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Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, Gruber Logistics, Codognotto Italia, AdSP of the Eastern Ligurian Sea, RAM, Mercitalia Logistics join the board.

The European Commission has updated the composition of its board for the digitization of transport, increasing the presence of Italian entities within the Digital Transport and Logistics Forum (DTLF). Renewed and new Italian participants in the DTLF include the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, Gruber Logistics, Codognotto Italia, the Port Authority of the Eastern Ligurian Sea, RAM – Rete Autostrade Mediterranee, and Mercitalia Logistics.

The DTLF is the Commission’s main advisory body for the definition of digitization policies in the logistics sector, a real table where future directives for the entire sector are outlined. It is here that important regulations such as the Electronic Freight Transport Information (EFTI), which establishes rules for the digital exchange of transport data between public authorities, with a forthcoming extension planned for private individuals as well, were born.

Thanks to the Digital Transport and Logistics Forum, the groundwork is being laid for the implementation of eCMR (the electronic waybill), and other innovations designed to transform the efficiency of logistics in Europe. The Commission is pushing these developments to accelerate the transition to an increasingly digitized and integrated logistics ecosystem, creating benefits for all stakeholders.

The group of companies and institutions chosen to serve on the Commission brings forward Italy’s role in leading the digitization of the European logistics sector, ensuring a strong and proactive voice in shaping the policies and guidelines of the future.

Gruber Logistics and Codognotto Italia are involved in DTLF Subgroup 2 (Plug and Play), which is dedicated to developing specific solutions to create a harmonized and federated data sharing system. The goal is to enable all players in the supply chain to connect and exchange information smoothly and securely, improving public-private cooperation. RAM – Rete Autostrade Mediterranee works to improve the management and connection of Italy’s freeway, maritime and rail networks, while Mercitalia Logistics works daily to promote increasingly sustainable and integrated European logistics, with first- and last-mile connections. The Port System Authority of the Eastern Ligurian Sea brings the perspective of Italian ports, helping to improve integration with European transport networks through the digitization of services offered to supply chain operators and port communities.

With this renewal, the DTLF confirms its central role in the digital transformation of European logistics, deploying expertise and resources to meet the challenges of the future. The presence strengthened Italian representatives testifies to our country’s commitment to making logistics more efficient, connected and sustainable, helping to build an increasingly competitive European transport system.

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE), along with JERA Co., Inc. (JERA), Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK), and other partners, collaboratively operates an LNG bunkering business for LNG-fueled vessels in the Chubu region through joint venture companies*1.

On November 5, 2024, approximately four years after the launch of business operation in October 2020, the LNG bunkering vessel “Kaguya”*2 owned by the joint venture achieved its 100th ship-to-ship *3 LNG bunkering operation *4 in Mikawa Bay.

The joint venture is striving to expand its bunkering service to meet increasing demand of LNG as marine fuel in the Chubu region, arising from ever-growing global fleet of LNG-fueled vessels including “K”LINE’s “CENTURY HIGHWAY GREEN”*5, an LNG-fueled car carrier. By promoting the use of LNG as marine fuel through this project, “K” LINE contribute to reducing environmental load to the society.

In “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050 -Blue Seas for the Future-*6, “K” LINE has set the 2030 interim target of improving CO2 emissions efficiency by 50% compared with 2008, surpassing the IMO target of a 40% improvement. Furthermore, “K” LINE sets its new target for 2050 as “The Challenge of Achieving Net-Zero GHG Emissions.” As an action plan, “K” LINE will continue to support the low-/decarbonization of ourselves and society.

The Supervisory Board of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics announces upcoming changes to its Management Board and the International Executive Board (IEB).

Over the past years, Hellmann has built a strong foundation for sustainable growth by implementing a new organizational structure, launching significant investments in IT and digital infrastructure, and fostering a renewed corporate culture. Under the leadership of Jens Drewes, who assumed the CEO role in June this year, the focus is now on capitalizing on this foundation and unlocking the full potential to increase market share across all product areas. The new setup of the global leadership team, which will take effect in January 2025, reflects these strategic ambitions and positions Hellmann for the next phase of expansion.

“The strong performance in recent years shows that Hellmann is built on a solid foundation. Now it’s time to fully unlock this potential and further expand the company’s global footprint across all product areas – not only in its home market of Europe but globally. The new appointments set the stage for the subsequent growth phase, and I look forward to working with the management team to take Hellmann to the next level,” says Dr. Thomas C. Lieb, Chairman of the Supervisory Board.

Jens Wollesen, currently Chief Operating Officer (COO) overseeing all product areas and a highly valued member of the Management Board, has decided to leave the company at the end of the year to initially focus on his personal life. “We want to take this opportunity to thank Jens Wollesen for his exceptional dedication and contributions over the past years, which have played a key role in bringing Hellmann to where it stands today,” adds Dr. Thomas C. Lieb.
In alignment with the company’s strategic direction to enhance its focus on customers and markets, two COOs – each responsible for three product areas – will be appointed to the Management Board, alongside Jens Drewes, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Martin Eberle, Chief Financial Officer (CFO):

Stefan Borggreve, currently Chief Digital Officer (CDO) and member of the Management Board, will be appointed COO Road, Rail, and CEP, focusing on the expansion and transformation of these product segments. In the new position, he will also continue to drive the important strategic topics of IT & Digital, innovation and sustainability in the top leadership team.

Madhav Kurup – currently Regional CEO of IMEA based in Dubai – will be appointed to the Management Board as COO Airfreight, Seafreight, and Contract Logistics. In this role – alongside the respective Product COOs at the IEB level – he will be responsible for the global strategic development of these products and further expand present and future product and vertical joint ventures. Madhav Kurup has exceptional product and strategic expertise, with a strong track record in driving growth projects. At the same time, his appointment enriches Hellmann´s cultural and regional diversity in the Management Board, reflecting the company´s commitment to global expansion. Mr. Kurup will continue to lead the IMEA region on an interim basis.

Additionally, there will be changes in the IEB, Hellmann´s second global management level with Jonathan Adeoye, currently COO Road Germany and West Europe, assuming the role of COO Road with global responsibility at the IEB level, focusing on expanding Hellmann´s product reach in the European market.

Cargotec Corporation (“Cargotec”) has today signed an agreement to sell its MacGregor business area (“MacGregor”) to funds managed by Triton (“Triton”), for an enterprise value of EUR 480 million (“the Transaction”) to support Hiab’s future growth.

Cargotec’s transformation project, including listing Kalmar as a separate company, preparing Hiab for its standalone future and finding a solution for MacGregor, has progressed according to the plan and targets set by the Board in 2023. After considering different alternatives, the Board is convinced that from the value creation perspective, the Transaction represents the best alternative for Cargotec’s shareholders. Once the Transaction has been completed, Hiab would be the only business left in Cargotec and could pursue its strategy on a standalone basis.

As the agreement to sell MacGregor has been signed, Cargotec’s Board of Directors is planning to propose to Cargotec’s General Meeting of shareholders that the company’s name would be changed from Cargotec to Hiab. Simultaneously as the name change enters into force, the current President and CEO of Cargotec, Casimir Lindholm, has announced his intention to step down as President and CEO after a successfully executed transformation project of the Cargotec group. The Board of Directors would then appoint the President of the Hiab business, Scott Phillips, as the President and CEO of the renamed company being the current Cargotec. Cargotec currently estimates that these changes to transform into a standalone Hiab could take place on 1 April 2025. Current Cargotec CFO Mikko Puolakka would continue as CFO of the standalone Hiab.

MacGregor is a leader in sustainable maritime cargo and load handling with a strong portfolio of products, services and solutions. In 2023 MacGregor recorded sales of EUR 733 million and a comparable operating profit of EUR 33 million.

Triton is a leading European mid-market sector-specialist investor. Triton focuses on investing in businesses that provide mission critical goods and services in its three core sectors of Business Services, Industrial Tech, and Healthcare. Triton has previous experience of investing in the maritime sector and is a proven leader in the practice of carve-out investments.

The enterprise value of the Transaction is EUR 480 million. Cargotec expects to record a tax-exempt loss of approximately EUR 200 million on the Transaction in the fourth quarter 2024 results. The loss will be recorded as a goodwill impairment in items affecting comparability as a part of discontinued operations. Cargotec estimates that the total costs to separate MacGregor, in addition to the goodwill impairment, would be approximately EUR 25 million and recorded in items affecting comparability as a part of discontinued operations.

The Transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and works council consultation in relevant jurisdictions. Closing of the Transaction is expected to occur by 1 July 2025 at the latest. In addition to funding Hiab’s growth, the Board evaluates using part of the proceeds from the Transaction to pay extra dividends.

The sale of the business follows Cargotec’s Board of Directors decision on 14 November 2022 that MacGregor will not be part of Cargotec’s portfolio in the future. However, from a value creation perspective, the timing for divesting the business was not ideal at the time. In May 2024, Cargotec started the sales process of the business as MacGregor’s performance and market conditions had clearly improved.

“The agreement to sell MacGregor represents the last major milestone in our project to unlock shareholder value by separating Cargotec’s businesses into standalone companies. The two-year project has progressed according to our plan and is now in its final stages. The proceeds from the Transaction will boost Hiab’s ambitious growth plans through innovation and M&A. MacGregor will become a strategic asset for its new owner who will develop and put full focus on the business, which will enable further growth and profitability improvement,” says Cargotec’s CEO Casimir Lindholm.

“MacGregor stands out due to its engineering capabilities; broad and sustainable product offering; high-quality equipment; and strong reputation. Triton looks forward to collaborating with the company and its employees to develop further on this market leading position especially by strengthening the aftermarket platform where we see great potential. MacGregor is at the core of Triton’s investment focus to acquire market leading companies with strong potential and a competitive edge,” says Ilkka Tuominen, Investment Advisory Professional at Triton.

Due to the signing of the agreement to sell MacGregor, Cargotec will report the MacGregor business area as a part of discontinued operations from the fourth quarter 2024 onwards. Cargotec will publish its reclassified financial information before the publication of its financial statements review for 2024

Cargotec estimates Hiab’s comparable operating profit margin in 2024 to be above 14.0 percent.

The business area 2024 profitability outlook is presented using the same principles which are applied in the 2023 external financial reporting.

The outlook for Hiab, which was specified on 23 October 2024, has not been amended. As the MacGregor will be reported as part of discontinued operations, the MacGregor business has been removed from Cargotec’s outlook for 2024. The losses which will be recorded as part of the Transaction does not impact Cargotec’s outlook.

Project Cargo Network are pleased to welcome PROLOG India as new members.

The well-reputed company come recommended by current members as professional handlers of project and breakbulk cargo. They hold MTO certification with their Head Office in Mumbai and additional offices in Chennai, Kolkata, Pune and Hyderabad.

Director, Vishwa Pai introduces PROLOG; “Leveraging a powerhouse team of professionals with over two decades of industry expertise, we excel in comprehensive project logistics solutions, demonstrating proficiency in managing complex operations with finesse. At PROLOG India, we understand that every project is different with its own intricacies. Our dedicated team work hard to develop customised, unique and unusual solutions for complex over-dimensional, breakbulk and project cargo.”

“With proven expertise, PROLOG India brings a wealth of specialised knowledge and hands-on experience to every project with precision, reliability, and a commitment to excellence.”
“Catering to various sectors such as oil & gas, construction, power & energy, maritime, mining, heavy machinery, manufacturing, steel coils & pipes, and automotive, PROLOG offers a complete range of multimodal project logistics services including oversized & heavy lift cargo movements, vessel agency & port services, vessel chartering, project management & coordination, project planning & finance, surveys & studies, site inspections, customs brokerage, cargo insurance, and many more.

Working closely with many worldwide vessel owners and operators helps us provide efficient breakbulk and RORO solutions and offer the best vessels in position to carry project cargo. Providing chartering and brokering services for all kinds of unusually large and heavy cargo, our expert team is always present at the loading and discharging ports and overlooks complete coordination of port activities with various parties to ensure seamless operations.”

“PROLOG India is your premier partner in project-based logistics!”

Mammoet has signed a contract with Buss Ports to marshal wind turbine generator foundations for two of Europe’s biggest offshore wind farm projects – RWE’s Nordseecluster A (Germany) and Thor (Denmark).

The Nordseecluster, with a planned capacity of up to 1.6 GW, is one of the largest offshore wind energy projects in Germany and will be constructed in two phases (A & B). Thor, with a planned capacity of more than 1 GW to power more than one million homes, is Denmark’s largest to date.

Mammoet will manage the phased load-in, temporary storage and load-out of 116 XXL monopiles for both wind farm projects at Buss Terminal Eemshaven in the Netherlands. The largest foundations will weigh around 1,700 tonnes and measure 96 meters in length.

The monopiles will be offloaded onto the quay using a RoRo linkspan ramp and transported using Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs) fitted with saddles.

The SPMT trailers will then drive the monopiles onto storage dunes, ready to be called off and shipped to the wind farms located in the German and Danish waters of the North Sea.

Wouter Santen, Project Manager at Mammoet, said: “This is a complex marshalling operation, with large components for both farms needing to be moved and managed on a single site. Combining our specialist heavy transport equipment with our engineering experience of monopile handling, we are delighted to support the development of these significant offshore wind projects concurrently.”

Marc Wegman, Managing Director of Buss Terminal Eemshaven, added: “Mammoet has a proven track record for managing the movement of monopiles safely and efficiently. Having them by our side during the planning stage has been invaluable. We look forward to working with them as we move into the assembly phase.”

Norwegian shipping company Höegh Autoliners has joined forces with Australian green technology, energy and metals group Fortescue to call on global shipping regulators to fast-track the adoption of green ammonia as the only marine fuel that can hasten the decarbonization of the industry.

The two companies came together at a decarbonization of shipping event at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, to jointly advocate for the global shipping industry to end reliance on dirty bunker fuel.

Fortescue and Höegh Autoliners have committed to working together to explore the technical and commercial requirements for a green ammonia supply chain for bunkering, from Fortescue’s proposed global portfolio of projects to Höegh Autoliners’ global bunkering.

They have long shared a strong commitment to reducing emissions in the shipping sector as members of the First Movers Coalition for shipping. Both companies will also be signatories to a Call to Action for an Equitable Energy Transition in Shipping, to be launched at COP29.

In March 2024, Fortescue made history in sustainable shipping when its Green Pioneer became the world’s first vessel to use ammonia as part of a marine fuel at the Port of Singapore.

Höegh Autoliners, which operates the world’s most sustainable pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) fleet, recently launched a transformational green fleet renewal program – ordering 12 new multi-fuel-ready vessels designed for transportation of future cargo. The Aurora Class vessels have DNV’s “ammonia ready” notation and the last 4 vessels in the series are planned to be delivered with dual fuel ammonia propulsion.

The Aurora Class has a capacity of up to 9,100 cars – and with strengthened decks and enhanced internal ramp systems she can carry Electric Vehicles on all 14 decks. Two of the Aurora Class vessels are already in commercial operations, cutting carbon emissions per car transported by up to 58 percent from the current industry average.

The alignment between Fortescue and Höegh Autoliners comes at a critical time for the future of international shipping, with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) due to soon make key decisions on how it will reduce emissions in line with the level of ambition set out in its 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships.

“Shipping is a global industry with a global regulator and today the industry is at a crossroads,” said Fortescue Energy CEO Mark Hutchinson.

“The ongoing IMO greenhouse gas reduction debate must result in a clear, robust regulatory framework.

“There are so many transition fuels that are being peddled out there, but they are just a distraction. Only green ammonia can help us reduce carbon emissions in shipping and in turn can help us address the worst impacts of climate change.

“We need early incentives for hydrogen derived fuels – specifically ammonia for 2030 – otherwise, we are kicking the can down the road and leaving too large a scale up for the 2040s.”

CEO of Höegh Autoliners, Andreas Enger, said: “Deep-sea transportation is the single most pollutive part of shipping, and accounts for 90 percent of all maritime emissions. Decarbonizing the deep-sea segment is imperative to achieve the International Maritime Organisation’s net zero by 2050 goal for a 1.5Caligned pathway.

“Partnering with Fortescue is another milestone on our path to net zero. And a reiteration to our commitment to sailing for sustainability. With this partnership, we are removing carbon from one of the hardest-to-abate sectors, sending a strong demand signal for green ammonia down the value chain.

“Together, we are making sustainable shipping doable, accelerating the green transition within our industry, and setting a whole new standard for deep-sea shipping.”

COO of Höegh Autoliners, Sebjørn Dahl, said: “With our green fleet renewal program of 12 ammonia-ready Aurora Class vessels, the largest and most environmentally friendly car carriers ever built, and our commitment to ammonia as our fuel of choice, we are changing the game making significant strides toward our 2040 net-zero emissions goal.
“With Fortescue, we are making the impossible possible, actively changing the perception of deep-sea shipping and ensuring that we are ready to sail on green ammonia around the world from 2027.”

As the buildings take shape on the new sugar refinery on Hamilton’s port lands, project supervisors from HOPA Ports and its tenant customer SucroCan are monitoring the progress closely.

HOPA Ports is the federal entity which oversees port lands in Hamilton, Oshawa and Niagara.

“This is a big deal for us and our tenant SucroCan,” says Ian Hamilton, HOPA Ports’ President & CEO. “Our team prides itself on our ability to partner with our customer to stand-up a facility like this quickly and expertly.”

It is also a major gain for the burgeoning food processing sector in southern Ontario. When the $135+ million facility is complete it will be the largest sugar refinery in Canada, operated by SucroCan, a growing player in the North American sugar business. The new refinery will have the capacity to produce more than a million metric tonnes of refined sugar annually, supplying Ontario’s food and beverage manufacturing sector, which is the third largest in North America, generating manufacturing revenues of more than $48 billion and employing over 104,800 people.

The new sugar refinery is not the only new development in HOPA’s food processing cluster. In January, Canadian grain trader Parrish & Heimbecker announced it would be doubling the size of the flour mill it operates at the Port of Hamilton, and then in February, a new rail transload terminal specializing in food-grade liquids operated by Toronto Tank Lines (TTL) came into service at the port.

The SucroCan investment leverages Canada’s unique advantage in food processing because of the stiff US tariffs on sugar. It means Ontario food processors can use less expensive Canadian-refined sugar not only for domestic production, but also to export finished foods like confectionery, bakery products and beverages at a competitive price advantage. The region is already home to recognizable grocery-shelf names like Mondelez, Canada Bread, Gay Lea, E.D. Smith and others.

Value-added food processors are also enticed by reliable access to key inputs like flour, malic acid, vegetable oil and other locally produced ingredients. Meanwhile, access to transportation assets that can get products to market cheaper and faster gives food manufacturers a competitive edge. In addition to the port, Hamilton happens also to be home to Canada’s busiest overnight express cargo airport. “The advantage goes beyond the space to build, to include multimodal transportation infrastructure that can dramatically reduce supply chain costs,” said Hamilton.

Stir together all these ingredients, and the result is a food sector that is now a $1 billion business in Hamilton, and the city’s second largest manufacturing sector, second only to steel.

“More than 120 food and beverage manufacturers call Hamilton home,” said Norm Schleehahn, Director of Economic Development for the City of Hamilton. “Whether a firm is new to the region, or has been here for decades, they benefit from the growing network of supply chain resources and services. Both local and export markets are growing, so we expect the momentum to continue.”

Both SucroCan and Parrish & Heimbecker expect their new facilities to be in operation in 2025.

Glaube Logistics are glad to share a cooperative movement they recently completed with the aid of fellow PCN Member from Italy, Punto System.

This oversize shipment featured dimensions of 14.0 (L) x 3.45 (W) x 1.82 (H) metres with a weight of 20 tons.

The cargo was loaded in Genova, Italy by Punto System’s operations team before being transported and discharged in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Glaube Logistics and Punto System worked closely together to retrieve the appropriate road permits, and to find suitable bookings to load the shipment with the chosen shipping line.

The two companies coordinated well with the shipper to have the cargo loaded on-time.

Air Cargo Forum Miami enters the second day.

The Event has produced good visitor levels and created a lot of media excitement. Freightweek had a great day yesterday and today is off to a busy start.

The Rhenus Group, one of the leading globally-operating logistics service providers, has strengthened its presence in Gauteng by relocating operations to a new facility in Meadowview, Johannesburg, South Africa.

This R440 million investment spans 28,000 square meters, including a 24,500 square-meter warehouse and 3,000 square meters of office space, effectively doubling the company’s operational footprint.

Cornell van Rooyen, CEO of Rhenus Warehousing Solutions MEA, says the move was driven by growth and the need for increased efficiencies. “Our former facility in Long Meadow had high warehouse utilisation, and we operated across three separate buildings limiting future expansion. The decision to consolidate our operations in Johannesburg under one roof has already introduced greater operational efficiency streamlining workflows and enhancing our ability to scale as we continue to grow in the region.”

The new facility is close to the OR Tambo International Airport and City Deep Container Terminal while remaining within range of current customers and not disrupting staff travel.

By consolidating operations under one roof, Rhenus expects to see efficiency improve significantly with optimized resource utilisation. Capacity has been increased by over 100%. The introduction of advanced technology and upgraded equipment will further streamline operations and reduce processing times.

Dirk Goedhart, MD of Rhenus Air & Ocean South Africa, says the integrated facility enhances productivity, allowing seamless cargo flow across the different divisions of the Rhenus Group.

“We have customised the entire facility to meet our exact needs which in turn allows us to deliver tailor-made solutions that meet the specific needs of our customers.”

Security is a top priority. More than 600 CCTV cameras, robust access control systems, a 2,4 meter clear-view electric fence, 5 meter perimeter walls and a dedicated security tower monitoring the facility around the clock make the warehouse one of the most secure in South Africa.

Sustainability is central in the facility’s design. It features a 500kW PV system with 1,600 solar panels, an 800Watt lithium-ion battery plant and a 500kW diesel generator, ensuring energy efficiency and reliable backup for up to eight hours. LED lighting and motion sensors throughout the facility contribute to further energy savings.

Water management systems support sustainable operations and include a borehole, a 120,000 litre rainwater harvesting setup and a 40,000 litre fire sprinkler reservoir. An additional 1,1 million litre stormwater tank adds to the facility’s eco-friendly features. “These premises not only meet our current needs but have been designed for growth,” says Goedhart, adding that it includes 4,700 square meters for future expansion.

Other key features in the warehouse include a 1,300 square meter refrigeration area with one section at -20 °C and 100 deep-freeze units situated within the ground-floor racking. This unique feature, not commonly found worldwide, is another first in the South African warehousing space. The warehouse, with a total capacity of 25,000 industrial-standard pallets, is also the only one in the country fully compliant with storing lithium-ion batteries. It has 1,600 battery-compatible pallet positions.

In addition, the warehouse is designed to cater to high-value cargo and has a 250 square meter secure vault.

According to Van Rooyen, moving to the new premises will result in some immediate workforce expansion. Several new positions will be created, including a new warehouse manager. Training programmes are being implemented to upskill employees with the latest technology and equipment introduced at the facility.

“This investment underscores our confidence in the local market and supports our 2030 growth targets. Over the past five years, we have consistently invested in South Africa and this new facility will be a relevant part of our expansion strategy going forward,” concludes Goedhart.

The Lauf volunteer fire brigade was facing a challenge: Its TLF 24/50 water tender, which has been in use for nearly 40 years, required urgent repairs.

The situation was critical, as the vehicle is an essential part of the brigade’s equipment and features a water tank with a capacity of 5,000 liters, which means it plays a vital role in supplying much-needed extinguishing agent to the public safety personnel in cases of emergency.

A leak caused by aging meant that the TLF 24/50 had to be temporarily removed from service. But Tadano Faun GmbH stepped in and agreed to repair the damage professionally in their workshop. “We have the necessary equipment and qualified personnel right here, so we were more than happy to accommodate the fire brigade’s request,” explains Dr. Martin Schuster, General Manager Production at Tadano Faun GmbH in Lauf.

The Tadano specialists carried out extensive repairs: They sealed the leak with precise welding work and expertly sealed the outside of the tank and repainted it. And after a mere three days at the workshop, the water tender was returned to the fire brigade. Captain Oliver Heinecke had nothing but words of praise for the company: “It’s really something that Tadano stepped up to the plate and helped us so quickly. Without that, we would have definitely been in quite a bit of trouble.”

The repairs were made free of charge, which went without saying for Tadano. After all, the company has strong ties to the region, and this made it important to support the local fire brigade. “The volunteer fire brigade does incredible work, and often with very little resources at their disposal. And of course, it’s tremendously important for all of us to have a properly working fire brigade,” Martin Schuster points out.

With its freshly repaired TLF 24/50, the Lauf fire brigade is once again ready to take on any emergency and act quickly and effectively when there is a fire. The staff at Tadano is happy to have had the opportunity to contribute to the community’s safety.

Sarens was responsible for assisting Eiffage with the lifting of 12 bridge sections throughout the project, including 4 sections of the main mast and 8 additional sections of the bridge.

On the Left Bank, the “Rapas” footbridge now spans the Garonne River with a main span of 150 meters, a width of 5 meters, and a mast rising 65 meters above the water.

Since July 2022, the Rapas footbridge in Toulouse has been under construction. Despite some delays, the bridge was completed this summer and officially inaugurated by the city council, Toulouse Métropole, on June 22nd.

Sarens, the global leader in heavy lifting, engineered transport, and crane rental services, was tasked with supporting Eiffage in lifting the bridge and mast sections during the project. The Rapas footbridge on the Left Bank spans the Garonne River with a main span of 150 meters, a width of 5 meters, and a mast height of 65 meters above the water, potentially making it one of the city’s tallest structures.

The 65-meter main mast was divided into 4 sections, while the remaining 8 bridge sections were partly lifted from the riverbank using a CC2500 crane and partly from the river’s surface using a crane on a modular barge. The largest bridge section weighed 51 tonnes and measured approximately 1.225 meters in height, 6.5 meters in width, and 17.2 meters in length, while the largest mast section weighed 62 tonnes, measuring 3.89 meters in height, 14 meters in length, and 3.84 meters in width. The bridge sections were welded together to complete the structure.

The footbridge is a metal construction with concrete supports and ramps. Following the installation of the 65-meter tower head above the Garonne, the deck sections were gradually assembled over the river, guided from the island to the embankment on the Avenue de Muret side. After the assembly was completed and a technical inspection phase was conducted, the final phase involved connecting the footbridge to public spaces and opening it to pedestrians and cyclists. The pylon head of this long, straight structure, with no supports, is now visible on the Île du Ramier.

All site equipment had to be installed within 10 months, including a CC2500 (Crawler Crane), a SSL114m (Super Lift), a Sennebogen SH35.5m, a Sarens Modular Barge, 3 electrical chain blocks with a 20-tonne capacity, and 8 strand jacks to secure the bridge mast during erection before installing the final main mast shrouds.

All equipment was transported from Belgium to Toulouse by truck, requiring 23 trucks for the CC2500 crane and 26 trucks for the Sarens Modular Barge. The CC2500 took 4 days to install, while the Sarens Modular Barge required 10 days.

On one side of Île du Ramier, the Rapas footbridge will provide access to the former Exhibition Centre area, soon to be one of Toulouse’s largest esplanades, as well as the Fer à Cheval district, the Avenue de Muret tramway, and the cycle network on the embankment.

The “aerial” pedestrian bridge features a single mast, reversing the typical V-shaped design of other Toulouse bridges. The absence of any support in the river ensures maximum protection for the Garonne’s ecological corridor and its biodiversity, while also providing a high level of flood resilience.

The Rapas footbridge will be exclusively accessible to pedestrians and cyclists, similar to the Empalot footbridge on the opposite side of the island. Through the Grand Parc Garonne project, Toulouse Métropole aims to radically transform Île du Ramier, previously occupied by the old Exhibition Centre and numerous parking lots, into the future ‘green lung’ of the Pink City.

Over the past decades, Sarens has established itself as a key player in similar projects. We have completed several major projects, including the installation of the OA14 bridge, weighing 5,850 tonnes, in Bettembourg (Luxembourg). Sarens also installed another pedestrian bridge between the Hazebrouck railway station (France) and its car park, and an 8.400-tonne railway bridge on the A1 motorway in Amsterdam (Netherlands). Additionally, we replaced a railway bridge in central Stockholm (Sweden) using the “floatover” method. Most recently, Sarens worked on the renovation of the century-old Colbert Bridge in Dieppe, in north-west France, classified as a historic monument, leaving it as good as new after 135 years.

Huisman celebrates its 95th anniversary as a leading designer, manufacturer, and service provider of innovative and step changing technical solutions for the world’s leading companies in the renewable energy, oil and gas, civil, naval and entertainment markets.

Huisman celebrates its 95th anniversary as a leading designer, manufacturer, and service provider of innovative and step changing technical solutions for the world’s leading companies in the renewable energy, oil and gas, civil, naval and entertainment markets. The company was founded in 1929 by Mr. M.M. Huisman as a steel construction company. It has been family owned and operated by the Roodenburg family since 1980, with David Roodenburg taking on the role of CEO in 2020, becoming the third generation of the family to lead the company. The history of Huisman is one of setting new industry standards, that enable their clients to carry out the most challenging projects.

Over the decades, Huisman has delivered groundbreaking solutions to global industries. A notable milestone was the introduction of electric heavy lift cranes in 1980, with the first two 550mt Offshore Mast Cranes delivered in 1984 for BigLift’s “Happy Buccaneer.” These cranes operated for 40 years, showcasing Huisman’s commitment to durability and innovation.

As the world shifts towards renewable energy, Huisman has played a vital role in wind energy production, designing and building heavy lifting cranes and installation tools for the construction of both onshore and offshore wind farms. Remarkably, over 70% of offshore wind farms worldwide are built with Huisman equipment. With over 13 orders for Leg Encircling Cranes, ranging from 1,540mt to 3,200mt+, and multiple Monopile Grippers, they strengthened their position as a leader in the offshore wind industry.

In addition to renewable energy, Huisman continues to develop sustainable solutions for the oil and gas industry to make the extraction of fossil fuels as sustainable as possible. For instance, the Dual Multi Purpose Tower, which minimises environmental impact and reduces emissions through efficient operations.

Huisman has expanded its global service team to ensure seamless operations for clients. With service locations in the Netherlands, North America, Brazil, Singapore, and the recent opened service location in China, the company enhances its capabilities to streamline maintenance and maximise equipment life cycle value. Additionally, in 2023 Huisman took a step toward digitization by launching the myHuisman client portal.

Huisman takes great pride of its accomplishments to date and looks forward to the future as they continue to innovate and lead in their industry.