Amazon Prime Air and Enac, progress for the drone project in Italy
On 19 June, a coordination meeting was held between Italy’s Enac and Amazon Prime Air regarding the parcel delivery project using drones in the operational area of San Salvo (Chieti). The meeting was opened by Enac president Pierluigi Di Palma and director general Alexander D’Orsogna, with the Amazon delegation led by David Carbon. Described as “concrete” by Di Palma, the initiative is supported by two operational sandboxes designed to test activities safely in line with Enac’s technical regulations. D’Orsogna confirmed progress in the testing phase aimed at a gradual and controlled launch.
Byd launches its fifth car carrier vessel for electric vehicles
Chinese electric vehicle giant Byd has announced the launch of its fifth cargo ship, the Byd XI'AN, in the city of Yizheng, Jiangsu Province. Measuring 219.9 metres in length and 37.7 metres in width, the vessel can carry up to 9,200 vehicles across 16 decks and cruise at a speed of 19 knots. It is powered by dual-fuel LNG technology, enhancing energy efficiency while reducing emissions. Headquartered in Shenzhen, Byd already operates four similar ships used for exporting electric vehicles, helping lower logistics costs and support the company’s global expansion.
Over $500 million for the Lobito corridor
The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is finalising an investment of more than $500 million for the Lobito Corridor, a railway project designed to transport critical minerals from Africa’s central copper belt to the Atlantic port of Lobito in Angola. The announcement was made by DFC investment officer Conor Coleman during the US-Africa economic summit in Luanda. Ongoing negotiations involve the Angolan government and the Trafigura group. The project, under review since 2023, is proceeding unchanged despite future adjustments announced by the Trump administration.
Kazakhstan and China to invest $24 billion in logistics hub
A joint $24 billion investment between Kazakhstan and China is set to fund a series of infrastructure developments, including a logistics park in Astana, a trade centre at the border, and agricultural processing facilities. Among the announced initiatives, the standout is a planned logistics “superhub” intended to strengthen Kazakhstan’s position in the Eurasian trade corridors.
Dutch rail terminal Kijfhoek is now automated
The largest rail terminal in the Netherlands, Kijfhoek, is now fully automated. Siemens Mobility has completed a €110 million project launched in 2021, implementing a system that improves operational efficiency and reduces handling times.
Nippon Express electric lorries hit the roads in Shanghai
NX China and NX Shanghai, subsidiaries of Nippon Express Holdings, have deployed four electric lorries in Shanghai. With a maximum payload of 8,060 kg, the vehicles are designed for urban and short-haul transport. Emission-free and quiet, they allow for route optimisation and real-time tracking thanks to an intelligent fleet management system. The initiative forms part of the NX group’s climate change strategy and supports Shanghai’s carbon neutrality goals. In Japan, the group has already introduced more than 12,000 eco-friendly vehicles.
