Catania port sees growth in 2024
Freight traffic at the port of Catania returned to growth in 2024, with a 3.7% increase compared to the previous year, reaching a total of 7.86 million tonnes. This positive outcome came despite a sharp decline in container traffic, which dropped by 73.7% due to the transfer of operations to Augusta. Rolling cargo rose by 10.8%, amounting to 7.35 million tonnes. In contrast, solid bulk cargo fell by 11.9% to a total of 369,000 tonnes, including 177,000 tonnes of cereals (down 1.0%) and 164,000 tonnes of minerals (down 9.2%).
Cargo volumes fall in Augusta
The port of Augusta recorded a 4.5% drop in cargo volumes in 2024, with a total of 23 million tonnes handled. The decline was mainly driven by a reduction in liquid bulk traffic, which fell by 7.2% to 21.38 million tonnes. This category included 6.52 million tonnes of crude oil (down 3.6%), 13.37 million tonnes of petroleum products (down 9.3%), 933,000 tonnes of gas (down 6.6%), and 556,000 tonnes of chemical products (up 3.5%). Solid bulk traffic, on the other hand, increased by 17.6% to 1.21 million tonnes. During the same year, the port launched its container handling operations, reaching 403,000 tonnes and over 39,000 TEU.
Ana delays Nippon Cargo acquisition
All Nippon Airways has announced it is postponing the acquisition of Nippon Cargo Airlines until May. The deal, originally expected to close by the end of March, has been delayed for unspecified reasons. Ana had signed an agreement with logistics group NYK, the current owner of NCA, to acquire the Japanese cargo airline and strengthen its freight transport network. The postponement does not appear to jeopardise the completion of the deal, but it will delay the timeline.
Gemini starts with over 90% reliability
According to Sea-Intelligence Consulting, the new Gemini Cooperation container shipping alliance exceeded its 90% reliability target in its initial weeks of operation. The analysis, which measures the punctuality of maritime service schedules, confirms a strong start for the new alliance. However, the report also highlighted even higher reliability levels at origin ports for MSC, which now operates its own independent east-west network, and for the newly formed Premier Alliance.
Hmm takes delivery of first methanol-powered containership
South Korean shipping company HMM has taken delivery of the HMM Green, the first in a series of nine 9,000 TEU methanol-powered containerships. Ordered in 2023, the vessels are being built by HD Hyundai Samho (seven units) and HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (two units). The HMM Green will refuel with bio-methanol at the port of Shanghai, where the Shanghai International Port Group operates the 16,000-cubic-metre bunker vessel Hai Gang Zhi Yuan.
