Scania accelerates its electric truck plans in China
Scania is speeding up plans to manufacture electric trucks in China, where rising diesel prices are driving a faster-than-expected shift towards battery-powered vehicles. The Swedish truckmaker will begin electric truck production at its Rugao plant as soon as it secures the necessary approvals. According to chief executive Christian Levin, electric trucks could account for 50% of the Chinese market by early 2027. Sales rose by almost 80% in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier, and electric trucks could represent around a third of annual registrations, up from 8% two years ago. Growth is being supported by vehicle replacement incentives and higher diesel prices, while China's diesel consumption could fall by more than 10% in 2026. The Rugao factory, inaugurated in 2025 and also intended to serve other Asian markets, can manufacture both diesel and electric vehicles.
CATL expands its truck battery business
CATL is seeking to strengthen its position in China's electric truck market through new batteries and an expanded network of battery-swapping stations. The Chinese manufacturer unveiled new freight transport solutions in Beijing, announcing orders for battery-swapping systems covering 13,000 vehicles from logistics operators including SF Holding and China Postal Express & Logistics. The company plans to more than double its current network to 2,000 electric truck battery-swapping stations by 2027, with a longer-term target of 10,000 facilities. The system allows depleted batteries to be replaced quickly with fully charged units, reducing vehicle downtime compared with conventional charging. New products include lighter, slimmer rear-mounted batteries designed for vehicles with weight and space constraints. CATL will also introduce flexible battery leasing arrangements, with contract periods that can be adjusted to fleet operating requirements to contain costs during periods of lower activity. The initiative comes amid rapid growth in China's electric truck market, where battery-powered vehicles accounted for just over half of total sales in the segment in September 2026.
Dual-fuel ship fleet continues to grow
The global fleet of dual-fuel container ships and car carriers has passed 500 vessels, with total investment in ships already delivered and on order exceeding $200 billion. According to World Shipping Council figures, 503 vessels were in service in September 2026, up 41% from 358 in the same month of 2025. A further 849 ships are on order, bringing the combined total to 1,352 vessels. These ships are designed to run on both conventional marine fuels and alternative fuels, including renewable and lower-emission options. Dual-fuel propulsion has become the predominant choice for new orders in both segments. Measured by deadweight tonnage, it accounts for 65% of container ships on order and 97% of car carriers, compared with 23% across the rest of the global merchant fleet. At the same time, expansion of the orderbook has also led to an increase in orders for ships powered exclusively by conventional fuels. According to the World Shipping Council, this trend reflects uncertainty surrounding future international rules to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which remain under discussion at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The association supports the introduction of a consistent global regulatory framework aligned with the 2023 climate strategy, capable of narrowing the cost gap between conventional fuels and renewable or near-zero-emission alternatives. The availability of competitively priced alternative fuels remains essential if the environmental potential of the new vessels is to be realised. A uniform regulatory framework should also encourage investment in fuel production and bunkering infrastructure, avoiding fragmented regional requirements and the resulting additional costs for international shipping.
Maersk invests in Vietnam's rail network
Maersk and Vietnamese group Hateco have signed an agreement to develop a network of rail freight terminals in Vietnam, aimed at improving intermodal connections between industrial areas, logistics centres and major transport infrastructure. The memorandum of understanding was signed in Copenhagen by APM Terminals, the Maersk Group's port operating company, during Vietnamese President To Lam's official visit to Denmark. The project includes a rail freight terminal in Haiphong and three container handling facilities in the country's northern provinces. The facilities will be integrated with the railway network and seaports, using digital technology to improve cargo handling and storage. The initiative aims to reduce road congestion and expand international freight transport opportunities, including through cross-border connections. According to Hateco, the agreement brings the combined estimated value of the two companies' investments in Vietnam's logistics infrastructure projects to between $2.5 billion and $3.5 billion. Maersk and Hateco already work together on a container terminal at the port of Haiphong, developed with an investment of $400 million. The Danish group is also expanding its involvement in other port projects, including the Lien Chieu container terminal in Danang. The agreement forms part of Vietnam's programme to improve its transport and logistics infrastructure, which prioritises railway development to support economic growth and attract private investment.
TCE develops TUI's air cargo business
TCE is strengthening its partnership with TUI Airline to make better commercial use of the freight capacity available on aircraft operating passenger services to holiday destinations. The partnership, which began in January 2019, enables the airline to develop its cargo business without establishing a dedicated in-house organisation. TCE handles commercial development, customer relationships, bookings, operational coordination, quality assurance and security compliance. The operating model brings together sales activities, available capacity management and the procedures required for cargo handling. TCE also acts as a point of contact for freight forwarders and ground handling operators, coordinating the different stages of the service. Its responsibilities include quality checks and regulatory compliance support, including ACC3 validation procedures where required. The partnership also involves monitoring cargo volumes, revenue, capacity utilisation and service quality to identify further commercial opportunities. TCE will continue to support TUI Airline in developing cargo operations across its network, aiming to improve the use of available capacity while maintaining operational and security standards.
