Europe

In 2020, Rhenus initiated the groundbreaking “FernBin” research project in collaboration with key partners, including Argonics, the DST (Development Centre for Ship Technology and Transport Systems), the University of Duisburg-Essen, and RWTH Aachen University. The primary objective of this project was to revolutionize inland waterway shipping by implementing remote control capabilities. Choosing the venerable ‘Ernst Kramer’ inland waterway vessel, nearly 50 years old, as the test subject, Rhenus recently unveiled the successfully remote-controlled vessel at the German National Maritime Conference.

Rhenus Logistics has introduced the Rhenus cartainer, a secure and reusable solution for transporting vehicles, providing an eco-friendly alternative to single-use wooden crating in airfreight. Positioned at the global finished vehicle logistics (FVL) hub in London Heathrow, the cartainer is designed for secure and discreet use throughout all stages of vehicle transit, catering to various models. Measuring 605 cm in length, 238 cm in width, and 240 cm in height, the cartainer is suitable for passenger vehicles or two-axle, four-tyre single-unit vehicles, offering flexibility for round trips or multi-stop transportation, making it ideal for delivering prototypes to testing programs, media events, trade shows, or global product launches.

Rhenus has secured a major partnership with Vetoquinol, a prominent French animal health company, to manage its European distribution. The logistics operations will be conducted from Rhenus’ state-of-the-art multi-client warehouse, recently inaugurated at the Strasbourg port. Vetoquinol, celebrating its 90th anniversary, aims to enhance its product distribution across Europe, and Rhenus, equipped with temperature-controlled cells, ensures compliance with stringent regulations for health products logistics.

The inaugural test of the shore-side power station at HHLA Container Terminal Tollerort (CTT) has been successfully conducted with the COSCO SHIPPING Taurus, marking a significant step toward eco-friendly port operations. As part of a collaboration involving the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA), Siemens, COSCO, and HHLA, the test demonstrated the successful integration of technical components for shore power supply. The station, strategically located at the mega-ship berth capable of handling the world’s largest container vessels, utilizes special cables to connect the ship to the shore-side power infrastructure.

In the Minervahaven, an overhaul is underway as two fresh waiting berths for inland navigation are set to replace the existing coaster waiting area. These berths cater specifically to vessels without a blue cone, with one jetty accommodating vessels measuring 135/110 meters and the other designed for those of 110/86 meters in length. Notably, both jetties will be outfitted with shore power, with a strict ban on generators.

Global logistics specialist Rhenus is enhancing its footprint in Denmark through the acquisition of Modul Transport, a Danish road, sea, and air transport expert. This strategic move supplements Rhenus’ existing Danish operations, which were bolstered by the acquisition of warehousing specialist DKI in late 2022. With these expansions, Rhenus is well-positioned to deliver comprehensive logistics solutions across various transport modes to its Scandinavian clientele.

The successful completion of the inaugural test train journey from Kyiv to Rail Cargo Group’s BILK terminal in Budapest is a significant stride towards establishing a reliable and frequent intermodal connection between the two cities, with potential operations commencing by the end of 2023. Using VTG and VEGA’s r2L technology, the test train introduced the transportation of non-craneable semi-trailers carrying construction materials. The route includes stops in Lviv, Ukraine, before reaching Budapest, serving as the gateway to Vienna.

DP World, a global leader in logistics, and the prominent Indonesian conglomerate Maspion Group have initiated the construction process for a state-of-the-art container terminal in Gresik, East Java. This groundbreaking project aims to fortify East Java’s role as a pivotal trade hub, fostering connectivity between Indonesian businesses and customers regionally and globally.

The latest TransFER route made its debut at transport logistic in Munich, introducing the groundbreaking TransFER Vienna–Kyiv. In a collaborative effort between ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) and Ukrainian Railways (UZ), Ukraine is now seamlessly integrated into the intermodal network, TransNET. The inaugural test train embarked on a journey from Kyiv to the Rail Cargo Terminal BILK in Hungary at the end of September, marking a milestone in the transportation of non-craneable semi-trailers laden with construction materials via rail. This marks a departure from the traditional method of truck transportation, prevalent in the industry until now. 

The Western Scheldt witnessed a successful trial run with the MSC Tessa achieving a record-breaking draft of 16 meters upon its entry into the Port of Antwerp this morning. This accomplishment marks the latest in a series of six trial runs aimed at systematically increasing the draft from 15.7 to 16 meters, a crucial requirement for accommodating the largest container ships in the future. The collaborative pilot project involves the Flemish and Dutch Pilotage Services, MSC shipping company, the Joint Nautical Authority, and Port of Antwerp-Bruges.