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MBOX Terminals DOO, a Serbian terminal operator, and Kombiverkehr KG, based in Frankfurt, have initiated a collaboration to enhance the link between Niš in Serbia and Wels in Austria. Susana Jozinovic, Sales Representative Southeastern at Kombiverkehr KG, highlights the strategic significance of integrating the Niš terminal into their European network, positioning themselves for further expansion across southeastern Europe. Leveraging Niš’s central location and its proximity to pan-European transport corridor 10, the partnership aims to offer enhanced intermodal transport solutions to their customers.

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges introduced a groundbreaking innovation: the Methatug, a tugboat powered by methanol, heralding a significant step forward in the port’s quest to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. The Methatug, financed through the European research program Horizon 2020 and a flagship project within the FASTWATER initiative, exemplifies the port’s dedication to exploring sustainable fuel alternatives for the shipping sector.

Yara Clean Ammonia, Azane, and Fjord Base have received approval from the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection for the construction of an ammonia bunkering facility at Fjord Base in Florø, Norway. This milestone paves the way for the adoption of ammonia as a safe and low-emission alternative to conventional shipping fuels, addressing the final link in the supply chain from production plant to vessel.

DACHSER has successfully completed the acquisition of Frigoscandia AB, a leading provider of temperature-controlled and frozen logistics in the Nordic market. As of today, Frigoscandia is officially a wholly owned subsidiary of DACHSER and is fully integrated into the logistics provider’s Food Logistics network. This strategic move allows DACHSER to expand its Food Logistics network to the Nordic countries, providing customers in the region with uniform quality standards.

Tajikistan’s Ministry of Transport and the Export-Import Bank of Slovakia (Eximbanka SR) have formalized a Memorandum of Cooperation, paving the way for a preferential loan and grant to support investment initiatives in Tajikistan’s transport sector. The primary objective outlined in this agreement is the establishment of weigh stations along both national and international highways in Tajikistan. The signing ceremony involved discussions between Tajikistan’s Minister of Transport, Azim Ibrohim, Slovakia’s Ambassador to Tajikistan (based in Uzbekistan), Viktor Borecky, Eximbanka SR Director Mikhail Demak, and Rostislav Babicz, Director for cooperation with Central Asian countries at the Slovak company “Betamont”.

The Rhenus Group has taken a significant step towards environmental responsibility by releasing the source code of its ITCPRO level sensor for free, enabling other companies to reduce their carbon footprint. Developed in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML) Enterprise Lab in 2019, the sensor, known for turning recycling containers into “smart data drums,” utilizes a time-of-flight sensor to determine filling levels. This innovation not only minimizes the risk of data container overflow but also eliminates unnecessary pick-up journeys, contributing to efficient waste management.

In a significant leap forward in the digital evolution of container handling and transport, 60% of the daily containers processed at Antwerp’s deep-sea terminals now utilize the Certified Pick up (CPu) data platform. This marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing digitalization of the logistics chain involving ship agents, terminals, transport companies, and customs services. With around 2,500 containers handled daily, the CPu platform contributes to a safer, more transparent, and efficient container process. The phased implementation allows users to register gradually, ensuring a smoother transition, and the system’s performance is continuously monitored and refined based on user feedback.

Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) marked a significant advancement in enhancing safety and efficiency in truck handling at its Hamburg container terminals by introducing the Passify app. Developed by HHLA Next, the innovation unit of HHLA, Passify replaces the traditional trucker card and is now in operation at Container Terminal Tollerort. The app ensures secure and authenticated access for truck drivers, complying with global ISPS code standards and prioritizing data protection. Integrated into HHLA’s gate processes, passify contributes to the ongoing digitization of terminal operations and offers additional functionalities, evolving into a central application providing comprehensive information and documents for terminal access. After a successful launch at CTT, the Passify app will be progressively implemented at HHLA’s Altenwerder and Burchardkai container terminals in the coming months, eliminating the need for conventional trucker cards and backed by HHLA’s support initiatives and a dedicated FAQ section on their website.

Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and Hamburger Energiewerke (HEnW) are joining forces to accelerate the decarbonization efforts of the Port of Hamburg through the establishment of a collaborative venture. The newly formed company, “Erneuerbare Hafenenergie Hamburg GmbH,” will operate as an equal partnership, leveraging the synergies between HPA’s role in harbor management and HEnW’s expertise in planning, constructing, and operating renewable energy plants. The initiative aims to expand renewable energy sources such as photovoltaics and wind power within the port, with specific projects totaling approximately 70 megawatts undergoing feasibility studies. The joint venture, set to be founded this spring pending a positive audit, envisions supplying green harbor electricity to HPA and local port companies while enhancing the port’s sustainability profile.

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges faced challenges in 2023 amid geopolitical tensions and slowing global economic growth, resulting in a 5.5% decline in overall throughput to 271 million tonnes of cargo compared to the previous year. Despite this, the market share of the container segment in the Hamburg-Le Havre range increased, reaching 30.2% in 2023, thanks to the added value from the merger. To ensure its role as a global port in the future, the port is prioritizing sustainable growth and planning an ambitious investment program over the next decade.