Fercam adopts cargomotion to digitise logistics
Fercam has initiated a collaboration with cargomotion to integrate the new TMS platform into its systems, marking an evolution of the software developed by InstaFreight. This solution enables process automation, real-time visibility and improved efficiency in transport management. With over one million operations already handled and more than 2,000 clients, cargomotion relies on advanced technologies including artificial intelligence and machine learning. More than 100 Fercam clients are already using the system.
New ro-ro line launched from Chioggia to Turkey and Libya
A new ro-ro line operated by Midline Shipping has been launched from the port of Chioggia (Venice), connecting Italy with Turkey and Libya. The vessel Mimer, having loaded in Istanbul (Haydarpaşa) and Izmir, will make its first discharge in Benghazi. Operational from 23 May, the service also calls at Alexandria in Egypt, Mersin and Misurata. Managed by Agencies, the route uses the Sorima quay at the Fhp terminal. The vessel carries trucks, excavators, cars, general and project cargo, as well as containers. The frequency is approximately every twenty days, similar to the existing line to Tripoli. Potential future extensions are under consideration.
Tender for cargo operations at Florence airport
Toscana Aeroporti has launched a European tender for the management of freight agency and warehouse operations at Florence’s Vespucci airport. The single-lot tender offers a one-year contract, renewable for another year, with a maximum value of 200,000 euros for Florence. The activity will cover an open-air area between customs gates 6 and 6° and the entire warehouse with access from via del Termine. Florence airport is expected to handle up to 180 tonnes of cargo annually.
New contract awarded at Pisa’s Galilei airport
Toscana Aeroporti has also published a call for tenders for cargo operations at Pisa’s Galilei airport. The contract covers three areas: a land-side area extending to the access from via Asmara, the entire land-side warehouse and the entire air-side area. Annual cargo handling is estimated at around 2,000 tonnes, excluding hazardous or embargoed materials. The tender allows, under certain conditions, the subcontracting of specific activities and includes a social clause for the retention of current staff.
Finland to adopt European railway gauge
Finland has announced it will fully convert its railway network from the Russian gauge to the European standard. The move severs one of the country’s last infrastructural links with Russia and responds to increasing NATO pressure to enhance military mobility. Transport minister Lulu Ranne stated “now or never”, stressing the urgency of acting while European Union funding is still available.
Antwerp-Bruges launches Europe’s first electric tugboat
On 19 May 2025, the port of Antwerp-Bruges officially launched the Volta 1, Europe’s first fully electric tugboat featuring Reversed Stern Drive technology. The initiative is part of the port’s climate neutrality strategy for 2050. Powered by LTO batteries with a capacity of 2,782 MWh, the Volta 1 offers 12 hours of autonomy and can be fully recharged in two hours. With a bollard pull of 70 tonnes, it matches the performance of diesel-powered tugs. Alongside the Volta 1, five new low-emission RSD tugboats have been commissioned. All vessels were built by Damen Shipyards Group in Vietnam and delivered to Antwerp in November 2024.
New railway line and dry port on Kazakhstan-China corridor
The Eurasian railway corridor is being strengthened with two new strategic infrastructures: the Ayagoz-Bakhty railway line and the Bakhty border crossing, both located on the often congested Kazakhstan-China route. The most significant development, however, is the announcement of a large dry port to be built along the line, covering an area of 976 hectares. The project aims to boost freight flows and relieve pressure on existing border points.
Huaneng deploys one hundred autonomous trucks in Chinese mine
Huaneng Group has announced the deployment of one hundred electric and autonomous trucks at the Yimin open-pit mine in Inner Mongolia, marking the world’s largest fleet of its kind. The vehicles, developed by the state-owned Xcmg group and supported by Huawei’s 5G Advanced network, are equipped with SAE Level 4 autonomous driving, an automated battery-swapping system and real-time safety control.
