Shipping traffic continues to fall in the Suez Canal
Shipping traffic through the Suez Canal continued to decline in the second quarter of the year, a trend that began at the end of 2023 following Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. A total of 3,074 vessels passed through the canal between April and June 2025, marking a 6.2% decrease compared to the same period in 2024. Specifically, 1,248 tankers were recorded, down 2.7%, while 1,826 other vessels represented a sharper drop of 8.5%. Total SCNT tonnage amounted to 122.5 million tonnes, a 5.5% decrease. Despite this fall in traffic, canal toll revenues rose by 5.6%, reaching 49.2 billion Egyptian pounds. In June alone, 1,001 vessels transited the canal, 4% fewer than in June 2024, with a total of 40 million tonnes of cargo, down 2.2%. Over the first half of 2025, the overall decrease reached 11.9%, with 6,055 ships passing through the waterway.
Germany intensifies road transport inspections
In June 2025, the German Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (Balm) carried out targeted inspections nationwide to check compliance with road transport regulations. These checks focused in particular on cabotage operations, the ban on taking regular weekly rest in the vehicle, and the technical safety of vehicles. The inspections took place on 4–5, 9–10 and 24–25 June at 107 control points, involving 386 operators. A total of 1,715 checks were conducted, including 1,451 cabotage inspections, which identified 139 violations in 58 separate cases. With regard to the weekly rest ban, 78 infringements were found in 437 checks. Additionally, 108 technical vehicle inspections uncovered 35 breaches. The total value of fines collected during the operation amounted to €175,061.58. Balm has confirmed that further inspections will be carried out across Germany in the coming months.
Laghezza reports strong growth in the first half of 2025
The first half of 2025 brought strong growth for Laghezza, with revenue increasing by 16% compared to the same period last year. Profitability also rose, with EBITDA exceeding 10%, reflecting greater operational efficiency. The company has focused on digitising processes and strengthening its Customs Division, which has become an increasingly central part of its integrated service offering. Other divisions also delivered positive results, further integrating customs, logistics and transport services. Chairman and CEO Alessandro Laghezza highlighted the importance of innovation, service integration and the value of people in achieving sustainable growth. The company is now looking ahead to 2026 with plans for both national and international expansion.
Air Liquide to build hydrogen plant in Rotterdam
Air Liquide has taken a final investment decision for the construction of ELYgator, a 200 MW electrolyser to be built at Maasvlakte in the Port of Rotterdam. The project, a major step towards European industrial decarbonisation, is expected to be operational by the end of 2027. With an investment of over €500 million, the plant will produce 23,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen per year, reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 300,000 tonnes. Key customers include TotalEnergies' industrial platform, with a long-term supply agreement in place. ELYgator will be the first site to integrate both Proton Exchange Membrane and Alkaline technologies. The project is supported by the Dutch government under the Owe scheme, with additional backing from the EU Innovation Fund and the Dutch IPCEI programme.
Newcold expands in Germany with Schüssler acquisition
Dutch firm Newcold Transport, part of the Newcold group, has acquired German company Wilhelm Schüssler Spedition, a specialist in temperature-controlled logistics based in Heppenheim, Hesse. Schüssler operates in the food, pharmaceutical, catering and retail sectors and will continue to trade independently under its current management and team. Founded 75 years ago, the company employs 80 staff, operates 50 trucks daily, and serves around 40 long-standing customers. This acquisition allows Newcold, which already operates a major logistics centre in Rheine with 100,000 pallet spaces, to expand its operations in Germany. The Newcold group runs 26 automated warehouses across three continents, with a total capacity of over two million pallets and approximately 3,000 employees.
FlyUs becomes exclusive agent for MASkargo in France
FlyUs Aviation Group has been appointed as the exclusive general sales and service agent for MASkargo, the cargo division of Malaysia Airlines, in France. The agreement includes daily cargo capacity from Paris to Malaysia, with extended connections across Asia and Oceania. FlyUs will manage sales, marketing, administration, and supervision of handlers and charter flights for the daily service operated by an Airbus A350-900 from Charles de Gaulle Airport. The partnership aims to carry luxury goods, pharmaceuticals and perishables from the Rungis international market, as well as aerospace components and general cargo. This marks the first collaboration between FlyUs and MASkargo.
China Post launches direct Guangzhou-Luxembourg route
On 25 July, China Post launched a new direct intercontinental cargo route between Guangzhou and Luxembourg. Flight CF277, operated by a Boeing 777F, departed from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport and landed the same day at Luxembourg Findel. The new route transports cross-border e-commerce shipments, industrial goods from the Greater Bay Area and mail. It is the first direct connection between these two airports and represents China Post’s third independent intercontinental route after those from Nanjing and Zhengzhou to Luxembourg. The initiative responds to growing international logistics demand from the region.
Seafarers from Eternity C held by Houthis
The Houthis announced on Monday that they had recovered ten crew members from the cargo ship Eternity C, operated by a Greek company and sunk in the Red Sea following an attack in July. The Liberian-flagged vessel was the second to sink in Yemeni waters this month after the Magic Seas, also Greek-operated. On Tuesday, the Philippine government confirmed that nine of the rescued seafarers are Filipino nationals and are reported to be in good physical condition according to their families. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac stated that efforts are underway to secure their release and return. Yemeni authorities released a six-minute video showing footage of the crew and statements claiming the sailors were unaware of the Houthi-imposed ban on vessels bound for Israel. The Eternity C had been en route to the port of Eilat to load fertilisers.
