Maersk Air Cargo to open second hub in Liège
Liège Airport will become the second European hub for Maersk Air Cargo, alongside the one in Billund, Denmark. The airline announced that its second Boeing 777F, named Maersk Nightingale, will connect the Belgian airport with seven weekly flights, increasing cargo capacity in Europe. Liège was chosen for its 24/7 operational capabilities, ideal for meeting cargo transport needs.
New direct MSC service between Europe and Africa
On November 25, 2024, MSC will launch a new direct maritime container service between Europe and West Africa, enhancing connectivity with Angola, Congo, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is the company's first direct service from Northern Europe to these countries, offering faster transport for dry, refrigerated, and special project cargo. Key stops include Pointe Noire and Luanda, with reduced transit times of 23 and 25 days from Rotterdam, respectively. The service is supported by intermodal solutions to reach capitals like Kinshasa and Brazzaville, providing an extensive and reliable logistics network for the entire region.
Livorno port closes due to bad weather
On November 20, the Port of Livorno was closed for several hours due to strong winds reaching 126 km/h and 8-meter-high waves, disrupting connections with major islands. Ferries arriving from Sardinia and Corsica had to change course or cancel departures, while five cargo ships left the docks to wait offshore. A critical situation also occurred in Sestri Levante, where a storm caused the sinking of a fishing boat and damage to the port area.
Latvia considers loan for Rail Baltica
Latvia is considering a loan of one billion euros to fill the growing funding gap for the Rail Baltica project. Projected infrastructure costs are rising, requiring a total investment of 6.4 billion euros. The project is seen as crucial for improving railway connections in the Baltic region, but financial challenges persist. The loan could provide a solution to ensure the project's timely completion.
Maersk converts container ship to methanol dual fuel
The Maersk Halifax container ship has been converted into a dual-fuel unit capable of operating on methanol. The retrofit took place at Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard in China, lasting 88 days and concluding in late October 2024. The operation, carried out by Man Energy Solutions, involved replacing engine parts and adding new tanks and fuel systems, increasing the vessel's length by 15 meters and capacity to 15,690 TEU.
