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Food safety and operational excellence have earned Guyhirn-based Bretts Transport the highest possible grade in its latest audit by BRC Global Standards (BRCGS).

The BRC AA+ was earned during an unannounced audit in a move requested by Bretts to ensure best performance at all times.

It marks the 12th consecutive year Bretts has maintained BRCGS accreditation and the second year it has achieved the highest mark – cementing the company’s status as a trusted leader in food warehousing and distribution.

The BRCGS audit is globally recognised as one of the most rigorous food safety and quality certifications in the industry. It evaluates every aspect of a business’s operation – from site and building standards to product traceability, vehicle hygiene, and operational practices.

Simon Brett, CEO of Bretts and fifth-generation leader of the family-run company, commented: “We are delighted once again to have achieved the highest possible accreditation from the BRCGS – this time following an unannounced visit.

“Our business is built on a long-standing ethos of providing each and every one of our customers with the highest standards of service at all times, ensuring complete safety of their products while they’re in our care.

“This accreditation is a reflection of the unrivalled standards of cleanliness and hygiene across our operation – from our warehouse to our transport fleet – and a testament to the incredible team who make it possible every day.”

Bretts Transport specialises in ambient food storage and distribution across the UK.

With more than 90 years of experience as a family business, relationships are built on trust, consistency, and delivering peace of mind for customers in the food and retail sectors.

Simon added: “We believe that exceptional standards should be part of the everyday – not just a performance for audit day. That’s why we’ve embraced unannounced visits as the new standard going forward, reinforcing our commitment to continuous improvement and transparency.”

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) has been selected as a constituent of the “FTSE4Good Index Series”, one of the leading global indices for ESG investing, for the fourth year straight and 21st time in total.

“K” LINE has also been listed as a constituent of “FTSE Blossom Japan Index” for eight years in a row and “FTSE Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index for the fourth consecutive year respectively, since those indices were initially launched.

Created by the global index provider FTSE Russell (the trading name of FTSE International Limited and Frank Russell Company), the FTSE4Good Index Series is designed to measure the performance of companies demonstrating strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices, selecting 1,175 companies from developed countries including 278 Japanese companies, and 870 companies from emerging countries. On the other hand, FTSE Blossom Japan Index and FTSE Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index reflect the performance of Japanese companies that demonstrate strong ESG practices (405 companies and 683 companies are selected respectively out of 1,347 constituents of FTSE Japan All Cap Index). These indices have been adopted as a benchmark of ESG investing by Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF) in Japan. Those indices are used by a wide variety of market participants to create and assess responsible investment funds and other products.

The “K” LINE Group regards “sustainability management” as one of the key issues for achieving medium- to long-term enhancement of corporate value, and aims to create both economic and social values in a sustainable manner by striving to achieve both the continuous development of the Group and its contribution to a sustainable society. Going forward, the “K” LINE Group will continue to contribute to the resolution of social issues, including climate change, while pursuing growth opportunities and enhancing corporate value.

Project One Logistics, a member of the Project Logistics Alliance representing the United States of America, has successfully completed a cargo operation bound for Florida.

In this recent operation, the team managed the direct discharge of several transformers, offloading them directly from the vessel onto waiting trucks. This process eliminates the need for port storage but requires precise timing, coordination, and execution. Direct discharge also required trucks to arrive precisely when needed, with no margin for delay, as there is no flexibility once the cargo is ready to move. Coordination with the port captain and stevedores was critical, and detailed planning began well before the vessel reached port.

Project One Logistics expertly managed every step, ensuring every element was aligned for a smooth and timely discharge. Well done, team Project One Logistics!

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics today announced the opening of its new fully-owned subsidiary in Colombia.

The launch represents a strategic milestone in the company’s network expansion across the Americas and underscores its commitment to sustainable, long-term growth.

Hellmann has been active in Colombia for almost 30 years through local partner companies, establishing a strong market presence, in-depth local expertise, and a reliable network. Earlier this year Hellmann acquired its perishables partner HPL Apollo, including the HPL entity in Colombia. Following this acquisition, the company has further strengthened its footprint in the country by formally establishing its own subsidiary specializing in end-to-end logistics for general cargo and other verticals including airfreight, seafreight, customs brokerage, and contract logistics supported by an experienced team of supply chain professionals. Customers and partners can leverage Colombia as a new strategic hub for both inbound and outbound flows, enhancing connectivity to North and South American markets as well as global trade lanes supported by the extensive Hellmann network.

“Following the takeover of HPL Apollo in the United States and the inclusion of its Colombian operations, establishing a fully integrated own country organization in Colombia marks another milestone in our global expansion strategy. The Americas is a key market for us, and this development strengthens our presence and enhances our ability to serve customers across this strategically important region,” says Jens Drewes, CEO Hellmann Worldwide Logistics.

“After seven successful years of collaboration with our local partner ABC Cargo Logistics S.A.S., we are proud to take the next step by establishing our own Hellmann operations in Colombia,” said Peter Huwel, Regional Chief Executive Officer, Americas. “This launch strengthens our ability to deliver the high-quality, integrated logistics solutions our customers expect from Hellmann, while positioning us to drive continued growth across the region.”

The Colombian opening further consolidates Hellmann’s presence in Latin America and aligns with the company’s ambition to connect the Americas’ markets, people, and opportunities with efficiency, innovation, and commitment.

This spring, two key practical tests for the automation of heavy-duty transport were successfully conducted in Hamburg’s urban and highway traffic as part of the EU-funded MODI project.

In May, project partners Gruber Logistics, DAF Trucks, Volvo Trucks, New Mobility Solutions, and BAST (Federal Highway Research Institute), with the support of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, tested two crucial use cases: the safe, automated merging of trucks into highway traffic and the reliable detection of vulnerable road users in urban environments.

MODI is a European innovation initiative bringing together 36 partners from industry and research. With a total budget of around 28 million euros, the project aims to demonstrate automated heavy-duty transport along a real traffic corridor through five European countries. In addition to technological aspects, the focus is also on the safe integration into existing infrastructures, environmental and safety issues, and legal frameworks.

“The increasingly critical driver shortage is forcing the industry to rethink. We need to deploy these professionals where their experience is strategically necessary – the technology already exists for simple, monotonous tasks. Automated driving functions and infrastructure technology not only enhance safety for our drivers but for all road users, including pedestrians,” explains Martin Gruber, CEO of Gruber Logistics, offering the logistics partner’s perspective.

Thanks to close cooperation with Hamburg’s officials and traffic authorities, the tests could be conducted in real-world traffic – a prerequisite for the practical development of automated driving functions. In the test scenarios launched in early May, an automated lane change maneuver on a public highway was successfully demonstrated. Using Volvo’s “Cooperative Merging” function, the participating vehicles exchanged information in real time with each other and with intelligent IT interfaces at construction sites to safely navigate the test obstacles. This included merging into flowing traffic and navigating through construction zones.

Additionally, integration into urban infrastructure – so-called “smart roads” – was tested. At a major Hamburg traffic junction, a novel detection system was deployed that identifies vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists from up to 300 meters away. Movement patterns were analyzed and transmitted in real time to approaching trucks, which have a more limited perception range. To realistically simulate critical blind spot situations, child crash test dummies were also used. This approach aims to provide an additional layer of safety.

In parallel, the project partners tested the use of cooperative traffic light data. With “time-to-green” information, trucks could adjust their speed in advance to pass through traffic lights without stopping. At the same time, the infrastructure dynamically responded to traffic volumes: traffic light phases were adjusted to flexibly match the expected arrival times of vehicles. “This mutual communication between vehicle and infrastructure significantly contributed to optimizing traffic flow, avoiding unnecessary braking, and thereby measurably reducing both fuel consumption and emissions,” explains Tobias Brzoskowski, New Mobility Solution Director.

The Bilbao Port Authority and the University of the Basque Country have renewed their collaboration agreement to roll out the Biomonitoring Plan of the Port of Bilbao, which includes, for the first time, monitoring and surveillance of the phytoplankton community.

Since 1994, the Department of Plant Biology and Ecology and the Department of Zoology and Animal Cell Biology at the University of the Basque Country have provided the Bilbao Port Authority with technical assistance in rolling out the Port’s Biomonitoring Plan. The new contract, due to run for four years, is worth 785,810 euros.

As part of this collaboration agreement, originally signed over 30 years ago, between the Port and the University, the development of the benthic communities (flora and fauna) in the outer harbour area is closely monitored, and an assessment is made of general trends as well as an analysis of changes in terms of both flora and fauna (composition and relative abundance of species) and at the structural level. In addition, the physical and chemical characteristics of the water column are characterised by measuring parameters such as light extinction coefficient, salinity, turbidity, suspended solids and organic and inorganic matter.

A new feature of the 2025-28 contract is the inclusion of the study of phytoplankton, with a view to understanding the structure and dynamics of phytoplankton communities and identifying the presence of potentially harmful and/or toxic species (entry or potential exit). This information provides the Port Authority with a rigorous scientific basis to assess the biological and physical-chemical status of the port ecosystem and its immediate environment at any given time, while also identifying the pressures to which it is subject. In short, this biomonitoring is the basis for environmental quality management and the protection of the aquatic systems of the Port of Bilbao.
In general terms, the results of the Biomonitoring Plan indicate that in recent years there has been a positive trend in the maturity of biological communities, and that expansion works and port activity have not had a widespread negative impact on them.

The Biomonitoring Plan of the Port of Bilbao includes an extensive network of monitoring stations, specifically 21. At 18 of these stations, benthic communities and the physical and chemical parameters of the water column will be studied, divided into a total of eight sectors: Sector 1, covering Punta Lucero (PL) and Punta Ceballos (PC); Sector 2, covering Zierbena (ZI) and Zierbena Dock (DZ); Sector 3, covering the Zierbena 1 (C1) and 2 (C2) breakwaters; Sector 4, covering the Inner Wharf 1 (D1) and Inner Wharf 2 (D2); Sector 5, covering Santurtzi (SA) and Ereaga (ER); Sector 6, covering Las Arenas (LA) and Arriluze (AL); Sector 7, covering Arrigunaga (AG) and La Galea (GA); and Sector 8, covering Azkorri (AZ), Sopelana (SO), Matxilando (MA) and Kobaron (KO). The first seven sectors cover most of the port area (Inner and Outer Abra), where the Ereaga, Arrigunaga and Punta Galea monitoring stations are set up to distinguish between the effects caused by the waters of the Nervión River and the possible effects of port activities. Likewise, the four stations in Sector 8 are located on the open coast and are considered reference locations. These are located to the right (AZ, SO and MA) and left (KO) of the Abra harbour and are less affected by the estuary and port activities.

The phytoplankton communities will be characterised at the other three monitoring stations (BIL-1, BIL-2 and BIL-3), all located within the facilities of the Port of Bilbao. BIL-1 is located in the Outer Abra, next to the Punta Lucero Dock, which is used for handling liquid bulk cargo and for the berthing and unloading of oil tankers. BIL-2 is located in the mid-section of the Abra, between Docks A1 and A2, which is an area mainly used for container loading. BIL-3 is located in the innermost part of the Abra, between the E2 Dock and the Reina Victoria Dock, where conventional cargo such as steel and construction materials are handled.

PLA are pleased to introduce Clutch Global Logistics, Inc., representing the United States of America, as the newest member of the Project Logistics Alliance community.

Clutch Global Logistics, Inc. was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Northlake, Illinois. Since its inception, the company has been driven by a clear vision to make international logistics a seamless and customer-focused experience. With over 30 years of industry experience, Clutch has built a strong reputation for providing dependable, customised logistics solutions across global markets. Its success is rooted in a commitment to service excellence, operational efficiency, and long-term client partnerships.

Clutch Global Logistics brings specialised expertise in complex project logistics, managing the movement of oversized, time-sensitive, and high-value cargo with precision. From heavy construction equipment to tradeshow rollouts and chartered aircraft, the company handles each project with meticulous planning and real-time coordination. By leveraging a combination of air, ocean, and ground transport strategies, Clutch ensures that even the most challenging shipments are executed smoothly, on time, and with full visibility.

Key Services: Project Logistics – Heavy lift & oversized cargo; aircraft & ocean charter; crating, securing, and special permits; RORO; step-deck trailers & tarped loads; escorts & specialised equipment; Air Freight – Expedited and deferred services; direct flights and consolidation; door-to-door and hand carry services; dangerous goods and courier services; freight and passenger aircraft; full coverage insurance available; Ocean Freight – FCL & LCL; RORO and speciality equipment; container loading/unloading; container drayage & refrigerated services; Ground Transportation (North America) – FTL & LTL; border crossing clearances; white glove, liftgate & inside delivery; step-deck trailers, flatbeds & consolidation; appointment deliveries; Tradeshow Logistics – Tradeshow freight pickup & delivery; multi-location rollouts; certified weight tickets; appointment scheduling & white glove service; pads, straps & blanket wraps; consolidation of exhibitors; time-critical and expedited options; Customs Brokerage – Import/export clearance; FDA filings, OGA documentation, ATA carnets; in-bond activities & immediate export; foreign trade zone operations; C-TPAT certified, ACE compliant; duty drawbacks, binding rulings; 24/7 clearance & remote location filing.

Kalmar Corporation will publish its January-June 2025 half-year financial report on 25 July 2025 at approximately 9:00 a.m. EEST.

The report will be available at Kalmar site after publication.

A live international telephone conference for analysts, investors and media will be arranged on the publishing day at 10:00 a.m. EEST. The event will be held in English. The report will be presented by President & CEO Sami Niiranen and CFO Sakari Ahdekivi.

The conference call will be recorded and an on-demand version of the conference will be published at Kalmar’s website later during the day.

Motive Offshore Group has adopted the latest enhancements to AssetVoice, ABL’s asset tracking and workflow management software, to streamline financial and operational processes with advanced digital automation.

The newly introduced features provide a fully digitised and Semi – automated invoice generation system within AssetVoice, allowing Motive to display and forecast revenue in a user-friendly calendar format, improve resource management and optimise processes.

The latest AssetVoice features include: A fully digitised display of revenue in a calendar format, with forecasting capabilities and easy export to financial systems to reduce manual processing time on invoices; A streamlined way to manage personnel utilisation and allocation across projects; By consolidating all asset, personnel, and financial data into a single platform, Motive can now adjust rental schedules, forecasts, and costs in real time, providing greater control over project revenues.

Commenting on the implementation, Peter Adam, ABL’s Group Managing Director, AIM, said:“We developed these new AssetVoice features to give businesses greater financial transparency and operational control. Seeing Motive leverage these capabilities so effectively highlights the real-world benefits of digitalisation, and we’re proud to support them on this journey, having just signed a new 3-year contract for licencing.”

ABL has supported Motive in optimising the management of its rental asset base through a digital platform, meaning increased productivity and returns through higher utilisation. Following its acquisition of Aquatic in September 2024, Motive onboarded Aquatic’s assets into AssetVoice globally within one month, showcasing Motives ability to act as a platform for M&A and track and improve asset utilisation by using its digital systems.

David Leith, Head of Business Improvement & Assurance, Motive Offshore Group: “Through collaboration with AssetVoice, Motive has further enhanced and digitalised its internal processes. Motive’s investment in the upgraded AssetVoice functionality has led to significant cross-departmental efficiency gains. The semi-automated and digitised system allows for scalability through improved forecast reporting capabilities. Motive can more effectively manage utilisation of equipment, rapidly responding to client requirements.”

As ABL’s clients continue to expand, AssetVoice is set to evolve alongside new processes, ensuring streamlined operations and reduced administrative burden.

Hiab (at the time Cargotec) announced on 14 November, 2024, that it had signed an agreement to sell its MacGregor business to funds managed by Triton (the “Transaction”).

On July 1, 2025, Hiab announced that all necessary regulatory approvals had been received, with the exception of approval from the Chinese State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR).

All regulatory approvals have now been secured, and the closing of the Transaction is expected on 31 July 2025.

MacGregor has been reported as part of discontinued operations from the fourth quarter of 2024 onwards.

Sarens is proud to support the development of the Witberg Wind Farm, a major renewable energy project located between Touws River and Laingsburg in South Africa’s Western Cape.

Once operational in the first quarter of 2026, the wind farm will feature 24 V136-4.5 MW turbines and provide clean energy to over 122,000 households, while helping prevent the emission of approximately 420,792 tons of CO₂ annually.

On behalf of logistics partner Kuehne+Nagel, Sarens was responsible for transporting all turbine components to the project site. In total, the 24 turbines—comprising 216 loads—represent a combined weight of over 391 tonnes. Sarens deployed 18 specialised transport combinations and 36 private escort vehicles to move the components from the Saldanha Laydown Area and the GRI tower factory in Atlantis.

Due to challenging access conditions at the site, Sarens’ engineering team had to overcome a steep incline at the entrance. To ensure safe and efficient transport, an 8×8 truck was used to pull the components, as a standard 8×6 truck with ballast was not sufficient. In addition, a Gyro Table was employed to facilitate the transport of the blades, each measuring over 66 metres in length.

The Witberg Wind Farm is being developed by Sibanye-Stillwater and operated by Red Rocket Energy. With a nominal capacity of 108 MW and a contracted power of 103 MW, it is set to become the largest privately built wind farm in South Africa.

The project is expected to contribute to the region’s energy security while supporting local employment during the construction phase. “We are proud to participate in projects of such importance to our country,” says Christo van der Merwe, Depot Manager at Sarens in Cape Town. “Despite the complex logistics and coordination with provincial authorities, all transport operations were executed safely and without incident thanks to the careful planning and expertise of our team. We thank Kuehne+Nagel for their trust and look forward to continuing our collaboration.”

With over 25 years of experience in the wind energy sector, Sarens has supported the installation of more than 7.000 onshore wind turbines across 40 countries, contributing to over 25.000 MW of installed capacity worldwide. From steep inclines and sub-zero conditions to remote and rugged terrain, Sarens continues to deliver safe, efficient, and reliable engineered transport and heavy lifting solutions for wind projects around the globe.

For over twenty years, CEVA Logistics has built a strong relationship of trust and collaboration with Suzuki, establishing itself as the logistics partner of choice for managing the entire supply chain dedicated to the distribution of vehicles, spare parts, and accessories throughout Italy.

The partnership between CEVA Logistics and Suzuki is much more than a simple logistics service provision: it is a strategic alliance based on shared values such as reliability, operational excellence, flexibility, and long-term vision.

Thanks to its extensive expertise in the Finished Vehicle Logistics (FVL) sector, CEVA offers a fully integrated, nimble, 360° service capable of responding promptly to the needs of a global brand like Suzuki.

Each year, CEVA manages the entire flow of Suzuki vehicles, spare parts and accessories arriving from both European production plants and Japanese manufacturing, the latter transported by sea through the port of Livorno. Once in Italy, the products are handled within dedicated facilities strategically located in San Polo di Torrile and Monticelli d’Ongina to receive flows—by rail and road—coming from the Hungarian plant, and in Guasticce (LI) for the Japanese production.

Operational activities maintain consistency across all the logistics hubs, where all key activities necessary for completing the logistics processes required by the client are carried out, including: Vehicle storage and handling; Pre-delivery inspection and preparation; Technical and aesthetic customizations; Capillary distribution across the entire Suzuki dealership network in Italy.

The CEVA Logistics facility in San Polo di Torrile, in particular, hosts high-value activities that make CEVA Logistics a natural extension of the Suzuki factory. The team is qualified to perform specific technical operations on Suzuki vehicles, such as custom paint jobs and other aesthetic and functional modifications as requested by the client.

CEVA is also licensed to carry out Post Production Operations (PPO), including the installation of technical and functional accessories—such as tow bars— ensuring high standards of accuracy and efficiency.

Finally, when required, CEVA handles a selection of vehicles destined for the rental and used car markets. These are treated with the same care and quality as new vehicles, providing an end-to-end service that supports Suzuki throughout the entire product lifecycle.

“Together with CEVA Logistics, we have built much more than an operational collaboration, we have established a strategic partnership based on trust, expertise and a shared vision. Their ability to quickly adapt to our needs while consistently ensuring high quality standards, is a key added value for Suzuki. CEVA is, for us, a natural extension of our factory and a key partner throughout our Italian supply chain.” –Mirko Dall’Agnola, Deputy General Manager, Automotive Division, Suzuki.

Project Cargo Network are pleased to report Envio Global Logistics are new members in Sri Lanka.

Based in Colombo and certified by SLFFA, they come recommended by PCN members as a professional and responsive company. Their team are passionate about project cargo with specialist regional expertise.

Thilina Siriwardena (CEO) comments; “The Envio Global Logistics team are experienced logistics experts, identifying the best customised solutions to fit each project. With fast and professional shipping services, we cover all requirements from planning to delivery.”

A recently completed project handled by Envio Global Logistics involved the movement of a military truck plus parts to the UK for testing purposes. Due to the urgency of the project, they arranged a chartered freighter flight to ensure a timely delivery.

Despite the logistical challenges, Envio successfully met the deadline, demonstrating their ability to handle time-sensitive and complex projects precisely and efficiently. The successful result also highlights their commitment to delivering exceptional service under demanding circumstances.

Irish-based manufacturer Combilift, a global leader in multi-directional and customised handling solutions, has been awarded the prestigious Red Dot Award for Product Design 2025for its Combi-CB70E, high-capacity, electric-powered multidirectional forklift, developed to meet the needs of heavy-duty, long-load handling in more sustainable ways.

The Red Dot Award, one of the most internationally renowned design competitions, recognises excellence in design quality and innovation, and is no stranger to Combilift’s exceptional vision to shaping the future of the Commercial Vehicles Industry. This award completes a hat trick for Combilift who previously won a Red Dot for the Combi-WR and ‘Best of the Best’ for the Combi-CB4. Combilift’s Combi-CB70E impressed the international jury with its new ergonomic design, environmental credentials, and ability to enhance operator comfort and productivity in demanding industrial settings.

Martin McVicar, CEO and Co-founder of Combilift, commented: “We are delighted to receive our third Red Dot Award this year for the Combi-CB70E. Our design and engineering teams have been striving to provide solutions that are not only functional and safe but also reflect excellence in industrial design. Our customers increasingly demand electric alternatives that don’t compromise on performance, and the CB70E is exactly that.”

The multidirectional Combi-CB70E is a 7-tonne capacity electric counterbalance forklift, specifically designed for handling long and bulky loads in confined or challenging spaces. Equipped with Combilift’s patented Independent Traction Control System and large elastic rubber tyres, it provides all-terrain capability while maintaining zero-emission operation. The spacious gas strut suspension cab and floor to ceiling glazing offers enhanced visibility and comfort, while the Auto Swivel Seat- which automatically swivels 15 degrees to the left or right, depending on the direction of travel- ensures optimal ergonomics and comfort for operators, even during extended shifts.

This Red Dot recognition comes in an exceptional 11 months of success for Combilift, which has also received multiple international accolades for its products and leadership, including Product of the Year and Ergonomics Award at the UKMHA Archies Awards, as well as Design Team of the Year and Industry Leader awards from the UK’s Engineering & Manufacturing Awards.

With over 1,000 employees and exports to more than 85 countries, Combilift continues to set benchmarks in safety, design, and innovation in the materials handling sector.