Europe

Chinese commercial vehicle manufacturer Sinotruk has launched truck production at its Steyr Automotive facility in Steyr, Austria. The project is being implemented under a contract manufacturing agreement, the launch of which was announced on March 3. The first truck was assembled on the day of the launch. The Austrian plant plans to manufacture various truck models – both diesel and fully electric – targeted for markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

The European Commission adopted the EU Industrial Maritime Transport Strategy and the Ports Strategy, which aim to enhance the competitiveness, sustainability, security, and decarbonization of the European Union’s maritime sector. These documents also aim to strengthen the industry’s resilience and develop a more integrated transport system.

Despite ongoing global trade tensions, DHL Group exceeded its own financial year 2025 forecast. Revenue declined by 1.6% to €82.9 billion, partly due to currency fluctuations and lower freight volumes on US routes. Thanks to active capacity management and structural cost-cutting measures, operating profit (EBIT) increased by 3.7% to €6.1 billion, exceeding the forecast of at least €6 billion. Profitability also improved: the EBIT margin increased to 7.4%, 0.4 percentage points higher than the previous year.

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges Authority welcomed the adoption of the new EU port strategy, noting the important role of ports as key industrial and logistics hubs. The port emphasized that such hubs serve as multifunctional industrial hubs and are a vital link in European supply chains and production processes. A significant portion of industry is located directly in or near ports and relies on stable import and export flows, so European port policy must be closely aligned with the EU’s overall industrial strategy.

The first event of the “Port meets mainland” series, organized by JadeWeserPort Wilhelmshaven in collaboration with industry partners, took place in Duisburg, Germany, this year. The event attracted approximately 120 participants, setting a record for attendance. The initiative, implemented with the participation of Container Terminal Wilhelmshaven, JadeWeserPort-Marketing GmbH & Co. KG, EUROGATE Group, NORDFROST, Hapag-Lloyd AG, and TFG Transfracht, aims to foster direct dialogue between ports, operators, logistics companies, and industry across the entire transport chain.

Maersk continues to closely monitor the military conflict in the Middle East and is taking measures to ensure the safety of its employees, infrastructure, and customer cargo. Meanwhile, adverse weather conditions continue to impact operations at a number of European ports. In recent weeks, hubs in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean have experienced disruptions to schedules and terminal operations, leading to container accumulation and increased utilisation of warehouses.

Polish passenger operator PKP Intercity has announced plans to transform an existing railcar storage area in Białystok into a fully-fledged rolling stock maintenance and repair depot. The company expects to complete the project within 18 months of contract signing. Bids will be accepted until March 27, 2026.

Italy’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT) has launched a public consultation on the redefinition of medium- and long-distance Intercity rail services.

International logistics group AsstrA has reported serious disruptions to global supply chains amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and the closure of several air and sea routes. These restrictions have affected key transit corridors linking Europe, Asia, and North America. The company notes that the problems are already impacting air freight and capacity availability, particularly on routes through the region’s largest hubs. According to Karol Baranczuk, AsstrA’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Air Freight, the company is constantly monitoring the situation, assessing supply chain risks, and developing alternative routes to minimize the impact on customers.

Maersk Operations announced a temporary suspension of cargo shipping orders to several Middle East ports amid the deteriorating security situation in the region. The restrictions are effective immediately and apply to shipments to the UAE, Oman (excluding the port of Salalah), Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia (to the ports of Dammam and Jubail). The company clarified that exceptions will only be made for critical cargo, including food, medicine, and other essential goods.