GTS Rail launches its first international train
GTS Rail has reached a new milestone with its first fully managed international train. On 1 March, a convoy carrying 33 containers departed from Bologna Interporto, arriving in Rotterdam Botlek on Sunday evening. The journey, passing through Switzerland and Germany, was made possible by a single interoperable locomotive. This achievement marks an important step in the growth and international expansion of the Puglia-based company.
Codognotto Mantova gains customs warehouse status
The Codognotto warehouse in Mantova has been granted the status of a temporary customs warehouse, strengthening its role in logistics for non-EU goods. With this authorisation, companies can defer the payment of duties and VAT until final clearance, improving cash flow and facilitating re-exportation without additional charges. Located 2.8 km from the motorway exit, the 27,000-square-metre warehouse offers fast procedures and efficient stock management.
New Messina terminal in Fos
From 2025, Messina's maritime transport service to and from France will move from Marseille's Old Port to the Seayard terminal in Fos. This decision will enhance operational efficiency and service extension. The vessel Jolly Rosa has already called at the new hub, from which direct connections to the Middle East and, via Genoa, to Africa and the Mediterranean will be launched. Situated within the Marseille Fos port complex, the Seayard Fos 2XL terminal features six STS cranes and 400 reefer sockets, ensuring efficiency and integration with European transport networks. The move to Fos will improve fleet operations and service quality, with support from local agents Universal Maritima/Noatum Maritime Services.
Assagenti calls for swift decisions for Genoa
Gianluca Croce, president of Assagenti Genova, has urged for quicker decisions regarding the port's governance and major infrastructure projects. "We can no longer afford hesitation: the future of port traffic hangs between revival and stagnation," Croce stated, emphasising the need for stable leadership for the Port System Authority, which has been without a president for over a year. He pointed out the limitations of the current interim management, which is restricted to routine administration, and called for clear answers on concessions, the regulatory plan, and strategic areas. "The market needs certainty, not tomorrow, but yesterday."
Magellan Circle and RightShip for European port decarbonisation
Magellan Circle, a European consultancy firm, has announced a partnership with RightShip, a maritime sector digital platform focused on ESG. The goal is to support European ports in reducing environmental impact through the Maritime Emissions Portal (MEP), a digital tool that monitors ship emissions in real time. This collaboration aligns with the European Green Deal and the Fit for 55 programme, equipping ports with the tools and expertise to access EU funding and implement decarbonisation strategies.
Telepass and Ionity partner for ultra-fast charging in Italy
Telepass and Ionity have announced an agreement to simplify access to ultra-fast charging for electric vehicles via the Telepass app. Customers will have access to over 250 Ionity charging points, available in 38 cities and along Italian motorways, using fully renewable energy with power outputs of up to 350kW. The stations, open 24/7, enable vehicles to charge from 10% to 80% in just 15-20 minutes.
Nova Systems and Trimble strengthen collaboration in TMS BeOne
Nova Systems, a member of Leviahub, and Trimble, a provider of transport and logistics technology solutions, have enhanced their partnership with the integration of the "Trip Management" function into the TMS BeOne. This new feature enables more precise vehicle routing, accurate ETA predictions, and advanced traceability management. Trip Management integrates telematics, real-time monitoring, and route optimisation based on constraints and priorities. Nova Systems, which already uses Trimble's APIs for geocoding and routing, aims to provide greater operational efficiency to its 350 clients, improving transport management with more reliable data and optimised decision-making.
Growth forecast for the picking robots market
The global picking robot market shows strong long-term growth potential despite current challenges. According to a report by Interact Analysis, supplier uncertainty has slowed investments, while the decline in warehouse automation spending has impacted the sector. In 2023, the market recorded revenues of $303 million, with forecasts suggesting an increase to $3.3 billion by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20%. The number of units sold, 2,286 in 2023, is expected to reach 26,599 by 2030, with a CAGR of 42%. Rising labour costs and technological advancements are driving demand. However, uncertainties persist regarding supplier stability and the slowdown in global investments, while the Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) model is losing appeal compared to capital investments.
DKV Mobility expands charging network in Switzerland
DKV Mobility has expanded its electric vehicle charging network by integrating over 570 M-Charge charging points from Migrol in Switzerland. Most of the new stations are located in Migros supermarket car parks, allowing customers to charge their vehicles while shopping. The charging points offer capacities of up to 320 kW and can be accessed via the DKV Card +Charge or the DKV Mobility app.
