Article published on the portal Maritime Economy

Link: Kompleks CFS – partner do zadań specjalnych w Baltic Hub - GospodarkaMorska.pl

Baltic Hub, which is one of the key transport hubs in the Baltic Sea region, combines advanced cargo handling services with the CFS (Container Freight Station) complex, which plays an important role in handling oversized cargo and break bulk cargo at the terminal.  

The CFS complex distinguishes itself to be exact from other facilities, not only for its unusual specification and modern equipment, but also for its wide range of services and attention to safety and environmental issues. The smooth operation of the warehouse, the safety of its staff and operational and commercial efficiency are supervised by Agnieszka Dynkowska, CFS Manager, and Mariusz Ustowski, Commercial Manager responsible for the CFS and Breakbulk Cargo segments.  

Establishment and development of the CFS Complex  

Since the inception of Baltic Hub (formerly DCT Gdansk), the CFS complex, which is a part of the container terminal, has functioned as a temporary storage warehouse and bonded warehouse. The warehouse has been designed to comprehensively handle a variety of cargoes, including hazardous materials with ADR/IMO classes. CFS's infrastructure is particularly distinguished by its ability to store and transport heavy oversized cargo. Thanks to the use of advanced equipment, including forklifts with a lifting capacity of up to 32 tons, self-propelled cranes of 45 tons, CFS can efficiently and safely manage even the most demanding logistics operations. Unlike typical warehouses, which use forklifts with capacities of up to 2 tons, the CFS fleet allows the handling of heavy and unusual goods, making Baltic Hub the ideal partner for oversized cargo handling  

Functioning and specifics of CFS  

The 7200 m² main storage hall, along with an additional 1,000 m² tent hall and adjacent maneuvering and storage yards, is designed for efficient storage and handling of a variety of cargoes. As a temporary storage warehouse, the facility plays a key role in handling international transportation, ensuring full compliance with customs, sanitary and specialized inspection requirements. As a result, goods can be safely stored and supervised before further movement, ensuring that customs formalities are carried out quickly and efficiently. The facility also offers flexibility in the management of international logistics, allowing operations to be tailored to the individual needs of customers and ensuring full protection and control of goods during customs procedures.  

In addition, thanks to its location on a container terminal, CFS is perfectly equipped to handle cargo that cannot be transported directly in containers, such as due to weight or dimensions. In such cases, goods are separated into smaller units, allowing them to be transported safely by road.  

- As the CFS complex is located on a container terminal, we are fully prepared to handle cargo that cannot directly arrive or depart from the Baltic Hub in a container or on a flat rack platform due to its dimensions or weight. Our infrastructure makes it possible to handle such cargoes, as well as their eventual separation into smaller units so that they can safely participate in further transportation.  
Thanks to the automation we have introduced, our customers can quote for such operations around the clock, instantly, through our innovative e-Offer system, which significantly speeds up the process of planning and executing logistics service - emphasizes Mariusz Ustowski, Commercial Manager.  

Services and equipment  

CFS offers a wide range of services related to cargo handling, storage and securitng. It specializes in handling oversized goods, machinery, production lines, as well as hazardous cargo. Each order is carefully analyzed in terms of handling capabilities and safety requirements, and appropriate personal protective equipment for employees is selected for each load.  

The machinery park is equipped with modern equipment, including forklifts with lifting capacities ranging from 2 to 32 tons, which allows flexible adjustment to the needs of various loads. We also have specialized equipment, such as Actiw LoadPlate, which allows loading entire containers in one go, significantly speeding up logistics operations and utilizing the full volume of the container.  

MecLift forklifts , with their elevating hydraulic cabs and extendable mast, are able to carry out complex loading operations with exceptional precision. What's more, once these movable components are folded down, they can enter containers in their entirety, enabling safe and efficient work with loads inside the container. This unique solution allows for maximum flexibility and optimization of handling processes, even in limited space.  

The CFS machinery park is complemented by RS-type mobile cranes with a lifting capacity of up to 45 tons, making CFS fully equipped to handle even the most demanding cargoes.  

Warehouse procedure  

The warehouse cargo handling process begins with the customer placing an order in the Navis terminal system. All details of the goods are agreed from start to finish to guarantee the safety of both the goods themselves and the employees. CFS offers the possibility of cross-dock reloding, which means that goods can be transferred directly from container to means of transport and vice versa, from means of transport to container. With all operations taking place directly at the terminal, the customer does not need to transport the cargo to an external warehouse, thus avoiding the additional transport of the container and the associated costs and increased handling time.  

- This saves a lot of time and money in terms of additional transportation or external handling yards. Everything is done in one place at Baltic Hub, from the moment of discharge from the ship to the actual reloading of goods from the container to the designated transport and vice versa. - says Agnieszka Dynkowska, CFS Manager.  

Safety and risk management  

An important aspect of the operation of any such infrastructure is risk management and employee safety. At CFS, all Polish regulations are followed as well as the experience of the international PSA group (which owns 40% of Baltic Hub)  

- Due to the non-standard, even unusual shape and size of the cargo handled at CFS, at the stage of accepting an order, we review the safety procedures for the cargo type, ensure that the employees select the employee take the appropriate personal protective equipment and tools in accordance with the requirements or the safety data sheet received from the client in the case of dangerous goods. Identically in the case of cargo safety, the method and possible equipment needed for handling is verified” Agnieszka Dynkowska points out.  

Sustainability and ecology  

As part of its pro-environmental activities, Baltic Hub is constantly investing in modern technologies and solutions aimed at reducing CO2 emission. The main areas of investment are the gradual replacement of the fleet and equipment to electric ones, as well as improving the energy efficiency of buildings.  

- As Baltic Hub, we have set ambitious goals: to reduce CO2 emission by 50% by 2030, and to achieve full carbon neutrality by 2050. We take a number of actions, such as the purchase of green energy, the installation of photovoltaic panels and the modernization of our equipment, including the purchase and replacement of cranes and heavy equipment with electric versions

We are also working on alternative propulsion systems, exploring the possibility of hybrid, electric or hydrogen solutions. These initiatives are part of our long-term strategy to become a net zero logistics operator– says Mariusz Ustowski, Commercial Manager.  

Future plans and automation  

The warehouse is constantly working on process improvements. Among other things, the quoting and order handling processes have been automated, making cooperation with customers faster and easier. Further investments are also planned, including automation of warehouse processes and further modernization of equipment. All of these projects will improve service quality and optimize cargo handling times. 

Cargo handled at the warehouse  

CFS handles a wide spectrum of cargo, including steel coil, machinery, production lines, as well as luxury boats such as yachts and catamarans, and even aircraft sleeves. An interesting project was also the handling of military equipment on several occasions, including Abrams and Bradley tanks. CFS has also carried out projects related to the offshore industry, which shows the versatility of the services it offers.  

- We are not afraid to handle any cargo and we are capable of handling any - not only those beautiful catamarans or yachts, but also heavy equipment, heavy production machinery, military equipment. The long experience of our staff, combined with innovative solutions, guarantees the handling of even the most complicated cargoes. - Agnieszka Dynkowska points out.  

Summary  
 
Thanks to advanced equipment, automated processes and strict adherence to safety rules, the CFS complex operating at Baltic Hub stands out in the market for its flexibility and high level of service.  

- We hire highly qualified personnel who carry out orders at the highest level of professionalism. Our extensive machinery and modern technologies, including specialized equipment for handling heavy and oversized cargo, allow us to act quickly and efficiently. As a reliable and experienced partner, we offer comprehensive logistics solutions, including cargo handling with full compliance with ecological standards. Our commitment to innovative technologies and optimization of logistics processes, combined with investments in sustainable development, strengthens our position as a leader in the industry,” says Mariusz Ustowski.