Gatx acquires 6,000 wagons from DB
Gatx Corporation, through its subsidiary Gatx Rail Europe (Gre), has signed an agreement to acquire around 6,000 rail wagons from DB Cargo. Under the deal, the assets will be immediately leased back to DB Cargo, ensuring operational continuity for the German operator. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2025, subject to the usual regulatory approvals. The acquisition covers a diversified range of freight wagons. As of 30 June 2025, Gre’s fleet numbered around 30,500 wagons, which will be further expanded with the new assets. Gatx underlined that the move strengthens its position in rail leasing and broadens its offering to a leading industry client. The company added that financial details of the deal, including contractual terms, will be disclosed at closing.
Seoul invests in the Arctic
South Korea has approved a budget of 5.2 billion dollars for 2026, an increase of 8.4% on 2025, to strengthen port infrastructure and support Arctic navigation. The plan, presented by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, includes incentives for the construction of ice-class vessels, with subsidies of up to 8 million dollars per unit, according to research by the Pohang University of Science and Technology. Funds will go towards building new icebreakers and upgrading the ports of Busan, Yeosu and Gwangyang, with the aim of capturing traffic along the Northern Sea Route. Of the total, 1.1 billion dollars will be used to consolidate southern ports as global maritime hubs. South Korean shipyards already have experience in the sector: Hanwha Ocean and Samsung Heavy Industries have built icebreakers for Russian projects, while Hanwha is currently building a 200-million-dollar polar research vessel for the Korean Polar Research Institute, scheduled for delivery in 2029.
Artificial intelligence to grow in logistics
According to a survey conducted by Ontegos Cloud between August and September among over 800 freight forwarding and logistics professionals, almost half believe artificial intelligence will transform the industry in the next three years. However, the quality of company data emerges as the main obstacle to effective adoption of digital solutions. While 48% see AI as a medium-term game changer, 39% are unsure about its operational impact and 14% do not expect it to deliver significant benefits. The challenge lies in data reliability: only 23% of companies say that 75–100% of their data is dependable, while 38% put the figure between 50% and 75%. Almost a third admit that less than half of their internal data is safe to use. The report also highlights the widespread use of manual processes. Over 70% of professionals spend at least a quarter of their working day chasing documents and emails. Within this group, 43% spend more than 40% of their time on such tasks, while just 7% manage to limit them to 10%. For Oliver Gritz, founder and managing director of Ontegos Cloud, “optimism around artificial intelligence is real, but there is no clarity on how it will materialise. Disordered data are not corrected by AI; they actually amplify the problems.”
Dunkirk port plans a second container terminal
The port of Dunkirk has launched a call for expressions of interest to identify the operator for its second container terminal in the western area of the port. The infrastructure will feature 1,000 metres of quay and around 62 hectares of yard space. Operations are scheduled to begin in early 2029, following a development phase carried out jointly by the port authority and the chosen operator. The current container terminal has a capacity of about one million TEU and is operating at 80%. With this investment, Dunkirk aims to strengthen its role in maritime trade and provide structural management of container traffic growth.
Maersk integrates SmartKargo system
Maersk has adopted the cargo management system developed by SmartKargo, a provider of digital solutions for air freight. The integration covers the Group’s air cargo network and is part of its strategy to consolidate its position as a global end-to-end logistics operator. The platform offers a single digital environment for shipment management, with advanced analytics and real-time data to support operational decision-making. The aim is to streamline loading processes, enhance transparency and reduce operating costs. Customers will benefit from extended traceability, faster response times in case of supply chain disruptions and more reliable deliveries. The adoption of the system is also a step in Maersk’s digital transformation, which seeks to integrate air, sea and land services into a single logistics platform.
Suparna Airlines receives first 777F
Suparna Airlines, based at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, has taken delivery of its first Boeing 777 freighter, registered B-227U. The aircraft, with serial number 70288, landed in Nanjing on 25 September after a delivery flight of more than twelve hours from Everett the previous day. The carrier previously operated three Boeing 747-400Fs and ten Boeing 737-800s, bringing its fleet to 14 units with the arrival of the new model. A further 777 freighter is on order.
Digital customs procedures in Kenya
Dp World has signed an agreement with the government platform eCitizen to introduce the digital Cargoes Customs system in Kenya. The deal, signed in Nairobi, will allow importers, exporters and licensed customs agents to use an advanced tool for managing customs declarations. eCitizen, already in use as a payment system for Kenya Ports Authority services, will now also integrate customs functions, offering an alternative to the current system of the Kenya Revenue Authority. The new platform will provide customs authorities with an AI-based risk management system and solutions to strengthen inspections, revenue collection and compliance monitoring.
