Europe

The Rhenus Group has taken a significant step towards environmental responsibility by releasing the source code of its ITCPRO level sensor for free, enabling other companies to reduce their carbon footprint. Developed in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML) Enterprise Lab in 2019, the sensor, known for turning recycling containers into “smart data drums,” utilizes a time-of-flight sensor to determine filling levels. This innovation not only minimizes the risk of data container overflow but also eliminates unnecessary pick-up journeys, contributing to efficient waste management.

In a significant leap forward in the digital evolution of container handling and transport, 60% of the daily containers processed at Antwerp’s deep-sea terminals now utilize the Certified Pick up (CPu) data platform. This marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing digitalization of the logistics chain involving ship agents, terminals, transport companies, and customs services. With around 2,500 containers handled daily, the CPu platform contributes to a safer, more transparent, and efficient container process. The phased implementation allows users to register gradually, ensuring a smoother transition, and the system’s performance is continuously monitored and refined based on user feedback.

Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) marked a significant advancement in enhancing safety and efficiency in truck handling at its Hamburg container terminals by introducing the Passify app. Developed by HHLA Next, the innovation unit of HHLA, Passify replaces the traditional trucker card and is now in operation at Container Terminal Tollerort. The app ensures secure and authenticated access for truck drivers, complying with global ISPS code standards and prioritizing data protection. Integrated into HHLA’s gate processes, passify contributes to the ongoing digitization of terminal operations and offers additional functionalities, evolving into a central application providing comprehensive information and documents for terminal access. After a successful launch at CTT, the Passify app will be progressively implemented at HHLA’s Altenwerder and Burchardkai container terminals in the coming months, eliminating the need for conventional trucker cards and backed by HHLA’s support initiatives and a dedicated FAQ section on their website.

Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and Hamburger Energiewerke (HEnW) are joining forces to accelerate the decarbonization efforts of the Port of Hamburg through the establishment of a collaborative venture. The newly formed company, “Erneuerbare Hafenenergie Hamburg GmbH,” will operate as an equal partnership, leveraging the synergies between HPA’s role in harbor management and HEnW’s expertise in planning, constructing, and operating renewable energy plants. The initiative aims to expand renewable energy sources such as photovoltaics and wind power within the port, with specific projects totaling approximately 70 megawatts undergoing feasibility studies. The joint venture, set to be founded this spring pending a positive audit, envisions supplying green harbor electricity to HPA and local port companies while enhancing the port’s sustainability profile.

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges faced challenges in 2023 amid geopolitical tensions and slowing global economic growth, resulting in a 5.5% decline in overall throughput to 271 million tonnes of cargo compared to the previous year. Despite this, the market share of the container segment in the Hamburg-Le Havre range increased, reaching 30.2% in 2023, thanks to the added value from the merger. To ensure its role as a global port in the future, the port is prioritizing sustainable growth and planning an ambitious investment program over the next decade.

Rhenus Weserport Bremen, renowned for over 25 years for its expert transshipment services, is entering a significant partnership with Nabaltec AG, signaling a major expansion of its railway infrastructure. The port agency, affiliated with the Rhenus Group, traditionally focused on cargo transfers from seagoing vessels to trucks and inland waterway vessels. Now, with the collaboration with Nabaltec AG, Rhenus Weserport is enhancing its rail loading facility in Germany’s southernmost seaport to facilitate the shipment of imported aluminum hydroxide and aluminum oxide.

The official inauguration of the project took place on Fehmarn in December, attended by key figures such as Berthold Huber (DB Management Board Member for Infrastructure), Daniel Günther (Premier of Schleswig-Holstein), and Susanne Henckel (State Secretary to the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport). Positioned at the core of the new European freight corridor between Oslo and Palermo, the Belt link will accommodate 68 daily freight trains, complemented by an additional 30 trains moving from the port of Travemünde to Italy. This initiative underscores Deutsche Bahn’s pivotal role in advancing climate-friendly rail transportation and contributing to Germany’s climate policy objectives. The project kicks off with the upgrade and electrification of the 11.4-kilometer line between Puttgarden and the Fehmarn Sound Bridge, marking the commencement of the ten construction sections, with simultaneous work on all sections scheduled to begin in 2026. Out of the project’s 88 kilometers of rail lines, 55 kilometers are slated for new construction.

In a significant development, a state-of-the-art truck terminal has been officially unveiled in Sermin, marking a milestone for Slovenia’s logistics infrastructure. Recognized as the most modern truck parking facility in the country, the terminal prioritizes service and safety for truck drivers in accordance with EU standards. The inauguration ceremony, attended by notable figures including Minister of Infrastructure Alenka Bratušek, President of the Management Board of the Port of Koper Nevenka Kržan, and Kolektor CPG Director Kristjan Mugerli, showcased the commitment to advancing transportation capabilities.

In the year 2023, Port of Tallinn witnessed a significant rebound in passenger traffic, with 8 million passengers, marking a 13% increase or 900,000 more passengers compared to the previous year. This recovery follows the easing of pandemic-related movement restrictions. However, the cargo sector experienced a notable decline, with a 29% reduction in volume, equivalent to 5 million tonnes, attributed to sanctions on Russian and Belarussian cargo and a general economic downturn. Despite these challenges, the number of vessel calls remained relatively stable, with a marginal decrease of only 1.5% to a total of 7,026 visits. Additionally, the connection between the Estonian mainland and main islands saw a 5% rise in passenger numbers, setting a new all-time record. Meanwhile, the icebreaker Botnica reported a 4% decrease in charter days, reflecting a shorter period for summer charters.

In the early months of 2024, enhanced connectivity emerges among Germany, Greece, and Turkey through the bustling Italian port of Trieste. Kombiverkehr, the Frankfurt-based intermodal operator, announces an expansion of its rail services between the DUSS terminal in Munich-Riem and Trieste, now boasting five weekly roundtrips. This upgraded service facilitates the seamless transportation of goods from Trieste to the Greek port of Patras and the Turkish ports of Pendik, Mersin, and Cesme.