Methanol-fuelled cement carrier
The new cement carrier commissioned by the NovaAlgoma joint venture will be equipped with the Wärtsilä 32 engine, designed to operate on methanol as well. One of the engine's key innovations is its modular structure, which ensures fuel savings and reduced emissions. Among other technologies, the vessel will feature an "air lubricating" system to reduce sea resistance and a "waste heat recovery system" to capture energy from exhaust gases. Scheduled for delivery in 2026, it will be the world's first cement carrier with dual-fuel methanol propulsion.
New A4 ramp in Dalmine
On Thursday, 19 December, at 5:00 AM, Autostrade per l’Italia will open a new bidirectional ramp on the A4 Milan-Brescia motorway, linking the Dalmine tollgate to the Bergamo South Ring Road. This new section, made possible by the A4 overpass inaugurated in September, is a temporary phase until the completion of the second ramp, which will connect the tollgate to Dalmine and Stezzano.
Due Torri increases revenue and workforce
Emilia-based integrated logistics company Due Torri ends 2024 on a positive note, celebrating its 50th anniversary. Thanks to the opening of two new branches in Pavia and Verona, the company has seen a 16% increase in revenue and a 14% rise in employee numbers, reaching a total of over 70 workers. These results are part of the ongoing growth in the logistics sector, which has seen a 57% revenue increase in Italy since 2009.
Mercitalia Rail launches new national logistics operations centre
Mercitalia Rail, part of the FS Group's Logistics Hub, has inaugurated the new National Logistics Operations Centre (Sonlog) in Segrate (Milan). This state-of-the-art control room monitors over 80,000 trains annually, transporting around 37 million tonnes of goods across Italy and Europe. Thanks to advanced technology, ninety operators manage national and international freight traffic, with a direct communication network linking Milan and Rome to ensure timely updates with RFI's Operations Centre. The redesign of the early 20th-century Segrate facility has transformed it into a modern and functional space.
RFI and RSE collaborate on future freight transport
On 17 December 2024, Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI) and Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico (RSE) signed a memorandum of understanding to experiment with an innovative system for freight transport. The aim is to use Pipe§net technology, based on magnetic levitation and electric propulsion, to enhance capacity and sustainability in the sector. The trial, which will take place on the Bologna San Donato track, aims to reduce emissions and increase transport speed without affecting rail operations.
Saudi Global Ports prepares $1 billion IPO
Saudi Global Ports, a port operator controlled by the sovereign wealth fund PIF and Singapore's PSA Group, has selected banks including Goldman Sachs and HSBC to manage its initial public offering (IPO), scheduled for 2025. The operation could raise up to $1 billion, though final decisions on timing and size are still being made. The IPO is part of Saudi Arabia's economic diversification plan, aiming to reduce its dependence on oil and invest in infrastructure projects like transport. Saudi Global Ports operates terminals at major ports, including King Abdulaziz and Riyadh.
CMA CGM develops electric barge for Vietnam transport
CMA CGM is developing an innovative zero-emissions inland waterway transport system in Vietnam. An electric barge, powered by renewable energy from a new solar park at the Gemalink terminal in Cai Mep, will travel 180 km between Binh Duong province and the port terminal, avoiding CO2 emissions. The project aims to transport over 50,000 TEUs annually and save 778 tonnes of CO2. The barge will be powered by a solar plant producing 1 GWh of green energy annually. A collaboration with Nike will ensure the best use of this sustainable solution, aligning with Vietnam's Net Zero 2050 goals. The operational launch is expected in 2026.
