Helrom seeks new owner
As part of a preliminary insolvency procedure, the intermodal railcar specialist Helrom has launched a structured investor search process. The goal is to find a new owner capable of unlocking the company’s long-term potential. The process, initiated at the request of the creditors’ committee, will be managed by consultancy firm PwC. Results are expected by October 2025.
Poland invests €117 million in railway to Baltic ports
Poland has allocated €117 million to modernise the Nadodrzanka railway line, which connects to the ports of Szczecin and Świnoujście on the Baltic Sea. The upgrade aims to increase the capacity of the 300-kilometre route, allowing more trains to run and at higher speeds.
Ana completes acquisition of Nippon Cargo Airlines
An official ceremony was held on 4 August in the Nippon Cargo Airlines hangar at Narita Airport to mark the completion of the airline’s acquisition by Ana Holding. The deal, finalised on 1 August following several delays, was originally launched in 2023. It creates the world’s 14th largest cargo carrier by capacity, with a combined fleet that includes NCA’s eight Boeing 747-8F aircraft.
Swissport opens perishables centre at Liège Airport
Since 1 August, Swissport’s new perishables centre at Liège Airport has been operational, strengthening the group’s global network in temperature-controlled logistics. The facility, which has direct access to the airside area, maintains a constant temperature between 2°C and 8°C and can handle up to 40 ULDs, equivalent to a full cargo aircraft load. The centre facilitates the swift and secure transport of sensitive goods, such as flowers bound for the Dutch market, by reducing handling times and the risk of thermal shock. The investment forms part of Swissport’s strategy to provide dedicated solutions for special cargo and e-commerce. With this addition, Swissport’s total cargo terminal space at Liège reaches 27,000 square metres. The facility complements recent expansions of the cold chain at Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Madrid, Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Heathrow proposes third runway to boost cargo by 50%
Heathrow Airport has submitted a £21 billion plan to the UK government to build a privately funded third runway by 2035. The proposal aims to increase cargo capacity by 50 per cent and open at least 30 new passenger routes. Subject to regulatory changes and planning approval by 2029, the project includes a new north-west runway, Terminal 5X, an expanded Terminal 2 and enhanced transport links. Heathrow handles more than £200 billion in trade annually and connects UK exporters to 92 per cent of the global economy. The proposal also includes commitments to achieve net zero by 2050, reduce noise and improve air quality.
Hamburg–Berlin rail line to close for nine months
Deutsche Bahn has announced the full closure of the Hamburg–Berlin rail line for comprehensive reconstruction works, from August 2025 to 30 April 2026. The 280-kilometre corridor, used daily by around 30 long-distance trains and 130 freight services, will undergo major upgrades to improve reliability and capacity. Works will include the replacement of 900 kilometres of track, 150 switches, 7,000 overhead line masts and the technological upgrade of signals and safety systems. The stations at Ludwigslust, Wittenberge and Büchen will also be renovated. During the works, alternative services and diversions will be provided for both passengers and freight. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Transport and is part of the national “S3” programme for upgrading rail infrastructure.
