Containers rise in Koper
The port of Koper closed the first half of the year with strong growth: container traffic rose by 14% to nearly 624,000 teu, while vehicle volumes reached 452,000 units, up 10%. Net revenue at the Slovenian port climbed to 187.7 million euros, an increase of 15% compared to 2024 and 11% above forecasts. Operating profit (Ebit) stood at 52.8 million, up 41%, while net profit reached 43.5 million, a 33% rise. Investments in the period amounted to 54 million, marking a 161% increase, and covered projects such as the extension of Pier I, a new warehouse for steel coils, the cruise terminal and expanded storage areas for vehicles. The most significant undertaking remains the extension of Pier I: 1,750 piles between 60 and 70 metres deep will support an enlargement providing 326 metres of additional berthing, two new mooring positions and seven hectares of yard space. The 153-million-euro project is scheduled for completion by 2027, raising the container terminal’s annual capacity to 1.8 million teu. Port Authority president Nevenka Kržan confirmed that further works will begin before year-end, including new storage areas for vehicles, a covered car park for 12,000 units and the design of a cold ironing system for berth electrification.
Irregular containership detained in Genoa
The Italian Coast Guard has ordered the administrative detention of the containership MN Hansa Horneburg, a Panama-flagged vessel of more than 18,000 gross tonnes that arrived from Vado Ligure and was stopped in Genoa. An inspection by the Port State Control unit identified irregularities in the nitrogen oxide emission containment systems, despite valid certification. Specifically, some components of the onboard generators lacked the conformity markings required by the NOx Technical Code. The inspection covered all operational areas of the ship and was followed by an emergency drill. The vessel will only be cleared to sail once the deficiencies have been corrected and a final inspection successfully completed.
Emirates SkyCargo expands Asian routes
Emirates SkyCargo has announced an expansion of services to East and Southeast Asia with the introduction of new passenger flights to Hangzhou, China. This addition brings the carrier’s weekly cargo capacity to more than 21,000 tonnes to and from the region, making it the largest network among non-Asian airlines. “East and Southeast Asia are not only pillars of our network but are also shaping the future of logistics and global trade,” said Abdulla Alkhallafi, vice president of Cargo Commercial for the Far East and Australasia. Emirates confirmed its intention to further invest in capacity, routes and partnerships to meet the growth of the region’s manufacturing and consumer markets.
Air One receives first Boeing 777 freighter
Air One International Holdings has taken delivery of its first Boeing 777 Freighter at a ceremony held at Boeing’s Everett facility in Washington. The aircraft, purchased from AeroTransCargo Fze, an aircraft asset management company controlled by Air One, is the first of two 777Fs ordered; the second is scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2025. The new freighter will enter service with the British carrier One Air, an Air One affiliate, in its blue, yellow and white livery.
Scania to open truck plant in China
Scania will inaugurate a new heavy vehicle manufacturing plant in October 2025 in Rugao, Jiangsu province, eastern China. The investment totals 2.3 billion dollars and represents one of the Swedish truckmaker’s largest projects as part of the Traton group. Built between 2022 and 2024, the site will have an annual capacity of 50,000 vehicles – about half of Scania’s current global production – and will employ more than 3,000 people. At least half of production will be destined for export, chief executive Christian Levin told the Financial Times. The factory aims to serve China’s high-end heavy truck market and provide more efficient logistics with shorter delivery times. The Chinese government has urged Scania to ramp up the plant to full capacity quickly. The company has also committed to making the site carbon neutral, powered by biogas produced from local waste. If achieved, it would be the first commercial vehicle plant in China with such certification.
US tariffs drive truckmakers to Mexico
US truck manufacturers are considering shifting component sourcing to Mexico to offset the impact of 50% tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on steel, aluminium and copper. According to Reuters, the measure, in effect since June, has raised production costs in the 50-billion-dollar sector by 2 to 4%. The regulatory framework of the Usmca agreement favours producers operating in Mexico, granting duty exemptions with North American content requirements of 64%, due to rise to 70% by 2027. Groups such as Daimler and Traton have already launched cross-border operations to reduce tariff exposure, while research from Bernstein and Act Research indicates a price gap of up to 3% compared with vehicles assembled entirely in the United States.
Adani Ports launches logistics hub in Kochi
Adani Ports has broken ground on the Adani Logistics Park in Kochi, at a ceremony attended by the chief minister of the Indian state of Kerala, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan. The 68.4-million-dollar investment aims to cut transport costs and strengthen just-in-time operations. The new facility will serve e-commerce, fast-moving consumer goods, pharmaceuticals and the automotive industry. The project is expected to boost export capacity, generate new jobs and support local economic growth and skills development.
