DB Cargo opens office in Ukraine
DB Cargo has opened a representative office in Kyiv to support Ukraine’s economic recovery through rail transport. According to the German operator, the new structure is intended to further integrate the Ukrainian economy into European supply chains. The office will coordinate multimodal transport and logistics services for European companies, with the aim of organising reliable connections for industry, trade, infrastructure and aid projects. The representative office will also act as a single point of contact between local expertise and DB Cargo’s European network. Management has been entrusted to subsidiary Transa Spedition through the Full Load Solutions Ukraine structure. Ukraine is meanwhile strengthening rail links with the European Union, including through new standard-gauge lines. The national network still largely consists of broad-gauge infrastructure. Completed projects include the 22-kilometre line between Chop and Uzhhorod, connected to Slovakia and Hungary. Kyiv has also received around €70 million from the EU for a standard-gauge line between Lviv and Poland.
ABS approves nuclear-powered container ship
ABS has issued Approval in Principle for the design of a 15,000 TEU container ship developed with the Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. According to ABS, the project involves the use of a small modular reactor with molten salt technology designed by KAERI, while KRISO developed the vessel design and ABS carried out the classification review that led to the preliminary approval. Approval in Principle confirms that the project meets the applicable classification requirements at the design stage, but does not constitute authorisation to build the vessel. The initiative is part of a multi-year joint programme to assess the technical feasibility of nuclear-powered merchant ships, address the main design challenges and define a technical and safety framework for future applications. According to ABS, nuclear propulsion could change vessel design, operating range and the economics of energy. KRISO said it will continue research and development activities and international cooperation to adapt this technology to the maritime environment and contribute to the development of international standards, while KAERI said it will continue to refine the integration between the reactor and the vessel, as well as the testing and demonstration activities needed to support future commercialisation. The new approval forms part of a process already launched by ABS. According to a study published in 2023 by ABS and Herbert Engineering, a 14,000 TEU container ship equipped with two 30 MW fast reactors could operate for 25 years without refuelling, eliminating carbon emissions and potentially increasing cargo capacity through the removal of tanks for conventional fuels. In 2026, HD Korea Shipbuilding Offshore Engineering also presented a design for a 15,000 TEU nuclear-powered container ship that received similar preliminary approval from ABS, while a study was also launched into a nuclear-electric propulsion system for a 16,000 TEU vessel.
1,500 Lepas SUVs shipped to Europe
Almost 1,500 Lepas L8 SUVs have departed from the port of Wuhu for Italy, Spain, Greece, Croatia, Slovenia and Romania. The shipment marks the start of large-scale deliveries of the Chinese brand in Europe and represents one of the first logistics operations of the so-called Year of Delivery. The initiative follows the brand’s European debut at Milan Design Week and the presentation of its strategy for new-energy vehicles at the Beijing Auto Show 2026. According to Lepas, the shipment gives concrete form to the move from the brand presentation phase to international commercial expansion. The model being transported is the Lepas L8, a five-seat plug-in hybrid SUV developed on the Intelligent Lex Platform. The company states that the model has an overall range of more than 1,000 km and combined fuel consumption of 2.2 l/100 km.
Mercitalia wins rail shunting contract in Genoa and Savona
Mercitalia Shunting & Terminal has won the five-year concession for rail shunting at the port facilities of Savona and Vado Ligure. The service awarded by the Autorità di Sistema Portuale del Mar Ligure Occidentale (Western Ligurian Sea Port System Authority) is intended to strengthen integration between ports, terminals and national and European rail networks. The activities include an integrated model for managing shunting and rail traction. The operational presence may be extended to 24 hours a day, seven days a week, depending on traffic growth. Operations will be supported by digital systems for monitoring and managing activities. On the environmental front, the use of HVO biofuels is also planned, described as capable of reducing CO2 emissions by 55%.
GLS strengthens in Bolzano
GLS Italy has completed the acquisition of the business unit of GBZ Express, a company that managed GLS operations in the province of Bolzano for more than 40 years. The operation forms part of a strategy to strengthen direct presence in areas considered strategic and aims to achieve greater operational integration. The acquisition is also intended to consolidate the company’s position in the local market, while maintaining service continuity for customers, employees and suppliers. GBZ Express, founded by Maurizio and Hanna Giampietro, has contributed to the development of the GLS network in South Tyrol through its strong local roots. During the transition phase, Maurizio Giampietro will work alongside GLS Italy to support the integration of activities, while other members of the family will continue their professional careers within the company. According to GLS Italy, the operation will make it possible to build on the expertise developed over time by the South Tyrolean company and strengthen integration with the national structure. Guido Pietro Bertolone, chief executive of GLS Italy, says the acquisition strengthens the company’s direct presence in a strategic area and enhances the body of experience built by GBZ Express, which provides a basis for continuing investment and improving service integration.
