Byd has unloaded 2,350 electric vehicles in Livorno
For the first time, Chinese automotive giant Byd has chosen the port of Livorno to bring its electric vehicles into Italy. The vessel Xi’an, one of the largest car carriers in the world at 219 metres long, docked at the East Quay of the Cilp terminal, unloading 2,350 vehicles. The call is part of a larger shipment of over 7,000 cars also bound for Spain, the United Kingdom and Belgium. The models unloaded include the Dolphin Surf, Atto 3, Frigate 07 and Song L. The Xi’an is capable of running on LPG, reducing emissions in line with the company’s environmental goals.
Maersk returns to Sicily
Maersk has resumed container operations at the Sicilian port of Milazzo, marking the Danish shipping line’s return to the island after years of absence. Activities are being carried out at the new multi-purpose terminal operated by Duferco Terminal Mediterraneo, located in Giammoro. The terminal aims to become a strategic hub linking Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. From Milazzo, Maersk offers its full range of services: standard and refrigerated containers, special cargo, intermodal transport and ancillary services such as Value Protect. Connections are integrated with the national road and rail network, although some routes are still being activated or optimised according to demand.
Rail limitations in Koper
Slovenia’s rail infrastructure manager has announced a 50% reduction in capacity, with significant consequences for traffic to and from the port of Koper. The news was reported by Metrans, the intermodal company of the Hhla group, citing an official communication from SŽ-Tovorni promet. The restrictions will continue until 2027 and include: closure of the Divaccia–Gornje Ležeče section (29 June–30 July 2025), partial closure of the Verd–Logatec section (4 August–10 December 2025), works at Jesenice station (from September 2025 to May 2027) and at Ljubljana station (6 October 2025 to January 2026). Metrans warns of potential difficulties in shipment planning.
Valenciaport grows by 3.84%
In the first half of 2025, Valenciaport handled 2,833,919 teu, marking a 3.84% increase compared to the same period in 2024. In June alone, container traffic reached 487,833 teu, a slight year-on-year rise of 0.08%. Exports increased by 15.21%, imports by 4.82%, while transhipment traffic declined by 1.75%. On an annual basis (last 12 months), the port handled 5,580,598 teu, up by 8.33%. The main trading partners were China (386,562 teu), the United States (195,534), Algeria (160,993), Turkey (127,292) and India (81,795). Rail traffic moved 123,933 containers (+5.93%) totalling 1,637,638 tonnes (+7.78%), while ro-ro traffic increased by 7.78%, reaching 269,637 rolling units.
Integrated ship-to-rail tracking
TransmetriQ, a Railinc brand, announced on 23 July 2025 the launch of a new solution for continuous tracking of containers from port of origin to rail destination in North America. The system integrates GPS data, artificial intelligence-based predictive models and centralised reports from 41 shipping lines, 6,000 ports and over 600 railways. The platform enables monitoring of ocean or rail shipments, real-time delay detection and arrival forecasting with up to 75% higher accuracy than current standards. The solution is now available to shippers, logistics providers and intermodal clients.
Boeing begins production of B777-8F
Boeing has officially launched production of the 777-8 Freighter, the latest model in the 777/777X family, set to become the largest and most efficient twin-engine cargo aircraft in the world. Production began with the drilling of the first hole in a wing spar, a critical structural component. Construction is taking place at the Composite Wing Centre, where spars, panels and reinforcements are manufactured. Each wing includes two spars measuring 33 metres, made from 630 kilometres of carbon fibre tape and weighing around 1,130 kg. Since the programme launch in 2022, Boeing has received 59 orders for the 777-8 Freighter. The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery in 2028.
Airbus completes first stabiliser for A350F
Airbus has completed the first horizontal stabiliser for the A350F at its facilities in Spain. The components were manufactured in Cádiz, then assembled and fitted in Getafe. The stabiliser will be shipped in the coming weeks to the final assembly line in Toulouse, where it will be integrated with the fuselage of the first test aircraft. Airbus will build two A350Fs for flight testing, scheduled for 2026 and 2027. Spain is also responsible for producing the rear fuselage, lower wing covers and the main cargo door, the largest in the industry with an opening of 4.3 metres.
Glp invests in southern Milan
Glp Europe, part of Ares Management Real Estate, has started construction of the new G-Park Gropello logistics hub in Gropello Cairoli (Pavia), strengthening its presence south of Milan. The development includes a 37,000 square metre building, with 17,000 square metres dedicated to logistics and 20,000 to production activities. Completion is expected by January 2026. The facility will be Breeam Excellent certified and feature energy efficiency and sustainability solutions: solar-ready roof, electric vehicle charging, smart management system, thermal insulation, skylights, rainwater collection and use of recycled materials. Twenty thousand square metres have already been leased to a first tenant, with the remaining 17,000 still available.
