A meeting of the management of JSC NC KTZ and LLC GC Port Lianyungang was held in Beijing, where the results of joint work for 2024 were summed up and key areas of partnership for the future were identified. The participants paid special attention to the development of the Khorgos dry port and the Kazakh-Chinese terminal in Lianyungang, which are strategically important facilities for transit traffic between the countries.
The implementation of the TIR international road transport system in China has led to rapid development of the sector, according to the International Road Transport Union (IRU). The number of operators and vehicles using TIR has increased by more than 400%, while the number of shipments to and from China has grown by 88%. Hauliers from eight countries have used more than 50 routes through 35 border crossings and inland logistics hubs.
DHL Group and Scania have developed a new electric truck with a fuel-powered generator, enabling the transition to electric transport without waiting for a full charging infrastructure. The new Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) will enable DHL to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 80% by using 80–90% renewable electricity. The truck is equipped with a generator that replaces one of the battery packs, reducing dependence on charging stations. DHL will begin test operations on the route between Berlin and Hamburg in February 2025.
PSA Ventures and Saudi Arabia’s National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) have entered into a strategic partnership to support startups and jointly develop minimum viable products (MVPs) with the prospect of commercial growth. The collaboration aims to introduce cutting-edge technologies that will have a significant impact on global supply chains.
South Korean shipping company HMM has won a bid to acquire a controlling stake in tanker operator SK Shipping, owned by investment company Hahn & Co. HMM is currently conducting due diligence on the deal, which it plans to complete in March and submit to the board of directors by April.
The leadership of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China has decided to allocate 1 billion yuan (137.3 million dollars) for the construction of a transport and logistics hub in Kazakhstan. The issue was discussed in Urumqi at a meeting between Ma Xingrui, member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the CPC of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and Nurlan Sauranbayev, Chairman of the Board of JSC NC KTZ. The parties noted the record growth in rail transportation between the countries – in 2024, the volume reached 32 million tons.
To speed up the construction of Rail Baltica in Lithuania, the project management model has been changed, and LTG Infra has now been given the authority to conclude contracts. One of the largest agreements was the design of the 78-kilometer section from Kaunas to Ramygala, which was previously supervised by RB Rail AS, a joint venture of the three Baltic countries. Now LTG Infra directly interacts with the Spanish company IDOM Consulting, Engineering, Architecture, S.A.U., which is responsible for the design of this section.
The German air cargo terminal association Vacad recorded an increase in air cargo volumes of 1.9% in the fourth quarter of 2024, reaching 456.7 thousand tons. Compared to the same period in 2023, the figure increased by 0.4%. In total, 1.78 million tons of cargo were handled in 2024, which is 5.2% more than in 2023.
In 2024, the port of Rotterdam’s cargo throughput decreased by 0.7%, amounting to 435.8 million tonnes, compared to 438.8 million tonnes the year before. The main reason for the decrease was the reduction in coal and crude oil transshipment. At the same time, the container segment showed growth: 13.8 million TEU were handled, which is 2.8% more than in 2023. The volume of iron ore, scrap, oil products and other types of dry cargo also increased.
JSC NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) is accelerating the process of separating the activities of the infrastructure operator and freight carrier. The Ministry of Transport reported that the delineation of responsibilities and staffing structures is in the active phase. Key stages have been completed: planning and standardization of transportation, process modeling and development of a train formation plan. The traffic schedule has also been approved.
