Europe

Alberto Grisone, Director of For Strategic Projects and Network Developments in Hupac Intermodal S.A., is an expert in rail and multimodal logistics with nearly 30 years of experience in international transport. Throughout his career, he has been involved in the development of trans-European transport solutions, digital freight management systems, and the formation of new logistics corridors between Europe and Asia. Today, he focuses on developing high-frequency rail services and building a more connected and predictable logistics network between key industrial regions. In this interview, we discuss where European logistics is truly resilient and where it is far more vulnerable than commonly assumed, as well as the decisions that may define its development in the coming years.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a loan of €645.83 million (approximately $750 million) for a major railway project in Turkey. The funding will support the construction of a new 127-kilometer line designed to enhance transport and logistics links between Europe and Asia and strengthen Turkey’s position as a key regional transit hub.

LTG Cargo, the freight railway company within the LTG Group, has expanded its presence in the European market: its Polish subsidiary, LTG Cargo Polska, has obtained a Single Safety Certificate in Germany. This enables the company to independently conduct transport operations within German territory, thereby boosting the efficiency of logistics operations and strengthening the Lithuanian carrier’s position in Western Europe.

Logistics company Contargo, in partnership with port operator Ports de l’Escaut, has officially commissioned a new charging station for electric trucks at the container terminal in Bruay-sur-l’Escaut, France. The opening ceremony, attended by representatives from the business community and public authorities, marked a significant step in developing the region’s sustainable transport infrastructure.

Hupac has announced the launch of a new intermodal rail service between Duisburg and Barcelona. Operations will commence on June 22, 2026, with a frequency of three round trips per week. The first train is scheduled to depart from the Duisburg DGT terminal on June 22, while the inaugural service from Barcelona is set for June 24.

The closure of the Passau–Obertraubling route near Regensburg will affect international rail traffic between Austria and Germany, as well as domestic services in Austria.

Since the Ukrainian maritime corridor began operations in September 2023, 200 million tons of cargo have been transported through the country’s seaports, with agricultural products accounting for 118 million tons. Over this period, more than 7,800 vessels have been handled, enabling the continued export of Ukrainian goods to global markets despite wartime risks and constant attacks on infrastructure.

Mediterranean Shipping Company’s (MSC) readiness to acquire a 51% stake in the TIS container terminal demonstrates that major international players believe in Ukraine’s post-war recovery and future operational viability. This was stated by Andrey Stavnitser, co-owner of the TIS Group, during the annual Grain Ukraine 2026 conference held in Kyiv.

Maersk reports that the situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable; despite reports of Iran and the US moving closer to a potential peace agreement, attacks in the region continue, and shipping conditions in the Strait of Hormuz show no significant improvement. Maersk emphasizes that the safety of crews, vessels, and customer cargo remains the priority, and operations are therefore being conducted with enhanced precautionary measures.

The Dutch company Gaston Schul has strengthened its European growth strategy by acquiring Parodi Forwarding S.r.l. in Italy and Markart & Schmid Zollservice OG in Austria. These transactions aim to enhance expertise in customs and trade services and expand the client base across key European logistics corridors.