Hapag-Lloyd posts profit drop and reduces dividend in 2024
Container shipping company Hapag-Lloyd reported a net profit decline of 18.9% in 2024, down to €2.4 billion, and has proposed an 11.4% cut in its dividend, bringing it to €8.20 per share. Chief executive Rolf Habben Jansen expects lower profits in 2025, citing geopolitical uncertainty, freight rate volatility, reduced financial income and higher taxes. Revenue rose by 6.7% to €19.1 billion in 2024, with transport volumes up by 5%. Forecasts for 2025 indicate an EBITDA between €2.4 and €3.9 billion, while EBIT may fall from €2.6 billion in 2024 to somewhere between zero and €1.5 billion. Cooperation with Maersk, launched in February, and a continued focus on cost management remain central amid the Red Sea crisis and new tariffs introduced by the United States. With a fleet of 299 ships, Hapag-Lloyd is the world’s fifth-largest shipping company.
Italian Antitrust opens investigation into RFI for abuse of dominant position
The Italian Competition Authority has launched an investigation into Rete Ferroviaria Italiana and its parent company Ferrovie dello Stato over alleged abuse of dominant position, in violation of Article 102 of the EU Treaty. According to the Antitrust authority, RFI is accused of having delayed or hindered access to the national rail infrastructure for the new French operator Sncf Voyages Italia, which plans to compete with Trenitalia on high-speed routes from 2027, including the Turin–Venice and Turin–Naples lines. The strategy, allegedly pursued by RFI through rigid criteria in allocating available capacity, would have indirectly favoured Trenitalia.
Cosco Shipping Nebula calls at Vado Gateway
The Cosco Shipping Nebula – measuring 400 metres in length, 58.6 metres in width, and capable of carrying over 21,000 teu – is the largest containership ever to call at Vado Gateway terminal, operated by Apm Terminals since 2020. The enormous vessel berthed at the deep sea quay of the Vado Ligure platform, setting a new record. Thanks to water depths of up to 17.25 metres and modern infrastructure, the terminal is the only one in the Northern Tyrrhenian Sea capable of receiving Ultra Large Container Vessels without restrictions. The achievement is also the result of collaboration with the Port Authority and technical-nautical services of the Ports of Genoa.
Eco Salerno ro-ro strengthens Italy–Turkey connections
From Monday 24 March, the ro-ro vessel Eco Salerno will begin service on the Trieste–Patras–Ambarli–Gemport route. With this addition, there are now three Eco-class vessels operating on this line, boosting Grimaldi Group’s offering between Italy and Turkey. The Eco Salerno can transport up to 500 rolling units and 180 cars, with a total capacity of 7,800 linear metres.
Germany intensifies truck inspections
In February 2025, the Bundesamt für Logistik und Mobilität (Balm) carried out targeted inspections on freight transport in Germany, focusing on cabotage compliance, mandatory weekly rest periods away from the vehicle, and on-road technical checks. Of the 1,575 vehicles inspected, 71 violations were found in cabotage operations, 62 in rest period compliance, and 59 due to technical issues such as brake faults and AdBlue tampering. Fines totalled over €152,000. Similar operations will continue across the country.
Industrial vehicle traffic falls in Germany
In February 2025, motorway mileage by toll-liable industrial vehicles with at least four axles in Germany dropped by 2.5% compared to the previous month, adjusted for seasonal and calendar effects. According to data from the Bundesamt für Logistik und Mobilität (Balm) and the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), the index was also 2.8% lower than in February 2024. This indicator anticipates industrial and economic trends by about a month and is considered a useful tool for forecasting cyclical developments.
DP World launches Banana port in Congo
Logistics giant DP World has commissioned Mota-Engil to build the port of Banana in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Located in the Kongo Central province, the project aims to enhance the country's commercial infrastructure, reduce logistics costs and strengthen economic independence. The first phase includes a 600-metre quay and an annual capacity of 450,000 teu, which will later be expanded to over two kilometres. The project also involves British International Investment and will create thousands of local jobs.
New drone regulations coming soon in the US
US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy has announced that the FAA is preparing new regulations to expand the use of drones in deliveries and other services. “We are developing a rule with clear guidelines for manufacturers,” he said after visiting Amazon Prime Air’s headquarters in Seattle, adding that the proposal will be published soon. The Commercial Drone Alliance has urged the Trump administration to introduce a rule for operations beyond the pilot’s line of sight, calling it crucial for the industry. Duffy warned that without clear rules, innovation could shift abroad, as the government considers restrictions on Chinese drones over national security concerns.
