Europe

Port of Tallinn has inked a deal with Estonian Stockpiling Agency (EVK) for the provision of port services at Pakrineeme Harbour, focusing on the LNG quay. Port of Tallinn will manage infrastructure, marine traffic, and pollution control manpower, while EVK retains ownership of Pakrineeme Harbour’s infrastructure. Operating the port remotely from Paldiski and Muuga harbours, Port of Tallinn aims for modern and cost-effective management without on-site personnel or additional facilities.

On November 8, Rotterdam, the Maritime Capital of Europe, marked its anniversary at the Europort maritime trade fair in Rotterdam’s Ahoy. During this celebratory event, it was revealed that the collaborative partnership, formed five years ago between Rotterdam Partners, the City of Rotterdam, Smart Delta Drechtsteden, the Port of Rotterdam Authority, Deal! Drecht Cities, and the Province of South Holland, will be extended for an additional two years.

VinFast and Luka Koper have formalized a partnership for Roll on-Roll off terminal services for VinFast electric vehicles. The agreement, signed at Luka Koper’s headquarters in Koper, Slovenia, underscores VinFast’s commitment to expanding its global presence. Luka Koper’s strategic advantages, serving as the initial port for cargo ships from Southeast Asia to Europe, will enable VinFast to optimize transportation routes and reduce costs.

The implementation of this state-of-the-art photovoltaic system underscores Rhenus Switzerland’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices. The generated renewable energy will be seamlessly integrated into Rhenus’s network, providing power to three key structures on the site, including offices, warehousing, and rented spaces. With a logistics facility featuring 23 loading bays, over 15,000 pallet spaces, as well as block storage and stock-picking areas, the sustainable power source will effectively meet the energy demands of the entire complex, reinforcing Rhenus’s strides towards a greener and more energy-efficient operation.

Construction works are in progress at the Baltic Container Terminal (BCT), the largest terminal in the Port of Riga, located in Kundziņsala. Underwater works aimed at constructing a new berth section have been successfully completed. Upon project completion, cargo loading and unloading processes at the terminal will be expedited, enhancing operational efficiency and the terminal’s commercial competitiveness. Recognizing the terminal’s reception of military vessels, the increased berth capacity serves as an investment in enhancing military mobility and reinforcing the overall security of the country and NATO.

The Szczecin and Świnoujście Seaports Authority SA has entered into a preliminary agreement with a consortium comprising DEME CONCESSIONS N.V. from Belgium and QTERMINALS W.L.L. from The State of Qatar. The agreement outlines a 30-year lease for land in the outer port of Świnoujście to facilitate the financing, construction, and operation of the Deep-water Container Terminal. This initiative aligns with the “Seaport Development Program until 2023,” aiming to bolster the position of Polish ports in the Baltic Sea and establish crucial nodes in the global supply chain for Central and Eastern Europe.

K+S, a leading European fertilizer manufacturer and salt supplier, is expanding its collaboration with DB Cargo through a new decade-long contract, continuing a strong and long-term logistics partnership. This enduring agreement covers approximately 70 million tons of transport volume, equivalent to over a million wagon loads. As a key player in the global food supply chain through fertilizer production, K+S also supplies industrial and food-grade salt to clients worldwide.

The Rhenus Group has undertaken a significant initiative to upgrade two canal push boats operated by Deutsche Binnenreederei (DBR) with state-of-the-art Stage V engines, aligning them with future environmental standards. As part of Rhenus’ ongoing fleet development plan to meet climate protection goals, this modernization effort is part of a broader strategy to equip the entire fleet with the latest engine technology. While the development of new hydrogen-powered vessels remains a long-term project, Rhenus is prioritizing short-term sustainability by retrofitting older vessels, starting with the canal push boats RSPSB146 and RSPSB153, both dating back to the 1970s.

The Duisburg Gateway Terminal (DGT), destined to become Europe’s largest inland terminal, is making steady progress, with the implementation of its crane system now underway. The initial girder is already operational on the terminal’s six rail tracks, and a second one is currently being added. Duisport revealed that this marks a significant milestone for the DGT project, with three cranes planned for the first expansion phase, two at dock A and one at dock B. Spanning over 220,000 square meters on the Coal Island of the German port, the terminal will feature six cranes, twelve rail freight platforms, five loading zones, three barge berths, and a 60,000-square-meter container storage area. The completion of the first construction phase is expected by the first quarter of 2024, and once operational, the terminal will have the capacity to handle containers weighing up to 43 tonnes.

DB Cargo has unveiled an updated map of its network, providing a comprehensive overview of the extensive global rail network spanning north to south and east to west. The map serves as an accessible tool, offering instant insight into the network’s benefits and essential information. The focus of this Logistics News series is on the southeastern route, revealing its significance and features.