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The Bertschi Group, a market leader in intermodal chemical logistics, has officially inaugurated its new Antwerp Zomerweg Terminal (AZT) in the presence of invited guests.

Strategically located in the largest integrated chemical cluster in Europe, the terminal serves as an ideal hub for imports and exports to and from overseas markets, reinforcing Bertschi’s position in one of the world’s most important logistics hotspots.

With a total area of 60,000 m², the AZT terminal is optimally designed for the storage of Dangerous Goods (DG) and non-DG’s in tank containers. The facility offers space for more than 2,500 TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units), including 1,290 TEU specifically for Dangerous Goods. In addition to storage, the terminal emphasizes an expanded trimodal transport offering, integrating rail, inland waterway, and truck connections to optimize intermodal logistics.

The terminal is equipped with state-of-the-art safety infrastructure, including fire-resistant zones, redundant fire-fighting pumps, and a remotely operated gantry crane. These advanced safety measures ensure secure and efficient operations, in line with Bertschi’s high standards.

The facility also features 60 tank container heating stations, allowing on-site heating of products. A further highlight is the option for bonded warehouse storage, offering added logistical flexibility.

With four handling tracks each 650 meters in length, the terminal can accommodate full trains and ensure seamless goods distribution. Via inland waterways connected to the deep-sea port, imports can be transported directly to AZT, stored efficiently, and then redistributed via rail or truck to their final destination.

Following a phased start-up over recent months, the official opening took place on 7 May, 2025, with over 100 invited guests in attendance. The event included speeches from Jacques Pitteloud, Swiss Ambassador to Belgium, and Johan Klaps, Alderman of the Port of Antwerp, which were attentively followed by those present. Jan Arnet, CEO of the Bertschi Group, also expressed his enthusiasm: “We are proud to open this new terminal and expand our logistics capacity here in Antwerp. With the modern infrastructure, we can offer our customers efficient and secure handling of liquid Dangerous Goods imports and exports, including storage and intermodal distribution.”

During a subsequent tour of the terminal, guests had the opportunity to experience the scale of the facility and gain detailed insights into the logistics services and operational processes offered.

FTL are pleased to share their movement of OOG cargo from South Africa to Madagascar.

This shipment included 14 oversized trailers which were shipped from Pretoria to Toliara.

You can find an impressive showcase of the operations here.

Thanks to the diligence and hard work of their team, FTL have received an enquiry for 21 additional trailers this year.

FTL was incorporated in 1994 and offer end-to-end project cargo and OOG transport services through professional teams with innovative and cost-effective multimodal solutions.

Aprojects Austria GmbH, a member of the Project Logistics Alliance representing Austria, has successfully completed its first major shipment for Plasser & Theurer, a globally renowned manufacturer of railway track maintenance machines.

The operation involved handling and shipping a single railway machine, measuring 1927 x 307 x 417 cm and weighing 72 tons, along with additional accessories. The cargo was destined for South Korea, and the shipment marked the start of a partnership between Aprojects Austria and Plasser & Theurer.

The successful handling of such a specialized piece of equipment underscores Aprojects Austria’s capability in managing complex project logistics. Congratulations on the success of this shipment and on the start of a promising partnership, team Aprojects Austria.

Last year the Company operated in a challenging environment of a shipment transportation market as well as the significant drop of freight rates for export and inland cargo.

In 2023 JSC “Volga Shipping” completely exited the low-margin segment of liquid bulk cargo transportation and completed the sale of 100% of its tanker fleet. This allowed to free the company from the excessive credit burden that had arisen as a result of the ship construction in previous years.

Thus, in 2023-2024, JSC “Volga Shipping” operated exclusively dry cargo vessels with a deadweight of 3,000 to 7,000 tons and performed bulk cargo transportation along the inland river waterways of Russia and export bulk cargo from the shallow ports of the Azov and Black Sea.

River shipments in Russia represented 70% of total shipments of the Company. Up to 97% of export shipments were performed from Azov Sea ports to Turkey.

Last year the main cargo of JSC “Volga Shipping” were: grain, coal, construction materials (crushed stone and gravel).

In 2024 JSC “Volga Shipping” successfully implemented operational efficiency plans for coasters and river vessels, that led to significant reduction of time and increase of the quality for internavigation repairs.
Meanwhile, Improved transparency of navigation safety supervision played the significant role in achieving positive results for the Company in 2024.

All shipments are performed in strict compliance with national and international legislation. All vessels are operated with activated AIS (Automatic Identification System).

As of May 2025, JSC “Volga Shipping” has fleet of 44 dry cargo river-sea vessels suitable for international export shipments with deadweight up to 7,100 each and 74 dry cargo river vessels and 88 river barges suitable only for internal river transportation in Russia with deadweight up to 5,700 tons each.

Freightweek has proved one of the star attractions at this year’s Breakbulk 2025.

With the great and the good of the sector popping by to discuss all things project cargo, breakbulk and heavylift.

Bertling Logistics is pleased to highlight another successful complex transport project — the secure and efficient delivery of a gas metering skid for a major energy development in Western Australia.

The project scope covered full transport engineering, from lifting and lashing design to vessel chartering, customs documentation, and compliance with strict Australian biosecurity standards.

A special thank you to our teams in Middlesbrough and Kuala Lumpur for their outstanding collaboration and coordination throughout the project!

Sarens, the global leader and reference in crane rental services, heavy lifting, and engineered transport, was selected to provide weighing, loading, and heavy haulage solutions for three major oil and gas projects in Bintan, Indonesia.

These projects include the West Belut development, the Sisi Nubi AOI Project (Packages A & B), and the Terubuk L & M fields, which play a significant role in boosting Indonesia’s oil and gas production.

The work is being carried out on behalf of Meindo, Sarens’ client and partner since 2021, when the companies first collaborated on Pertamina’s inaugural national project. Since then, Sarens has become the exclusive provider of weighing and loading services for Meindo, thanks to its expertise and innovative problem-solving capabilities.

The current scope of work, which began in June 2024 and is set to continue through June 2025, takes place at the Meitech Eka Bintan yard. Sarens is utilising a variety of specialised equipment, including load cells ranging from 150 tonnes to 600 tonnes, and up to 56 SPMT axles with 4 PPUs. One of the most challenging lifts involves a jacket weighing 1.100 tonnes. A team of seven professionals, including a senior project engineer, SHEQ consultant, supervisor, and operators, are on site to ensure the highest safety standards and the smooth execution of all operations.

Sarens is responsible for weighing and transporting a 500-tonne topside for the West Belut Field, located in Block B of the South Natuna Sea. Notably, this project is fully powered by photovoltaic energy, showcasing a commitment to sustainability. As an unmanned facility, it minimizes occupational risks while also reducing operating costs. With production initiated in September 2024, the field is capable of producing 55 million standard cubic feet of gas per day.

At Terubuk, Sarens is overseeing the transport of two ZEEPOD jackets, a unique method of construction that splits the jacket into three parts, assembled offshore to reduce crane capacity requirements at sea. These slim-profile jackets, with their high center of gravity, present a significant transportation challenge. To address this, Sarens developed custom plates to securely attach the jackets to the SPMTs, ensuring safe and efficient transport.

Sisi Nubi AOI Project (Packages A & B)
Sarens is tasked with the transportation of six jackets, each weighing 1.100 tonnes, and six topsides weighing 400 tonnes each for the Sisi Nubi AOI Project. Located in the Mahakam Field, one of Indonesia’s major gas-producing areas, the project contributes 160 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to the country’s output. Sarens’ role spans across both phases: from constructing the essential drilling platforms and pipelines to optimising existing structures for increased capacity and efficiency.

Richard Andrianto, Project Manager at Sarens, remarked, “We are very pleased with the work we are doing at the Meitech Eka Bintan yard together with our client Meindo. With this project, we are contributing to the development of three important national oil and gas projects, helping Indonesia achieve its production targets on a national scale.”

Sarens’ involvement in these key national projects reinforces its position as a trusted partner in the oil and gas industry. Our company brings a wealth of international experience, having collaborated on high-profile projects such as Saudi Aramco’s Marjan Field in the Middle East, Pertamina’s refinery upgrades in Balikpapan, and Qatar Energy’s North Field Oil projects.

As Sarens continues to expand its footprint in Indonesia, the company remains committed to delivering innovative solutions that meet the demands of the oil and gas sector while upholding the highest safety and operational standards.

Project Cargo Network are pleased to announce GP Cargo Agenciamento de Cargas as new members in Brazil.

Based in Belo Horizonte and established in 2009, they come recommended by PCN members as specialists in project cargo handling with great local knowledge and a professional and proactive team. The company is ISO, AEO, IATA and GPTW certified.

“GP Cargo is an international freight agent, specializing in complex project logistics, national & international transportation, and integrated logistics solutions. Delivering comprehensive operations, we are dedicated to reliable and quality services. Our trajectory is marked by innovative, bold solutions and solid partnerships.”
“We have extensive experience and expertise in managing special project cargo shipments involving maritime (chartering, breakbulk, RORO), air charters, road and rail. Our focus is on pursuing excellence in quality from the planning to the completion of each project. To achieve this, we combine our team’s expert knowledge with quantitative analysis tools aimed at reducing costs, minimizing environmental impact, and enhancing quality.

The phases of our projects are fundamental to ensuring excellent results in handling complex cargo. Each phase is crucial for achieving efficiency, minimizing risks, and ensuring client satisfaction.

1st Phase – Meetings to understand client needs and project specifics.

2nd Phase – Thorough analysis of costs, risks, and demands to ensure accuracy.

3rd Phase – Development of tactical, strategic, and contingency plans, with detailed evaluation.

4th Phase – Precise execution and monitoring of the project to ensure effective results.”

“We look forward to developing strong partnerships with the project specialist agents of PCN and developing new opportunities.”

GP Cargo’s project experience has included a broad range of sectors including mining, energy, industrial, machinery & accessories, defence & government, telecommunications, automotive, AOG, biotechnology, and technology. Some of their recent projects are featured below: Air charter of a 747 from Brazil to Haiti of humanitarian cargo. A total of 364 pieces at 73,475kg; Shipment of ball mill machinery for a mining company from Taicang in China to Santos, Brazil. A total of 88 pieces at 351,314kg / 1,492cbm; A mobile production line for grinding iron and coal for steelmaking from Taicang in China to Pecem, Brazil. A total of 67 pieces at 805,865kg / 4,116cbm; Komatsu 830E truck plus many accessories and spares from Houston in the USA to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A total of 396 pieces at 1,309,356kg / 3,886cbm.

Through the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), leading global logistics service provider, the Rhenus Group, will operate barge services in various National Waterways in India.

In the first phase, Rhenus will introduce push boats and 20 flat bottom barges from Germany with a capacity of 400 tonnes, which can be combined to transport up to 1,200 tonnes per trip. As demand grows, Rhenus India will scale its fleet to 100 barges and expand its corridors across the Indian subcontinent. The partnership with IWAI aims to contribute towards building a resilient multi-modal logistics ecosystem in India, with the eventual goal of carrying over a million tonnes of cargo per year by 2025.

Rhenus signed the MoU with IWAI on 6 May 2025 to align with the government’s commitment on strengthening inland waterways as a key pillar of India’s logistics ecosystem. Rhenus is proud to support India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and lead the way in shaping the future of sustainable logistics and contribute to India’s logistics transformation.

With over 14,500 kilometers of navigable waterways, including 111 National Waterways, India’s Inland Water Transport (IWT) sector, which is governed by IWAI, has seen significant growth. Cargo volumes have increased from 30 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) in 2014 to 133 MMTPA in 2024.

Rhenus India will introduce its Inland Waterways Transport solutions: barge scheduled services that will facilitate cargo transport on two Indian rivers, the Ganga River and the Brahmaputra River. These sustainable and cost-effective logistics solutions will allow for seamless cargo movements across India and beyond. In this venture, Rhenus is expanding its existing expertise for port operation and inland navigation from Europe to India.

To start, Rhenus India intends to operate barge services on National Waterways NW-1, NW-2, NW-16 and the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol route (IBP), with plans to gradually scale up to include other national waterways in the country. A combination of pushers and barges, to suit low-draft navigation in the waterways, will be used to transport both Bulk and Break-Bulk cargo across North & East India, North-East India, and subsequently neighbouring countries. With 1,000 vessels in operations daily on all navigable waterways in Europe, Rhenus will now tap into its Port Logistics experience, in particular in European inland navigation, as well as resources from its European Waterways fleet to further support India’s IWT sector.

In Europe, Rhenus has been active in the inland navigation sector since its foundation year 1912. With barge shipping as its core competency, the Rhenus Group built its company and service portfolio around its logistics activities along the Rhine River and diversified them to include air and ocean freight, warehousing, road freight as well as rail, over time, becoming a worldwide logistics solutions provider.

Vivek Arya, CEO of Rhenus Logistics India & Global CEO of Rhenus Warehousing Solutions Intercontinental, said, “With over 100 years of dedicated expertise in inland waterway operations across Europe, Rhenus is excited to partner with IWAI in this transformative journey to create a smarter, greener and more economical logistics network. Recognizing the immense potential of India’s inland waterways, we are committed to adapt our best practices to suit the Indian environment and contribute towards seamless waterway movement through our innovative solutions.”

Michael de Reese, Division Head of Rhenus Port Logistics, added, “Inland navigation is the backbone of the producing economy in Germany as well as in Europe. With our expertise and our broad experience in mastering challenges such as infrastructure construction, varying water levels and the training of a reliable expert workforce, we can support the growing Indian economy together with the IWAI.”

Mammoet has expanded its electric fleet with the purchase of two Eco500 heavy transport vehicles from Cometto.

The mini transporter will play a big role in supporting industrial movements inside buildings and areas too small for standard-sized trailers to operate, and where emissions need to be eliminated.

The Eco500’s compact design – a combination of its power pack being integrated underneath its loading platform and Cometto’s patented ‘pendulum suspension’ – enables the movement of heavy cargoes in confined spaces.

Like other transporters, the Eco500 has a lifting cylinder for jacking, freedom of movement in all directions and operates via remote control. Lowered, it measures just 670 millimeters high.

Using joker axles, the Eco500 can be set up in various configurations of two, three or four axles, or in a combination of 2 x 4 axles, giving an overall capacity range of 67 to 274 tonnes.

The Eco500 will enable more effective working, another option to reduce operational noise, and a reduction in the amount of equipment on site.

It will also help to support Mammoet’s ‘zero-emissions on site’ offering – joining a growing fleet of SPMTs, skidding equipment and cranes that are helping customers to reduce carbon emissions, meet stricter targets and achieve 2030 sustainability goals.

Ludo Mous, Global Asset Director SPMT at Mammoet, said: “We continually strive to make heavy lift and transport projects safer, efficient and more sustainable for our customers.

This is made possible by us developing and investing in new and innovative technologies.

The Eco500 is compact, electric, and its lifting system is the same as existing transport equipment – making it a great addition to our fleet.”

Adrian Zingan, Product Manager at Cometto, said: “When Mammoet approached us with its list of requirements for an electric SPMT, we were delighted with their reaction to the Eco500. The self-propelled transporter is a compact and powerful transport solution for intralogistics, with the electric model offering emission-free driving.”

The Eco500s are now officially part of the Mammoet electric fleet and ready for use. Customers interested in reducing their carbon footprint are invited to contact their local Mammoet location.

Logistics buyers can play a decisive role in creating a sustainable future for the freight sector by setting clear requirements and being willing to collaborate and experiment with new solutions.

While CO2 emissions from maritime shipping have decreased by one-third since their peak in 2020, they are still too high. According to data from the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, CO2 emissions from maritime shipping to and from Sweden decreased from 8.31 million tonnes of CO2e in 2020 to 5.43 million tonnes. There is also a growing interest from logistics buyers seeking to find out how more sustainable shipping can help them achieve their overall sustainability goals.

Maria Huge-Brodin, Professor of Environmental Logistics Management at Linköping University, emphasises the critical role logistics buyers play in driving the transition towards fossil-free shipping: “All stakeholders in the system must play their part in tackling this significant, complex challenge. Transport companies need the know how and ability to become more sustainable, and we need effective regulatory frameworks to incentivise reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. But what is truly crucial is that customers are willing and able to set demands, collaborate and understand what really matters in their transport choices.”

Companies that purchase transport services have significant power to influence the market by demanding fossil-free alternatives and investing in long-term solutions. However, transports is often way down on the priority list. According to Maria Huge-Brodin, the challenge is that transport purchases often represent only a small part of a company’s overall operations, which means sustainability efforts often focus on areas with a greater climate impact.

Maria Huge-Brodin, Professor of Environmental Logistics Management: “While many large companies claim strong climate responsibility at a strategic level, it’s still mostly about cutting costs at the procurement level. Clear signals from the top are essential – bonuses should be based on environmental criteria, not just cost savings,” she says.

Many operators are investing in fuel-efficient solutions and alternative fuels such as biogas, methanol and hydrogen. Encouraging investments in electrification and the development of charging infrastructure for ships and trucks could also be important steps in building a more sustainable transport system.

“Collaboration is key. By working together, companies can lobby for expanded capacity and a more robust network of charging stations,” says Maria Huge-Brodin.

While setting sustainability criteria in transport agreements is another effective means to achieve sustainability goals, partners must also be prepared to work over the long term.

“New solutions require lasting partnerships and longer contracts. Annual procurements do not encourage investment. Requirements should be flexible and evolving, allowing room for development as technologies and economic conditions change,” says Professor Brodin.

She concludes: “The major transport buyers must take the lead and purchase sustainable transport solutions. They have the power to set the direction and the capacity to make investments.”

Select transport partners that invest in energy efficient solutions and alternative fuels like biogas, methanol or hydrogen. Demand emissions transparency and documented progress. Encourage investments in port electrification and shore power for ships and trucks. Support port electrification and shore power to reduce emissions and noise, and improve working conditions.

Companies can drive transition throughout the value chain by including sustainability criteria in procurement processes and rewarding suppliers who reduce their emissions. Demand fossil-free fuels, energy efficiency and emission reductions in every transport agreement.

Optimising transport flows can lead to significant emission reductions. Intermodal solutions enable more efficient route planning and help avoid unnecessary shipments, resulting in lower freight costs and reduced climate impact. Whenever possible, consider consolidating cargo to increase efficiency and minimise your carbon footprint. Partner with transport providers who use real-time data to optimise routes and reduce empty runs – this can lead to substantial savings in emissions and costs.

The Israeli logistics service provider Orian SH.M. Ltd has been a global network partner of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics in Israel since the beginning of 2025.

This new partnership complements Hellmann´s long-standing successful collaboration with Peltransport Ltd. By expanding its network, Hellmann is strengthening its presence in the dynamically growing Israeli business market, thereby supporting the company’s global growth targets.

Orian, a publicly traded company on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, ranks among the top three freight forwarding and logistics companies in Israel. Founded in 1985, the company has experienced substantial growth and is now managed by the third generation of the founding family. With a workforce of 850 employees, Orian provides comprehensive one-stop-shop services, including freight forwarding, and operates nationwide with seven logistics warehouses, its own transport company and a courier service. With Hellmann and Orian, this partnership brings together two family-owned companies with the shared goal of continued growth. The aim is to build a sustainable collaboration as network partners in Israel and on a global scale.

“With the new strategic partnership between Orian and Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, we achieve a significant milestone in expanding our customized product portfolio for our clients. Together, we will leverage Hellmann’s extensive network and expertise, combined with Orian’s innovative solutions, to bring sustainable services to market,” said Amir Brendel, Vice President Air and Ocean, Orian SH.M. Ltd.

“Expanding our network by partnering with Orian is part of our growth strategy. We are convinced that both sides will benefit from this global collaboration and that we will grow sustainably together. Israel is a strategically important market for world trade. Despite the geopolitical challenges, the country is showing continuous economic growth and represents an important bridge between Europe, Asia and Africa. This makes it a key hub for trade and logistics and we look forward to a good, long-term collaboration with the Orian team,” added Jens Tarnowski, Regional CEO West Europe, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics.

A pilot project using a hydrogen generator to supply electricity to ships docked at the Port of Gothenburg is now in its final phase.

The method may pave the way for reduced emissions in other ports where conventional shore power connections are not feasible.

Powering ships with electricity instead of using their conventional engines while docked can save large amounts of carbon dioxide emissions*. The first facilities for connecting ships to shore-side electricity—known as On-shore Power Supply (OPS)—were installed at the Port of Gothenburg in the early 2000s. At that time, the OPS-facilities at Stena Line’s terminals for Germany and Denmark traffic were among the first of their kind in the world.

However, many other ports in the EU and across the globe have not come as far and often lack necessary prerequisites. OPS systems require significant investment as well as a robust underlying electrical infrastructure in the ports.

In such ports, alternative solutions are needed. Mobile hydrogen generators, like the one currently being tested at Stena Line’s Germany terminal, may offer a promising way forward.

As part of a two-week pilot project, a hydrogen-powered generator has been connected to Stena Line’s existing shore power facility at the Port of Gothenburg. Using green hydrogen as fuel, the generator has supplied electricity to the vessel Stena Germanica and Stena Scandinavica while docked.

“At Stena Line, we are eager to collaborate to test new technologies aimed at reducing emissions from our industry. This project shows that there are alternative solutions for ports that lack the infrastructure for shore power,” says Anders Peterson, Group Head of Port Development & Engineering at Stena Line.

In 2030, a new EU regulation will come into effect requiring container and passenger vessels to use OPS while at berth. According to a study by ICCT, this is expected to reduce emissions by just over one million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. According to Viktor Allgurén, Head of Innovation at the Port of Gothenburg, hydrogen could help ports meet these requirements:

“Since the climate is a shared concern for us all, it is also in everyone’s interest that as many ports as possible around us succeed in meeting these demands. With our extensive experience in OPS, we are pleased to partner with Stena Line to serve as a testbed for this new technology, which may very well prove to be a viable solution for many ports,” says Viktor Allgurén.

The hydrogen generator being tested at the Port of Gothenburg was developed by Hitachi Energy, whose technology partner PowerCell Group supplies the generator’s power modules and expertise in fuel cell integration. During the test, the generator used 100% green hydrogen supplied by gas producer Linde Gas.

“We are very pleased with the results of the latest collaboration with Stena Line, PowerCell Group, Linde Gas, and the Port of Gothenburg. We value working with these industry players to continue exploring new application areas for HyFlex and to demonstrate its broad potential—from construction sites to port terminals—to accelerate the energy transition,” says Tobias Hansson, Managing Director of Hitachi Energy in Sweden.

Hydrogen as a fuel has a range of potential applications in a port context. Today, the Port of Gothenburg has a hydrogen refueling station for trucks, hydrogen-powered work vehicles are currently being tested, and the technology used in the current OPS trial has also recently been used in the port by Skanska to power heavy machinery in a major terminal expansion project.

Go Gauge Logistics are glad to share their recent execution of a challenging heavy lift movement from Rajasthan, India to Xingang, China.

The company received the cargo from their customers site in Rajasthan before loading at Nhava Sheva.

First mile arrangements were completed in a one-week timeframe and included transport with four 40′ flat racks, and four 40′ high cube containers.

Go Gauge Logistics covered a wide scope of work for this project: Transportation from the shipper’s warehouse to port; Warehouse load/brace/secure & dray to seaport movement; Detailed secure lashing with dunnage; Special approvals to load 45 tons on 40 FR; Expert on-site supervision for safe and efficient loading.

With their strong technical team and hands-on project management, Go Gauge continues to lead in delivering oversized and heavy lift cargo globally – safely, precisely, and on-time.