Situated directly on the A1 motorway between Hamburg and Bremen, this 43,000-square-metre facility was built specifically to meet the requirements of a global mineral oil and energy group. Protective water hazard class (WGK) membranes beneath the concrete floor safeguard the soil and groundwater in the event of leaks. Additionally, specially designed foam fire-extinguishing zones enable up to 2,800 square metres of warehouse space to be flooded with foam within two minutes.

 

Alongside storage services, Noerpel also manages distribution activities, picking and packing products for the energy company before shipping them worldwide as less-than-truckload, full truckload and general cargo consignments.

 

Specialised storage for lithium-ion batteries

The Elsdorf site is specifically equipped for storing lithium-ion batteries. Handling this category of hazardous goods requires extensive safety measures, advanced prevention technology, and a comprehensive emergency response plan. Damaged batteries, short circuits or overheating can generate extreme temperatures and release flammable gases. In severe cases, this can lead to explosions. Mechanical impacts can also cause internal damage that may not be visible from the outside, but which can trigger a delayed fire.

 

Safety measures are implemented as soon as the batteries arrive on site. 'The vehicle is not permitted to approach the building directly and is opened at a safe distance,' explains Branch Manager Björn Sievers. During the subsequent pre-check using thermal imaging technology, any defective batteries are placed in a water-filled safety container, cooled and stored in a dedicated outdoor quarantine area until they are collected by a specialist disposal company. According to Björn Sievers, this has only been necessary once to date. The same procedure applies if a stored battery is flagged during ongoing thermal monitoring.

 

The storage area itself meets the highest safety standards. Individual rack sprinklers are installed at every storage position, enabling fires to be tackled directly at their source.

 

Careful handling is equally important when unloading and transporting batteries within the warehouse. Vibrations and heavy impacts must be avoided at all times. “Our employees are fully aware of this,” says Björn Sievers. ‘They receive regular training, including detailed emergency response procedures.’

 

Working closely with Noerpel Hamburg

Thanks to its proximity to the ports of Hamburg and Bremerhaven, Elsdorf is ideally located for international supply chains. For the transportation of lithium-ion batteries, the site collaborates closely with Noerpel's freight forwarding operation in Hamburg. The team specialises in transporting hazardous goods and ensures that the batteries are moved safely and in full compliance with legal requirements across Germany and throughout Europe.

 

“The Day of Logistics offers an excellent opportunity to visit our logistics terminal and learn more about our services,” says Björn Sievers. “We look forward to showcasing our expertise to interested visitors.”

 

» Find out more about our logistics centre in Elsdorf here