Europe

On October 27, the inaugural phase of constructing the national hydrogen network was officially launched in Rotterdam’s port, with distinguished guests including King Willem-Alexander, Minister Jetten for Climate and Energy Policy, Mayor of Rotterdam Ahmed Aboutaleb, and the King’s Commissioner. This strategic network, spanning 1,200 kilometers, is accessible to all hydrogen suppliers and buyers, providing connectivity to five Dutch industrial clusters and establishing a link to Germany through the Delta Rhine Corridor.

The traditional receptions for business partners of the Port of Koper in Austria and the Czech Republic were successful, attracting over 400 guests. The events, held at the Natural History Museum in Vienna and the Prague City Hall, provided a platform for networking, business interactions, and strengthening partnership ties within the Port of Koper community.

The Kijfhoek marshalling yard, the largest in the Netherlands and a key transportation hub connecting the port of Rotterdam to Germany, is set to undergo significant modernization in the near future. This poses a substantial challenge as Kijfhoek plays a crucial role in supplying empty wagons to western ports. Especially during the cold months, DB Cargo Nederland actively utilizes hubs like Kijfhoek to transport liquefied petroleum gas for heating to Germany and Eastern Europe. This is a vital commodity relied upon by many during the cold winter season.

APM Terminals and DP World are joining forces in a groundbreaking initiative aimed at expediting the global decarbonization of terminals through the widespread electrification of container handling equipment (CHE). Backed by research indicating that the tipping point for battery-electric CHE can be achieved within the next 2-8 years with concerted efforts from industry stakeholders, the initiative seeks to revolutionize port operations.

From December 1, 2023, a new environmental charge for trucks weighing over 7.5 tons will be introduced in Germany, determined by CO2 emission classes. The environmental charge is set at 200 euros per ton of CO2 with the aim of reducing CO2 emissions from road transport by 30% by 2030.

The Port of Gdańsk has finalized a lease agreement paving the way for BLG AutoTerminal Gdańsk to handle military equipment crucial for the security assurance of Poland’s allies across Europe. The allocated real estate within the inner harbor will serve as a strategic hub for the handling and storage of military assets, as outlined in the 36-month agreement.

Expanding TransFER Network: ÖBB Rail Cargo Group Introduces New Connection with Central Italy between Villach and Frosinone

Until the end of January 2024, Rail Cargo Group (RCG) is fully dedicated to transporting sugar beets for AGRANA’s sugar processing campaign in the agricultural sector. AGRANA has initiated sugar beet processing at its refineries in Tulln and Leopoldsdorf, Lower Austria. The annual campaign demands swift and meticulous planning, requiring the coordination of locomotives, carriages, and personnel to be ready in the right place at the right time within a short timeframe.

Mabanaft, a leading independent energy company, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Fairplay Towage Group, one of Europe’s largest tugboat operators. The agreement outlines Mabanaft’s commitment to supplying hydrogen to Fairplay Towage’s upcoming hydrogen-powered tugboats in the Port of Hamburg starting in 2025. This move reflects a joint focus on embracing new technologies and sustainable energy solutions in the maritime industry, positioning hydrogen as a key contributor to the decarbonization of the shipping sector.

Freightliner, the UK rail freight subsidiary of Genesee & Wyoming, has entered a five-year partnership agreement with The Malcolm Group, emphasizing their commitment to a long-term collaboration. The newly established intermodal service, now in its first month, connects Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal to the Grangemouth rail freight terminal in Central Scotland. Operating seven days a week, the service includes two overnight runs and facilitates the transportation of up to 36 platforms of domestic goods in both directions.