CMA CGM becomes majority shareholder of Santos Brasil
On 24 April 2025, CMA CGM announced the completion of its acquisition of 47.9 per cent of Santos Brasil Participações from funds managed by Opportunity, thus achieving a total stake of 51 per cent. The transaction, approved by Brazilian authorities, was completed at a price of 13.60 Brazilian reais per share. Through CMA Terminals Atlantic, CMA CGM will launch a mandatory public offer to purchase all remaining shares under the same conditions. A request will also be made for Santos Brasil to exit the Novo Mercado segment of B3, subject to a price verification by an independent appraisal. The extraordinary shareholders' meeting is scheduled for 29 April 2025.
Rhineland-Palatinate introduces MONOcam against mobile phone use while driving
The police in Rhineland-Palatinate have officially introduced the MONOcam system, developed in the Netherlands, to detect and sanction mobile phone use while driving. It is the first German state to adopt this artificial intelligence-based technology. The system, installed on elevated points such as bridges, uses a high-resolution camera to identify offenders, temporarily storing footage that is then reviewed by an officer. Images without violations are immediately deleted. Under the German Road Traffic Code, those using electronic devices while driving risk a €100 fine and one point on their driving licence.
CFR Marfă enters insolvency proceedings
The main Romanian freight railway operator, CFR Marfă, has initiated insolvency proceedings due to unsustainable debts. The Ministry of Transport approved the company's request following shareholder approval. After five years of unsuccessful negotiations with creditors, CFR Marfă had to abandon the "concordat preventiv" procedure, a mechanism under Romanian law designed to avoid bankruptcy. The company must repay over half a billion euros in illegal state aid, as determined by the European Commission. Carpatica Feroviar has been appointed as successor and is expected to take over operations without assuming the debts.
Trump opens up to autonomous driving
The Trump administration has announced initial steps to remove regulatory barriers for autonomous vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will update regulations to allow US-made models to obtain exemptions from safety standards, which until now were reserved for imported vehicles. The obligation to report accidents involving autonomous systems will be maintained, but with lighter requirements. The measures aim to promote the deployment of vehicles without steering wheels or pedals, such as Tesla's future robotaxis. According to NHTSA, a comprehensive regulatory framework for autonomous driving is under development.
Russian train reaches Crimea through occupied Ukraine
The first freight train departing from Russia has reached Sevastopol in Crimea, passing through occupied Ukrainian territories. The event, which occurred on 25 April 2025, marks an important step for Moscow in using Ukrainian infrastructure for economic purposes. With this connection, Russia will be able to export goods more easily through the Black Sea.
Uber and Volkswagen announce autonomous ID Buzz vans in the US
Uber Technologies and Volkswagen have announced a partnership to deploy thousands of electric ID Buzz vans in the United States. Road testing will begin by the end of 2025 with human operators on board, while the commercial launch is scheduled for 2026 in Los Angeles, pending regulatory approval. The initiative will gradually expand to other American markets. Volkswagen's vans use autonomous driving software from Mobileye Global and Moia systems. Uber thus continues to strengthen its autonomous offering, already active in collaboration with Waymo, Avride and WeRide.
BYD launches the world's largest car carrier ship
BYD has christened the BYD Shenzhen, the largest existing car carrier ship, during a ceremony in Yizheng, China. Built by China Merchants and designed by Deltamarin, the ship can transport 9,200 vehicles across sixteen decks, surpassing the Höegh Aurora from Höegh Autoliner, delivered in 2024 with a capacity of 9,100 vehicles. The BYD Shenzhen is the first of four units, two of which are being built by CMJL Nanjing Shipyard and two by CMHI Jiangsu Shipyard. The inaugural voyage will head to Brazil.
New restrictions for hauliers in Russia
As of 25 April 2025, the entry ban into Russia for hauliers from the EU, Norway and the United Kingdom has been extended to include transporters from Moldova. At the same time, Russian authorities have tightened the list of goods exempted from the ban: EU hauliers can no longer import cocoa and its derivatives, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, wine vinegar, tobacco, tobacco products and substances that release nicotine without combustion. The measure remains in force indefinitely.
