Rail-only transport begins for Rome’s new Metro Line B
Rail transfers have begun for the new trains destined for Rome’s Metro Line B, manufactured by Hitachi Rail in Reggio Calabria. The transport, managed by Mercitalia Rail (FS Group’s logistics division), is carried out entirely by rail to the Atac depot in Magliana Nord, eliminating the need for lorries and reducing environmental impact. The order includes 23 trains, each 134 metres long and weighing 210 tonnes. The initiative will eliminate the need for 138 heavy vehicles and save 215 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
Gruber Logistics and Gebrüder Weiss strengthen partnership in Switzerland
Gruber Logistics has announced the expansion of its collaboration with Gebrüder Weiss. Active in Germany for over twenty years, the alliance now extends to Switzerland. Routes include regular biweekly connections between Italy and Switzerland in both directions. The agreement ensures competitive transit times, full shipment tracking, dedicated support and customs clearance services.
Russia and Uzbekistan collaborate on Trans-Afghan railway
Russia and Uzbekistan have signed an agreement to cooperate on the development of the Trans-Afghan railway. For now, the collaboration focuses on the preparation of a feasibility study. The project targets the border region between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan and represents a strategic move to improve rail connectivity in the area. The agreement was made public on 10 April 2025.
Blackstone acquires Texas warehouses for 718 million
Blackstone has announced the purchase of an industrial real estate portfolio from Crow Holdings for 718 million US dollars. The transaction involves 25 properties totalling approximately 557,000 square metres, mainly located in the Dallas and Houston areas. Crow will retain a 5% stake, while Blackstone will hold the remaining 95%. The acquisition follows a similar move by Starwood Capital, which recently bought a logistics portfolio from Goldman Sachs and Dalfen for 685 million. Blackstone, which manages a global warehouse portfolio worth 170 billion dollars, carried out the deal through its Real Estate Core+ funds.
New website for Liuc’s i-Log Centre
The new website of Liuc – Cattaneo University’s Centre for Logistics and Supply Chain (i-Log) is now online. The portal aims to promote the development and transfer of knowledge about systems, processes and technologies related to logistics and supply chain management. Through collaboration with Liuc’s Business School, i-Log offers training programmes tailored to managers, entrepreneurs and professionals, providing innovative tools to tackle supply chain challenges.
Assologistica strengthens cooperation with Florida
Assologistica’s institutional mission to Florida has concluded successfully, following the Memorandum of Understanding signed on 21 March with the Florida Department of Transportation, FloridaCommerce and the Florida Ports Council. The visit included a meeting between president Umberto Ruggerone and Florida’s secretary of transportation Jared Perdue, along with Italy’s Consul General in Miami, Michele Mistò. Discussions focused on investment, innovation and training. During Seatrade Cruise Global, the first meeting of the working group established by the MoU took place, attended by Assologistica, Assoporti and the 16 public ports of Florida. The aim is to build an increasingly integrated transatlantic logistics network.
Raben Group publishes 2024 environmental report
Raben Group has released its 2024 Sustainability Report, titled “Laying the foundations for future growth”, highlighting a 35.5% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2020. The company achieved all five targets set out in its Sustainability-Linked Loan, exceeding expectations in key areas: a 79.9% drop in emissions from buildings and warehouses (target: 27.5%), a 7.5% reduction in transport emissions, 96.6% of vehicles meeting Euro standards (target: 87%), 33.75% of managerial roles held by women (target: 33%) and an EcoVadis score of 71 (target: 67). The group also closed 2024 with revenues of 2.15 billion euros.
