At their annual general meeting, shareholders of Hapag-Lloyd AG approved all resolutions put to a vote, including the payment of a dividend of 3 euros per share. The company noted that 2025 was a successful year for the carrier; transport volumes grew significantly faster than market averages, and financial results remained stable despite a decline in freight rates and rising operating costs.
The Swiss exhibition and congress company MCH Group has signed a long-term agreement with the logistics provider Kuehne+Nagel, which will become the Group’s official partner effective July 1, 2026. The contract covers services for the country’s largest exhibition venues: Messe Basel, Messe Zürich, and Beaulieu Lausanne. The combined floor area of these facilities exceeds 182,000 square meters, and they host more than 150 events of varying scales annually.
Ukraine’s seaports continue to demonstrate growth in container traffic in 2026. According to the Association of International Freight Forwarders of Ukraine (AMEU), container throughput at Ukrainian ports reached 83,242 TEU during the period from January to April of the current year, signaling the persistence of positive momentum within the industry.
In recent months, CER Cargo Group has been actively implementing a strategy to develop international rail transport services and expand its geographic footprint. The company has launched its first train on Romania’s railway network, thereby officially incorporating the country into its route network. Wilhelm Patzner, CEO of CER Cargo Group, emphasized that the company does not limit itself to plans and presentations but consistently executes a strategy focused on efficient cross-border transport across Europe.
In February, CLdN announced the acquisition of Samskip’s UK and Irish operations in the door-to-door and quay-to-quay segments. The transaction aims to enhance freight transport capabilities for customers moving cargo between mainland Europe, Ireland, and the UK by leveraging an expanded route network and increased sailing frequencies. Following regulatory approval, the company plans to integrate these new destinations and boost the flexibility of its logistics chains.
At the Port of Rotterdam, six railway companies – Rail Force One, HSL Netherlands, DB Cargo Nederland, RTB Cargo, LTE, and Rail Cargo Group – have signed an agreement establishing a new level of operational cooperation on the port’s railway network. This initiative is being implemented under the leadership of the Port of Rotterdam Authority and aims to enhance process efficiency while reducing the number of canceled train runs caused by infrastructure congestion.
Finnlines is expanding its service between the ports of Rosslare and Zeebrugge by introducing a second Ro-Ro ferry, the M/S Lismore, to the route. The vessel is scheduled to commence operations on May 28, complementing the M/S Finnwave, which is already serving the route. This decision stems from the sustained growth in demand for direct transport links between Ireland and mainland Europe. With the launch of this second vessel, the company will increase sailing frequency, enhance scheduling flexibility, and boost the route’s overall carrying capacity.
The Belfast Harbour Commissioners have unveiled a large-scale port infrastructure modernization program spanning the period from 2025 to 2050, titled “Horizons of Opportunity.” The total investment amounts to approximately £1.3 billion ($1.74 billion). The plan aims to expand capacity in the sectors of cargo transport, container logistics, and cruise tourism, as well as to foster the development of clean energy and associated infrastructure. The project is designed to prepare Belfast Harbour for growing trade flows and to partially alleviate capacity constraints on Ireland’s east coast.
CMA CGM is updating the schedule for its SAFRAN service – which connects Northern Europe with the East Coast of South America – with the aim of enhancing operational stability and mitigating the risk of schedule disruptions. These updates are designed to improve service reliability and facilitate more efficient shipping planning for customers on this key transatlantic trade lane.
During the World Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition 2026 in Rotterdam, a new partnership – LAUNCH2 – was officially launched with the aim of accelerating the development of hydrogen technologies in the region. This initiative brings together the Port of Rotterdam Authority, the Municipality of Rotterdam, the Municipality of Schiedam, the Province of South Holland, InnovationQuarter, TU Delft, TNO, and Smart Delta Drechtsteden. The partnership was established to foster a more coordinated development of regional hydrogen value chains and to strengthen Rotterdam’s position as one of Europe’s key hydrogen hubs.
