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The board of directors of MacGregor Group AB has appointed Jonas Gustavsson Chief Executive Officer of MacGregor as of 1 August 2025.

He succeeds Leif Byström, who is retiring.

“We are delighted to welcome Jonas Gustavsson as CEO of MacGregor. Jonas is an experienced and visionary leader with an excellent track record of leading and growing industrial and service businesses. We are confident that under his leadership, MacGregor will continue the positive momentum and further strengthen its market-leading position in sustainable maritime cargo handling,” says Ilkka Tuominen, Investment Advisory Professional at MacGregor’s new owner Triton and Board Member in MacGregor Group AB.

Jonas Gustavsson joined MacGregor in March 2025 as Deputy President. Prior to that he served as the CEO of AFRY AB from 2017 until early 2025. His earlier positions include 23 years of leadership experience with various senior roles at Sandvik, Rotax, Bombardier and ABB. Jonas is a Swedish citizen, born in 1967, and holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering.

“I am honored and excited to start as CEO at MacGregor, a global leader in maritime cargo handling,” says Jonas Gustavsson. “Over the past few months, I have had the privilege of meeting some of our customers, partners, and the exceptional MacGregor team around the world. I have felt the energy and genuine passion that drive this organization. Together, we will build on our strong foundation, accelerate our development, and continue to deliver lifetime value to our customers worldwide. I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to my predecessor, Leif Byström. His remarkable 42-year career reflects true dedication and commitment to both the maritime industry and the continued success of MacGregor.”

“I have seen this company from many different roles and perspectives through the decades. I feel proud of the many achievements of the MacGregor team and all the great collaboration we have had, and I’m both honored and privileged to have been working with such a great team. Now I’m happy to see Jonas at the helm of the company from today onwards. With his vision and leadership, MacGregor will continue to develop for the benefit of our customers, partners and employees,” says Leif Byström.

On 17 and 18 September, Bilbao will host the Project Cargo Summit for the second time.

This annual meeting of the international project cargo community will bring together professionals from around the world to discuss the current situation in the sector and the trends that will shape the future of the industry.

This event consolidates the position of the Port of Bilbao as a European leader in project and oversized cargo. With strong road and rail connectivity and more than 32.8 million tonnes of cargo handled in 2024, Bilbao acts as a strategic link between the Iberian Peninsula and international markets. It has also become a key player in the renewable energy sector, particularly in the manufacture, logistics and export of components for wind energy. The Port’s ongoing infrastructure expansion is geared to meet the growing demand for breakbulk cargo operations.

In addition, the Port of Bilbao is pioneer in sustainability. One stand-out initiative in this area is the BilbOPS project to connect vessels to the onshore power grid while in port and to generate renewable energy to supply this power. The first phase of the project will be completed in early 2026, with an investment of 4.7 million euros and a 3.9 million euro grant from the Recovery and Resilience Facility. The second phase, which began in 2025, will be completed in 2027. With a budget of 50.1 million euros, this second phase will be financed in part by Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funds, and the rest by the Bilbao Port Authority itself. An 80 million euro loan has also been secured from the European Investment Bank (EIB), part of which will be used to finance the project.

Bilbao is also promoting the development of green and digital maritime corridors, acting as a strategic hub for the Atlantic Corridor and collaborating with the ports of Amsterdam and Duisburg to develop a renewable hydrogen corridor between the Basque Country and central Europe.

Under the slogan ‘Mastering the Art of Mega Logistics’, the two-day Project Cargo Summit will bring together transport companies specialised in complex and large-scale cargo shipments: logistics service providers looking to connect with customers and partners; shipping companies active in breakbulk and oversized cargo, shipping agents looking for new opportunities in project logistics; ports and terminals offering specialised handling services and infrastructure; and service providers supporting project cargo transport with technology, equipment and know-how.

The first day of the programme for the 2025 edition includes a site visit to the port terminals, showcasing their importance in project cargo logistics. On the second day, a series of conference sessions, round tables and a networking gathering for drinks will focus on the major challenges currently facing the sector: adapting to larger vessels, port digitalisation, efficiency in the handling of high-value cargo and the transition to renewable energy, especially offshore wind power. The event will also explore the growing role of technology in logistics, supply chain security and sustainability.

The summit will feature representatives from companies such as Mammoet, deugro, SAL Heavy Lift, Erhardt Projects, Nordex, JGC Corporation and CMA-CGM, and speakers from the Port of Bilbao and partner ports such as Houston, Brest, Bordeaux and Great Lakes–Saint Lawrence. It will also be an excellent opportunity to network with different industry players and build closer ties for collaboration, further consolidating the role of the Port of Bilbao as a strategic hub in international trade.

The Asian offices of leading aircraft charter specialist, Air Charter Service, have been exceptionally busy over the past month arranging almost 100 charter flights with more than 5,000 tons of cargo, following the closure of the Thailand-Cambodia land border.

Brendan Toomey, CEO of ACS Singapore, commented: “The closure of the Thailand-Cambodia border meant that all road transport stopped immediately, leading to significant logistical disruptions across multiple industries which rely heavily on the cross-border supply chain. Just-in-time manufacturers especially started to run up costs, meaning they needed to find alternative solutions quickly to maintain operations and prevent shutdowns.

“It was at this point that several customers came to us for cargo charter flights as a solution to the headache. At first there was a lot of automotive cargo that needed to move, sometimes 100 tons at a time, but soon after we started receiving requests for consolidated cargo flights consisting of goods from multiple industries.

“To date we have arranged almost 100 charter flights between the two countries, carrying over 5,000 tons of cargo in total. The flights, which were loaded in both directions, ran between Bangkok in Thailand and either Siem Reap or Phnom Penh in Cambodia. This is another example of aircraft charters really proving their worth in extreme situations.”

Harbor Logistics, a leading provider of integrated logistics solutions and a portfolio company of NOVA Infrastructure, has leased a new building in Jedburg Logistics Park in Summerville, South Carolina.

The new warehouse totals 621,000 square feet and marks a significant expansion for Harbor Logistics, enhancing its ability to serve customers throughout the Southeast and collaborate more closely with importers and exporters utilizing southeastern ports.

The new warehouse, located immediately off I-26 and within a day’s drive of more than half the country’s consumers, positions Harbor Logistics to offer even greater flexibility and efficiency to its customers. With proximity to other major transportation arteries and the Port of Charleston, the facility will support faster turnaround times, scalable storage solutions and seamless supply chain integration.

“This expansion is a pivotal moment for our customers and our teams,” said Kevin Shuba, CEO of Harbor Logistics. “The new Summerville facility gives us the flexibility to adapt to our customers’ evolving needs, streamline operations and deepen our partnership with the Port of Charleston. Our investment here is about delivering best-in-class service and supporting the continued growth of South Carolina as a logistics hub.”

The location of the new warehouse allows Harbor Logistics to strengthen its collaboration with the Port of Charleston, providing importers, exporters and manufacturers with a single-source solution for moving, storing and managing goods through every stage of the supply chain. The increased capacity enables Harbor to handle larger volumes and offer tailored services to a broader range of clients.

“As the Southeast continues to boom, so does South Carolina’s economy. Investments like this from our private sector partners further reinforce their faith in our port’s capabilities and the region’s growth. This new facility enhances the port’s broader logistics capabilities, which helps our customers efficiently reach their markets. SC Ports congratulates Harbor Logistics on their growth in the Charleston port market,” said Barbara Melvin, President and CEO, SC Ports.

The developer and owner of Jedburg Logistics Park is Trinity Capital.

Port Houston, host of the 4th annual Houston International Maritime Conference (HIMC25), is thrilled to announce Captain Richard Phillips as a featured guest speaker at this year’s event.

Best known worldwide for his courageous stand during a harrowing hostage situation and the acclaimed film based on his story, Captain Phillips will share his unforgettable experience with attendees at the November 2-5 event at Hilton Americas in downtown Houston.

Houston’s port is ranked number one in the nation for waterborne tonnage, and is the leading hub for energy cargo, the top gateway for steel, and home to the fifth-largest container port in the U.S. Each fall Port Houston brings together global maritime and energy leaders at HIMC to tackle the future of trade, energy, and supply chain logistics. Now in its fourth year, HIMC25 will engage with top experts on critical topics such as global and local market trends, supply chain fluidity and resilience, maritime shipping, shifts in petrochemical and energy markets, and maritime workforce development, among other topics.

Captain Phillips will share his story the morning of Tuesday, November 4. In 2009, Captain Phillips became an international symbol of bravery when Somali pirates took him hostage aboard the Maersk Alabama. His selfless leadership and quick thinking over five tense days and his dramatic rescue by U.S. Navy SEALs showcase the real-life challenges and complexities maritime professionals face every day.

“Captain Phillips’ story delivers a powerful message about leadership, courage, and quick decision-making in the face of intense challenges,” said Charlie Jenkins, CEO of Port Houston. “His experience resonates deeply with today’s maritime and energy leaders and perfectly aligns with HIMC25’s focus on global trade and the evolving complexities of the supply chain.”

Registration for HIMC25 is open and Early Bird pricing of $475 per ticket is available until August 31, 2025. Regular pricing of $575 takes effect on September 1, 2025. Brand-visibility and sponsorship opportunities are also available.

EcoNavis Solutions has secured its first commercial contract for the novel Eco Boss Cap, a proprietary energy-saving propeller hub cap introduced to the market last year.

The fuel-saving, emissions-reducing hub will be retrofitted to a general cargo carrier operated by a Thailand-based ship manager. EcoNavis has received two POs from the company, which is evaluating further installations across five more vessels.

Retrofit work to 177m long vessel’s 5m diameter propeller is scheduled for mid-August at an undisclosed Chinese shipyard, close to Shanghai. EcoNavis engineers will supervise the installation and early operation of the device, with sea trials expected shortly after the retrofit.

When commissioned, the installation will mark the first full-scale deployment of the Eco Boss Cap, a conically shaped propeller hub featuring a patented arrangement of internal chambers and holes designed to reduce fuel consumption, emissions, and propeller-induced hub vortex cavitation.

Developed following extensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis and validation in one of Europe’s leading cavitation tunnel test facilities and towing tank tests, the Eco Boss Cap has demonstrated efficiency gains of up to 5% across all speed ranges.

Dr Batuhan Aktas, Founder & CEO of EcoNavis Solutions, and lead inventor of the technology, said the contract validates years of research, modelling and hydrodynamic testing.

“This is a significant milestone for EcoNavis as a serious technology partner to the global shipping industry. The ship operators’ interest came directly in response to our earlier work, which speaks volumes about both the industry need and the credibility of the energy efficiency results we’ve achieved,” he said.

Unlike traditional boss cap designs, which use fin appendages to redirect flow and can introduce turbulence, the Eco Boss Cap utilises an internal chamber and a series of precisely angled holes to manage water flow through pressure differential. This configuration eliminates the cavitation responsible for rudder erosion, underwater noise, and thrust losses, and avoids the torque penalties associated with fin-type designs.

With no blades, no fins, no rotating appendages, the Eco Boss Cap is easier to manufacture and install than most other energy-saving propeller hubs caps currently on the market. Cast as a single piece and free of complex geometries, it can be installed during a standard drydock in under six hours.

“This cost-effective production means a lower upfront investment, with a payback time of less than a year for a 180m handy-size bulk carrier burning about 25t of fuel per day,” said Aktas.

The Scotland-headquartered company has secured over £550,000 in grants and private funding to bring the technology to market.

“This is not just a product launch. It’s the start of a new phase in ship efficiency,” said naval architect and EcoNavis Chief Operating Officer Amitavo Wye. “Eco Boss Cap is tailor-made for each vessel to deliver greater fuel savings over a wider operating envelope. Shipowners don’t want a generic solution; they want performance that works for their ships’ actual operating conditions.”

EcoNavis Solutions is currently pursuing partnerships in Europe, the US, and Asia as it brings its retrofittable efficiency solutions to market.

“This is just the beginning,” said Wye. “With early traction in Southeast Asia and strong interest in Greece, Singapore and the U.S., we’re building momentum around a product that directly addresses CII, EEXI and ESG compliance without complexity or disruption.”

PLA are pleased to introduce FREJA Transport & Logistics Oy, representing Finland, as the newest member of the Project Logistics Alliance community.

FREJA was established in Denmark in 1985 and has grown into one of the leading logistics providers in the Nordic region. FREJA began operations in Finland in 2003, expanding its reach across Northern Europe. Since then, FREJA Finland has played a key role in strengthening the group’s operations in the Nordics, providing dependable logistics solutions supported by local know-how and a well-established European network.

FREJA Finland has developed a strong reputation for project logistics, offering customised solutions for oversized, heavy, or otherwise non-standard cargo. From full project planning to execution across sea, air, and land, FREJA Finland ensures every detail is managed with precision. Clients benefit from a single point of contact, transparent coordination, and access to extensive regional and international infrastructure. With experience in demanding industries and challenging transport environments, FREJA Finland is equipped to handle even the most complex logistics assignments.

Key Services:Project Forwarding – Complete project planning and execution; Oversized cargo and heavy lift transport; Route and site surveys; Permit arrangement and local coordination; Tailored multimodal solutions; Road Transport – FTL, LTL, and groupage services; Daily European departures; Own fleet; Transport of non-standard cargo; Sea Freight – LCL and FCL; Trusted co-loaders and carriers; Stuffing and stripping services; Container-to-trailer conversion; Inland distribution; Air Freight – Full and part charter services; Courier and door-to-door delivery; Consolidation for global routes; Special shipment handling; Warehousing – Flexible storage for various industries; Cross-docking; Advanced IT systems; Value-added logistics services; Pharma & Healthcare Logistics – GDP-compliant transport and warehousing; Temperature-controlled facilities; Regulatory compliance and license support; Clean-room repacking; Hospital-standard deliveries.

Can offshore structures play a role in restoring oyster reefs?

That’s exactly what the Reefcovery team is researching. Flat oyster reefs have almost completely disappeared from the North Sea, but they once played a vital role, offering shelter and food to marine species, cleaning the water, and helping to stabilise the seabed.

In the Reefcovery project, a collaboration between ResourceFull, Ghent University, DEME, and Jan De Nul, we’re exploring how to bring these reefs back by using the hard materials already present in offshore infrastructure as a foundation for new reefs to grow.

Different materials are being tested to see which ones give young oysters the best chance to attach and thrive. The most promising options will be placed in the North Sea and monitored under real conditions.

Reefcovery aligns with European guidelines that aim to enhance the ecological health of our seas. The project is supported by VLAIO, the Flemish Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and fits within the key focus areas of the Blue Cluster.

The project division of ISSGF India Pvt. Ltd., member of the Worldwide Project Consortium (WWPC), has successfully executed the critical transport of 450 freight tonnes of project cargo from Shanghai, China, to the Port of Manzanillo, Mexico.

The shipment comprised two 60MVA/230KV transformers, each measuring 6.45 x 3.75 x 4.35 meters and weighing 104 tonnes. Including accessories, the total shipment volume amounted to 428 cubic meters and 253 tonnes. The transformers were delivered by barge and directly loaded from the vessel via a double-banking operation.

An ISSGF spokesperson shared: “The key challenge was sourcing a suitable vessel on short notice and ensuring delivery from load port to destination within just 45 days. Through consistent coordination with the carrier and proactive communication, we achieved timely delivery in line with our committed schedule.”

ISSGF’s detailed planning and close collaboration with all stakeholders ensured a seamless operation. Loading was completed within two days as planned, with meticulous attention to stowage, sea-fastening, and overall cargo safety.

Bertling Indonesia successfully managed the land transport of a 69-ton Kiln Tyre, measuring 6.5 meters in diameter.

The cargo was transported from Surabaya Port to the Tuban site, covering a total distance of 110 km across three cities. Despite the challenges posed by narrow roads, tight bends, and street furniture, the operation was completed safely and on schedule.

This success was made possible thanks to the detailed route study and planning by Bertling’s Technical Engineer from their Jakarta office.

On June 24, 2025, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) participated in the “Fire Drill Exercise on Board 2025” held at Berth A5 of Namyong Terminal PCL in Laem Chabang Port, Thailand.

The drill was conducted to simulate a realistic onboard emergency in order to verify inter-agency coordination and strengthen emergency response capabilities.

The drill was conducted onboard the car carrier BALTIMORE HIGHWAY,operated by “K” LINE, with participation from the ship’s crew, Namyong Terminal PCL, the Vessel Traffic Control and Maritime Security Office (VTCMSO) under the Marine Department of Thailand, Port Authority of Thailand, as well as the local fire department and port emergency medical services. The exercise simulated a complex emergency scenario in which a fire breaks out onboard during cargo handling operations and one worker goes missing.

The drill involved not only firefighting operations conducted by the vessel’s crew in coordination with the local fire department but also search and rescue efforts—resulting in comprehensive emergency response training.

By practicing fire response procedures, information sharing protocols, and coordinated actions, participating organizations confirmed their ability to respond swiftly and safely in the event of an emergency. The drill offered a valuable opportunity to strengthen practical safety measures and improve inter-agency collaboration.

The “K” LINE Group will continue to strengthen collaboration with all relevant parties through similar drills and safety initiatives globally. By doing so, we aim to further enhance the safety of port cargo handling and vessel operations, while contributing to the protection of the marine environment.

Hiab, a leading provider of smart and sustainable on road load handling solutions, has secured a significant MOFFETT truck mounted forklift order in the USA.

A strategic customer in the home improvement segment placed an order with a value of approximately EUR 21.6 million. The order was booked in the second quarter of 2025 with deliveries expected to start in Q3 of 2025.

The ordered truck mounted forklift units are of the MOFFETT M8 NX2 model. With a lifting capacity of up to 3,500 kg, the M8 NX2 can transfer heavy loads quickly and safely even across challenging terrain, while compact enough to be carried on almost any truck or trailer.

“We are proud to deepen our partnership with this strategic customer through this MOFFETT M8 NX2 order. It reflects our shared commitment to efficiency and represents a strong endorsement of MOFFETT’s ability to deliver superior performance and total cost of ownership. This collaboration reinforces our position as the go-to provider for advanced load handling solutions in the USA,” says Pauliina Kunvik, Senior Vice President Sales and Services, North America.

ABL New Zealand has officially launched a specialised maritime and port security consulting service, led by seasoned expert Natasha Hallett, who joins the team as Senior Maritime Security Consultant.

With over 20 years of experience in strategic and operational maritime security roles across New Zealand’s public sector, Natasha brings a wealth of expertise in ISPS Code compliance, port facility assessments, security design, and disaster resilience planning. Her previous leadership roles at Maritime New Zealand and her work across the Pacific Islands position her as a trusted advisor in the region.

“We are delighted to have Natasha join us in this critical role. Maritime security has never been more at risk than it is today. Applying ABL’s long legacy in marine casualty management and loss prevention to support clients, shipyards, and port authorities in managing security risks early on is an obvious step for us. I am personally pleased to welcome Natasha to the helm of this important initiative,” Morwenna Vye, Head of ABL New Zealand.

In her new role, Natasha will lead and expand ABL’s offerings in: ISPS Code compliance and training; ISM Code and SMS audits; ISPO port compliance services; Security risk assessments and emergency planning; Custom consultancy for ports, shipyards, and maritime facilities.

Her contributions have been recognised by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Australasian Women in Emergencies Network, highlighting her leadership in regional maritime security and advocacy for women in the field.

“The security risk to ports and other maritime facilities is ever-present and requires careful attention to detail to reduce risks to a reasonable minimum and in compliance with the ISPO code. ABL brings local regulatory knowledge, international code expertise, and vast marine experience, with a reputation in loss prevention and risk engineering. I am excited to apply my industry knowledge within the multi-disciplined setting that ABL can provide,” comments Natasha Hallett, Snr. Maritime Security Consultant

ABL New Zealand offers expert engineering and consultancy services across the maritime and offshore energy sectors, with a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and risk management.

The French State and the Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (CNR) have officially awarded the management of the public ports of Vienne Sud and Portes-lès-Valence to Rhône Modal Shift, a newly formed consortium led by international logistics provider the Rhenus Group.

The 25-year concession brings together Rhenus (51%), the Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCI) of Nord Isère and Drôme (20% each), and Société Report Modal (9%).

This decision follows a competitive selection process aimed at strengthening the Mediterranean-Rhône-Saône (MeRS) corridor, a major freight axis connecting the Lyon region to the port of Marseille-Fos. According to Fabienne Buccio, Prefect of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, “this initiative enhances the logistics offer for businesses and strengthens the role of the Rhône corridor in national and international freight flows.”

The two ports are already active logistics hubs: Vienne Sud, part of the 340-hectare INSPIRA industrial zone, handled 115,000 tonnes by river and 137,000 tonnes by rail in 2024.

Portes-lès-Valence, a 45-hectare trimodal platform, processed 80,000 tonnes by river and 171,000 tonnes by rail.
The consortium has committed to doubling freight volumes by 2032, supported by infrastructure upgrades co-financed through an EUR80 million investment plan across four Rhône ports. Michael de Reese, Division Head of Rhenus Port Logistics, emphasized: “We’re proud to bring our logistics expertise to this long-term project. Our goal is to make these ports more efficient, more connected and more responsive to the needs of businesses.”

By improving multimodal transport options, especially river and rail, the project enhances the flow of goods between European inland markets and international maritime routes. This contributes to more efficient logistics and supports the competitiveness of regional industries. Laurence Borie-Bancel, President of CNR, noted that “by combining the expertise of a global logistics group with the local knowledge of the CCIs, we are taking bold and pragmatic steps to attract new freight flows and support industrial development along the corridor.”

CNR estimates that increased use of river and rail transport could remove up to 120,000 trucks per year from the Rhône Valley Road network. This shift is expected to ease congestion and improve the reliability of freight services. The CCIs, through their long-standing presence in port operations, will also play a key role in maintaining strong ties with local businesses and communities. As the CCI Representatives Philippe Guérand, President of the CCI for the region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Christophe Carron, President of the CCI for Nord Isère, Alain Guibert, President of the CCI for Drôme, and Pierre-Olivier Boyer, President of the Société Report Modal for the CCI of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, stated: “This partnership with Rhenus, a major logistics group recognised in Europe, allows us to connect regional economic actors with a broader logistics network, while contributing to the State’s long-term transport strategy.”