The metal piles at Kolding Harbor are growing, which some might see as not so good, as it’s scrap metal, while others might look at it as a resource. The Port of Kolding has existed since 1843 and is today one of Denmark’s 15 largest ports with a total cargo turnover of 1.3 million tons. The port is a development-oriented and modern commercial port with more than 20 companies and 800 employees.
That’s why we try to stay on top of developments where the demand for transporting metal on ships has grown. Let’s dive into why this is the case.
The metal piles at Kolding Harbour: A resource or scrap?
The two metal bunkers at Kolding Harbour are an interesting topic to address. On the one hand, you could argue that the piles are a resource that can be reused and contribute to a circular economy. On the other hand, one can also ask the question, are the piles just scrap metal and no longer valuable?
Get a 3-person perspective on the metal piles at the port in this video with sustainability expert Carsten Borch, H.J. Hansen Recycling Group and the Port of Kolding below. Hansen Recycling Group and the Port of Kolding below.
Why is the circular economy and the port a good match?
The circular economy is first and foremost an economic model that focuses on minimizing waste and maximizing the recycling of resources. Instead of throwing things away when they are no longer considered useful, they are recycled and reused in new products. This helps to reduce environmental impact and create a more sustainable future.
In this context, it can be argued that the metal and iron piles at Kolding Harbour are a resource. Metal can be recycled again and again without losing its properties. In other words, new products can be made based on circular recycling.
On the other hand, you could also argue that the piles are scrap. Maybe some of the metal in the piles isn’t of high enough quality to be recycled, or maybe it’s too expensive to transport it to a place where it can be recycled. This is exactly where a port comes in. Transportation by ship is inexpensive, as you can carry incredibly large quantities on just one ship. This makes it much more economically viable to recycle the metal and therefore avoids the metal ending up as scrap.
Sustainability expert on scrap at Kolding Port
In a YouTube video about the metal pile at Kolding Harbour, Carsten Borch philosophizes about whether the pile of iron and steel at Kolding Harbour is scrap or a resource. He asks himself if it is pure gold, seen as a commodity stockpile? He also suggests that we all get even better at recycling used resources. Something that will put more focus on the topic, which will lead to more resources becoming part of a circular system where we reuse – instead of throwing away.
Who handles the metal at the port?
H.J. Hansen Recycling Group handles the metal and has developed a wide range of processes to ensure that as much metal and iron as possible can be recycled. Yes, they’re experts at it. Read more about the decision from H.J. Hansen’s decision to become part of the Port of Kolding.
In addition to being good at handling the metal, consideration for the neighbors is also important. Something that we of course also address on a daily basis.
That’s why the Port of Kolding tries to make sure everyone feels included and heard at the port:
- Neighbors
- The companies
- The port itself and its employees
- As well as the city’s continued development and a more sustainable future
We firmly believe that the above groups can coexist and even find synergies that benefit everyone both now and in the future.
Scrap trade at Kolding Harbour
Oddly enough, considering the growing metal piles, there is no longer a scrap trade with private individuals at the Port of Kolding. Fortunately, there are local scrap dealers in Kolding, such as Terkelsen & Co. formerly located at the harbor – with more than 55 years of experience and ISO 14001 certified. There are also other companies with experience in the scrap trade. If you want to know more about the company that deals with scrap piles and resources, you can contact H.J. Hansen. Hansen.
