Rhenus allies with Kyrgyzstan Railways
The Rhenus Group has signed a cooperation agreement with Kyrgyz Temir Zholu, the national railway company of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan, during the German-Kyrgyz Economic Forum in Cholpon-Ata. The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration in freight transport and develop multimodal logistics solutions in Central Asia. The primary objective is to optimise Kyrgyzstan's transit potential and develop logistics centres to increase cargo flows through existing international transport routes. Rhenus will contribute its expertise in multimodal logistics, terminal development and rail transport to create reliable and scalable transport solutions. The cooperation includes consultancy, analysis, knowledge exchange and staff training. Kyrgyzstan, together with China and Uzbekistan, is building a railway that will connect the three countries and provide a direct connection to the Trans-Caspian route, reducing the distance between China and Europe by several hundred kilometres compared to existing routes via Kazakhstan.
Demolition of container ships necessary by 2030
Container shipping risks becoming unbalanced unless ship scrapping is accelerated. This is according to consultancy firm Linerlytica, which states that 4.5 million TEU will need to be scrapped by 2030 to compensate for the wave of new construction expected in the decade. This represents capacity equal to that demolished collectively over the past 25 years, but concentrated in the next four. However, limitations in scrapping facilities risk hampering the process, complicating the sector's rebalancing.
Italian Phse acquires Dutch Mulder Express
Italian company Phse, a specialist in clinical trial logistics and pharmaceutical products, has announced the acquisition of Dutch firm Mulder Express Courier, a company based in Zaandam specialising in healthcare distribution. The operation is part of Phse's expansion into the Netherlands, where it will open a new warehouse near Schiphol airport in early October. Jeroen Mulder, current managing director of Mulder Express, will maintain his role after the acquisition.
Alashankou exceeds 5,000 China-Europe freight trains
By 1 September, the intermodal terminal at Alashankou in Xinjiang has handled over 5,000 freight train journeys bound for Europe and Central Asia, according to China Railway Urumqi Group. The logistics hub has enhanced its infrastructure with the Jinghe-Alashankou double-track project and the opening of new container lines. In July, a track was converted for bulk cargo, increasing daily capacity by 7,700 tonnes. Customs has introduced online declarations that allow outbound convoys to depart within 20 minutes. Today Alashankou handles 125 international routes to 21 countries, including Germany and Poland, carrying over 200 types of products.
India wants 17,000km of new motorways
India plans to increase its high-speed road network fivefold within ten years, with an investment of 11 trillion rupees (125 billion dollars) to modernise infrastructure and reduce logistics costs. The plan includes building 17,000 kilometres of toll and access-controlled arteries, which will allow speeds of up to 120 km/h, offering faster and safer connections compared to traditional motorways. According to sources close to the project, approximately 40 per cent of the network is already under construction and will be completed by 2030. The remaining corridors will be initiated by 2028 and completed by 2033. In March, India's national road network exceeded 146,000 kilometres, but only 4,500 were compliant with high-speed standards.
Maersk opens service centre in Warsaw
Maersk has inaugurated a shared service centre in Warsaw to strengthen support for European customers. The new headquarters, located in the Wola district, Warsaw's financial and business heart, offers multilingual and contemporary services to various business areas. The office, housed in a recently developed complex with attention to sustainability and collaboration, accommodates over 100 employees of nine different nationalities, with an average age of 28 years.
One launches Spain-Portugal-Morocco service
Ocean Network Express (One) has announced the launch of the new Spain Portugal Morocco Service, which will provide expanded regional coverage and greater global connectivity through its transhipment hub in Valencia. The service will operate on a twice-weekly basis starting from 16 October 2025, with the first departure from Valencia. The route will connect Valencia, Lisbon and Casablanca before returning to Valencia, strengthening trade links between Spain, Portugal and Morocco. The new service will offer customers direct access to One's broader global network, improving trade opportunities in the western Mediterranean region.
Rhenus appoints new chief executives for Asia-Pacific and Europe
The Rhenus Group has announced three important appointments in the Air & Ocean division to strengthen global growth and regional integration. Joachim Hanssen has been appointed chief executive for Asia-Pacific from 1 August 2025, whilst Alberto Martinez will lead the European region from 1 October 2025. Renee Toh will assume the role of Vice President Global Ocean Freight from 25 September 2025. Hanssen, with over 20 years' experience at Rhenus, will oversee the APAC area which includes Greater China, Central Asia and Turkey. The appointments form part of a broader transformation of the Air & Ocean division, aimed at aligning the business with changing market conditions. Hanssen brings consolidated experience in expanding Rhenus's Asian footprint, with particular focus on regional growth. His appointment should support the company's efforts to unify and scale operations across the entire Asia-Pacific region.
