Port of Los Angeles sees growth in the first quarter
The Port of Los Angeles handled 778,406 TEUs in March 2025, marking a 4.7% increase compared to the same month last year. In the first quarter, total throughput reached 2,504,049 TEUs, up by 5.2% year-on-year. Executive director Gene Seroka described the beginning of the year as positive but forecasted a 10% decline in the second half of 2025 due to tariffs and retaliatory duties. In March, loaded imports rose by 1.6%, loaded exports fell by 15%, and empty containers surged by 23%. The port, the busiest in the Western Hemisphere, handled more than 10 million containers and 333 billion dollars in trade during 2024.
Decathlon logistics hub in Brandizzo shuts down
Decathlon has closed its Brandizzo logistics hub, only nine years after it opened. Union efforts to save the 125 jobs—mostly held by young part-time warehouse workers—proved unsuccessful. The facility, opened in 2016, covered 21,000 square metres and served northwestern Italy. The closure is part of a broader rationalisation plan affecting three other centres in Europe. Around 40 workers have been offered redeployment or incentives, while others face transfers beyond the region. The future of the now-empty warehouse remains uncertain.
Contargo strengthens rail network between France, Germany and Poland
Contargo, a German multimodal logistics operator specialising in barge, rail and truck freight, will launch two new rail shuttle services by the end of 2025. The routes will connect France, Germany and Poland, boosting logistical links among the three countries. The move signals the company’s strong return to the international rail freight sector.
Rhenus launches new employer branding
On 14 April 2025, the Rhenus Group announced the launch of its new global employer brand: Empowered by You. The initiative aims to strengthen corporate culture, foster a sense of belonging and enhance the value of employees worldwide. The brand is built around four pillars: entrepreneurship, purpose, opportunity and community. Implementation will begin internally with informational campaigns and the Rhenus Empower Tour, an interactive roadshow visiting company sites across Germany and internationally.
Man begins battery production in Nuremberg
Man Truck & Bus has inaugurated battery production at its Nuremberg plant, with Bavarian Premier Markus Söder and Minister Hubert Aiwanger in attendance. In addition to the 100 million euros already invested, the company has announced a further expansion phase with 150 million euros allocated to technological development. Part of this funding will go toward producing battery modules, not just battery packs. Around 18 million euros will be subsidised by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and the Bavarian government, which will also contribute 30 million for research into cell safety, chemistry and ageing. The investments will support 400 jobs.
Black Sea container traffic rises in 2024
In 2024, container terminals on the Black Sea in Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine handled 1,313,392 TEUs, reflecting a 12% increase over the previous year. Ukraine saw the highest percentage growth, at +78%. Full containers accounted for 77% of total traffic, with 54% imports and 46% exports. Imports rose by 21%, with Ukraine registering a remarkable +154% increase. Key ports involved were Constanta, Varna and Burgas. Maersk, MSC and CMA CGM remained leaders in maritime trade. Forecasts for 2025 predict further growth of between 8 and 10%, potentially surpassing 3.2 million TEUs.
Stellantis and Qinomic launch electric retrofit for commercial vehicles
During the press conference launching the electric retrofit developed by Qinomic, Stellantis Pro One confirmed its continued support for the initiative. The project, launched over two years ago with SUSTAINera, enables the conversion of light commercial combustion vehicles to electric. The technology will debut in France on mid-size models including the Fiat Scudo, Opel Vivaro, Peugeot Expert and Citroën Jumpy. Qinomic will purchase more than 200 electric components from Stellantis, which will recover thermal parts for reuse or reconditioning. The solution, compliant with OEM standards, promotes zero-emission mobility by extending vehicle lifespans, in line with Stellantis’s decarbonisation strategy.
