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Kalmar and Forterra sign joint development agreement

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Kalmar, part of Cargotec, and Forterra (formerly RRAI) have signed a joint development agreement for autonomous terminal tractor solutions.

Kalmar will be responsible for developing the automation-ready terminal tractor – including the drive-by-wire solution integration – as well as the Kalmar One fleet management system to manage the operation of automated terminal tractor fleets. Forterra will be responsible for the integration of their AutoDrive platform for autonomous operations for the terminal tractor.

Forterra is a leading provider of autonomous systems for ground-based movement in the working world. The company is among the earliest innovators in the field of driverless technology. The company has provided autonomous solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense and off highway commercial applications, and its AutoDriveÂŽ system is one of the leading driverless systems for complex conditions including ports and logistics centres.

Josh Araujo, CEO, Forterra: “This agreement brings together our vast experience in developing world-class autonomous systems and Kalmar’s extensive experience in port and terminal automation with their market-leading terminal tractor product. We believe AutoDrive is the best platform to create a compelling new offering for the container and trailer-handling market.”

Juuso Kanner, Vice President, Automation Business Line, Kalmar: “We believe that there is huge potential in automating terminal tractors in terms of safety and productivity. This development agreement is the next exciting step in our innovation journey after the successful Kalmar RoboTractor pilot done in Norway. Now we will leverage our extensive experience in straddle carrier automation, which has been adopted by a number of leading container terminals around the world.”

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18 March 2024 |

ABL to support Salamanca Deepwater Project

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Energy and marine consultancy ABL has been awarded a contract by LLOG Exploration to provide marine warranty survey (MWS) services for the subsea development of the Salamanca development project in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Salamanca development project envisages the build-out of the Leon and Castille oil fields in water depths ranging from 1,800 to 2,000 meters.

The subsea portion of the project includes the installation of three infield subsea pipeline systems, as well as the design and fabrication of subsea structures. The pipelines will run from the wellsite to the Salamanca floating production facility.

Under the terms of the contract, ABL will provide technical document review and approval of all project critical procedures, drawings and documentation, and suitability inspections of the proposed fleet for subsea operations. ABL will also provide on-site attendances to review and approve transportation and mobilisation operations of project assets.

“We are pleased to be supporting LLOG as MWS on the Salamanca subsea development. We will apply our extensive MWS experience from the Gulf of Mexico, together with our multidisciplinary marine and engineering expertise in Houston to ensure the subsea equipment is transported and installed safely and efficiently.” David Ballands, Director Energy Services for the Americas, ABL.

The project will be managed and resourced by ABL’s office in Houston, USA, with support of ABL’s extensive marine surveyor networking around the Gulf of Mexico. The ABL team will commence its involvement in the first quarter of 2024.

ABL is part of Oslo-listed ABL Group ASA, an independent energy and marine consultancy group to the global renewables, maritime and oil and gas sectors. ABL’s operations in the USA are based out of Houston, New York, Fort Lauderdale, Boston and Seattle.

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18 March 2024 |

PCN welcomes Baggio as members in Brazil

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PCN are pleased to welcome Baggio Shipping & Chartering as new members in Brazil.

Recommended as professional agents by current PCN members, the company are experts in multimodal project freight forwarding, chartering and breakbulk shipping.

“Baggio is a project freight forwarding company combining experience with adaptability and dynamism. Our know-how and know-who allows us to create seamless solutions at competitive costs.

We carry years of experience in multimodal project and heavy-lift logistics, which is our main area of expertise, along with breakbulk and bulk cargo. When it comes to oversized and heavy loads, we understand that attention to detail and on-site coordination plays a defining role. Our expert team are able to tackle the most challenging projects.

With in-depth knowledge in handling large-scale logistics projects for various sectors, including oil & gas, mining, power generation, renewable energy, civil & port infrastructure, urban mobility and shipbuilding among others, our solutions are always customised for each challenge.”

“We have passion to innovate and create out of the box solutions for special projects.”

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18 March 2024 |

Bertschi endorses Antwerp Declaration for a European Industrial Deal

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Bertschi Group, a leading provider of logistics services to the chemical industry, announces its endorsement of the Antwerp Declaration for a European Industrial Deal, joining over 500 signatories across 20 sectors in a united call for action.

The declaration, aimed at complementing the European Green Deal, emphasizes the critical role of industry in achieving climate neutrality while preserving high-quality jobs for European workers.

“The European Industrial Deal represents a crucial necessity for collaboration and innovation in addressing the pressing challenges of our time,” says Jan Arnet, CEO of Bertschi Group. “By uniting behind this shared vision, we support the urgent need for clarity, predictability, and confidence in Europe, its industrial policy, and a secure and sustainable future for generations to come.”

Specializing in providing sustainable and efficient logistics solutions for the chemical industry, Bertschi Group understands the importance of sustainability and resilience in industrial operations. By endorsing the European Industrial Deal, the company reaffirms its commitment to supporting the transition towards a greener, more competitive European industrial landscape.

“As a logistics company deeply committed to sustainability, we recognize that prioritizing investment in rail infrastructure and utilizing alternative energy sources significantly reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a greener future for Europe. To enable the success of the European Green Deal, a European Industrial Deal on same level needs to be adopted” says Hans-Jörg Bertschi, Chairman of Bertschi Group. Central to the declaration are ten key calls to action, including targeting infrastructure development to catalyze industrial transformation and enhance cross-border connectivity. Additionally, there is a focus on elevating competitiveness as a strategic priority, implementing a strong public funding chapter for clean technologies and prioritizing affordable and abundant low-carbon energy.

Furthermore, the declaration advocates for leveraging the single market, fostering innovation, and ensuring streamlined law-making processes. It also emphasizes the need for cohesive leadership and integrated approaches within the European Commission.

In endorsing the declaration, Bertschi Group emphasizes its commitment to a sustainable, competitive and resilient industrial landscape in Europe. By uniting behind this shared vision of the European Industrial Deal, signatories aim to demonstrate the viability of the European Green Deal and foster a just transition which benefits both industry and society.

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14 March 2024 |

Hellmann announces new COO CEP Europe

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Patrick LĂśwenthal will take over the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) CEP Europe at Hellmann Worldwide Logistics on April 1, 2024.

He succeeds Wilfried Hesselmann, who has successfully led the courier and express business since 2016 and is now taking his well-deserved retirement after 50 years with Hellmann. In his role as COO, Wilfried Hesselmann has driven expansion in the Eastern European market, including the recent acquisitions of Innight in Hungary and Romania, and Optimnet in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. In his role as Managing Director of Night Star Express Hellmann Honold, he has also been instrumental in strengthening the network reach and performance of the joint venture, in particular through the successful acquisitions of Eiltrans and Gertner Express.

With the appointment of Patrick Löwenthal, Hellmann secures an experienced leader from within its own ranks. Having served as Managing Director of Night Star Express Hellmann in the Netherlands and Belgium since 2013, his deep understanding of the company’s processes, partners, and teams ensures a seamless takeover of the European CEP business. Together with his team, Patrick Löwenthal will continue to drive forward the expansion of the European express network in the coming years, contributing to the company’s global growth targets.

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Wilfried Hesselmann for his dedication, leadership and immense contribution to our success over the past 50 years,” said Jens Wollesen, COO, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics. “We are equally delighted to welcome Patrick Löwenthal, a highly experienced and respected member of our team, to lead our European CEP business. With the increasing volume of cross-border trade, the CEP sector is a key growth area in which we intend to continue our expansion, especially within Europe.”

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14 March 2024 |

60-hour Lufthansa strike expected to impact 200.000 passengers

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Ver.di has announced that ground staff working for Lufthansa at German airports will carry out another strike on March 7 through 9, which is expected to bring passenger flights to a standstill.

Starting at 4am on March 7 and scheduled to end by 7.10am on March 9, Lufthansa ground staff are set to carry out another wave of industrial action ahead of further negotiations with Lufthansa bosses, ver.di has announced.

The flag-carrier airline has predicted that the 60-hour strike action will impact around 200.000 passengers and has said that travellers will receive information about cancellations and possible rebooking options.

The strike follows two previous actions held on February 5 and February 28, as ver.di negotiates a new collective bargaining agreement with union members working at Lufthansa, as is the case in many industries in Germany at the moment.

The union is demanding a 12,5 percent increase in pay for 12 months for Lufthansa employees, as well as a one-off payment of 3.000 euros to balance the consequences of inflation.

Ver.di spokesperson and negotiator Marvin Reschinsky said that many ground staff at Lufthansa are earning minimum wage or just a little more than 13-euros per hour, and are struggling to make ends meet as the cost of living increases in Germany.

Meanwhile, Lufthansa registered a record-breaking profit of 1,5 billion euros in the third quarter of 2023 alone, a 47 percent year-on-year increase. The airline is due to release its financial figures for the whole of 2023 on March 7.

“In the past few days, we have deliberately impacted passenger traffic with our strikes. However, by ignoring our request to negotiate, Lufthansa is telling us that it will only move when the pressure increases further,” said Rechinsky. The union is due to reenter negotiations with Lufthansa on March 13 and 14.

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14 March 2024 |

Vestas to install MW turbine for Danish project

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Vestas has received a firm order from Thyborøn-Harboøre Vindmøllelaug I/S af 2002 for a V236-15.0 MW wind turbine to be installed directly on the waterfront in the Port of Thyborøn in the northwestern part of Denmark.

The order consists of one V236-15.0 MW wind turbine and includes supply, delivery, and commissioning of the turbine. The order also includes a 20-year AOM4000 service agreement as well as an agreement for Vestas to do test and verification activities on the turbine.

“We are very pleased to install the new V236-15.0 MW turbine at a site in Thyborøn that offers great wind conditions for optimal energy production. Nearly 2,800 local shareholders have financed the turbine, and we look forward to showcase it to locals and tourists as we expect it to become an attraction,” says Jens Jørgen Birch, spokesperson at Thyborøn-Harboøre Vindmøllelaug I/S af 2002.

“We are very pleased with the effective collaboration with Thyborøn-Harboøre Vindmøllelaug for this turbine that will help us in our final verification campaign before we begin serial production and installation of the first offshore projects featuring the V236-15.0 MW turbine. The 264 days approval process from the municipality has been extremely quick while the local support from the citizens in Thyborøn have been overwhelmingly positive. Therefore, this is a great international example of how a combination of quick permitting and local engagement can support the green transition,” says Nils de Baar, President of Vestas Northern and Central Europe.

Vestas has already installed the prototype at the Østerild National test centre in Denmark and received firm orders for the V236-15.0 MW wind turbine for offshore projects in Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands, and will start installing the first turbines offshore from 2025.

The Nissum Bredning site is located in Thyborøn in Lemvig Municipality in northern Denmark. Turbine delivery is planned to begin in the first quarter of 2024 with commissioning scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2024.

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14 March 2024 |

PLA introduces Project One Logistics in the US

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PLA are introducing Project One Logistics representing the United States of America, as the latest Project Logistics Alliance community member.

Project One Logistics founded in 2019, is a freight forwarding company providing turnkey logistics solutions focusing on cross-border and oversized cargo transportation headquartered in Houston, TX. The Project One Logistics team is dedicated to developing a deep comprehension of every client’s requirements, allowing them to optimize transportation routes, even for the most demanding locations.

Project One Logistics offers specialized project cargo services to a range of sectors, including Mid-Stream, Refineries, Petrochemicals, Renewables, Construction, and Mining, demonstrating expertise in the efficient handling of heavy machinery and equipment.

Key Services: Project Logistics – Heavy Machinery and Equipment for Oil & Gas, Power and Energy Industries among others; Engineered Lifting, Stowing and Lashing Planning; Port Handling and Delivery to Jobsite; Chartering; Inland and Cross-Border Logistics – OOG; Flat Racks and Open Top Containers; Crane and Rigging; Cryogenic Tank Transportation; General Logistics; In-House Consulting for Projects.

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13 March 2024 |

MacGregor contracted to supply its OnWatch solution

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MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has received a large order for three cranes that will be installed onboard a state-of-the-art cable layer due delivery from global shipbuilder VARD.

The contract has been booked into Cargotec’s first quarter 2024 order intake, with crane supply scheduled for the third quarter of 2025. MacGregor will deliver a 100-tonne active heave-compensated (AHC) crane, a 20T Offshore crane and a 3T deck crane to Prysmian, to equip the Italian owner’s third NB970 cable laying vessel from VARD.

In addition, MacGregor has been contracted to supply its OnWatch solution, including 24/7 technical service support worldwide. Developed for advanced subsea operations, the 191-metre long Prysmian cable layer will be capable of complex installation works, including simultaneous lay and burial with heavy-duty ploughs. It is equipped with cutting-edge DP3 positioning and seakeeping systems. At 19,000 tonnes, the vessel will take its place among the highest cable loading capacity ships in the market.

MacGregor has been a reliable supplier for VARD on multiple projects over many years, said Pasi Lehtonen, Senior Vice President, Offshore Solutions. “This is a significant order for MacGregor’s offshore handling business, and we are pleased to supply VARD with yet another package of our high performance cranes,” he said. “The market continues to respond well to our unique and modern designs, which combine resilience in service and lightweight round-shaped jibs.”

MacGregor’s wide range of well proven AHC cranes, including its subsea cranes, offer accurate lifts in all conditions, including extreme environments with temperatures from plus to minus 40°C. They can be delivered with hydraulic or electric winch drives.

The initial phase of construction on the new vessel will take place at Vard Shipyards Romania – Tulcea, with completion in Norway and handover to the owner due by the beginning of 2027.

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13 March 2024 |

SEKO-BANSARD celebrates International Women’s Day 2024

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On this special day, SEKO-BANSARD expresses its deep respect for all hard-working women around the world.

In particular, we would like to express our gratitude to the women in the logistics and transport sector who make an irreplaceable contribution on the docks, at customs, in the warehouses and in the offices. SEKO-BANSARD is also committed to reducing gender inequality in the transport and logistics industry.

Today, the position of women in the transport industry is gradually improving. According to the latest data, over 30% (31.6%) of managers in the transport industry are women. Among company employees, 12.1% of licensed commercial drivers, 43.5% of dispatchers and 41.6% of security personnel are women. 74.6% of women in the transport industry hold positions in human resources.

In the supply chain sector, the percentage of women in executive positions is 17%.

The logistics sector is evolving, and women are playing an essential role in shaping its future.

Despite this, we still need to do more to achieve true gender equality. We need to change cultural values, leadership orientations and behaviors, increase the visibility of women in the transport industry, promote their central role, communicate, promote and sponsor women’s goals and industry development, and develop appropriate policy.

SEKO-BANSARD employs an average of 51% women.

The groupoe’s culture aims to change attitudes and reduce gender inequality in the transport and logistics industry, so that everyone has the opportunity to apply for the same positions and receive equal pay. We are aware of the advantage that women represent, and they are part of SEKO BANSARD’s DNA and strengths.

It’s clear that we still have a way to go to achieve total equity, but it’s a process that’s evolving rapidly and is one of SEKO-BANSARD’s priorities. Whether in Europe, Asia or even America, women are a key element in the Group’s equilibrium. That’s why we thank them and congratulate them on their commitment.

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12 March 2024 |

Kalmar and APM Terminals join forces

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Kalmar, part of Cargotec, has signed a contract with APM Terminals Pier 400 Los Angeles to supply two new Kalmar electric AutoStrads and to undertake a retrofit of two existing hybrid straddle carriers.

The new and retrofitted units will be part of APM Terminal’s $60M electrification pilot. The large order was booked in Cargotec’s Q1 2024 order intake, and the pilot is scheduled to commence in Q4 2024.

“With this pilot we look to gain greater understanding of how to convert our existing hybrid equipment fleet to fully electric with our onsite mechanic workforce,” said Jon Poelma, Managing Director of APM Terminals Pier 400. “Electrifying straddle carriers is an essential task for us. We’re confident they will be able to meet the significant operational demands of the terminal. We have made the commitment to our customers to decarbonise supply chains and are aiming for net-zero emissions at the terminal before 2030.”

The two Kalmar electric straddle carriers participating in the electrification pilot project will feature high-power batteries with an operation time of 45–50 minutes and a charging time of approximately five to six minutes. In the pilot project, charging will be performed at two Kalmar FastCharge charging stations strategically located on the machines’ working routes. All charging related decisions are performed automatically by Kalmar One Fleet Optimiser’s energy management module.

Arto Keskinen, Senior Vice President, Horizontal Transportation, Kalmar: “The automated straddle carrier terminal at Pier 400 in Los Angeles is a flagship reference project for Kalmar and a demonstration of our world-class automation and retrofit capabilities. We are exceptionally proud that APM Terminals has selected Kalmar as their partner for this electrification pilot, which will demonstrate the capabilities of our fully electric straddle carrier.”

Pier 400, opened in August 2002, is now the largest container port terminal in the Western Hemisphere. The terminal covers an area of 507 acres and is home to 19 Super Post-Panamax ship-to-shore (STS) cranes. The terminal currently operates a total of 132 Kalmar AutoStrads, all of which have hybrid electric drivetrains.

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12 March 2024 |

Rhenus marks 60 years in Spain

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The year 2024 will mark a new milestone in the history of the Rhenus Group with the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the start of its activities in the Spanish market, the origins of which go back to 1964.

Since then, Rhenus has experienced continuous growth and is now one of the main leaders in the logistics sector in Spain. The company plans to reinforce this position through a strategy of organic expansion and acquisitions.

The Rhenus Group Marks 60 Years in Spain, Celebrating Continuous Growth and Future Expansion The Rhenus Group Marks 60 Years in Spain, Celebrating Continuous Growth and Future Expansion
The Spanish Rhenus headquarters is in Barcelona. The company has established 44 branches over the past 60 years to create a strong presence in the main logistics hubs of the peninsula, as well as in the Canary and Balearic Islands. These facilities are complemented by a dense network of road, sea and air transport, and a complete portfolio of solutions for warehousing, last-mile delivery, and high-value-added customs and logistics services for industry and commerce.

The state dimension in Spain is reinforced by the global reach of the Rhenus Group, a family-owned company founded in Germany in 1912 that has become one of the leading international logistics specialists. Today, the group employs 39,000 people in 1,120 locations and has an annual turnover of 8.6 billion euros.

“Celebrating our 60th anniversary in Spain is a true testament to our history of growth. We could not be prouder of our team and how they are living our family values and have brought them to others in the region. Our colleagues in Spain have been shaping the future of Rhenus for 60 years now. And while their growth is very impressive, I am convinced this is just the beginning,” explains Tobias Bartz, CEO and Chairman of the Rhenus Group.

The 60th anniversary is being celebrated in the context of the company’s expansion in Spain. This is in line with the group’s global growth strategy of expanding its activities into new markets and business segments to offer its customers an increasingly comprehensive and global range of logistics services.

“The road we have travelled tells a story of growth. We will continue to accelerate on this journey with acquisitions that expand our positioning in key business segments and regions to further strengthen the Rhenus brand nationally and globally,” says Francisco Ocón, Managing Director of Rhenus Air & Ocean Spain.

“During these 60 years, we have become the logistics partner of numerous Spanish companies, and we desire to continue to grow with them. We remain committed to excellence in logistics, and it is this commitment that drives us to look to the future. Our aim is not only to maintain our leadership in the sector but also to be at the forefront of introducing efficient, innovative, sustainable and people-driven solutions to meet our customers’ needs in the future,” says Andreu Gutiérrez, Country Sales Director Road of Rhenus Logistics in Spain.

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11 March 2024 |

Pinto Basto receives large reactor

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Pinto Basto recently received and brokered the vessel, MV. Klara, arriving in Portugal from the Asian continent loaded with project cargo.

From the load, a large reactor stands out for a new polyethylene plant, which will be responsible for the development of new types of polymers for the food and pharmaceutical industries.

The multi-day logistics operations took place at the Port of Sines.

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11 March 2024 |

ABL donates IT equipment to local school

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ABL, the independent global energy and marine consultants with their asset integrity management headquarters in Aberdeen city centre, donated 48 Computers as well as 64 flat screen monitors to a local high school.

“To remain at the cutting edge for our digital solutions and cyber security, we upgrade our equipment frequently which leaves us with IT supplies that still have a useful life. We contacted a local high school in the hopes that they could put this equipment to use, and they gratefully accepted. This is a great example of re-use and taking a circular economy approach to IT equipment,” says Stuart Murray, Head of Technical at ABL.

“It also feels good to support local education. Who knows, maybe one day some of the kids at this school will become engineers and start working at ABL”, Murray adds.

The ethos of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles are at the heart of ABL Group. We embrace sustainability and this donation echoes our belief in responsible corporate citizenship. By repurposing and redistributing technology that still holds utility, we champion a circular economy approach, minimising waste while maximising impact.

Through initiatives like these, we strive to leave a lasting, positive footprint on our local communities.

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11 March 2024 |
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