Crossrail becomes Bls Cargo Nord
From 1 September 2025 Crossrail will be integrated into Bls Cargo, taking on the new name Bls Cargo Nord and operating under the single Bls Cargo brand. Founded in Switzerland in 2004 as the third combined traffic operator across the Swiss Alps, Crossrail entered the Bls Cargo Group in 2019 while retaining its own logo and commercial structure. In 2024 Crossrail Benelux operated almost 1,000 trains across Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, marking a 46 per cent increase in volumes compared with the year of acquisition. The integration forms part of the transformation plan launched by Bls Cargo at the end of 2024, aimed at harmonising processes and strengthening its integrated offering across different countries.
Zim diverts routes after Turkish ban on Israel
The Israeli shipping company Zim has announced the diversion of some of its containerships and warned of possible economic repercussions following Turkey’s decision to ban vessels owned, managed or operated by Israel from calling at its ports. The measure, communicated by the Turkish port authorities, came into immediate effect and also applies to vessels carrying military cargo bound for Israel. At the same time, Turkish-flagged units will no longer be able to call at Israeli ports. The carrier, led by Chief Executive Eli Glickman, confirmed that it is working on a mitigation plan to contain the financial and operational impact. Despite the challenges, Zim has maintained its 2025 guidance, forecasting EBITDA between 1.6 and 2.2 billion dollars.
Katoen Natie looks to expand in Cremona
According to the Italian daily newspaper CremonaOggi, an agricultural plot of about five hectares in Cremona, currently used for maize cultivation, is set to be transformed into a logistics area with warehouses and storage facilities. The project is expected to be led by Katoen Natie, which has been operating in the Lombard city since 2003 through the management of port areas. The urban planning process foresees approval by the Province and Municipality of a joint planning agreement, introduced by a regional law last year, which will allow the area to be recognised within the territorial plan as suitable for a logistics settlement of supra-municipal relevance. For now, the timing for the construction and launch of the new platform has not yet been defined.
Cma Cgm invests 200 million in the port of Latakia
Cma Cgm has announced a new investment of 200 million euros to upgrade the Syrian port of Latakia, the country’s main container hub. The decision followed a meeting in Damascus between the company’s management and the Syrian authorities. The move marks the start of the second phase of the expansion project, complementing an initial 30 million euro programme already under way. Located on the Mediterranean, the port of Latakia benefits from extensive road and rail connections of strategic importance to the region.
Qingdao sets record for China–Europe trains
Qingdao is celebrating a double milestone for the China–Europe railway line within the Sco pilot zone. As of 25 August 2025 the terminal has operated 449 trains since the beginning of the year, carrying more than 46,900 TEU and recording a 29.2 per cent increase compared with 2024. The Multimodal Transport Centre, which links Shandong’s ports to inland regions, has achieved a new historic record. Since the establishment of the Sco pilot zone, a total of 4,954 trains have been dispatched, with a daily maximum capacity of 2,000 TEU.
Azerbaijan Railways boosts rolling stock
Azerbaijan Railways will add 300 freight wagons to its fleet, including 200 flatcars for container transport and 100 semi-wagons designed for aggregates and special cargo. The initiative is part of the company’s strategy to renew its rolling stock in order to support growing traffic along the Middle Corridor and the INSTC. The container wagons will have a capacity of 72 tonnes and a service life of 32 years, while the semi-wagons will carry up to 70 tonnes with a lifespan of 22 years. ADY has stressed that the new equipment will be used both domestically and in international transit flows. At the same time, the company is strengthening its locomotive fleet: after acquiring 40 Alstom electric units and seven diesel CRRC engines, it now plans to add another 14 line locomotives.
American Airlines to grow at Malpensa
American Airlines has announced six new international routes for summer 2026, including a year-round service between Miami and Milan Malpensa starting on 29 March 2026. The route will be operated with Boeing 787-8 aircraft. With this move, the US carrier is strengthening its presence in Europe and South America. In particular, it will launch new flights from Philadelphia to Budapest and Prague, the only direct routes from the United States to the two capitals, and new connections from Dallas Fort Worth to Athens and Zurich. Moreover, the seasonal service to Buenos Aires will be extended.
