MSC reaches record of 900 container ships
MSC has become the first shipping company in the world to exceed 900 container vessels, according to a report by Alphaliner. The group, led by Gianluigi Aponte, operates 609 owned ships and 291 chartered ones, with a total capacity of 6.5 million TEUs. The company has also placed orders for a further 132 units, adding another 2.06 million TEUs in capacity. If all deliveries are completed, MSC could reach 8.5 million TEUs. This growth comes amid global changes following the end of the 2M alliance.
Mann Hummel opens logistics hub in Castel San Giovanni
Mann Hummel has inaugurated a new logistics centre in Castel San Giovanni (Piacenza) at the DB Schenker hub. The Italian warehouse spans 8,800 square metres and handles over 7,000 product codes for the Mann Filter brand, serving the aftermarket. The facility has a storage capacity of 3,100 pallets and covers 98% of the national vehicle fleet. In 2026, operations will be extended to include the Wix Filters and Filtron brands.
New terminal tractors for La Spezia terminal
Hannibal, the multimodal operator of the Contship Italia Group, has acquired 15 Terberg YT223 terminal tractors to enhance internal operations at the La Spezia Container Terminal (LSCT). The vehicles, supplied by Manuport, were delivered in two phases between late 2024 and March 2025 and are already in service. Equipped with fuel-saving systems and performance monitoring features, the new units offer a towing capacity of over 100 tonnes. This initiative forms part of a broader terminal modernisation plan that also includes new technologies, staff training, and equipment upgrades.
Italian light commercial vehicles down 14.1% in March
In March 2025, the Italian market for light commercial vehicles (up to 3.5 tonnes) saw a further decline, with a 14.1% drop and 17,415 registrations compared to 20,280 in the same month of 2024, representing a loss of approximately 2,900 units. This marks the eighth consecutive double-digit decrease. During the first quarter of the year, 47,724 vehicles were registered, down 15.2% from the 56,295 recorded in 2024. Registrations of fully electric vehicles reached 3.2%, up from 1.6% in March 2024 and stable compared to February.
Adif launches tender for Valladolid intermodal terminal
Adif, the Spanish railway infrastructure manager, has launched a tender for the lease of the new freight intermodal terminal in Valladolid, Spain. The facility is a key component of the city’s new rail complex and is strategically located within Adif’s network of intermodal hubs.
Daimler Truck delivers autonomous trucks to Torc
Daimler Truck North America has delivered its new fifth-generation Freightliner Cascadia trucks to its subsidiary Torc Robotics. These vehicles are equipped for autonomous driving and feature redundant safety systems. They will be tested on a route between Laredo and Dallas, Texas, in addition to existing routes in New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. With over 1,500 engineering requirements and advanced technologies, the trucks are aiming for driver-out capability on public roads. The US market introduction of SAE Level 4 autonomous vehicles is expected in 2027.
Leadership change and new name for Girteka Logistics
As of 7 April, Nikolay Pargov is the new CEO of Girteka’s logistics division (currently Girteka Europe West Uab). With more than 20 years of experience in the sector, gained at companies such as DHL and Transporeon, Pargov will lead the company’s growth and operational efficiency. From 2 May, the company will change its name to Girteka Logistics Uab to better reflect its specialisation in the transport of sensitive and temperature-controlled goods across Europe. Girteka Group also operates through TNDM Trucking, ClassTrucks and Thermo-Transit, covering the entire logistics and transport chain.
