Change at the top of Hhla
On 1 October 2025, Jeroen Eijsink succeeds Angela Titzrath as head of Hhla, Hamburg’s main terminal operator and, with Metrans, a key player in European intermodal traffic. During Titzrath’s tenure, projects were launched on digitalisation and international expansion of the terminal network, though operational challenges remain. Chief among these are issues in truck management, with slot-booking systems that have failed to convince hauliers. Expectations from Hamburg’s logistics sector and political stakeholders towards Eijsink are therefore high, with the goal of strengthening supply chain efficiency and the port’s competitiveness.
New CEO for Dsv logistics
Dsv has appointed Maciej Walenda as the new chief executive of its contract logistics division. The move is part of the company’s strategy to continue developing and integrating the sector. Walenda, with the group since 2013, has held senior positions including managing director in Poland, executive vice-president for Central and Eastern Europe, and more recently regional managing director for European contract logistics. With this appointment, the company aims to consolidate its organisation and reinforce operational management in a market shaped by complex conditions. Group COO Brian Ejsing expressed confidence in Walenda’s ability to lead the division into its next phase, drawing on his extensive experience.
Traffic changes at Fernetti border crossing
Work has been completed on a €1.1 million project to reorganise traffic at the Fernetti border crossing, needed to manage the impact of the closure of Slovenia’s H4 motorway. The Friuli Venezia Giulia Region financed and delivered the works, which included redesigning the forecourt with new signage and dedicated lanes to separate heavy and light vehicles, strengthening safety at controls. The construction, which began on 1 September and was completed in under a month, was enabled by coordination between the Region, Autostrade Alto Adriatico, the State Police and the contractor. Regional councillor Cristina Amirante underlined that the project has improved the organisation of cross-border traffic, though it does not eliminate the economic difficulties faced by transport and logistics companies. The Region confirmed free use of customs parking areas at Sdag Gorizia. Data presented by Autostrade Alto Adriatico to the Prefecture show that between 18 August and 7 September, trucks entering Italy via the Trieste/Lisert barrier rose by 54%, equal to around 18,000 additional lorries per week, while flows from Slovenia into Gorizia dropped by 54%. Since 8 September, with the H4 reopened towards Italy but closed in the opposite direction, volumes have rebalanced: +24% at Lisert towards Venice, -21% at Gorizia, +27% outbound at Lisert, against a 41% drop in exports via Gorizia.
Turkey revives Hejaz railway
Turkey’s transport minister has confirmed the launch of a joint project with Jordan and Syria to reactivate the Hejaz railway. The historic line, now largely dormant, would be restored to provide a rail connection between Europe, the Red Sea and Saudi Arabia. According to Turkish authorities, the initiative aims to strengthen regional integration in transport and to provide a rail alternative to maritime corridors. The project is also part of growing infrastructure cooperation between Ankara, Amman and Damascus. Full reactivation would require extensive modernisation, as many sections have been inactive for decades. Once operational, the line could support both passenger services and freight, offering new prospects for intermodal logistics. The minister stressed that the strategic goal is to enhance links with Saudi Arabia and Red Sea ports, integrating the region into a wider Eurasian rail network.
New Rijeka-Zagreb railway approved
The project for the new railway line between the port of Rijeka and Croatia’s capital Zagreb has obtained its final environmental approval. The authorisation, covering the Skradnik–Krasica–Tijani section, marks a decisive step towards implementation. The line is regarded as strategic for connecting Croatia’s main seaport directly with the country’s centre. With this approval, the way is clear for detailed design and construction to begin. Authorities say the line will boost corridor capacity and strengthen Rijeka’s competitiveness in intermodal traffic.
Helrom launches train in Poland
The first train of Helrom’s new service for semi-trailers from Düsseldorf has arrived in Zabrze, 18 kilometres from Katowice. The service is operated with Ltg Cargo Polska and includes Amazon among its customers. Announced last July with a September start, the service runs six trains per week in each direction. This is Helrom’s first project in Poland, where it owns the Zabrze rail terminal, noted hub manager Jarosław Makar. The new route also takes on significance given the company’s recent financial difficulties. Last summer Helrom entered preliminary insolvency proceedings after a failed financing attempt, subsequently launching a search for a new owner, expected to be identified by October.
Volvo earns five-star safety rating
Euro Ncap has released its second assessment of heavy goods vehicle safety, again awarding Volvo’s models the top five-star rating. The FH Aero 6x2 and FM 6x2 achieved the same results as in the first 2024 assessment, when Volvo’s FH Aero and FM were the only models to receive five stars. Euro Ncap said criteria assessed included driver assistance, collision avoidance and road user protection. Both models also met “City Safe” standards, requiring high visibility and effective active safety systems for urban environments.
