Europe

The largest players in express logistics continue to actively invest in infrastructure: DHL Express has launched the largest facility in the company’s history in Finland – a €100 million terminal at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. The new hub, with an area of ​​16,000 square meters, has direct access to the apron, 90 ramps with charging for electric vans and automated sorting of up to 6,500 parcels per hour and will begin operations in October. The facility is certified as carbon neutral.

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has launched a major electrification project that will enable cruise ships to be connected to shore power as early as 2027 – three years ahead of the EU’s mandatory FuelEU requirements. The new Zweedse Kaai terminal will be able to service two ships at a time, eliminating the need for diesel generators, which currently account for around 5% of the port’s carbon emissions.

Maersk sees optimism in the market: EU export volumes are expected to recover from September 2025 thanks to a new trade agreement with the US and strong demand for pharmaceuticals, cars and machinery. At the same time, according to Sea Intelligence, global schedule reliability fell to 65.2% in June-July, but the Gemini alliance maintained a high figure of 92%. The company also announced a revision of tariffs for Terminal Handling services, which will come into effect from October.

Lineas has introduced the new Duisburg-Dourges rail route, offering a sustainable and reliable freight solution with three round trips per week. The new service provides fast and environmentally friendly transport between Germany and France, reducing dependence on road transport.

On September 3, PSA Italy announced the expansion of the Stuttgart Express rail service, which connects PSA Genova Pra’s deep-sea container terminal with Kornwestheim in southern Germany. Launched in May 2023, the service has proven to be an efficient solution for shippers.

Logistics operator METRANS has begun integrating electric loaders for first- and last-mile transportation in cities and suburbs, where reducing noise and emissions is especially important. The new vehicles will be part of the company’s strategy to reduce its carbon footprint and improve air quality in densely populated areas.

Lineas and FS Logistix have announced the launch of a joint venture, Modalink, which will take over the management of the Antwerp Mainhub terminal, one of the key facilities of Europe’s second-largest port. The 200,000 sq. m. terminal is equipped with eight 700 m long railway tracks, three gantry cranes and six reloaders, which allows it to handle up to 200,000 containers per year. At the first stage, FS Logistix’s share in Modalink will be 30%, but in the future it may increase to 49%.

From September 1, 2025, the Mont Blanc Tunnel, a key transport artery between France and Italy, is completely closed for more than three months due to major repairs. The traffic restrictions will lead to serious disruptions to international road transport and will force companies to look for longer and more expensive routes.

Despite challenges in Norwegian freight rail and rail infrastructure, CargoNet, the incumbent operators, adds more services for its customers.

BLS Cargo officially introduced the brand to the markets of Germany and Belgium through the new division BLS Cargo Nord. The company’s first locomotives were rebranded, employees received new uniforms, and the headquarters building in Germany acquired updated corporate symbols.