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Rhenus and ENERCON develop innovative push barge

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With the construction of the push barge Rhenus Berlin 1, the Rhenus Group is setting an important milestone in sustainable logistics for the wind energy industry.

The tailor-made barge will be constructed specifically to ENERCON’s requirements for the transport of the newest generation of rotor blades and will facilitate the future-oriented shift of project transports from the road onto the waterway. Cooperation partner ENERCON thus receives an effective alternative for the supply of its wind farm construction sites.

The completion of Rhenus Berlin 1 is expected within the year, the vessel consists of a push boat and a barge built from three separate parts. The drive unit is intentionally fitted externally: The coupled push boat provides the needed flexibility and enables the transport even through restrictive lock chambers.

In future, the first ship of this possible new series will operate especially within the North German canals – in the first instance, for the transport of project partner ENERCON’s rotor blades within the supply of wind farm projects featuring the new E-175 EP5 turbine type. With a loading length of 92 metres and an external length of 100 metres, the barge prototype can transport up to two rotor blades of the newest ENERCON generation with a blade length of up to 86 metres.

“Our decades of experience in the inland shipping sector and for heavy lift logistics are the basis for this project. At the same time, it shows how fast we can develop tailor-made solutions to our customers’ requirements,” said David Schuetz, Senior Project Manager at Deutsche Binnenreederei, a company of the Rhenus Group. “Especially faced with the high capacity utilization of the roads and motorways, routes that are suddenly blocked due to construction as well as length restrictions within the locks, creative technical concepts are needed in order to use inland navigation as a reliable transport alternative, in particular for huge components such as the newest rotor blade models. With Rhenus Berlin 1 and together with ENERCON, we have developed a solution that is equally technically ambitious and future-oriented and contributes actively towards the CO₂ reduction of project logistics.”

The construction of the push barge was matched exactly to the challenges of the inland waterway infrastructure. The Scharnebeck lock – a twin ship lift – with its chamber length of 100 metres as well as the vessel’s needed loading length of circa 92 metres provided the biggest logistical hurdle, which Rhenus and ENERCON want to master with this customization.

ENERCON is currently extensively preparing for the ramp-up of its new top model E-175 EP5, with which the manufacturer reaches new dimensions. With a rotor diameter of 175 metres, the E-175 EP5 is one of the largest onshore wind turbines in Europe. “We are systematically preparing for rising delivery figures, which the whole industry is expecting within the market upswing,” said Hendrik Peterburs, Vice President of ENERCON Global Logistics. “If the roads become congested or routes are closed, we want to have alternative means of transport available so that we can ensure that our components are delivered to our customers’ projects on time at all times.”

ENERCON is also pursuing ambitious sustainability goals throughout the entire supply chain, from building up its own fleets of e-trucks and e-transporters to using low-emission fuels and actively switching to environmentally friendly means of transport.

“To us, the inland waterway is a central part of a green logistics strategy,” explained Hendrik Peterburs. “We want to make our supply chain as sustainable as possible, from production to the last mile. Together with Rhenus, we are developing the fitting solution to a challenging pre-carriage transport for our wind energy components. With the new push barge, we can not only guarantee greater reliability thanks to less congestion-prone routes, but also reduce CO₂ emissions compared to road transport. We are certain that there is still a lot of potential in this solution.”

The push barge is currently being remodeled at the wharf port in Szczecin, where the new barge is being created from three individual segments. After its completion, Rhenus Berlin 1 will soon go into service and make a significant contribution to the energy transition in Germany and Europe, particularly for the wind energy sector.

“For us, shifting transport to the waterways is a strategic key to also securing the energy transition logistically,” said Michael de Reese, Head of the Rhenus Port Logistics Division. “The wind energy sector in particular requires sustainable solutions along the entire supply chain. With our decades of experience in heavy lift logistics and connections to central port locations such as Cuxhaven, we are working with partners such as ENERCON to build an efficient and future-oriented transport infrastructure for the wind power industry.”

9 June 2025 |

Westlink ships critical gas equipment

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Westlink Logistics, a member of the Project Logistics Alliance representing Australia, successfully executed transport project.

The operation, which took place in 2024, involved chartering a Boeing 747 to deliver critical gas compression equipment from Canada to remote project sites in Queensland, Australia.

The project, part of a Nodal Booster Compressor Upgrade, involved the shipment of two gas compressor packages, totalling 260 cubic meters in volume and weighing 60 metric tonnes. The heaviest component of the shipment weighed 15 metric tonnes. With every minute counting, team Westlink Logistics managed the end-to-end logistics operation from the manufacturer in Calgary, Canada, to two remote project sites near Woleebee, Australia, demonstrating the team’s precision.

The scope of the operation included route survey studies in both countries, road transport from the manufacturer’s factory to Calgary Airport, and a 747 aircraft charter routed from Calgary to Toowoomba Airport via Honolulu Airport. Additionally, team Westlink Logistics handled the haulage of the cargo from the airport to the two site locations in Queensland.

The highlights of the project included the following: Zero lost-time incidents (LTIs); Sole charter of 747 Aircraft; Rapid total flight time- under 24 hours; Unique and convenient airport pairing- proximity to manufacturing and delivery sites.

The successful and timely completion of this project, which allows for a boost in energy production, providing an additional supply to domestic customers, sheds light on the expertise of the company. Well done, team Westlink Logistics!

5 June 2025 |

Sarens supports daily operations at PTTGC ME

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Since 2024, Sarens has been providing ongoing crane support in Thailand for daily maintenance operations at the GCME Project in Map Ta Phut, Rayong province.

Under a Yearly Contract rental agreement with PTT Global Chemical ME, Sarens has ensured reliable and efficient lifting solutions tailored to the specific needs of the site.

At the heart of this operation is a fleet of mobile cranes ranging from 25 to 70 tonnes, chosen for their manoeuvrability, quick setup, and suitability for confined spaces. With the crane stationed permanently on site, mobilisation delays have been eliminated. The equipment is ready to operate at a moment’s notice, responding to the client’s daily maintenance requests with speed and precision.

Tasks typically involve lifting mechanical parts such as pumps, valves, and piping components—each lift carefully planned to match the constraints of space and time. Despite the daily scheduling and limited work area, Sarens has maintained a strong safety record, in strict compliance with PTTGC ME’s regulations. The planning phase focused on verifying crane specifications, conducting detailed risk assessments, and preparing certified personnel to ensure seamless execution from day one.

All operations have been managed by a single, experienced crane operator, underscoring the simplicity and efficiency of the setup. The equipment has performed reliably throughout, with the client expressing satisfaction over the cranes’ flexibility and consistent performance under pressure.

Sarens was selected for this project thanks to its competitive offer and recognised international expertise in heavy lifting. The collaboration demonstrates Sarens’ ability to integrate global capabilities with local service, delivering tailored solutions that quietly support the day-to-day heartbeat of an industrial giant.

5 June 2025 |

WWPC appoints Al Jassim Freight Company

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Al Jassim Freight Company (An Aff of JSL Global Qatar) with head office in Dammam has been appointed the country member for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Worldwide Project Consortium (WWPC) with immediate effect.

Al Jassim Freight Logistics solutions include GCC Trucking, Project Cargo and Bonded solutions at Jeddah port and IN Transit service to GCC. Al Jassim Freight and its GCC offices are well experienced in handling Rolling Stocks, heavy project cargo such as transformers, Cryogenic tanks, cable drums, generators, heat exchangers, cold box, heavy construction equipment & similar equipment.

Wolfgang Karau, Director of the Worldwide Project Consortium says: “We welcome the team of Al Jassim Freight Company to be our member for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”

5 June 2025 |

Kalmar and Hanseatic seal significant order

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Kalmar has signed an agreement with Hanseatic Global Terminals (HGT) to supply 14 Kalmar hybrid straddle carriers for the company’s Atlantique multimodal terminal at the Port of Le Havre on France’s north coast.

The terminal is operated by stevedoring company Compagnie Nouvelle de Manutentions Portuaires Le Havre (CNMP LH). The significant order was booked in Kalmar’s Q2 2025 order intake, with delivery of the machines scheduled for Q2 of 2026.

Le Havre is one of the 10 largest ports in Europe and an important gateway for sea transport to and from France. The terminal, which employs over 550 people, has an annual container throughput of three million TEU and offers excellent hinterland connections to Paris, including by rail. HGT acquired 60% of the shares in CNMP LH in March 2025.

The Kalmar hybrid straddle carriers will be the first of their kind deployed at the terminal, and will help HGT reduce local emissions, fuel costs and noise levels significantly while offering operators a more comfortable working environment. The existing equipment fleet at Le Havre includes Kalmar diesel-electric straddle carriers and Kalmar empty container handlers.

Dheeraj Bhatia, CEO Hanseatic Global Terminals said: “As we strengthen our position in one of our core European markets, we will continue to improve operations with state-of-the-art equipment and vessels. Building on our recently acquired majority stake in CNMP and our commitment to invest in the terminal, this order plays a significant role in further optimizing operations at the CNMP LH terminal, while simultaneously preparing it for significantly more volume and throughput. We are continuing to expand our global terminal portfolio, paving the way for targeted investments to enhance efficiency.”

Damien Cols, Director Global Customers, Kalmar: “Our four-decade relationship with CNMP LH has been fruitful and beneficial for both parties and is firmly rooted in mutual trust and respect. We are delighted that Hanseatic Global Terminals has chosen our proven, eco-efficient hybrid straddle carrier technology to support their vision for CNMP LH as they seek to expand the terminal’s portfolio and strengthen its competitive position in the French market.”

5 June 2025 |

Total Movements delivers Kiln Shells to India

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Total Movements, a member of the Project Logistics Alliance representing Indonesia, has successfully completed the door-to-port transportation of approximately 2,200 CBM of Kiln Shells from the supplier’s factory to a designated load port in Southern India.

The project involved end-to-end management of the logistics chain, including cargo pick-up, loading of the shells onto hydraulic axles, and transporting them across a distance of roughly 800 kilometres.

Key highlights of the operation included the following: Transporting large-diameter cargo with each shell measuring up to 7 metres; Executing en route civil works to ensure smooth delivery; Coordinating multi-state transportation logistics; Implementing HT/LT line shutdowns at strategic points to accommodate the cargo height; Navigating dense tree cover along the entire route, which required careful planning to ensure safe passage.

The success of this operation showcases the capabilities of team Total Movements when it comes to handling dimension-critical cargo. Additionally, the process highlights the ability of the company to deliver complex logistics solutions through challenging terrains.

4 June 2025 |

Freightweek touches down in Munich!

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Freightweek experienced a busy start to transport logistic/Air Cargo Europe 2025, with its booth proving popular among the crowds.

Pictured on the left Mr Aydin Alpa, Executive Board member of Yeniay Lojistik and Mr Hasan Ozdemir Group Head of Cargo of Pegasus Airlines.

3 June 2025 |

Huisman secures contract for the Olympic Group

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Huisman has secured a contract for the delivery of two 250mt Knuckle Boom Cranes, which will be installed on the new UT 7623 SEV Sustainable Energy Vessels of the Olympic Group.

The contract was signed last month with China Merchants Heavy Industries (CMHI) in Shenzhen and follows a series of recent Knuckle Boom Crane deliveries to the offshore construction industry.

The cranes will feature Huisman’s proprietary Active Heave Compensation system. This system connects the crane’s electric setup to the vessel’s power grid, enabling efficient interaction with the vessel’s electrical energy storage system. This integration significantly reduces the net energy consumption of offshore lifting operations.

Cees van Veluw, Product Director Cranes at Huisman: “We are proud to be part of this ambitious project that pushes the boundaries of energy efficiency and reliability in offshore lifting. Our collaboration with Olympic, their shipbuilding partner CMHI, and ship designer and grid integrator Kongsberg Maritime underscores a shared dedication to innovation and sustainable development in the offshore energy industry. This contract highlights the trust in Huisman’s technical expertise and our commitment to delivering equipment that meets the highest performance standards.”

Key features of the Huisman Knuckle Boom Crane: Active Heave Compensated deepwater main hoist and auxiliary hoist; 250mt maximum lifting capacity with extended reach; Huisman proprietary Active Heave Compensation system; Energy regeneration to the vessel grid.

3 June 2025 |

CEVA offers connections from the Far East to Latin America

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CEVA Logistics announced today an expansion of its global deep-sea car carrier operations, now offering connections from the Far East to Central and South America via a regular trade lane and spot services.

Three additional roll-on, roll-off (RORO) vessels—ranging from 5,500 to 7,000 car equivalent units (CEUs)—are allowing the global logistics expert to expand its finished vehicle logistics (FVL) solutions for the automotive market.

The new, regular trade lane service now runs between the Fast East and the west coast of Central and South America, with multiple origin and destination calls available in China, South Korea, Japan, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile.

CEVA Logistics now operates a global fleet of nine deep-sea and short-sea vessels in rotations across four major trade lanes. The logistics company first announced in 2023 the operation of four Eastern Pacific Shipping’s LNG dual-fuel hybrid deep-sea vessels via a 10-year lease from CMA CGM. The company has since expanded with additional vessel leases. Each of the vessels commercially operated by CEVA are equipped with lift decks, allowing loads of all types of vehicles, including passenger cars, vans, trucks, heavy machinery and other over-sized vehicles. CEVA has now transported more than 225,000 vehicles, including high and heavy equipment, since beginning the new RORO services. In 2024, CEVA transported more than 6.1 million vehicles worldwide thanks to its FVL solutions.

As one of the world’s leading finished vehicle logistics providers, CEVA Logistics has a wide range of inland—trucking and rail—solutions to move vehicles from the factory to ports of origin and then from destination ports to final delivery. This end-to-end offering provides greater efficiency to automotive customers in transferring vehicles anywhere in the world.

For the new Far East to Latin America trade lane, CEVA’s land-side transport assets and vehicle compounds in Central and South America ensure the company is able to unload and deliver the vehicles directly into an automaker’s distribution network or to final dealer locations.

With its global network and commitment to flexible solutions for its customers, CEVA’s FVL experts are also able to develop rotations that fit the specific needs of their customers. Thanks to the 5,500-CEU Lake Fuxian vessel, which was added to its operations in Q1 2025, CEVA recently completed a delivery of vehicles and construction equipment from China to South Africa’s Port of Durban, before continuing on to Vitoria, Brazil, to deliver the final 2,500 vehicles and equipment.

Emmanuel Cheremetinski, global FVL leader, CEVA Logistics, said: “With end-to-end solutions from factory to dealer, this expansion of our RORO vessel fleet directly reflects the value we offer our customers. The additional vessels allow us to provide both reliability and flexibility through our new regular trade lane rotation and our global spot solutions.”

3 June 2025 |

PCN introduces TANGGUH in Indonesia

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Project Cargo Network are pleased to introduce TANGGUH Logistindo as new members in Indonesia.

With offices in Jakarta, Surabaya, and Balikpapan, the company is ISO certified and registered with ALFI (Asosiasi Logistik & Forwarder Indonesia).

They are a reliable partner, specialised in the management of large scale transportation and chartering projects, with a friendly and communicative team.

Fanny Aryanti at TANGGUH comments; “We are honoured to be accepted as a member of PCN. We are looking forward to building valuable connections and collaborations and working closely with our fellow members.”
“With over 30 years of experience, TANGGUH provide one-stop solutions and quality services in logistics, shipping, transportation and special project cargo handling.

Good project transport management is the key to success in delivering complex cargo with oversized dimensions and weight. Our specialized and experienced team are ready to handle challenging projects with special care. Nothing is too big for us to deliver!

To support project jobs, we have all the tools of the trade for any task, operating a large and varied fleet including heavy duty prime movers, multi-axles, lowbeds, extendable trailers, semi-trailers, and boogie trailers. Our facilities also include several storage yards, workshops and warehouses.”

“With our expert team and special fleet, we can present the right solution for every project.”

2 June 2025 |

GEFO tanker fitted with Norsepower Rotor Sails

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Norsepower, the global leader in wind propulsion, has secured a new agreement to deliver six of its industry-proven Norsepower Rotor Sails™ for a fleet of newbuild tankers commissioned by GEFO Shipping Group.

These newbuild vessels, designed by Ship Design & Consult GmbH (SDC), and constructed by Nantong Xiangyu Shipbuilding., will be delivered between 2026 and 2028 with the rotor sails installed.

May 28, 2025, Helsinki, Finland – This deal represents the first collaboration between Norsepower, GEFO, and the shipbuilder Nantong Xiangyu Shipbuilding, and marks another major step in accelerating wind propulsion adoption across European-owned fleets.

The agreement covers six tankers across two distinct designs: Four 3,850 DWT chemical tankers, each to be equipped with one 20mx4m Norsepower Rotor Sail™; Two 7,900 DWT chemical tankers, each to be equipped with one 28mx4m Norsepower Rotor Sail™.

All six rotor sails will feature Norsepower’s EX-compliant design, certified for use on vessels transporting flammable cargoes and compliant with all class and safety requirements. These rotor sails will be manufactured at Norsepower’s unique dedicated factory in China, and delivered to the yard fully assembled, tested and ready for installation.

Mr. Dr.-Ing. Henning Brauer, GEFO’s Technical Director, commented: “At GEFO, we are committed to building a future-ready fleet that meets the highest standards of environmental performance and operational efficiency. Partnering with Norsepower allows us to integrate proven wind propulsion technology into our newbuilds from day one — supporting both our sustainability targets and our long-term competitiveness.”

The six-vessel order will be fulfilled by Nantong Xiangyu Shipbuilding, a prominent Chinese yard building for leading international shipping clients. This deal represents both GEFO’s and Nantong Xiangyu’s first collaboration with Norsepower — further expanding Norsepower’s presence in Asia and deepening its role as a strategic partner in sustainable shipbuilding.

The vessels were designed by renowned German naval architecture firm SDC Ship Design & Consult GmbH, with integrated wind propulsion considered from the earliest design stages to ensure optimal performance and operational efficiency.

Additionally, GEFO will also be able to benefit from the Norsepower Digital Dimension — which provides access to the AI-powered Norsepower Sentient Control™ system and the secure, cloud-based data infrastructure of Norsepower Cloud. This ecosystem enables precise real-time performance optimisation, predictive maintenance, and full transparency on emissions savings for the customer.

“This is a landmark agreement for Norsepower, not just because it involves two new customers and six vessels — but because it signals a fundamental shift in how wind propulsion is perceived in commercial shipping,” said Heikki Pöntynen, CEO of Norsepower. “We are no longer talking about one-off pilot installations; we are now securing full fleet commitments. That is a clear sign we have not only opened the market, but we are now leading it — both in terms of proven delivery capacity and customer trust. And with access to the Norsepower Digital Dimension, including our AI-powered Norsepower Sentient Control™ and Norsepower Cloud, our customers are fully equipped to maximise the return on their investment from day one.”

The six newbuild vessels have received support from the German Government’s Namkue Fund (Nachhaltige Modernisierung von Küstenschiffen), a financial instrument aimed at promoting sustainable coastal shipping and accelerating decarbonisation technologies.

The first vessels in the series are scheduled for delivery in early 2026, with Norsepower Rotor Sails™ installed shortly after hull completion at the shipyard.

2 June 2025 |

DEME rides united against cancer

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This Ascension weekend, 15 DEME teams – 120 passionate cyclists – are taking on the 1000 km for Kom op tegen Kanker!

From today until Sunday our dedicated cyclists can be easily spotted in our bright green DEME shirts, pedaling their way across different Belgian cities to raise vital funds for cancer research.

DEME has been a proud long-term sponsor of Kom op tegen Kanker, an organization that operates on several fronts in the battle against cancer. This year, we are supporting Kom op tegen Kanker by participating in both the 100 km running event in March and the 1,000 km cycling event in May.

Let’s cheer on our green wave as they ride with purpose, unity, and heart. Every kilometer counts. Every pedal stroke makes a difference.

2 June 2025 |

CEVA automates vehicle movements

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CEVA Logistics, a global leader in third-party and automotive logistics, has signed a partnership agreement with STRADOT, a Toulouse-based robotics company specialized in handling solutions.

Two STRADOT conveyor robots will autonomously manage moving vehicles across 2,000 dedicated slots at CEVA’s Nanteuil-le-Haudouin facility, France.

The multi-year partnership between CEVA and STRADOT involves the use of two conveyor robots for handling and moving vehicles during reception and shipping preparation at CEVA’s finished vehicle logistics (FVL) facility in Nanteuil-le-Haudouin, France.

Benefiting from the latest technological advancements in mobile robotics, the two robots will autonomously manage vehicle movements starting in September, within a fully enclosed and secure area covering 2,000 of the site’s 8,000 slots.

The robots will be tasked with conveying vehicles from the reception area and parking them in designated spaces. They will also manage the movement of parked vehicles within the area to position them on shipping lanes for loading into car carrier vehicles. The robots will perform several thousand vehicle movements per month, with optimized control of their movements between the parking areas and the reception and shipping zone of the facility.

The STRADOT robots have the unique ability to lift vehicles to be moved and straddle other parked vehicles along the route, maximizing parking space and increasing storage and movement capacity on the lot by reducing the area needed for maneuvers and traffic lanes.

CEVA has a rich culture of innovation, driving progress and value for customers. The integration of the latest developments in robotics into its operations demonstrates CEVA’s commitment to continuous improvement and operational efficiency. The deployment of the STRADOT robots followed a trial period, with the initial pilot conducted in May 2024 at CEVA’s FVL platform in Loyette, France.

The successful pilot project identified benefits not only in terms of space optimization within the facility and movements within the robotics zone, but also potential productivity gains. The use of electric conveyor robots also contributes to reducing the site’s environmental footprint.

Thomas Maître, product development head, Finished Vehicle Logistics, CEVA Logistics, said: “We are delighted to establish this partnership with STRADOT, which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to deploying innovative solutions and adopting cutting-edge technologies. The use of STRADOT robots supports our mission to improve efficiency across our finished vehicle logistics operations.”

José Iriarte, CEO & co-founder, STRADOT, said: “Our partnership with CEVA Logistics is a fantastic opportunity to showcase how robotics are revolutionizing logistics. We are excited to embark on this multi-year collaboration and are confident that the project will create value and optimize land use, enabling CEVA to strengthen its services and ability to support customers.”

29 May 2025 |

Hellmann reports strong growth and expanded market position in 2024

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Hellmann Worldwide Logistics announces its financial results for 2024, reflecting significant growth, expanded reach in key markets, and a solid financial foundation.

Despite a persistently challenging market environment, Hellmann achieved a remarkable revenue increase of 9 %, reaching EUR 3.8 billion, up from EUR 3.5 billion in 2023.

This growth highlights the company’s strong performance and reinforced global market position. Hellmann’s ability to outperform in a volatile market is further demonstrated by its gross profit development, which exceeded the industry average. The number of shipments remained stable at 20 million, reflecting consistent operational performance and a continued commitment to providing reliable logistics solutions, even amid disrupted and challenging market conditions. Hellmann’s solid financial position is reinforced by a 10 % increase in equity to EUR 444 million.

In 2024, Hellmann further advanced its strategic agenda: Key investments were made in modernization initiatives and a comprehensive digital strategy aimed at streamlining productivity and enhancing the digital customer experience. A key milestone in Hellmann’s growth strategy and global expansion was the acquisition of HPL Apollo, its U.S.-based joint venture, to strengthen the company’s global presence in temperature-sensitive logistics. Additionally, Hellmann took a major step toward the future with the restructuring and internationalization of its Management Board and the establishment of a global sustainability organization, underscoring its ongoing commitment to environmental and social responsibility.

Looking ahead, under the leadership of Jens Drewes — who succeeded Reiner Heiken as CEO in June 2024 — the Management Board has set out a clear strategic roadmap for 2030 and beyond. With a strong focus on customer centricity, enhanced productivity, and sustainable growth, the company is building on a solid foundation as it moves to expand its global presence and further strengthen its competitive position across all product segments.

“Thanks to our great team around the world, we were able to continue our growth journey also in 2024 – despite ongoing challenges in the market,” says Jens Drewes, CEO Hellmann Worldwide Logistics. “Building on this solid foundation we are ready to enter the next strategic stage and accelerate international growth – side by side with our customers.”

“Our strong 2024 financial results reflect the robustness of our business model and the strength of our global network,” says Martin Eberle, CFO Hellmann Worldwide Logistics. “The strong increase in revenue and equity positions us well for the next phase of growth. We remain focused on driving financial performance while investing in innovation and sustainability.”

Hellmann also released its 2024 Sustainability Report today, showcasing significant achievements across all three pillars of sustainability — environmental, social, and governance — and reaffirming its commitment to responsible business practices.

29 May 2025 |
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