Panama Canal to double container capacity
The Panama Canal Authority has announced an investment plan of over $8 billion to double container traffic. The goal is to reach 13.5 million TEU by 2045, compared to the current 8.3 million. Planned strategies include using land on the western bank to expand cargo transfer capacity with rail and truck support. The plan also includes water conservation measures to prevent issues like those caused by the 2023-2024 drought, which forced changes to shipping routes.
Cma Cgm tops 6 million TEU in Q3
In the third quarter of 2024, French shipping company Cma Cgm transported over 6 million TEU, up 5.5% from the same period last year. Revenue also increased by 38.5%, reaching $15.835 billion, with an EBITDA of $4.964 billion (+149%). Logistics activities generated $4.81 billion in revenue, up 31.1%.
Two electric container ships under construction in China
A Chinese shipyard has begun building the world’s largest electric container ships. The two vessels, each 128 meters long with a capacity of around 740 TEU, are designed to reach a maximum speed of 11.5 knots. Powered by a set of ten containerized batteries, the ships will be able to recharge via shore power or quickly swap batteries at berth. Equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities, the ships are expected to be launched by July 2025, with the first entering service in 2026.
Capital increase for Genoa airport
Genoa Airport has received approval for a €2.9 million capital increase, unanimously agreed upon by shareholders. The move aims to facilitate the search for a strategic industrial partner for privatization. Airport president Enrico Musso expressed satisfaction with the approval, noting that the airport will close 2024 with an operating profit and plans to expand the passenger terminal by early 2025.
Electric berth at DP World in London
DP World has inaugurated the first fully electric berth at the London Gateway container terminal. In early November 2024, the container ship MSC Sena was served by a fleet of electric vehicles and equipment, including ship-to-shore cranes, straddle carriers, and stacking cranes. The new 430-meter berth will boost the terminal’s handling capacity by over a third.
Amazon launches drone deliveries in Arizona
Amazon has begun Prime Air drone deliveries in the West Valley area of Phoenix, Arizona. Customers can now receive eligible products, weighing up to 5 pounds, in under an hour from the Tolleson delivery center. The new MK30 drone, certified by the Federal Aviation Administration, can fly twice the distance of previous models, is 50% quieter, and can operate in rainy conditions. Amazon said that the Tolleson center is the first to integrate drones directly into its delivery network.
Development of logistics hub in Cuneo
The Piedmont Region aims to develop an agri-food logistics hub at Miac in Cuneo to boost exports and support local supply chains. During a recent meeting, local and regional representatives emphasized the importance of creating a sustainable logistics hub to support the distribution of products from the Cuneo region while reducing environmental impact. Cuneo Mayor Patrizia Manassero highlighted the critical role of logistics in the competitiveness of the agri-food sector, announcing further meetings with Miac’s public partners to promote the project.
