In the anniversary edition of our magazine, we gave companies in the maritime and logistics sector a chance to showcase themselves. Antwerp-based forwarder Manuport Logistics (MPL) is expanding its Liquids division globally. Under the motto ‘be different’, MPL is acting as a global liquid operator, explains Yves Derrien.
Manuport Logistics, part of the Euroports group, provides logistics services in various commodity segments, including liquids, chemicals, fertilisers, sugar, flooring and consumer goods. With the acquisition of Belgian Contralo in September 2014, MPL took a clear position in both the Flexi and ISO tanker markets. “You can only grow in a niche market by bringing expertise in-house and building on it internally,” says Yves Derrien, global commercial director of MPL Liquids. “We have laid a solid foundation and today occupy an expert role on a global scale.”
MPL Liquids has become the largest entity within MPL. The division acts as a full-fledged logistics service provider for liquid goods and offers a total package of value added services in liquids handling, such as tank storage and blending, small pack filling, drumming and IBC filling. “We also carry out activities such as (re)labelling, repacking, fleet and inventory management, etc. for our diversified customer portfolio,” says Derrien.
“Unlike competitors, who mainly focus on a core activity, we act as a global liquid operator. We are an expert in every niche of liquid logistics. Our teams of experts perfect every link,” he stresses. “We handle all types of liquids, whether it’s used frying fat used to produce more sustainable jet fuel, or the coconut oil used in your favourite chocolate, we know how to handle it all!”
Customers
MPL Liquids was initially present in the largest liquid hubs being Antwerp, Houston and Singapore, but expanded its network to all major economic growth areas, where it acts as a local expert with a global strategy. In addition, the company offers an extensive, exclusive network of liquid agents to provide global coverage. “We collect the goods from the manufacturer, offer any type of service for handling them and transport the liquid product to the end customer worldwide,” he says.
“We know our customers and speak their language,” he continues. “In the future, we will offer more of these activities for further expansion in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and South America. Since we have a global presence with our various offices, we can easily use our network of ISO and Flexi tanks and tank storage to deliver and store the product locally. For very large quantities, we deploy parcel tankers and barges. In this way, we create new hubs and can deliver to the end customer as quickly as possible. By expanding our regional presence, we not only optimise our product flows, but also pursue our sustainability goals.”
MPL Liquids has a clear vision in mind. “In the long run, we want to be a global player in the growing liquids market, always from our own expertise and quality service. We do not shy away from any challenge in this respect,” concludes Derrien.
The MPL Liquids division has a particularly strong presence in Northern Europe, the Med region, the United States, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia. Manuport Logistics is headquartered in Antwerp. The company is headed by Guy Pasmans.
