Interview Filip De Dycker

THE COMPANY   > ADPO - Antwerp Distribution and Product Operations is a family-owned liquid logistics service provider – ADPO operates two terminals in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges – Tank storage is the company’s core activity, complemented by integrated value-added services – Integrated services include warehousing, drumming, ISO-tank parking, tank cleaning, and transport – ADPO is a global leader in the operation of stainless steel tanks for specialty chemicals – Integrated services tailored to specialty chemicals is a key differentiator – Company originated from grain trading “Natie” and shifted its focus to the chemical industry in the 1980s – ADPO is a unique niche player offering specialized, integrated services within a single terminal – This broad range of services requires a wide variety of skills and expertise

INTEGRATED SERVICES   > ADPO offers a one-stop-concept for liquid logistics of the chemical industry – Integrated services are at the core of ADPO’s offering, complemented by solutions such as multimodality – ADPO has implemented an intra-port barging solution to reduce congestion in import container flows – Intra-port barge service is also open to road hauliers, helping them avoid long queues at deep-sea terminals – In 2025, the solution shifted 10,000 containers from road to water, reducing carbon emissions – Decarbonizing customers’ supply chains is a key part of ADPO’s mission – ADPO supports the energy transition by enabling the handling of new and circular feedstocks – ADPO’s key differentiator is combining liquid logistics expertise with integrated services on a single terminal – Expertise requires a wide range of skills and continuous in-house training – Due to high specialization, ADPO does not rely on temporary labor – The workforce is evenly split between white-collar and blue-collar employees – Since the chemical sector crisis, retaining workforce has become easier

CHEMICAL SECTOR   > Specialization brings risk, but large customers with broad portfolios and long-term contracts reduce it – Revenue combines a fixed component from tank storage and a variable component from handling activities – Market imbalances can be anticipated by offering complementary services – The survival of the European chemical industry will impact the liquid logistics – Chemical producers in China and the US can produce at a lower cost than European companies – A declining European chemical industry would reduce flows, employment, and purchasing power – Knowledge remains Europe’s key asset in specialty chemicals, complemented by new technologies – Energy prices will be decisive for the survival of the European chemical sector – Europe should address energy pricing as a single market

CUSTOMERS   > US, Middle East, and Asia producers account for 70% of volumes – 30% comes from European producers, mainly via rail, with the remainder by truck – Outbound distribution is split between barges (40%), tank containers by truck (40%), and rail (20%) – ADPO’s terminal has six rail tracks with capacity for 45 rail tank cars – Imports of chemicals are rapidly overtaking exports from European production – New customer potential comes from technologically advanced producers in Asia and the Middle East

CONTRACTING   > ADPO participates in tenders and also approaches customers directly – In tenders, ADPO differentiates itself through soft values such as sustainability – ADPO pioneers sustainability investments, including parabolic mirrors for emission-free tank heating – ADPO aims to be a frontrunner in sustainability with LNG trucks, solar energy, and a 4 MW battery park – The company builds ecosystem partnerships to jointly reduce carbon footprints – Contract duration typically ranges from 1 to 3 years, with top customers reaching 5 to 10 years – Equipment can be tailored or co-created when contract duration allows – Chemical producers want to increase on-site storage to reduce transportation needs – More circularity will create synergies between producers and logistics service providers

INNOVATION   > In the specialty chemicals industry, smaller LSPs can pilot and pioneer innovation – Smaller LSPs are more agile in driving innovation – As a family-owned company with a long-term vision, ADPO places strong emphasis on innovation – Automation and digitalization only partly reduce workforce shortages, as they require different skilled people – ADPO employs an equal share of blue- and white-collar workers – Digital skills are increasingly required, including for blue-collar roles

PERFORMANCE   > Zero incidents and zero injuries are the top priority, followed by minimal environmental impact – Truck turnaround time between gate-in and gate-out is a key operational KPI – If turnaround exceeds three hours, ADPO covers demurrage costs or even tariffs can be adjusted – On-time delivery is the most important KPI for customers – Potential truck delays are proactively managed by informing customers when a timeslot is missed by their haulier – ADPO aims to expand data-driven services to provide customers with greater supply chain visibility – An AI framework is being developed to provide real-time customer information – Profit margins are sufficient to sustain continued investment in innovation – A KPI dashboard monitors short- and long-term sustainability and supports Scope 3 emissions reporting – Subcontractors are audited and monitored as part of ADPO’s Scope 3 emissions

RESILIENCE   > Liquid logistics was impacted by several crises, including the Ever Given, Houston port issues, Houthi attacks, and US tariffs – Disruptions increased sea freight rates and triggered supply chain redesigns – Some Chinese producers rerouted flows via Europe before shipping to the US to mitigate tariffs – Since COVID, chemical producers have increased inventories in Europe to ensure continuous supply – Producers continuously evaluate locating feedstock closer to production and end stock closer to consumers – Supply chain redesigns create opportunities for LSPs to flexibly organize, accommodate, and consolidate chemical flows

THE FUTURE   > How can the chemical industry meet the EU Green Deal targets while remaining competitive – Green hydrogen may increase dependence on the Middle East, challenging Europe’s ambition for self-sufficiency – A decline in the European chemical industry would reduce both feedstock imports and product exports – Energy prices in the next two to three years will be critical for the sector’s survival – By 2040, truck turnaround times on the terminal should be significantly reduced through automation and digitalization – The operator of the future will require stronger digital and IT skills – E-fuels, biofuels, and circular feedstocks will replace traditional fuels but require similar logistics services – Hydrogen and ammonia storage require different and more costly infrastructure – Green methanol could offer opportunities for the European industry – Road transport will rely on a mix of energy sources, including electrification, LNG, and hydrogen – ADPO has a strong focus on LNG for transport – LSPs will need to become more flexible, with a stronger focus on intermodal solutions – The key recommendation is to embrace technology and invest in sustainability and multimodality