Gruber ships 20-tonne load via An124
Coordinated by Domenico Longano and Christian Randazzo, Gruber Logistics' Project team, in collaboration with the Milan Air Division and the Naples office, successfully completed the urgent shipment of a heat exchanger destined for an extraction plant. Weighing over 20 tonnes and measuring 6.50 x 2.50 x 3.60 metres, the oversized cargo was transported to Rome Fiumicino Airport to be loaded onto an Antonov An124, with support from Antonov Airlines and Air Partner. The operation, made complex by the cargo’s size and weight, required specialised equipment, security checks, and the close cooperation of Alha, to whom Gruber Logistics extended special thanks.
Italy and Florida join forces to boost ports and logistics
Assoporti and Assologistica have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Florida Department of Commerce, the Department of Transportation and the Florida Ports Council. The agreement, the result of a US delegation visit to Italy last November led by Governor Ron DeSantis, aims to strengthen cooperation between ports, facilitate international trade and improve logistics operations. The MoU includes the exchange of best practices, optimisation of customs procedures, and collaboration with universities for maritime sector training. Further details will be explored during a mission to Florida in April and at the Seatrade Cruise Global fair in Miami.
DB Cargo revamps single wagon rail freight
DB Cargo has announced a reorganisation of its single wagon freight service, vital for sectors such as steel, chemicals and automotive. The new structure aims to improve resource efficiency, increase long-distance connections and introduce more flexible routing. The goal is to make the service more reliable, sustainable and resilient. With fewer but more efficient connections, the company also seeks to reduce CO₂ emissions by shifting traffic from road to rail. Daniel Baral will lead the new Single Wagon Network unit.
TIR system to go live in Iraq on 1 April
From 1 April 2025, the TIR system will be fully operational in Iraq, marking a major step forward for trade and logistics in the region. The initiative, backed by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani and developed with the support of the IRU, aims to transform Iraq into a strategic hub between Asia, the Gulf, Turkey and Europe. According to Transport Minister Al-Saadawi, the system will cut transport times by 80% and costs by 38%. The route from Mersin (Turkey) to Gulf countries via Umm Qasr will now take less than a week. Integration with the national Uruk platform and GPS will ensure cargo security and traceability.
Burgas Port invests €10 million in railway link
Burgas Port in Bulgaria is set to invest €10.7 million in the construction of a rail connection between the Burgas East-2 and Burgas West terminals. The announcement was made by Bulgarian Deputy Transport Minister Angel Zabutorov as part of the “East-West Connections” project. According to the government, the modernisation will enable the movement of over one hundred additional freight wagons daily.
DP World to build second rail terminal at London Gateway
DP World is to build a second rail terminal at the London Gateway port in Essex. The project forms part of a £1 billion (approximately €1.17 billion) expansion plan to enhance the logistics capacity of the multimodal port located on the north bank of the River Thames.
Requirement to return expired temporary plates
With circular no. 5596 dated 20 February 2025, the Ministry of Transport clarified that under Presidential Decree 229/2023, trial circulation permits not renewed within six months of expiry must be returned to the Motor Vehicle Offices within ten days. Failure to do so will result in notification to the Traffic Police. The Ministry specified that this obligation has been in effect since 29 February 2024 and does not apply to permits that expired before that date, which remain subject to previous regulations.
Swiss competition for single wagon freight services
The Federal Office of Transport (FOT) has launched an expression of interest procedure to help define the future offer for single wagon freight services, financed under the new Freight Transport Act. The project, aimed at securing Switzerland’s supply chain and supporting the rollout of digital automatic coupling, will only go ahead if formally approved by Parliament. Interested operators have until 31 March 2025 to express their interest. The actual tender procedure is expected to conclude by the end of August.
Tajani launches action plan for non-EU exports
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has presented a new Action Plan to Italian industry associations, aimed at accelerating exports to high-potential non-EU markets. The plan includes institutional missions, enhanced trade fair participation, financial support and agreements with global distribution chains. In 2024, Italian exports posted strong results: up 27.9% in Saudi Arabia, 23.9% in Turkey, and 19.4% in the UAE. Key target regions also include Africa, ASEAN countries and the Balkans. Agencies involved include ICE, Cdp, Sace, Simest and the diplomatic network, which will provide concrete support to businesses through the new “growth diplomacy guide”.
