DHL terminal in Berlin for last-mile distribution
DHL Freight has inaugurated a terminal in Berlin-Marienfelde dedicated to last-mile distribution, covering an area of 5,200 square metres with 48 loading bays. Built in fourteen months on a former 20,000-square-metre distillery site, the facility replaces the saturated city centre structure and complements the Wustermark hub. Equipped with sustainable technologies such as photovoltaic systems, charging stations, and rainwater collection systems, the site marks a significant step forward for logistics in the Berlin-Brandenburg region.
Risk of strikes at Calais port
Calais Port may also be affected by strikes by French dockworkers protesting against pension reform, scheduled for March 2025. These strikes could cause delays in transport to and from the United Kingdom and long queues of industrial vehicles stretching from the port entrance to the A14 motorway. Four-hour strikes are planned for 4, 6, 10, 12, 14, 24, 26, and 28 March, with an additional 72-hour work stoppage from 18 to 20 March.
Emirates SkyCargo expands operations In Italy
Emirates SkyCargo has released its import-export data for Italy in 2024, showing significant growth. Between November 2023 and October 2024, exports from Italy exceeded 33,000 tonnes, marking a 22.4% increase compared to the previous year. Imports grew by 81%, rising from 15,000 to over 27,000 tonnes. Milan Malpensa remains Italy’s main hub, handling 53% of exports and 64% of imports. The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and India are the primary export markets, while most imports come from Hong Kong, India, and the UAE. Flavio Ghiringhelli, Country Manager of Emirates Italy, attributes this growth to the extensive logistics network and the rising demand for specialised solutions. Silvia Tagliaferri, Cargo Manager Italy, highlights the strategic role of the four Italian gateways and investments in technology and infrastructure.
The Smart Container Alliance Is launched
The Smart Container Alliance has been officially launched to promote the adoption of smart container technology. The initiative aims to enhance cargo traceability, strengthen maritime trade, and support authorities in combating criminal networks. Headquartered in Brussels, the Smart Container Alliance includes technology providers, shipping companies, customs authorities, and international organisations such as the EU and the World Customs Organization. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to digitally transform customs operations, supported by associations like ECSA, IATA, and WSC. The alliance seeks to harmonise standards, foster security policies, and collaborate with the European Port Alliance to safeguard the supply chain from criminal infiltration.
Hapag-Lloyd introduces the new container payment portal
PayCargo and Gnosis Freight have announced a partnership with Hapag-Lloyd to launch the Container Payment Portal, a platform designed to expedite the payment of demurrage charges in the United States. The CPP will provide real-time container visibility, automatic invoice generation compliant with OSRA 2022, and tools for dispute resolution. The system will be gradually rolled out across major US ports in 2025, simplifying compliance with new FMC regulations. Hapag-Lloyd aims to enhance operational efficiency and reduce container dwell times.
