NORDEN is expanding its maritime logistics activities by developing dedicated solutions close to its customers. In Gabon, the company operates a transhipment solution for Comilog, part of the French mining and metals group Eramet, connecting one of the world’s largest manganese mines with Capesize vessels which then transport the Ore to its end user.

The operation began in January 2022 and covers the transhipment and loading of manganese ore off the coast of Owendo, near Libreville. To date, NORDEN has loaded 54 Capesize vessels with manganese ore.

The partnership strengthens NORDEN’s position in long-term, customer-related business and demonstrates its ability to take responsibility for critical links in customers’ supply chains.

“Our partnership with Comilog shows what we want to achieve in maritime logistics. By understanding our customer’s entire value chain, from the mine to the market, we have built a solution around a specific need and deliver on it every month. We have high ambitions for our Maritime Logistics business, and long-term partnerships are central to this,” says COO Anne Jensen.

Bringing the cargo to the vessel
Before reaching NORDEN, Comilog’s manganese ore is extracted, washed, screened and upgraded at the Moanda mine in south-eastern Gabon and carried more than 600 kilometres by rail to Owendo. The port there can accommodate vessels to load up to around 50,000 tonnes, while Capesize vessels carry up to 200,000 tonnes.

NORDEN’s solution bridges this gap. Three NORDEN barges, supported by four tugs carry the ore around 23 kilometres offshore, where NORDEN’s transhipper NORD GABON loads it onto the Capesize vessel. By using larger vessels, Comilog can move the same volumes with fewer voyages. The operation is supported by NORDEN’s local office in Gabon.

“Moving manganese from mine to market safely and efficiently requires scale, expertise and close teamwork across the entire supply chain. Our partnership with NORDEN is an important part of that, and visits like this strengthen our collaboration, help us share insights and keep us aligned on operational excellence,” says Charles Dubois, Eramet Comilog.

Expanding maritime logistics is a key priority in NORDEN’s strategy towards 2030. By combining specialised maritime assets, local presence and a deep understanding of customers’ operations, NORDEN aims to take on more of the critical links in its customers’ supply chains.

About the partners
Comilog is a Gabonese mining company and part of the French mining and metals group Eramet. It operates the Moanda mine in south-eastern Gabon, one of the world’s largest manganese mines, which produced around 7 million tonnes of ore in 2025 – close to 35% of global manganese supply. Comilog is the largest private employer in Gabon.