Rubis Initiates Bitumen Distribution in Europe via Antwerp
Rubis enters the European bitumen market by operating a storage capacity at the ATPC terminal in Antwerp starting January 1, 2026. The Belgian group aims to expand its distribution activities to serve the infrastructure sectors in Europe, leveraging its consolidated logistic expertise in Africa since 2015.
Strategic Expansion in Antwerp
Rubis has secured an exclusive five-year renewable lease to operate 60,000 tonnes of bitumen storage capacity at the ATPC terminal in Antwerp, which is recognized as the region's premier bitumen import terminal. This platform, strategically located in Northwest Europe, offers high flexibility with 24/7 truck loading operations. It is equipped to accommodate large ships and barges, playing a pivotal role in supplying the Belgian and Dutch markets, and acts as a strategic gateway to France and Germany. In a mature European market characterized by resilient demand and structurally declining local production, the group aims to offer reliable, competitive, and secure supply solutions to road construction and waterproofing industry players.
Proven Logistics Model in Africa
Since 2015, Rubis has developed an integrated bitumen logistics chain in Africa that includes refinery sourcing, maritime transport, terminal storage, and truck delivery. This model has enabled the group to distribute 650,000 tonnes of bitumen in Africa using a fleet of five bitumen carriers and a network of 12 import terminals. The scaling up of the European platform will be gradual, with 2026 serving as a transition year and integrating bitumen activities in Europe. Concurrently, in 2025, Rubis continued to expand its bitumen operations in high-growth African markets, notably by increasing its stake in Angola and initiating operations in Libya.
