March 17, 2026 [Storage Terminals Magazine]- HES International is making measurable progress on its sustainability agenda, with a coordinated programme of LED lighting upgrades and low-emission initiatives rolling out across its European terminal network. From Rotterdam to Gdynia, the bulk terminal operator is demonstrating that energy efficiency improvements can deliver both environmental and operational benefits at scale.

The most significant project is currently underway at HBTR, HES International’s largest dry bulk terminal in Rotterdam. Since launching in 2024, the terminal has been replacing 1,000 W halogen fixtures with 530 W LED alternatives as part of a multi-year upgrade expected to be completed in 2026. Of 390 LED fixtures purchased, 350 have already been installed, delivering a power reduction of 159.8 kW. The terminal estimates annual energy savings of approximately 700,000 kWh and around 300 tonnes of CO₂ emissions avoided each year. Beyond the numbers, improved lighting visibility is also contributing to safer working conditions at a site that operates around the clock.

At HBTT, HES International’s liquid bulk terminal in Botlek, a full LED replacement is more than 85 percent complete and on track to finish in 2026. The project has required specialised electrical equipment rated for hazardous environments, given that parts of the terminal are classified as explosion-risk areas. Current installations already deliver recurring annual energy savings of approximately 7,300 kWh, with the full picture expected once the final phase is complete.

In Amsterdam, HBTA has been ahead of the curve. The dry bulk terminal holds ISO 14001 certification with a specific focus on energy management, and more than 99 percent of its lighting has been upgraded to LED for several years. Recent work has focused on installing motion sensors in key traffic zones, adding a layer of smart control that boosts efficiency further while enhancing safety for both vehicles and pedestrians.

Across the border in Poland, HGBT in Gdynia completed its terminal-wide LED transition in 2023, covering yards, internal roads and warehouses. The terminal has since extended its sustainability drive to mobility, installing five electric vehicle charging points in late 2025 to support employees and visitors opting for lower-emission transport.

Back in Rotterdam, HBTM at Europoort is tackling energy consumption from multiple angles. An independent study by Optivolt identified opportunities to cut energy costs by up to 15 percent through optimising transformer load management, with adjustments already delivering cost savings. In parallel, around 45 percent of shed lighting at the site has been retrofitted with LED technology, with further work ongoing.

Taken together, these projects reflect a deliberate, group-wide approach rather than isolated initiatives. Each terminal is contributing according to its operational context, whether through large-scale infrastructure upgrades, smart lighting controls, or supporting the electrification of site transport. HES International has indicated it will continue publishing progress data as part of its commitment to transparency on ESG performance.

For an industry where terminals frequently operate 24 hours a day across large, energy-intensive sites, the scale of these gains is significant. HES International’s ongoing investment suggests that for bulk terminal operators, systematic energy efficiency programmes are increasingly becoming a core part of how sites are managed, not an optional add-on.