In a move reinforcing one of the longest continuous logistics partnerships in the pulp and paper sector, UPM-Kymmene Corporation and Anker Schiffahrts-Gesellschaft mbH have renewed their terminal operations agreement in Emden, Germany, through December 31, 2027—with an optional extension of three additional years.
The agreement cements a business relationship spanning over three decades, making it one of the most enduring service partnerships within UPM’s global logistics network. The extension was formalized during a signing event in Bremen, attended by key representatives from UPM, Anker Schiffahrt, and the Leschaco owners’ family.
Under the extended contract, Anker Schiffahrt will continue managing the transshipment of pulp and other forest products at its Emden terminal. The terminal plays a strategic role in UPM’s European supply chain, supporting inland distribution via waterway, rail, truck, and container traffic.
Constantin Conrad, Managing Director of Anker Schiffahrt and CEO of the Leschaco Group, emphasized the resilience of the cooperation:
“This contract extension underscores the trust and mutual respect that have shaped our partnership with UPM for over three decades. Together, we have continually adapted to evolving market demands, driven by shared values of quality and reliability.”
The long-term nature of the deal is increasingly rare in today’s logistics landscape, where short-term tenders and rapid shifts in sourcing patterns dominate. The Emden terminal’s reliable performance has made it a consistent node in UPM’s operations, particularly for high-volume pulp flows that require tight scheduling and minimal disruption.
Jan Remmers, Managing Director of Anker Schiffahrt, and Tilo Hoff, General Manager, both recognized the operational teams behind the service delivery:
“We are proud to continue this journey with UPM. This extension is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our teams, who work every day to deliver excellent service to our customers.”
For UPM, Emden is more than just a port of call—it’s a logistical asset tied directly to the company’s sustainability ambitions. Efficient forest product handling supports low-carbon freight transport strategies across Europe.
Jukka Hölsä, VP Logistics, and Lauri Rikala, Director Global Break Bulk Shipping at UPM, noted:
“We highly value our long-standing cooperation with Anker Schiffahrt. Their commitment and flexibility ensure that our cargo flows reliably and efficiently through Emden, supporting our operations and sustainability targets.”
Anker Schiffahrt, a fully owned subsidiary of Lexzau, Scharbau GmbH & Co. KG (Leschaco), is one of the most experienced terminal operators in the outer port of Emden. Its core operations include forest products, automobile handling, and general port services. Additionally, the company operates its own ship agency, available around the clock year-round to support vessels of all sizes.
Since the early 1980s, Anker Schiffahrt has steadily built a reputation for reliability, combining port operations with tailored customer service and ship support. The renewed deal with UPM underscores Emden’s role not only as a regional logistics hub but as a critical point in the global supply chain for bio-based products and renewable materials.
UPM, headquartered in Finland, is a global leader in material solutions, focusing on renewable fibers, sustainable packaging, decarbonization technologies, and communication papers. The company employs approximately 15,800 people and reported annual sales of around €10.3 billion. UPM’s performance in environmental and social responsibility has been recognized by third-party evaluators such as EcoVadis and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices.
