More trucks in the Eurotunnel in October
In October 2024, LeShuttle Freight transported 106,834 trucks through the Channel Tunnel, marking an 8% increase compared to the same month in 2023. Since the beginning of the year, nearly one million trucks have crossed the Channel on trains. For passenger vehicles, LeShuttle transported 147,919 in October, registering a 12% decline compared to 2023, when the service benefited from the Rugby World Cup.
64.7 Million tender for Algeciras-Zaragoza railway
The Spanish government has launched a €64.7 million tender for the adaptation of the Algeciras-Bobadilla railway section, in preparation for a rolling highway service. The project aims to establish a future railway highway between Algeciras and Zaragoza, but no opening date has been set yet.
Msc to invest €40 million in Namibia
Africa Global Logistics, the logistics division of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, will invest up to €40 million in Namibia by 2030. The investment will focus on logistics services for the energy sector, particularly oil, gas, and renewables. AGL is already constructing a logistics platform in Walvis Bay and plans further investments in Lüderitz. According to Koen Rombouts, managing director of the Southern Africa Corridor, the infrastructure will support both oil exploration activities and the import of wind turbines. AGL also plans to develop an energy unit to offer oil and gas services in Namibia, where companies like TotalEnergies and Shell have already made significant discoveries.
China-Europe train in thirty days
The "Xi'an – Middle Corridor Europe" train has been operating westbound since August 13, 2024, offering a regular connection between China and several European cities in about thirty days. The route passes through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and the Black Sea, reaching Bulgaria, from where it continues by rail to destinations such as Belgrade, Budapest, and Mannheim. The choice to bypass Russia avoids geopolitical complications, making transit smoother and reducing the risks associated with potential interruptions or delays. Eastbound service, set to start in November 2024, will offer a biweekly frequency with a similar transit time to the westbound route.
730 million for new rail access to port of Barcelona
The Spanish government has authorized the signing of an agreement to begin construction of the new southern rail access to the Port of Barcelona. The official signing, scheduled for November 15, will define details regarding the financial contributions of each party to cover the €730 million required for the project. This initiative aims to enhance the accessibility and logistical efficiency of the port.
Volkswagen launches EcoDuo-Rail project between Germany and Spain
Volkswagen will launch a new intermodal project for transporting products between Germany and Spain in 2025. The initiative, led by the German automotive industry association VDA, involves using rail transport for the main leg and EcoDuo trucks for first and last-mile deliveries. EcoDuo trucks consist of two semi-trailers, reducing environmental impact and improving logistics efficiency. The goal is to promote more sustainable mobility within the automotive sector.
Electric trucks competitive by 2025
According to the "Truck Study 2024" by Strategy& (PwC), by 2030, approximately one in five trucks in Europe, North America, and China will be electric, and by 2040, over 90% of new registrations will be battery-electric trucks. This trend will be supported by stricter regulations, advancements in battery technology, high-performance charging infrastructure, and a reduction in total ownership costs. PwC predicts that by 2025, electric trucks will offer better economic returns compared to combustion-engine trucks.
