Europe

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.

On October 2, 2023, the christening ceremony for Hapag-Lloyd’s “Berlin Express,” Germany’s largest container vessel, took place at Hamburg’s Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG’s (HHLA) container terminal Burchardkai (CTB). The formal ceremony, overseen by Elke Büdenbender, the wife of German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, marked the launch of this environmentally friendly vessel. Part of a new series by Hapag-Lloyd, the Berlin Express and its eleven sister ships are equipped with dual-fuel technology, allowing them to utilize LNG and non-fossil fuels like e-methane in the future. With dimensions of approximately 400 meters in length and 61 meters in width, the vessel has a capacity of around 23,700 containers, making it one of the world’s largest containerships.

Infrabel has extended its collaboration with Lineas to address the infrastructure needs in the South-East region, particularly in Liège, for the upcoming year. This partnership highlights Lineas’ active role in promoting modal shift and ensuring the uninterrupted operation of rail transport in the Liège region. The contract is set for one year, with the option for annual extensions over a three-year period. The contract includes various options necessary for the seamless functioning of rail transport in the South-East region.

BLS Cargo is set to acquire 10 cutting-edge Siemens “Vectron” multi-system locomotives, designated for operations in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, the Netherlands, and Belgium. These locomotives are equipped with the latest XLoad technology – a newly developed feature by Siemens Mobility.

In an effort to provide seamless connections to and from the UK, Ireland, and Portugal, Hupac is intensifying the frequency of its direct service from the Hupac terminal in Warsaw to Rotterdam CLdN. The shuttle train will now operate with a frequency of three roundtrips per week, starting in week 41.

Highlighting its significant development, HHLA PLT Italy, the versatile terminal of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG in Trieste, joyfully welcomes the inaugural call from Ocean Network Express (ONE) to launch the new service – Adriatic Israel Butterfly (AIB). This collaboration is a crucial connection for HHLA PLT Italy to key markets, solidifying its role as an increasingly important Adriatic Hub.

Onur Göçmez, the President of Arkas Holding Logistics Group, emphasized the positive impact of digitalization investments in Shipeedy Logistics on strengthening exporters’ positions in outperforming global competitors.