Maersk christens methanol-fuelled container ship Adrian Maersk
A.P. Moller - Maersk has held the naming ceremony for the container ship Adrian Maersk at the Maasvlakte II terminal in the Port of Rotterdam. The vessel, powered by dual-fuel methanol technology, was christened by Stephanie Pullings Hart, executive vice president and COO of Nestlé. Since 2023, the food giant has been using Maersk’s Eco Delivery Ocean service, which cuts greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 per cent. With a capacity of over 16,000 teu, the ship will operate on the Asia-Mediterranean route.
Kerry Logistics changes name to Kln
Hong Kong logistics group Kerry Logistics Network will operate under the new brand Kln from next June, dropping the name Kerry. The company closed 2024 with a 24 per cent increase in revenue, reaching 6.9 billion euros, and an operating profit of 323.5 million euros. Net profit rose by 10 per cent to 161.1 million euros. Growth was driven by the shift in supply chains towards Southeast Asia, particularly India, Singapore and Vietnam. According to Armstrong & Associates, Kln ranks 21st among the world’s leading logistics operators.
Intra-Asia container rates continue to fall
The Drewry Intra-Asia Container Index, which tracks the weighted average spot rates for container transport in the Asian region, dropped by three dollars in the second half of March, settling at 601 dollars for a 40-foot container. This marks the seventh consecutive drop since 15 December 2024, amounting to a total decline of 36 per cent. The figures exclude handling charges at the ports of origin and destination.
Chinese logistics expands in early 2025
The China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing has released figures for the logistics sector in January and February 2025. The total volume of social logistics reached 56.3 trillion yuan (7,160,999,680,000 euros), an annual increase of 5.3 per cent. Industrial logistics grew by 5.9 per cent, driven by demand in the high-tech sector. The data point to a steady start to the year, with a growing market and increased supply chain resilience. Forecasts for the first quarter remain positive, supported by macroeconomic policies and the development of multimodal transport.
Chemical Express strengthens fleet with new trucks
Iveco has delivered thirty S-Way tractor units to Chemical Express, a company specialising in the transport of chemical products and liquid industrial waste across Europe. The handover ceremony was held at the Socom Nuova dealership, attended by representatives of Chemical Express, Iveco and the dealership itself. The vehicles, ADR-ready and equipped with Premium Style Plus and Driving Comfort Plus packages, will be deployed on both domestic and international routes.
Container transfer to trains without cranes
On 25 March 2025, Safe Green Logistics launched an innovative container transfer system in Denmark, enabling autonomous movement of containers from lorry to rail wagon without the use of cranes. The first commercial shipment ran from Aalborg to Høje Taastrup. Integrated into the DB Cargo network, the system promises greater efficiency and improved accessibility to rail freight, even in non-standard areas.
DB Cargo introduces ETCS in the UK
DB Cargo UK has announced the start of a modernisation programme for nine Class 66 locomotives with the European Train Control System (ETCS), in collaboration with Siemens Mobility. The initiative is part of the £1.4 billion East Coast Digital Programme, aimed at making freight rail transport safer and more efficient. Installations will take place at the Toton depot in the East Midlands and are scheduled for completion by March 2026. The new system will replace traditional signalling with onboard digital technology, allowing operations without physical signals along the London to Edinburgh line.
Metlen and IDV join forces to renew Greek military fleet
Greek company Metlen and Iveco Defence Vehicles have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the Greek Ministry of Defence’s programme to renew the fleet of military trucks, both protected and unprotected, for the Hellenic Armed Forces. The agreement aims to combine the expertise of both companies to provide advanced defence solutions, through Metlen’s hub in Volos. The partnership strengthens Metlen’s role in the sector and confirms IDV as a key player in European land defence, in line with EU efforts towards strategic autonomy.
