Oil prices soar after Israeli attack on Iran
Hydrocarbon prices have risen sharply following the Israeli military strike on Iran. Brent crude jumped by 7% in London, surpassing 74 dollars per barrel, while natural gas on the Amsterdam market increased by 4%, approaching 38 euros per megawatt-hour. The rise is not primarily due to Iran’s production, which stands at 3.3 million barrels per day, but to fears of a broader regional crisis and potential disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for 20% of the world’s oil shipments. A blockade could endanger exports from Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Russia, for the time being, is emerging as the main beneficiary.
Container traffic falls in May in the port of Trieste
In May 2025, the port of Trieste recorded a 45.4% decrease in container traffic compared to the same month in 2024, with volumes dropping from 76,297 to 41,750 teu. On Pier VII, operated by TMT, the decline was even steeper, down by 63.8%, from 69,132 to 25,044 teu. HHLA’s logistics platform, focused on ro-ro traffic, did not offset the loss, having handled just 10,685 teu throughout 2024. The drop follows a record-breaking first quarter and a positive April, but may signal a structural trend. The downturn is largely attributed to the end of the 2M alliance between MSC and Maersk, which ceased operations on 1 April 2025.
DSV launches logistics hub in Maranello
GSE Italia has begun construction of a logistics warehouse in Maranello exceeding 48,000 square metres on behalf of DSV. The brownfield development is redeveloping a disused 100,000-square-metre site previously occupied by the former Ceramiche Ricchetti. The project is designed to support a major company in the Motor Valley, with optimised spaces for storage and advanced logistics. The building will meet high environmental standards and aims to achieve BREEAM “Very Good” certification. The initiative confirms GSE’s role as a strategic partner for sustainable solutions in the logistics and industrial sectors.
Road tolls rise in two Belgian regions
From 1 July 2025, new toll rates for commercial vehicles will come into effect in the Flemish and Brussels regions of Belgium. The adjustment, driven by indexation announced by local authorities, will apply to vehicles with a gross authorised mass exceeding 3.5 tonnes. The toll system is based on two criteria: Euro emissions class and vehicle weight (3.5–12 t, 12–32 t, over 32 t). Zero-emission vehicles will continue to travel free of charge, but only if equipped with an active onboard unit. In Wallonia, toll rates remain unchanged, having already been updated on 1 January 2025.
Ford halts factory due to rare earth shortage
Ford Motor has temporarily shut down its Explorer SUV plant in Chicago due to a shortage of rare earth magnets, which are essential for vehicle production. Chief executive Jim Farley stated that the situation remains critical, with limited supplies coming from China, where a new export approval process has been introduced. “It’s a day-to-day management issue,” Farley told Bloomberg TV. Despite recent signs of progress in US-China trade talks, export licences are being granted one at a time. Magnets are used in components such as windscreen wipers, seats and audio systems.
First convictions in Germany for Dieselgate
The regional court in Braunschweig has handed down the first four criminal convictions related to the Dieselgate scandal. Four former Volkswagen executives were found guilty of fraud, with two sentenced to several years in prison and the other two receiving suspended sentences. Prosecutors had sought sentences ranging from three to four years, with probation for the fourth defendant. The defence had called for acquittals or simple warnings. The scandal, which broke in 2015 after revelations by the US Environmental Protection Agency regarding emissions test manipulations, has so far cost Volkswagen more than 33 billion euros. The verdict is not final, and a further 31 defendants remain on trial.
First LNG cargo arrives at Ravenna regasification terminal
Commercial operations have begun at the new Ravenna regasification terminal with the arrival of the LNG carrier Quest Kirishima from Louisiana. The first unloading operations began on 11 June 2025, according to maritime agency Marittima Ravennate. The cargo originated from Venture Global’s Plaquemines facility. The operation involved the Cambiaso Risso Group. Meanwhile, OLT Offshore LNG Toscana has announced increased capacity and more unloading slots at the Livorno terminal.
