French Government rules out delay in Sncf Fret shutdown
The French government has ruled out the possibility of a moratorium on the closure of Fret Sncf, prompting four unions to call for a lengthy strike of railway workers spanning November and December. The minister's decision comes amidst rising tensions in the rail sector, with the goal of reorganizing and streamlining freight transport in the country.
Tender opened for container terminal in Iraq
The Iraqi government has shortlisted eleven maritime companies for the Grand Faw Port project, including Mediterranean Shipping Company and Cma Cgm. Designed by Technital and valued at $17 billion, the project aims to transform the port into a strategic hub connecting the Middle East with Europe via Turkey. Located along the Kawr Abdallah Channel, the port will have an initial handling capacity of 4 million TEUs by 2028, expanding to 7.5 million by 2038. Construction will also include over ten kilometers of extended quay, road and rail connections to the Turkish border, and extensive yards for containers and bulk cargo.
New Turkish railway along the Black Sea coast
Turkey will build a 200-kilometer dual-track railway along the Black Sea coast. The infrastructure is intended to relieve congestion in the Bosphorus Strait and increase transport capacity for local coal, iron, and steel industries. The project aims to improve regional logistics, supporting sustainable economic growth and enabling more efficient freight transportation in this strategic part of the country.
New containers for Ignazio Messina
Ignazio Messina has announced the addition of 4,000 new 20-foot containers to its fleet, thereby increasing transport capacity to meet growing customer demand. These containers are designed with a strong focus on sustainability, utilizing advanced materials and cutting-edge technologies. The goal is to reduce the environmental impact of their operations.
New MSC route between Europe and Africa
MSC has launched the Eastern Cape Express Service, a weekly maritime container service connecting Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and Walvis Bay directly with the ports of Rotterdam, London Gateway, and Antwerp. The new route offers faster transit times without a stop in Cape Town, providing more direct options for customers in the Eastern Cape and Namibia regions. Weekly departures will begin in January 2025, with the first voyage scheduled from Gqeberha on January 3 aboard MSC Nederland III. The service aims to meet seasonal demand for refrigerated transport, particularly for grape exports to Europe, complementing the Namibia Grape Express offering.
Russia tests driverless trucks
Russia has launched its first experimental driverless truck freight service along the M-11 Moscow-St. Petersburg highway, according to the Ministry of Transport, as reported by Russian media. The initial four KamAZ trucks, operated by an automated system, have begun service with a driver in the passenger seat for emergencies. By the end of 2025, the fleet is expected to grow to 93 vehicles. The project is part of the 'Driverless Logistics Corridors' plan, aiming to expand this system to a 19,500-kilometer road network by 2030.
Freight train between Turkey and Hungary
Turkey has launched its first international freight train operated by a private company, marking a historic milestone for the country's rail freight sector, which has been dominated by state-run companies until now. During the departure ceremony of the train bound for Budapest, Ankara's Minister of Transport expressed ambitious goals for the future of Turkey's rail sector, emphasizing the importance of modernizing and expanding rail freight capacity.
Rail expansion at Gdynia port
The Port of Gdynia in Poland has undergone significant rail infrastructure expansion and upgrades, boosting its capacity fivefold. Among the enhancements, the port can now handle trains up to 740 meters in length and features electrified access points. For Budimex, the construction company responsible for the work, this was the largest rail project ever undertaken. The expansion is aimed at improving the port's competitiveness and attracting new commercial traffic.
