Geodis bets on artificial intelligence for freight routing
Geodis is developing new artificial intelligence solutions aimed at improving freight routing while reducing CO2 emissions across the entire logistics chain. The initiative, led by Virginie Delcroix, executive vice president for sustainable development, is part of the company’s broader efforts to support clients in meeting their climate targets. Following the launch of AirSmart, a system that selects routes and aircraft with the lowest environmental impact, Geodis is now working on OceanSmart, a similar tool for maritime transport. Both solutions help identify alternative, more efficient routes and modes of transport, thanks in part to the use of digital twins of the supply chain.
Redevelopment of quay 23 at the port of Ancona
The Central Adriatic Sea Port Authority today handed over the works for the structural redevelopment of quay 23 at the port of Ancona. The project includes strengthening the structure and repairing the infrastructure to enhance its use for commercial maritime traffic. The works, awarded for €11.85 million, will be completed within 540 days by a consortium comprising Fincantieri Infrastructure Opere Marittime, Fincosit, Impresa Mentucci Aldo and Eurobuilding. The plan includes the dismantling and repositioning of rails and tracks, the consolidation of the 265-metre-long quay, resurfacing of the pavement, and installation of mooring equipment. The area will be prepared for electrification and will also be subject to dredging works in the port basin. The initiative is part of a wider modernisation programme for the Ancona port, involving upgrades to several other quays.
Callipo Group renews concession in Gioia Tauro
Callipo Group has renewed its state concession at the port of Gioia Tauro, Italy’s leading transhipment hub. The agreement, signed by the port authority’s president Andrea Agostinelli and Callipo Group’s president Pippo Callipo, reaffirms a relationship established in 2018. Effective from 16 September 2024, the 20-year concession will allow for the development of a cold logistics platform covering over 24,000 square metres, including a warehouse with cold storage facilities and surrounding operational areas. The project reinforces the Calabrian company’s role in international trade and its contribution to the regional production network.
€450 million requested for Germany’s motorways
Germany’s Federal Ministry of Transport has requested an extraordinary €450 million funding package from the Bundestag to tackle the country’s motorway infrastructure emergency. According to a communication from the Ministry of Finance to the Budget Committee, €391 million will be allocated for urgent interventions on bridges and carriageways, while a further €59 million will cover engineering and technical costs. The Finance Ministry described the situation as “substantially and temporally non-deferrable” due to the worsening structural degradation and growing traffic safety risks. In June, Autobahn suspended all tenders due to lack of funds, sparking protests from the construction sector and raising fears of delays, closures, and traffic restrictions.
Valenciaport reports growth in container traffic
In the first half of 2025, Valenciaport handled 2.83 million TEU, up 3.84% compared to the same period in 2024. On a twelve-month basis, the increase stands at 8.33%, with a total of 5.58 million TEU. The port of Valencia, Spain’s leading container port and second overall in terms of activity, recorded a 1.75% drop in transhipment volumes, while imports rose by 4.82% and exports surged by 15.21%, reaffirming the strategic role of direct flows tied to Spain’s foreign trade. The port’s main trading partners include China (386,562 TEU), the United States (195,534 TEU), Algeria (160,993 TEU), Turkey (127,292 TEU), and India (81,795 TEU). Rail freight also performed well, with a 5.93% increase in container volumes, while ro-ro traffic grew by 7.78%, vital for connections with the Balearic Islands, Italy, and other Mediterranean ports.
Hoyer signs hydrogen refuelling deal with H2 Mobility
Hoyer Group has signed an agreement with H2 Mobility, Germany’s leading hydrogen refuelling station operator. Under the deal, Hoyer – a global expert in liquid logistics – will initially manage transport and quantity monitoring for stations in the Rhein-Neckar area. The agreement bolsters Hoyer’s role in gas logistics and forms part of its broader strategy for expanding hydrogen-related activities, which includes a newly dedicated fleet. Both companies aim to boost autonomy and flexibility in hydrogen supply as part of a sustainable mobility vision.
Semi-trailer train launched between Perpignan and Cologne
Transfesa Logistics, the Spanish subsidiary of DB Cargo, has announced the launch of a P400 semi-trailer train service between Perpignan (France) and Cologne (Germany). Following a successful trial run on 16 June, the service will commence this summer with three weekly rotations, increasing to four from September. The new route will connect the Pscct terminal in Perpignan Saint Charles with the Cts terminal in Cologne, a key node for links to southern Spain. Operated by DB Cargo France on the French section, the service will carry up to 36 intermodal units per train and is open to P400 semi-trailers, containers, and swap bodies, mainly originating from the Spanish market.
DB Cargo France starts operations as combined transport operator
DB Cargo France has launched its first operations as a combined transport operator, introducing a new rail route between Champigneulles, Metz, and Valenton in partnership with Groupe Portmann-Swiss Cargo. The service will supply nine Ikea stores across the Île-de-France region and its three regional warehouses. It includes five weekly rotations between the Port of Metz, the Champigneulles terminal, and the Valenton terminal, operated by Novatrans. This is the first direct link between eastern France and the Paris region via these terminals. Initially powered by Class66 diesel locomotives due to non-electrified sections, the service uses primarily 45-foot containers from Groupe Portmann, now part of Swiss Post Cargo. The new service is expected to eliminate up to 23,000 lorry journeys per year from the roads.
