A new agreement on the global minimum wage for seafarers
The International Labour Organization is set to approve a new agreement in November 2025 establishing a progressively increasing minimum wage for seafarers: 690 dollars from January 2026, 704 from 2027, and 715 from 2028. The increase exceeds 6% compared to the previous deal, which had set the minimum at 673 dollars from 2025. The resolution aims to strike a balance between recognising the essential role of seafarers in global trade and ensuring the economic sustainability of the shipping sector in an intensely competitive market.
Over a thousand departures in the first quarter on the Maritime Silk Road
In the first quarter of 2025, the Silk Road Maritime container routes, part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, recorded 1,098 departures across 128 routes, handling 1,270,600 TEU. This represents a 17.7% increase in departures and a 13.7% rise in volume compared to the previous year. The routes currently connect 147 ports across 46 countries and regions. Meanwhile, on 19 April, a China Railway Express freight train carrying 55 containers departed from Erlianhot bound for Europe, marking the thousandth train from this port this year. The service links more than 70 logistics hubs in over 10 countries, including Germany and Poland.
Agreement signed for liquid hydrogen corridor between Oman and Europe
A joint development agreement was signed on 16 April 2025 to establish a liquid hydrogen import corridor connecting the ports of Duqm (Oman), Amsterdam (Netherlands), and Duisburg (Germany). The initiative, involving eleven stakeholders including Hydrom, OQ, Tata Steel Nederland and EnBW, aims to start commercial-scale imports of liquid hydrogen meeting Rfnbo standards in Europe by 2029. The project includes the development of liquefaction and storage facilities in Duqm, port infrastructure at all three locations, and distribution systems via pipelines, rail links and inland waterways.
GiMaTrans expands its service for Chiquita
The collaboration between Chiquita and Italian haulier GiMaTrans has extended to transport operations, a year after the opening of the ripening centre in Cortenuova (Bergamo). The Bergamo-based logistics provider now manages incoming flows from the ports of Vado Ligure and Civitavecchia, as well as outbound deliveries to major retail chains. The vehicles, branded with a dedicated livery, are equipped with technologies to control temperature (13–14°C), humidity and oxygenation, as well as thermo-recorders and satellite tracking systems. Certain routes have designated drivers to ensure the highest level of service.
Turning point for Orte inland terminal with public and private funding
The Italian Orte inland terminal, located at the crossroads of Lazio, Umbria and Tuscany, is entering a new phase of development. Significant public investment has been announced, including €8 million from the Development and Cohesion Fund, with the first construction sites already underway. Local entrepreneurs from Terni, who hold 28% of the terminal’s share capital and have a seat on the management company’s board, are also playing a key role. The infrastructure aims to become an innovative hub for rail and road transport, linking the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic corridors and creating new employment opportunities in central Italy.
