to customers around the world

Standardized containers enable reliable and cost-effective intermodal transport by truck, train, and ship. Major ports such as Hamburg, Rotterdam, and Antwerp play a central role here, as their extensive infrastructure enables the transshipment of various types of cargo. This not only reduces transport times and costs, but also minimizes the risk of damage. Mercer takes advantage of all these benefits to ensure its competitiveness in the global market.

Changing logistics: strategic adjustments and innovation

The shipping and container logistics industry is complex, presenting numerous challenges for companies like Mercer. Global events such as pandemics and geopolitical crises have highlighted the vulnerability of supply chains. Port congestion, ship delays and rising freight rates are just some of the factors that logistics providers have to contend with.

To meet these challenges, processes must be continuously adapted, and new solutions must be found. The Hamburg team works closely with partners to ensure goods are transported to the customer on schedule.

Mercer increasingly relies on rail transport to increase efficiency and reduce road traffic. The collaboration with ElbePort Wittenberge, a port and logistics center in central Germany, ensures the smooth transportation of pulp from the plant to the customer.

“Logistics processes are subject to constant change, so it is essential to continuously question our workflows,” emphasizes Harm Hastedt. ‘You never know what else is possible,’ he adds, describing how constant review and improvement, as well as adaptation to changing conditions, are crucial, especially in the field of logistics.