Corsi renews fleet with 50 Scania tractors
The Verona-based company Corsi, specialising in temperature-controlled transport, is renewing its fleet with 50 new 500-hp Scania Super trucks. The operation, supported by Scania Financial Services, is accompanied by a maintenance contract. "We have chosen a solid partner like Scania to ensure quality and safety in the transport of perishable goods," said Giacomo Corsi, the company's managing director.
UK driver shortage worsens
According to a new report from the Road Haulage Association (RHA), the UK needs 40,000 new industrial vehicle drivers each year for the next five years to sustain the logistics sector. 81% of goods in the country are transported by road, making these workers the "backbone of the supply chain." The number of active drivers stands at 684,000, but by 2029, 740,000 will be required. The RHA highlights recruitment challenges, including an ageing workforce, health issues, and the impact of Brexit. Only 2% of drivers are women, and ethnic diversity remains limited.
Haier Europe repurposes Candy factory in Brugherio
Haier Europe has presented its redevelopment plan for the historic Italian Candy appliance factory in Brugherio. After more than 60 years, appliance production will cease on 30 June 2025, transforming the site into a logistics and refurbishment hub. The company will invest between six and nine million euros to adapt the facilities to their new purpose, ensuring employment for around 110 of the 160 workers. A voluntary redundancy scheme remains in place. Haier has reaffirmed Italy's strategic importance in its European structure, with its headquarters and research centres still operating in the country.
Goldman Sachs acquires warehouses from Blackstone for $300 million
Goldman Sachs, through its alternative investments division, has acquired a portfolio of logistics warehouses from Blackstone for $293 million. The deal was carried out in collaboration with Dallas-based real estate firm Dalfen Industrial. The transaction includes 21 buildings located in Las Vegas, Dallas, Cincinnati, and Pennsylvania, covering a total of approximately 195,000 square metres. The properties are 92% leased to 68 tenants, including Amazon and Red Bull. With this acquisition, the joint venture between Goldman Sachs and Dalfen Industrial now owns 94 logistics properties totalling approximately 1.76 million square metres.
Cosco strengthens transatlantic links with Salerno
Cosco Shipping Lines is enhancing its connections between the Mediterranean and North America with the introduction of a weekly direct call at Salerno as part of its MENA (Mediterranean to North America Service). Vessels will depart from the Campanian city with reduced transit times, reaching New York in 21 days. At the same time, the EMA (East Mediterranean to North America Service) will improve port coverage through transshipment at Piraeus, offering connections to Romania, Egypt, Turkey, North Africa, and the Adriatic coast. The new rotations include key ports such as Genoa, Vado Ligure, Valencia, New York, and Miami for MENA, while Istanbul, Aliaga, and Savannah are included in the EMA route.
TangerMed records all-time high traffic in 2024
In 2024, the Moroccan port of TangerMed recorded a record cargo traffic of 142 million tonnes, an increase of 16.2% compared to 2023. Container traffic reached 10.2 million TEU, up by 18.8%, while dry bulk stood at 585,000 tonnes, marking a 0.7% rise. Liquid bulk, however, declined to 7.6 million tonnes, a drop of 22.3%. There was also a record in industrial vehicle traffic, with 517,000 units handled, an increase of 8.1%, while new car shipments reached 601,000 units, up by 3.9%.
TCR terminal in Ravenna welcomes first BMS service call
Terminal Container Ravenna celebrated today the arrival of the first CMA CGM vessel on the Bora Med Service (BMS), strengthening connections between the Adriatic, Turkey, and Malta. TCR president Giannantonio Mingozzi highlighted the strategic importance of the Ravenna port, expressing hopes for increased throughput in 2025. During the welcoming ceremony, TCR executives Giovanni Gommellini and Alessandro Battolini emphasised the value of collaboration with CMA CGM. The agreement expands the terminal’s connectivity, offering advanced intermodal and logistics services for the northern Italian market.
