Leadership change at Girteka Group: Liachovičius appointed new CEO
From 2 April, Edvardas Liachovičius will take on the role of CEO of Girteka Group, succeeding Jeroen Eijsink, who is stepping down for personal reasons after nearly two years at the helm of the company. Eijsink will remain involved as a strategic advisor to the new chief executive. Liachovičius, already a member of the board of directors, stated that the company will continue to strengthen long-term partnerships, investing in digital solutions and sustainable growth in road transport.
TBM Viviana begins work on the Turin–Lyon tunnel
The tunnel boring machine Viviana, the first of seven planned for the base tunnel of the Turin–Lyon railway line, has begun excavation. With a power output of 8,100 kW and weighing 2,300 tonnes, Viviana will dig 9 km of the tunnel’s northern bore. The project is part of the Mediterranean Corridor within the Ten-T network. At present, eleven construction sites are active across Italy and France, employing 2,800 workers.
Cargo ship collision in Ningbo: one dead and three injured
A serious incident occurred off the coast of the Chinese port of Ningbo last week, where two cargo vessels collided. The crash between the bulk carrier Jianghai Zhida and the newly delivered container ship Ningyuan Beilun, operated by Ningbo Ocean Shipping, resulted in the death of one seafarer and injuries to three others. The Jianghai Zhida began taking on water immediately after impact and sank within five minutes. Rescue operations, coordinated by the Ningbo Maritime Safety Administration, lasted four hours, with nine people rescued unharmed.
Duvenbeck appoints representative for China
The Duvenbeck Group has appointed David Dudek as its official representative in China, tasking him with leading the new branch in Hong Kong. Dudek brings over 35 years of experience in supply chain management and executive roles across the United States, Singapore, the Netherlands and China. Prior to joining Duvenbeck, he led the global Automotive and Tyres division at Ceva. He will report directly to Marco Nazzari, the Group’s Chief Commercial Officer, supporting Duvenbeck’s expansion into the Asian market.
Moscow launches rail ferries to Kaliningrad
From 26 March 2025, new rail ferries have been operating between Saint Petersburg and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. Trains are loaded directly onto ships, thus bypassing the railway networks of the European Union. The move is aimed at reducing dependency on Lithuania, against the backdrop of Western sanctions. The new sea route enhances Russia’s logistical autonomy from the Baltic states.
Romania and Moldova consider reopening railway bridge for containers
After nearly fifteen years of disuse, Romania and Moldova are considering the reopening of the Fălciu–Cantemir railway bridge across the River Prut. A Moldovan delegation recently inspected the structure to assess its condition and potential for reactivation. The primary objective is to revive freight rail traffic, with a particular focus on container transport.
More lithium batteries moving by rail in China
A third Chinese company has been authorised to transport lithium batteries by rail. Although still in a trial phase, the growing number of operators involved indicates strong interest in this mode of transport. Lithium batteries, classified as dangerous goods, require specific permits for rail handling.
