The International Association of Rail Freight Carriers IBS Congress was held in Riga at the Latvijas dzelzceļš (Latvian Railway) venue, the key topic of which was the prospects and new models of cooperation for rail logistics in the Baltic States and Europe.
A memorandum of cooperation between the Ventspils Freeport Authority and the Ukrainian state enterprise Chornomorsk Commercial Sea Port was signed in Ventspils, Latvia. The document is aimed at developing partnerships and strengthening logistics ties between the two countries.
The German Seifert Logistics Group (SLG) ended 2024 with record revenues of €340 million, strengthening its position among the leading logistics operators in Germany. The company focused on the development of contract logistics, the implementation of sustainable transport solutions and digital technologies for route and fleet optimization.
Danish logistics group DSV announced that it has received all necessary approvals for the acquisition of German company DB Schenker and will complete the deal by the end of April. The agreement for the deal, concluded back in September 2024, was issued by the European Commission.
The Rail Baltica project in Estonia is reaching a new level: contracts have already been signed for the construction of 103 km of embankments and engineering structures, some of which are currently under construction. This year, Rail Baltic Estonia plans to sign a contract for the construction of the main line, which will run across the entire country. Design work is also ongoing, and the partial opening of the Ülemiste passenger terminal in Tallinn is scheduled for June.
Transport Minister Marat Karabayev informed President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev about the implementation of 24 infrastructure projects in the Mangistau region worth 1.9 trillion tenge. Particular attention is paid to the development of the Trans-Caspian route: in 2024, the volume of transportation along it increased by 62% and reached 4.5 million tons. 358 container trains and 27 thousand vehicles have already been transported in this direction, and by 2028 it is planned to increase the cargo flow to 10 million tons.
From 28 April 2025, the intermodal service between Busto Arsizio and Padova will be transferred to the Novara terminal. This decision is part of the strategy to optimise the transport network and improve the efficiency of logistics operations.
China has launched a new combined freight delivery scheme to Europe, combining rail and air transport. The first freight train departed from Guangzhou International Logistics Port and headed to Sanping Station in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, covering the distance in 66 hours.
Kazakhstan is stepping up the development of maritime infrastructure: a document aimed at implementing the Comprehensive Development Plan for 2024-2028 has been signed. It defines key areas of cooperation in modernizing the country’s transport and logistics network and pays special attention to expanding the capabilities of the Kuryk port.
The state railway company Latvijas dzelzceļš has announced an open tender for the design and construction work on the modernisation of nine passenger stations on the Riga–Lugaži–state border line. The work will cover the stations of Inčukalns, Eglupe, Sigulda, Līgatne, Ieriki, Lode, Valmiera, Strenči and Valka. It is planned to build new platforms, update the track infrastructure, create amenities for passengers with limited mobility and improve pedestrian areas and lighting. Applications will be accepted until 20 May 2025.
