Polish intermodal carrier Laude Smart Intermodal has launched a new connection between Turkey and the EU via Ukraine. The first train of 50 specialized Laude containers departed from the port of Chornomorsk on November 5 with the participation of Ukrzaliznytsia, marking the beginning of a regular route from the Izmir region (port of Aliaga) to Poland with a reduced delivery time of 10 days.
The AsstrA Group has strengthened its intermodal services by launching regular services between Poland and key markets in Southern and Western Europe, including Spain, Portugal, and Italy. The new product combines rail and road transport into a single service, reducing delivery times, costs, and the company’s environmental footprint.
Samskip has launched a new direct shortsea route linking Agadir and Casablanca with ports in the UK and the Netherlands, significantly simplifying the export of Moroccan produce to Europe. Weekly services are designed to transport fresh fruits and vegetables, automotive components, chemicals, and other cargo, with subsequent multimodal connections throughout Europe.
Leading companies and industry associations have joined forces in the Save Combined Transport initiative, declaring the critical state of rail freight transport. The initiative was prompted by an open letter to Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schneider and DB management, which states that disruptions on the railway undermine the foundations of sustainable and efficient logistics and lead to long-term consequences for the economy and climate.
Transfesa Logistics, the Spanish subsidiary of DB Cargo, is upgrading its vehicle fleet by introducing 200 modern double-deck wagons. This expansion aims to improve transport efficiency on the Mediterranean Corridor and reduce emissions through the transition to more environmentally friendly rail solutions. The new standard-gauge wagons feature an adjustable upper deck, allowing for the flexible transportation of a wide range of vehicles—from electric vehicles to small vans—increasing load capacity and simplifying cross-border operations.
The European Commission announced the signing of agreements for the distribution of Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) grants totaling €2.8 billion, allocated in 2025 for the modernization and expansion of the TEN-T network. Funding will be provided for key railway projects in Romania, Ukraine, and Moldova, including the creation of a standard gauge line between Poland and Lviv (€73.5 million), the development of a corridor from the ports of Constanta and Bucharest to Ukraine and Moldova (€45 million), and the modernization and electrification of the Iasi-Ungheni line (€33 million).
Ellerman City Liners, a GB Global company, announced the acquisition of Norwegian shortsea operator Viasea Shipping from ColliCare Holding AS. Founded in 2016, Viasea has established itself as a flexible and environmentally friendly carrier with scheduled services between the UK, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, and Lithuania, and offices in Moss, Rotterdam, Gdynia, Klaipeda, and Immingham.
Klaipėda Port cargo throughput increased by 11% in the first nine months of the year, reaching 28.7 million tonnes, marking the best September of the year. This growth was driven by containerized cargo (+31%, to 9.6 million tonnes), ro-ro cargo (+6%, almost 5 million tonnes), and a significant increase in LNG and construction materials volumes – both up 23% thanks to the work of FSRU Independence and active road and rail projects in Lithuania.
Turkish ports handled 456.44 million tons of cargo from January to October 2025, a 3.3% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to the country’s General Directorate of Maritime Affairs. In October alone, ports handled 46.81 million tons of cargo (up 6.1%), with exports amounting to 11.5 million tons (-6.1%), imports to 23.24 million tons (up 13.7%), and transit to 5.85 million tons (up 2%).
Europa Road, part of Europa Worldwide Group, announced the launch of Europe’s first daily circular service between the UK and Portugal, strengthening its position in the European logistics market. The new route, created in partnership with the Portuguese company XBS in Porto, provides daily shipments—from LTL to full-truckload—with a focus on speed, reliability, and flexibility. Europa’s transit hub in Dartford already handles over 40,000 shipments per month and supports door-to-door delivery through a network of 42 European hubs.
