Katoen Natie to acquire Irish ISO specialist

Global bulk logistics company Katoen Natie recently agreed to acquire South Coast Logistics, the largest provider of tank container logistics and transportation services in Ireland.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“Our purchase by Katoen Natie marks a major milestone in our journey as a company,” Richie O’Flynn, South Coast managing director, told Bulk Transporter. “With their global expertise and shared commitment to excellence, we’re now poised to accelerate our growth and expand our reach in ways that benefit our customers, our employees, and ‘Ireland Inc.’”

The late Colman O’Flynn founded South Coast, which this year marked 50 years in business, in 1975. Under the leadership of his sons—co-owners John, Richie, and Pat—the Irish company grew into one of the country’s premier logistics solutions specialists, with leading customers in the pharma, petrochemical, and food manufacturing industries. South Coast last year reported employing 148 people and generating annual revenues in excess of $23 million.

“This agreement, which is subject to [Competition and Consumer Protection Commission] approval, represents a major milestone in South Coast’s history and will enable the continued expansion of services under the highly respected Katoen Natie brand and leadership,” the company said in a news release. “Furthermore, South Coast will be able to tap into Katoen Natie’s global network and expertise to facilitate its future growth.”

See also: South Coast wins Irish Hauler of the Year

Richie and his family last year began searching for an international partner to help them build out a new $5.5 million “inland port terminal” in Dublin that offers tank storage, heating, cleaning, maintenance, and repairs in one location. He visited National Tank Truck Carriers’ 2024 Tank Truck Week in Charlotte, North Carolina, and was in talks with at least two U.S.-based bulk haulers about a partnership before Katoen Natie emerged as the top bidder.

“Given Ireland’s status as an island nation, we face unique challenges, such as reliance on shipping schedules, weather disruptions, and customs complexities,” O’Flynn told Bulk Transporter. “The new inland port terminal will allow our customers, including tank container operators and multinational manufacturing companies, to adopt a proactive approach to stock management, ensuring consistent production and business continuity.

“This development will solidify South Coast’s role as the leading versatile and dedicated multi-faceted service provider in Ireland.”

Katoen Natie, headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium, operates in over 35 countries, providing tailored supply chain solutions across sectors such as petrochemicals, consumer goods, automotive, and specialty chemicals. Known for its innovation, asset-based approach, and long-term partnerships, Katoen Natie—which maintains U.S. locations in the Houston and Dallas areas, and Norfolk, Virginia—combines logistics, engineering, and data management to deliver efficient and sustainable services to clients on a global scale, South Coast reported.

The company’s investment in South Coast is expected to support development of the Dublin terminal—and future growth for years to come.

“The O’Flynn family expresses their sincere gratitude to employees, partners, and customers for their trust and loyalty over the years,” South Coast stated. “The existing management team of South Coast will remain in place running the business, with the added opportunity to leverage the depth of experience and resources that are offered by Katoen Natie.”