SBB Cargo expands into France
SBB Cargo France, a subsidiary of SBB Cargo, has obtained a safety certificate from the European Union Agency for Railways. From the upcoming timetable change, some services will also operate in France. The subsidiary, established in April 2024, will serve the left bank of the Rhine through Alsace, which has become a crucial alternative to the heavily congested Basel-Karlsruhe main line expected to face challenges until the 2040s. The company has trained both French and Swiss drivers, with some dedicated to national routes and others qualified for international operations. The headquarters will be located in Huningue, near the Swiss border.
Swiss train disruptions due to snow
The onset of winter has caused significant disruptions to freight traffic in Switzerland. Heavy snowfall over recent days has paralysed much of the railway network, with tracks and facilities covered in snow or ice, making safe circulation challenging. Many trains have been halted for clearing works, resulting in delays and cancellations. SBB Cargo has stated that despite the ongoing efforts of its staff, it has been unable to guarantee all planned transport services.
Portogruaro Interporto expansion begins
The first phase of the Portogruaro Interporto expansion plan, an intermodal platform managed by the Autamarocchi Group, will be completed in 2025. CEO Corrado Donà detailed the expansion of the yard by 30,000 square metres, the extension of tracks to 750 metres, and the addition of two new tracks, representing an investment of nearly 7 million euros. This development is part of a four-year plan with further expansions expected by 2040, including 77,000 square metres of yard space and additional tracks.
Vectorys receives twenty road tractors
The Vectorys Group has commenced deliveries of twenty Scania Super tractors, equipped with R cabins and 460 HP engines. Most of the vehicles are extra-low chassis with air suspension, ideal for transporting large-volume loads to and from European and Mediterranean ports. Vectorys has been operating in international transport between Europe and North Africa since 1984.
DB Schenker trials remote-controlled forklifts
At its Contract Logistics site in Kassel, DB Schenker is using remote-controlled forklifts featuring Enabl technology. Operators control the vehicles remotely, connecting to various forklifts located at different points. Lucas Mömken, Vice President of Global Engineering & Innovation, said that this collaboration allows them to respond flexibly to demand fluctuations and boost productivity. Enabl CEO Julian Wadephul highlighted how the technology eliminates the need for support operators, improving both safety and efficiency. The companies have signed a letter of intent to expand the technology globally.
Potential strikes in Indian ports
Strikes loom in Indian ports, as port workers threaten to stop work from 17 December, accusing the government of not keeping its commitments. The union consortium is protesting the lack of wage revisions and pension benefits, criticising the inaction of the Indian Ports Association (IPA). In the absence of concrete measures, workers have also announced demonstrations set for 5 December. At the centre of the dispute is the failure to recognise the Productivity Linked Reward retroactively from 2021, leading to losses for pensioners. According to IPA sources, the wage revision is delayed due to a lack of orders from the Ministry of Shipping, further complicated by rising challenges from private ports such as those operated by Adani. Meanwhile, Indian exports are seeing a recovery, with a 17% increase in October, bringing some optimism to the industry.
