River traffic reopens in Dresden
On 3 February, nearly five months after the collapse of the Carola Bridge over the Elbe River in Dresden, the twin convoy consisting of the motor vessel Dick and the barge Dick1 of Gruber Logistics carried out the first commercial transport through the reopened section. The bridge had collapsed on 11 September 2024, disrupting navigation. The 135-metre-long convoy transported a 221-tonne generator from the Czech Republic to Belgium. Operators can now use this section of the Elbe without requiring special permits, although traffic at the critical point is temporarily regulated as one-way for safety reasons.
Cyberattack on the Italian Ministry of Transport
On 18 February, several Italian websites were targeted by cyberattacks from the pro-Russian hacker group Noname057(16). Among the affected sites were those of ministries such as Foreign Affairs, Economy, Infrastructure and Transport, and Economic Development, as well as the portals of the Carabinieri, the Guardia di Finanza, and public transport companies. The attacks, of the DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) type, aimed to make the sites inaccessible by overloading them with requests. According to the National Cybersecurity Agency, thanks to a timely warning, the effects were limited. These actions were claimed as a "punishment for Italy with DDoS missiles" in response to recent statements by the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, who compared Russia's aggression against Ukraine to the Third Reich's plans.
Künz to supply five cranes to Tsa Infra terminal
Austrian crane manufacturer Künz has secured a significant order from Öbb for the delivery, by the end of 2027, of five automated gantry cranes with remote control stations to the Tsa Infra terminals in Vienna South, Wels, and Wolfurt. This represents one of the largest European intermodal sector orders in recent years. In addition to supplying the new cranes, the existing ones in Wolfurt and Vienna South will be converted to automatic operation. The cranes will be equipped with sensors capable of recognising containers and precisely positioning them on trucks or wagons. Moreover, modern workstations will be created for operators, allowing them to manage the cranes manually or in semi-automatic mode via remote control, also facilitating the employment of people with disabilities. Künz won the contract based on a total cost of ownership analysis, which considered both investment and operating costs, and will also handle maintenance in the coming years.
Contargo inaugurates a private charging network for electric trucks in Germany
At its terminal in Neuss, Germany, Contargo has inaugurated its charging infrastructure for electric trucks. The company is installing up to ninety charging points across fifteen locations, with energy management systems and batteries, creating Germany's largest private charging network for electric trucks. Currently, twenty-two 250 kw charging points are operational in seven locations, with eight already active in Neuss. Contargo's fleet consists of 57 electric trucks weighing 44 tonnes, with another 33 on the way. The energy is sourced from renewables, including regenerative cranes and photovoltaic systems. The infrastructure will also be accessible to subcontractors' vehicles.
SeaLead launches new service between the Mediterranean and USA
SeaLead has announced the launch of the Medus service, a new route connecting Morocco, Turkey, and the eastern coast of the United States. The service will offer biweekly departures with improved transit times. The first vessel will depart from Mersin on 29 March, making stops in Istanbul, Gebze, Aliaga, Casablanca, New York, and Norfolk before returning to Mersin. SeaLead CEO Suleyman Avci stated that the service strengthens the company's presence in the Mediterranean and enhances transatlantic connections. Feeder connections are also planned with Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Spain, Greece, and Romania.
The Middle Corridor reaches Houston
Kazakh railway company Kazakh Railways (Ktz) has utilised the Middle Corridor not only for transport to Europe but also to the United States. For the first time, cargo was shipped via this route to Houston, Texas. The freight train departed from Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, reaching the Georgian port of Poti on the Black Sea. From there, the cargo crossed the Atlantic, arriving at its destination on 16 February.
Cma Cgm announces new Fak rates from 1 March 2025
French shipping company Cma Cgm has announced the introduction of new Freight All Kinds (Fak) rates, effective from 1 March 2025 until further notice. The new rates will apply to shipments from major ports in the western Mediterranean, Adriatic, Black Sea, and eastern Mediterranean to Asia and the Far East. Freight rates for 20’ and 40’ containers will be 500 dollars for the western Mediterranean and Adriatic, 800 dollars for the Black Sea, and up to 1,050 dollars for the eastern Mediterranean. Cma Cgm has also updated Fak rates for shipments from Asia to the Mediterranean and North Africa, applicable to dry, out-of-gauge (Oog), and chargeable empty containers.
Hellmann acquires control of Hpl Apollo
Hellmann Worldwide Logistics has acquired 100% of Hpl Apollo, a joint venture specialising in perishable goods logistics, by purchasing Mercury Aviation’s stake. The deal strengthens Hellmann's global presence in the sector and expands its operational capacity. Based in Los Angeles, Hpl Apollo will continue to be led by Ivo Skorin, who has been with the company since 2012. After 12 years of collaboration with Mercury Aviation, Hellmann now aims to expand in the United States, consolidating operations in Miami, Los Angeles, Honolulu, and San Francisco. The company also plans to enter new strategic markets such as Colombia, Ecuador, and Central America.
