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.
Luka Koper closed 2024 with growth in key indicators, despite the challenges at the beginning of the year related to the crisis in the Red Sea. Total seaborne cargo turnover increased by 3%, container cargo by 6% and general cargo by 8%. Net revenue amounted to €330.1 million, which is 6% higher than the 2023 level and 2% above the planned figures. Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) reached €67 million, 33% higher than the plan, and net profit amounted to €60.3 million, 26% higher than the forecast.
The discussions between the two companies will define the framework for continued cooperation in logistics operations.
Yusen Logistics has signed an agreement with Ocean Network Express (ONE) to join the “ONE LEAF+” program, becoming the first logistics company in Asia to use this sustainable shipping method. The solution involves the use of biofuel made from waste vegetable oil, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. The company’s customers will be able to reduce emissions under the Scope 3 category and receive emission reduction certificates verified by third-party auditors.
