Introduction
Welcome message
by Pieter den Hartogh
As we reflect on 2024, I want to express my appreciation for the way the Den Hartogh family has navigated another year of challenges and opportunities. This past year tested us in many ways. Economic pressures, shifting market conditions, and global uncertainties required us to be agile and resilient. Yet, as always, we faced these challenges together, staying true to our mission: "Ambitious People Realising Creative Logistics Solutions."
Despite these challenges, we remained focused on delivering value for our customers. However, market conditions placed pressure on our financial performance. Intra-European traffic faced lower-than-expected demand, with volumes staying below available transport capacity throughout all quarters. This surplus capacity, combined with pricing pressure in the European market, impacted profitability. Globally, we managed increasing demand for chemical logistics while navigating fluctuating ocean shipping rates and disruptions in key trade routes, such as the Panama and Red Sea regions.
While we adapted effectively to these volatile conditions, the industry-wide growth in tank container supply and declining global chemical flows put significant pressure on margins. Nonetheless, we maintained relatively stable consolidated revenue. While our organic turnover remained steady compared to the previous year, overall revenue growth was driven by acquisitions, strengthening our market position and expanding our service offering.
This strategic focus on growth was reflected in several key milestones throughout the year. The acquisition of H&S Group marked an important step forward, introducing a new business unit focused on liquid food logistics. This addition broadens our service offering and enables us to provide more comprehensive and integrated logistics solutions to our customers. Another key achievement was the start of construction on our new Basecamp in Rotterdam - a clear sign of our confidence in the future and our commitment to providing an inspiring and collaborative environment for our teams.
Beyond financial results and strategic growth, sustainability remained a core priority. From the rollout of electric trucks and the expansion of our HVO fuel programme to green partnerships with customers, we continued to develop smarter and more efficient logistics solutions. Sustainability is not just a responsibility; it is a competitive advantage that keeps our business future-proof while minimising our environmental impact.
As we look ahead to 2025, we know new challenges will arise, but we are well-prepared to face them. Our focus remains on sustainable growth, fostering a culture of safety and inclusion, and continuously delivering value to our customers. By leveraging our strong foundations, our talented people, and our culture of innovation, we will continue to adapt, innovate, and grow.
Pieter den Hartogh
“We remained focused on delivering value for our customers, strengthening our market position, and expanding our service offering.”
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Introduction
Welcome message
by Pieter den Hartogh
Pieter den Hartogh
“We remained focused on delivering value for our customers, strengthening our market position, and expanding our service offering.”
As we reflect on 2024, I want to express my appreciation for the way the Den Hartogh family has navigated another year of challenges and opportunities. This past year tested us in many ways. Economic pressures, shifting market conditions, and global uncertainties required us to be agile and resilient. Yet, as always, we faced these challenges together, staying true to our mission: "Ambitious People Realising Creative Logistics Solutions."
Despite these challenges, we remained focused on delivering value for our customers. However, market conditions placed pressure on our financial performance. Intra-European traffic faced lower-than-expected demand, with volumes staying below available transport capacity throughout all quarters. This surplus capacity, combined with pricing pressure in the European market, impacted profitability. Globally, we managed increasing demand for chemical logistics while navigating fluctuating ocean shipping rates and disruptions in key trade routes, such as the Panama and Red Sea regions.
While we adapted effectively to these volatile conditions, the industry-wide growth in tank container supply and declining global chemical flows put significant pressure on margins. Nonetheless, we maintained relatively stable consolidated revenue. While our organic turnover remained steady compared to the previous year, overall revenue growth was driven by acquisitions, strengthening our market position and expanding our service offering.
This strategic focus on growth was reflected in several key milestones throughout the year. The acquisition of H&S Group marked an important step forward, introducing a new business unit focused on liquid food logistics. This addition broadens our service offering and enables us to provide more comprehensive and integrated logistics solutions to our customers. Another key achievement was the start of construction on our new Basecamp in Rotterdam - a clear sign of our confidence in the future and our commitment to providing an inspiring and collaborative environment for our teams.
Beyond financial results and strategic growth, sustainability remained a core priority. From the rollout of electric trucks and the expansion of our HVO fuel programme to green partnerships with customers, we continued to develop smarter and more efficient logistics solutions. Sustainability is not just a responsibility; it is a competitive advantage that keeps our business future-proof while minimising our environmental impact.
As we look ahead to 2025, we know new challenges will arise, but we are well-prepared to face them. Our focus remains on sustainable growth, fostering a culture of safety and inclusion, and continuously delivering value to our customers. By leveraging our strong foundations, our talented people, and our culture of innovation, we will continue to adapt, innovate, and grow.
Pieter den Hartogh
1