SHV: an impressive history

SHV was founded as a coal trading company in 1896. Since then, the world has changed beyond recognition – and so has SHV. Go on a journey that takes in alliances and politics, world recession and global expansion, invasion and innovation… a journey 125 years in the making.

SHV is founded

Eight coal trading firms join forces to establish Steenkolenhandelsvereeniging – or SHV for short.

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Monopoly on German coal

With a monopoly over the trade in imported German coal, SHV consolidates its economic position.

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Innovation in coal transport

Within the modernizing Rotterdam harbour, SHV introduces the innovative elevator transporter.

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Unitas: investing in the future

With the founding of Unitas, SHV invests in the modernisation of the Netherlands.

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