Green light for new youth hires at the Port of Genoa
The Ministry of Transport has approved the hiring plan proposed by Culmv in Genoa, authorising the recruitment of one hundred new “special” members aged between 18 and 28. The initiative aims to rejuvenate the workforce and respond to increasing port traffic, addressing the shortages caused by numerous departures over the past five years. Currently, more than half of the workforce is over 50, a condition that impacts operational flexibility. The new recruits will support regular members during peak activity periods, without entitlement to compensation for non-working days. The plan was deemed appropriate by the General Directorate for Ports at the Ministry of Transport.
Thirty-eight wrecks to be removed from the seabed of Catania’s port
In June, operations will begin to remove 38 sunken vessels from the port of Catania, at depths ranging from 3 to 11 metres. The intervention, valued at over two million euros, has been commissioned through a public tender by the Eastern Sicily Port System Authority. The works, expected to last around 260 days, aim to ensure safety and environmental protection. The wrecks, mostly fibreglass or wooden fishing boats, will be lifted by crane and transported to a facility for disposal. Anti-pollution systems and protective barriers will be deployed during the operations.
SKINPort project launched for port workers
The World Health Organization recognises melanoma, skin carcinomas and actinic keratoses as major consequences of excessive UV exposure, a concrete risk for over ten million European workers, including around 700,000 in Italy. In response, the Italian Melanoma Intergroup has launched the SKINPort epidemiological study in the ports of Reggio Calabria, Crotone and Gioia Tauro, in collaboration with the Calabrian Health Ombudsman and the Port Authority. Presented on 6 May at the Chamber of Deputies, the project includes anonymous questionnaires and free screenings for dockworkers. The objective is to scale the model nationally to encourage early diagnosis and prevention.
Mbs Logistics acquires Swiss firm Gerhard Wegmüller
Mbs Logistics, the Swiss branch of the German logistics group of the same name, has acquired Zurich-based freight forwarder Gerhard Wegmüller with effect from 1 January 2025. The announcement was made by the group’s CEO, Joerg Roehl, who emphasised that the move strengthens the company’s presence in Switzerland and expands its portfolio of specialised logistics solutions. Gerhard Wegmüller operates in the air, aerospace, pharmaceutical, medical technology and complex transport sectors.
Jan Ptacek appointed vice president of Renault Commercial Vehicles
From 1 July 2025, Jan Ptacek, currently CEO of Renault Turkey, will take on the role of vice president of Renault Commercial Vehicles. He will join the brand’s executive committee, reporting to Fabrice Cambolive, CEO of the brand. His mandate will be to drive growth in the commercial vehicle sector, launching new generations of the Trafic, Goelette and Estafette models in 2026. He will also be responsible for international development and for overseeing Cafe performance in Europe. Ptacek has also been appointed president and board member of Flexis. A graduate from Prague, he brings over 30 years of experience within the Renault Group.
Arvato opens new logistics centre in Istanbul
Arvato, a leading provider of supply chain services, has inaugurated a new logistics centre in Istanbul. Covering 31,000 square metres across two floors, the facility marks the company’s ninth warehouse in Turkey and one of its most ambitious projects in the country. Located just 19 kilometres from Sabiha Gökçen Airport, the site offers strategic access to key logistics hubs. The centre provides omnichannel B2B and B2C fulfilment services, with flexible handling of volume peaks. Over 400 employees will work at the new site, which will feature automation for cosmetics handling from 2026.
