Militzer & Münch is expanding its operations in Belgium with the opening of a new office in Mouscron on January 27, strengthening trade links between the Benelux region and the Maghreb. The company will operate under the French umbrella, providing access to the French border and a second site in Oudenaarde, where cross-docking, warehousing and logistics services will be provided.
The cargo turnover of the Batumi Sea Port in 2024 increased by 9% compared to the previous year, reaching 3.6 million tons. The growth was ensured by increased transshipment volumes of oil and oil products, which amounted to 1.8 million tons (+12.5%), as well as dry cargo – 1.8 million tons (+5.9%).
Northwest Europe’s largest short-distance shipping operator CLdN has introduced a new service that will enable partners to comply with the FuelEU Maritime (FEUM) environmental requirements. This EU directive aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels. However, such measures lead to increased costs, as biofuels are 50-150% more expensive than traditional fuels. At the same time, there are fines for non-compliance with FEUM standards – for example, a Capesize vessel calling in Rotterdam from South America could incur costs of $50,000 if it does not use the required amount of biofuel.
Astana Airport handled 8.315 million passengers in 2024, up 11% from 2023, Terminals Astana Airport Management reported. Domestic flights carried 5.668 million people (+9%), while international flights carried 2.647 million (+16%).
HPC Hamburg Port Consulting (HPC) has been appointed as the project coordinator and financial manager for the H2-Derivatives@BalticSeaPorts (H2Deri@BSP) project, funded by the Baltic Sea Region 2021-2027 programme. The project, initiated by the Port of Hamburg Marketing (HHM), will start in March 2025 and run until February 2028. Its objective is to introduce hydrogen derivatives as a marine fuel and optimise their handling in the ports of the Baltic region.
At an extended government meeting, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the importance of transport and logistics infrastructure for international transit. He noted that Kazakhstan has a significant advantage in the field of cargo transportation and should use it as efficiently as possible. Particular attention is paid to the Trans-Kazakhstan Railway Corridor as a key element of the Trans-Caspian route.
The Port of Rotterdam recorded a decrease in bunker volumes of marine fuels in 2024 to 9.8 million tonnes, down 0.9% from 2023. At the same time, demand for fuel oil, marine gasoil and other types of fuel decreased, while the LNG market showed significant growth. The volume of LNG bunkering amounted to 0.94 million m³, an increase of 52% compared to 2023, when only 0.62 million m³ were bunkered. The recovery in LNG demand is due to the stabilization of prices after their sharp increase.
Lufthansa Group has completed the acquisition of a 41% stake in ITA Airways for 325 million euros. The Italian airline has thus joined the Lufthansa network, becoming the fifth airline in the group. The remaining 59% of the shares remain with the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance.
German rail logistics operator VTG has completed the acquisition of the remaining shares in Retrack Slovakia from Rail Services Slovakia, becoming its sole owner. The deal also includes Retrack Slovakia’s subsidiaries in the Czech Republic and Hungary.
The construction of the third Ro-PAX ferry for ASCO continues as part of the company’s development strategy aimed at strengthening cargo transportation along the Middle Corridor. The vessel will become an important link in the transport network connecting the East and West. Currently, hull work is 88% complete, engineering – 97%, and procurement – 82%. The main engines, fire extinguishing and fresh water systems, freight elevator, pumps and electrical panels have already been installed. The overall project completion has reached 49%, and the delivery of the vessel is scheduled for the first quarter of next year.
