European intermodal transport faced a 3.89% decline in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year, according to the International Union for Road-Rail Combined Transport (UIRR). However, this decrease was less severe than in previous quarters, indicating a potential return to a positive trend in the upcoming months.
Rhenus PartnerShip is bolstering its competitive stance along the Rhine River, extending its reach to Belgium effective immediately. Through an internationalization approach, the inland waterway shipping expert is broadening its offerings to Antwerp and will operate as an independent entity in the Belgian market going forward. This expansion entails Rhenus acquiring full ownership of DGA Shipping.
The MILEPORT initiative aims to address the challenge of inadequate last-mile connectivity plaguing Adriatic ports, hindering their integration with urban areas and hinterlands, thus causing inefficiencies in multimodal transportation, stunted economic growth, and increased air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions related to transport. Recognizing the global nature of transport flows, collaboration between Adriatic Sea regions is imperative to tackle these shared operational issues effectively.
At a meeting organized by the Ministry of Transport and JSC NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, representatives of the Public Council discussed the development of the Railway Industry Development Program. The company demonstrated new systems, including Trip Optimizer, aimed at improving transportation efficiency, and KTZ Cargo, which ensures transparency of services.
Deutsche Bahn (DB) marked a significant milestone in its Rhine Valley Railway upgrade project, enhancing freight transport efficiency along the Karlsruhe-Basel route. The newly inaugurated freight tracks at the Weil am Rhein border crossing, operational as of April 29, 2024, signify a vital development in Europe’s Rhine-Alpine Corridor rail infrastructure.
Maersk and IBM, alongside industry partners, spearheaded a groundbreaking initiative to revolutionize border processes and international trade efficiency. Through the UK Government’s ‘Ecosystem of Trust’ pilot scheme, they explored the potential of digital data sharing to streamline customs procedures and enhance supply chain integrity.
Representatives of the KTZ Express and UTLC companies gathered in Astana to discuss the cooperation strategy and future plans. They focused on developing a strategy for interaction with Chinese and European companies, improving service and expanding services for clients.
HHLA TK Estonia welcomed the arrival of the cutting-edge container ship, CMA CGM Mermaid, on April 21 and 22. This new vessel, part of CMA CGM’s fleet renewal initiative, boasts innovative features including a liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel system, reducing its CO2 emissions by 20% compared to conventional ships.
Digital automatic coupling (DAC) heralds a new era for freight transport, revolutionizing coupling processes and paving the way for automation and digitalization in rail freight. Since 2020, rigorous testing of a digital freight train equipped with DAC has covered over 15,000 kilometers across ten European countries, marking a significant milestone in its development. Dr. Sigrid Nikutta, Member of the DB Management Board for Freight Transport and CEO of DB Cargo, proudly presented the train to key stakeholders in Brussels, emphasizing its successful completion of field tests and readiness for commercial use.
The RENEWPORT initiative, approved for funding under the Interreg Euro-MED Program, aims to combat climate change by leveraging renewable energy sources in Mediterranean ports. With a duration of 33 months and the participation of 10 project partners from 8 EU countries, including Italy, Slovenia, France, and Spain, RENEWPORT prioritizes the transition to clean energy to enhance climate resilience.
