Truck driver dies of heart attack at the port of Genoa
On the morning of 20 February, around 9:00 am, a truck driver aged between 50 and 60 passed away due to a heart attack while at Ponte Paleocapa, in the Calata Bettolo area of the port of Genoa. Despite the prompt intervention of medical staff from Misericordia and the Golf 4 emergency vehicle, resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful. The State Police and the Port Authority also arrived on the scene to carry out the necessary investigations.
AVS GSA Thailand appointed GSSA for Air Macau
The Thai branch of the ECS Group, AVS GSA Thailand, has been appointed as the General Sales and Service Agent for Air Macau in Thailand, effective from 1 February 2025. The two-year agreement stipulates that AVS GSA Thailand will manage cargo sales from Thailand to Air Macau's network and provide operational support for the transport of goods, including orchid flowers, seafood, betel leaves, and electronic components. Air Macau operates three daily flights to Thailand: two from Suvarnabhumi Airport and one from Don Mueang, using A321 and A320 aircraft. This partnership strengthens air cargo connectivity between Thailand, Macau, and key destinations in North Asia, particularly mainland China and Taiwan. Previously, AVS GSA Thailand served as a sub-GSSA for Air Macau from May 2024, generating significant revenue, which led to this direct appointment.
HHLA closes 2024 with revenue and profit growth
Hamburger Hafen und Logistik recorded a 10.5% increase in revenue in 2024, reaching €1.598 billion. Operating profit (EBIT) rose by 22.7% to €134 million, while consolidated net profit after minority interests climbed to €33 million, compared to €20 million the previous year. The company's container traffic grew by 0.9%, reaching 5.97 million TEUs, with Hamburg terminals maintaining stable levels at 5.686 million TEUs. Intermodal transport saw an 11.6% increase, handling 1.787 million TEUs. CEO Angela Titzrath attributed these positive results to HHLA's strategic expansion of its European network, despite geopolitical challenges and supply chain disruptions.
DFDS reorganises Ekol after acquisition
DFDS has initiated the reorganisation of Ekol International Transport, acquired in November 2024, with the goal of achieving financial balance by the end of 2025. The restructuring includes the dismissal of 125 employees and the creation of a new business unit, Türkiye & Europe South, under the Logistics division. Improvements are underway in transport flows between Turkey and Europe to enhance efficiency and volume growth. On the commercial side, initial cross-selling initiatives are securing new contracts. To increase operational efficiency, DFDS is downsizing its road fleet by selling 278 trailers and plans further disposals in 2025.
American Airlines Cargo doubles plastic waste reduction
American Airlines Cargo nearly doubled its long-term reduction of plastic waste in 2024 through a partnership with BioNatur Plastics. The airline replaced over 124,000 kilograms of traditional plastic with biodegradable products, equivalent to 12.6 million water bottles, marking a 100% increase compared to 2022. BioNatur Plastics supplies biodegradable and recyclable materials that decompose in landfills within 8-12 years without turning into microplastics. American Airlines Cargo already uses these materials in most of its US and Latin American hubs and aims to expand their use.
New railway tunnel in Bern to improve capacity
Swiss railway company SBB has announced the construction of a new railway tunnel in Bern, between Wankdorf and Ostermundigen. The 440-metre-long tunnel will separate freight traffic from passenger traffic, eliminating waiting times and improving network efficiency. The project aims to enhance rail capacity in the region, ensuring a smoother and more reliable service.
