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Kalmar strengthens ties with Maputo

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Kalmar has signed an agreement with Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC) to supply five Kalmar T2i terminal tractors, four Kalmar heavy forklift trucks and one Kalmar medium forklift truck.

The order, which also includes MyKalmar INSIGHT coverage for all units, was booked in Kalmar’s Q4 2024 order intake, with delivery of all machines scheduled to be completed during Q3 2025.

MPDC is a private company formed as a partnership between the Mozambican Railway Company and Portus Indico. MPDC holds the concession for Maputo Port until 2058 and also acts as the port authority responsible for maritime operations, piloting, stevedoring and terminal and warehouse operations as well as planning and development activities. MPDCs fleet already features close to 60 Kalmar terminal tractors and forklift trucks.

The MyKalmar INSIGHT performance management tool will allow MPDC to turn data into actionable, impactful insights, providing the company with an effective way to manage their fleet operations and identify areas where efficiency can be improved.

David Pacule, Maintenance Manager, MPDC: “We have been experiencing record-breaking volumes at the port and the new Kalmar machines will play a vital role in helping us to achieve even higher volume throughput in the coming years. The Kalmar equipment in our fleet has proved to be exceptionally reliable and the after-sales support we receive is first class, so we are delighted to continue our collaboration.”

Byron Meugens, Head of Sales, Southern Africa, Kalmar: “We are proud to announce another milestone in our long partnership with MPDC, one of our most valued and long-standing customers in the region. Our strong relationship is founded on mutual respect and trust underscored by consistent communication and shared goals. MPDC’s commitment to excellence aligns seamlessly with our mission to provide innovative and efficient solutions. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these new machines will have on MPDC’s operations.”

23 January 2025 |

AXL co-locates with Transport & Logistics event in Antwerp

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Two of the most important events in the logistics and breakbulk industries will co-locate in Antwerp in October 2025 to unite professionals across the entire supply chain.

The Transport & Logistics conference and exhibition has long been established as a meeting place for the Benelux industry. It brings together 11,000 experts to network and discover how to foster seamless pan- European hinterland connections, including all cargo types as well as storage and value-added logistics.

AntwerpXL is a specialized event bringing together 3,800 project cargo, RoRo, Heavy Lift professionals to forge partnerships, streamline and solve challenges within the breakbulk supply chain.

The two complementary events will now run side by side in the Antwerp Expo on 14-16 October 2025. Both events will be supported by the Host Sponsor, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.

Logistic & Industrial Build will also run alongside AXL and Transport & logistics in the Antwerp Expo. This event focuses on the logistics real estate market and gives visitors even more reasons to attend.

“This move is incredibly exciting for AXL,” Margaret Dunn, the event’s Portfolio Director explains. “The event will remain a focused breakbulk conference and exhibition, bringing together all the key players in one hall in the heart of the breakbulk industry in Antwerp. However, it will also provide an additional opportunity for the industry to meet and network with the wider transport and logistics communities, creating new potential growth and partnership opportunities across the supply chain.”

Both events will benefit from additional footfall from ports and terminals, freight forwarders, logistics managers, shippers and transportation managers.

“This combination will create a must attend event for the transport and logistics, breakbulk, container and maritime industries,” Nadine Francus, Group Event Director for Transport & Logistics.

“Co-locating AntwerpXL with Transport & Logistics creates new opportunities for participants to explore collaborations beyond their own industry,” Annick Dekeyser, Marketing Advisor for the Port of Antwerp- Bruges adds. “Companies will benefit due to the synergies between the two events. The main asset of AntwerpXL for the breakbulk community is networking and this is also a real driver for Transport & Logistics.”

Both events will now run in the Antwerp Expo on 14-16 October 2025.

23 January 2025 |

WPC delivers bending machine to Chile

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WPC Marine & Offshore Services are pleased to report on a shipment they completed involving a hydraulic bending machine.

The cargo, a ROUNDOÂź Section Bending Machine, weighed a hefty 36 tons.

This large machine was received in Singapore by WPC Marine, who handled all operations regarding its safe & secure transport to Chile by RO/RO service.

WPC Marine & Offshore Services Pte Ltd are experienced project cargo specialists. Their principle focus is on logistics transportation for the oil and gas industries, which involve 3rd party, supply chain, custom clearance, warehousing, procurement and offshore vessel charters.

23 January 2025 |

Hiab secures significant order for MOFFETT forklifts

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Hiab, part of Cargotec, has secured significant MOFFETT truck-mounted forklift and HIAB loader crane orders in the USA.

Two large home improvement segment customers placed MOFFETT orders with a combined value of EUR 19.5 million. In a separate order, a roofing and building material distributor ordered MOFFETTs and HIABs for a total value of EUR 5.9 million. The orders were booked in Q4, 2024 with deliveries scheduled to commence in 2025.

Hiab has maintained long-standing partnerships with all three customers, having been an integral part of their US-wide operations as an equipment and service provider for years.

The truck-mounted forklifts units on order are part of the MOFFETT M8 NX Range. With a lifting capacity of up to 3,500 kg, the M8 NX can transfer heavy loads quickly and safely even across challenging terrain, while compact enough to be carried on almost any truck or trailer. The M8 NX is available with a wide range of options and attachments, including 4-way steering for negotiating tight access areas with long loads.

“We are happy to once again deliver on the needs of three of our long-standing partners in the home improvement segment in the US. MOFFETT has been a preferred product for its versatility and applications in all kinds of different scenarios related to home improvement projects, among others. Our technology integrations, enhanced safety features and improved ergonomic design continue to provide best-in-class options for our customers,” said Bryan Rupert, Business Line Director, MOFFETT Truck Mounted Forklifts, Hiab USA.

The ordered HIAB loader cranes comprise four models from the heavy range portfolio (30–100Tm) with the majority of the units being HIAB K-HiPro 425. The cranes have the HiPro advanced remote controlled system for optimal precision, performance, safety and full remote control over the toughest jobs in construction and other industries.

“Hiab’s long-standing partnership with all three customers highlights our deep understanding of their needs in the US market. The established relationship provides a strong foundation for future collaboration and growth,” said Pauliina Kunvik, Senior Vice President Sales and Services, North America, Hiab.

22 January 2025 |

Gerken takes delivery of Tadano AC 4.100L-1

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Gerken Managing Director Manfred DrĂ¶ĂŸer knows the extraordinary qualities behind the Tadano AC 4.100L-1 inside out.

After all, he used to be a Tadano sales manager: “I myself sold this crane tons of times, so I can tell you that it’s absolutely one-of-a-kind in its class. Not to mention the perfect choice for our company, Gerken Kranvermietung & Handel GmbH,” he pointed out as a comment on his long-standing connection to the crane while talking to his former co-worker, Tadano Sales Manager Helge PrĂŒfer, during the handover in ZweibrĂŒcken.

He then went on to mention what makes the AC 4.100L-1 so special for him: First and foremost, its two-engine configuration, which not only makes the crane stand out among the competition, but also allows for extraordinarily cost-effective operation. Then come its extremely narrow width of only 2.55 meters, which makes it the most compact crane of its class, and a 60-meter-long main boom. Not to mention, of course, the innovative IC‑1 Plus crane control system, which determines the crane’s maximum lifting capacity for every boom position as a function of the superstructure’s slewing angle in real time. As a result, the AC 4.100L-1 is always able to take advantage of the maximum lifting capacity available to it – especially during lifts over its outriggers.

All in all, this made the crane the perfect choice for the needs of Gerken Kranvermietung, which was founded in January 2024 as a means to expand on the company’s traditional business with aerial work platforms. “Our new AC 4.100L-1 not only features exceptional lifting capacities that are ideal for lifting loads, but can also work where even the biggest aerial work platforms can’t reach. And on top of that, we can also use it for jobs in which we need to do work behind buildings – in other words, over projecting edges that make the use of aerial work platforms impossible,” explains Manfred DrĂ¶ĂŸer.

The fact that the Tadano crane is the perfect machine for these jobs is something that was quickly proven beyond a shadow of a doubt during an assignment that took place a few days after the handover – for that specific job, using a man basket on the AC 4.100L-1 was the best method with the lowest risk. And that is exactly what the team at Gerken expected – after all, they are already familiar with the qualities behind Tadano machines, with HK 4.050-1 and HK 4.070-1 truck-mounted cranes already being mainstays of the Gerken fleet. Moreover, additional reinforcements are already in sight: An AC 4.080-1 will be added to the Gerken fleet as the next telescopic crane from Tadano at the start of 2025.

22 January 2025 |

Brazilian Engepack appoints ABL in operational drive

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Brazilian packaging products manufacturer Engepack has contracted ABL’s asset integrity management unit to conduct an operational excellence audit of the asset management systems in its plant at SimĂ”es Filho, Brazil.

Engepack is a pioneer in the manufacturing of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) packaging in Brazil. It has the largest and most modern PET preform factory in Brazil which provides packaging solutions to its customers in the food and beverage industries – soft drinks, water, juices, teas, dairy products, edible oils, mayonnaise, etc. – and household products.

The purpose of ABL’s operational excellence audit is to assure that the plant is operating safely, and to its maximum design capacity, building a roadmap to address potential issues, and improving the efficiency of their asset, people and operations. Further, ABL will also identify areas that pose a significant business risk and identify mitigation actions, plus assure return on investment (ROI) by focusing budget on fixing high priority opportunity initiatives.

ABL’s approach includes an initial asset health check tool / operational excellence audit, followed by a software-based analysis to validate the issues and a diagnostics phase including an engineering analysis summary. Finally, the project will deliver a sequence of steps with a list of prioritised improvements based on projected ROI vs effort.

ABL’s office in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, will head up the project, with support from the company’s global asset integrity management team, who have delivered business performance improvement and operational excellence programs globally for the last two decades.

“We are thrilled to partner with Engepack on this innovative project, and we look forward to leveraging our global AIM expertise and local Brazilian market knowledge to drive operational excellence and improve efficiency for the plant, which in turn will allow Engepack to deliver an even more efficient service to its customers,” says Peter Adam, Group Managing Director for Asset Integrity Management.

21 January 2025 |

EXG delivers massive WTG set

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Express Global Logistics (EXG), member to the Worldwide Project Consortium (WWPC) in India, successfully undertook the transportation of massive WTG set (Wind Turbine Generator) and its component Hubs and Nacelle.

The project involved both ocean freight and critical ground transportation to the final destination.

The WTG transported had the following components: BLADES 81 x 5.2 x 3.5 m; NACELLE weight: 114.5 ton; HUB weight: 41 ton.

Given their enormous size and delicate nature, the operation demanded precision planning, specialized equipment, and seamless coordination.

The journey began with the careful loading of the blades at a port in the eastern part of China. EXG ensured that all safety protocols were strictly adhered to, with special attention to securing the blades to prevent any movement during transit. The blades were safely delivered to a port on the west coast of India within the stipulated timeframe.

The Indian inland transportation posed unique challenges. EXG utilized specialized equipment to transport the blades, including 2 mechanical trailers, 2 sets of hydraulic axles and 3 extendable trailers. These vehicles were chosen to accommodate the blades size and weight while ensuring safe and stable transport.

A company spokesperson explained about challenges for this project: The route to the final destination involved navigating sharp turns and narrow roads. Multiple civil works, such as road widening and removing barriers, were conducted to facilitate the safe passage of the blades. EXG’s team collaborated with local authorities and contractors to execute these modifications efficiently.

The large size of the blades necessitated the temporary removal and relocation of several roadside signboards. These activities were carefully coordinated to minimize disruption to traffic and ensure smooth transit.

Ensuring the safety of both the blades and other road users was paramount. EXG worked closely with local police authorities to provide an escort for the transport vehicles. This measure ensured traffic management and smooth navigation through critical stretches of the journey.

The entire operation was executed with meticulous planning and attention to detail. From loading to unloading and final delivery, EXG demonstrated its expertise in handling oversized cargo. Despite the challenges, the project was completed successfully, showcasing EXG’s commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

21 January 2025 |

DEME sponsors KU Leuven’s 600th anniversary

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DEME is proud to sponsor KU Leuven’s 600th anniversary.

As one of the world’s leading institutions in education and research, KU Leuven has been driving knowledge and innovation since 1425. Our longstanding partnership has led to many successful projects, and we’re honoured to support their mission.

This milestone is being celebrated with a year-long programme showcasing the intersection of science and art. KU Leuven’s relentless pursuit of knowledge continues to inspire students, push scientific boundaries, and create real-world impact.

We’re committed to supporting this celebration and attracting young talent from KU Leuven to shape the future with us. Many alumni have already found exciting career opportunities at DEME, contributing their expertise to our dynamic team.

Here’s to 600 years of excellence, innovation, and our shared journey ahead.

20 January 2025 |

Berge Rederi and Norsepower partner up

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The 130-metre vessels, designed to operate with maximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact, represent the future of sustainable maritime innovation.

In addition to Norsepower Rotor Sails, the ships will feature battery packs and shaft generators, enabling short-distance hybrid-electric operation. Each vessel will be equipped with two fixed 24m x 4m Norsepower Rotor Sails, specially optimized for harsh conditions like snow, ice, rain, and high winds often encountered along the Northern Sea routes.

By integrating these solutions, Berge Rederi aims to achieve significant environmental and operational benefits. When compared to similar vessels operating on the same trade route, significant fuel savings and emission reductions are expected, underscoring the company’s commitment to safer, more efficient, and sustainable maritime operations.

Norsepower has collaborated closely with Berge Rederi and the renowned Norwegian ship designer MDC to integrate its emission-reducing products into the vessels’ design. Through extensive hydrodynamic and structural studies, the teams optimised the vessels’ performance and ensured that the Norsepower Rotor Sails would deliver maximum savings and reliability.

“This project was designed for the extreme conditions of the Northen Sea, and we are proud that Berge Rederi chose Norsepower as their partner,” said Marcus Sannholm, Head of Sales at Norsepower. “Our product has been in use at tough sea conditions for more than a decade now, which enables us to create these kinds of partnerships with innovative, market leading companies. By working with Berge Rederi and MDC from the design phase, we’ve ensured that these vessels will set a new benchmark for sustainability and efficiency in their class.”

Berge Rederi, based on the island of Hitra, Norway, operates a distinguished fleet of self-discharging bulk cargo vessels ranging from 3,700 to 13,000 DWT. Known for its dedication to safety, efficiency, and reducing environmental impact, the company is proud to take this step towards more sustainable operations.

“We’re excited to partner with Norsepower and MDC on this transformative project,” said Magne Berge, owner of Berge Rederi. “The combination of hybrid propulsion and Norsepower Rotor Sails aligns perfectly with our mission to minimise our environmental footprint while maintaining the highest standards of operational efficiency.”

Operating along the Norwegian coast, the vessels will benefit from optimal wind conditions in the Northern Sea, where Norsepower Rotor Sails are proven to perform exceptionally well. The robust design of the sails with the latest high-tech materials ensure reliable operation in the rough sea conditions characteristic of the region, further enhancing their suitability for this trade route.

20 January 2025 |

Cosmatos transports pressure vessles

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Cosmatos Group took care of transporting and loading of two pressure vessels, each measuring 19.99 x 3.93 x 4.77 meter and weighing 60 ton.

A spokesperson for Cosmatos Shipping Services, member to the Worldwide Project Consortium (WWPC) for Greece, explained about this shipment:

“Our Project Cargo Team was there to handle the road transport from the shipper’s site to Thessaloniki Port.

Upon arrival at the port, port operations were conducted under our management, including loading and lashing and securing on board. Final destination for this shipment was Romania.

Our scope also included the issuance of Gas Free Certificate and Welding Permit, as well as the necessary Survey Report.”

19 January 2025 |

Vestas names new CFO

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Vestas is pleased to announce that Jakob Wegge-Larsen will become Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Vestas and member of Executive Management.

He is expected to take up the position as CFO during the second quarter of 2025.

Jakob Wegge-Larsen joins Vestas from DB Schenker where he currently serves as CFO and member of the Management Board. Prior to becoming CFO at DB Schenker in 2023, Jakob obtained extensive international experience through global and regional CFO roles within the Maersk Group, Hamburg SĂŒd, and MSC Denmark.

Vestas President and Chief Executive Officer, Henrik Andersen, says “I am thrilled that Jakob Wegge-Larsen will join Vestas as our next CFO following a rigorous process. Jakob will spearhead our Finance organisation as we aim to achieve our long-term target of double-digit profitability and I am confident his extensive experience from several large, global companies will be instrumental for our continued progress. I would also like to thank Rasmus Gram on behalf of the Board and the Executive Management team for the great job he is doing as interim CFO”.

Vestas’ incoming CFO, Jakob Wegge-Larsen, says “I am truly excited to join Vestas at a point where the world needs energy more than ever, and collaborate with the Executive Management team and my other 30,000 new colleagues to ensure Vestas plays a key role in meeting the world’s energy needs. Having spent more than 20 years within logistics and shipping, I look forward to using my experience from global businesses to help Vestas continue its upwards trajectory. I would like to thank Henrik and the Board for their confidence as I’m about to begin this new, exciting chapter”.

Rasmus Gram will continue as interim CFO until Jakob Wegge-Larsen starts and conduct a thorough handover as part of Jakob’s induction.

Jakob Wegge-Larsen is 48 years old, holds an MBA from Henley Business School in the UK, and lives in Denmark with his wife and two kids. Detailed biography is attached as an appendix. Jakob succeeds Hans Martin Smith who left Vestas in December 2024 to pursue new challenges after more than 20 years at Vestas, ref. Company Announcement no. 20/2024.

16 January 2025 |

APPRO-MATECH becomes PCN member in the Ivory Coast

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PCN are pleased to report Approvisionnement Maritime et Technique (APPRO-MATECH) are new members in the Ivory Coast.

Located in Abidjan, the company are specialised in the logistics and handling heavy and over-dimensional cargo by sea, land and air.

General Manager, Hermann Lolo has 20 years of experience in the industry; “We look forwarding to brining value to the network and making our knowledge and professionalism in the transport and logistics of heavy and oversized cargo available to all the expert members.”

16 January 2025 |

InterMax provides update on recent Jebel Ali delivery

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InterMax Logistics Solution Ltd, member to the Worldwide Project Consortium (WWPC) for Taiwan, are excited to provide an update on their recent delivery of 48 used crawler cranes, with the goods departing from Taichung and arriving at Jebel Ali.

A company spokesperson explained: “We successfully sent multiple truckloads of machine parts to the Taichung Terminal in three days. A total of 24 trucks were dispatched throughout the day, efficiently transporting the goods to their destination.

During the shipping process, we encountered an unexpected challenge. One of the pieces was too large to fit under the hatch cover of the vessel. To address this issue, we needed to dismantle the oversized component and rearrange its position before securing it for transport. This careful handling ensured that all items reach their destination safely and intact.

We appreciate the cooperation and support of all teams involved in this project, commitment to overcoming logistical challenges is invaluable as we continue our work on this important delivery.”

16 January 2025 |

Sarens assists with cycle path in Albi

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Every bridge installation Sarens performs is unique, and with decades of expertise in this sector, we know that there will always be fresh challenges to solve.

No matter the constraints, our job is to find the solution.

So when client MAEG Costruzioni SpA contacted us about installing a steel cyclist and pedestrian walkway in Albi, France, Sarens took on the challenge. Our mission: install nine large bridge sections along the historic 19th-century railway viaduct on the Tarn river.

To do it, the team had to work with two constraints: Short timeframe: Sarens had to install all nine sections within two weeks; Narrow waterway: Sarens had to transport the main lifting crane, fully disassembled, along a narrow and difficult section of the Tarn river–including passing through a tight lock.

Fortunately, Sarens is world-renowned for applying our engineering expertise and creativity to problems like these, and we soon conceived of the solution: the crew would transport the CC1500 lifting crane along the Tarn using specialised, narrow transport barges before handing off bridge components to a Sarens modular barge for installation.

The project, which was successfully completed in October of 2024, made us of the following equipment: CC1500 crane; GMK6400; Sennebogen 683 HD; Sarens modular barge as the main barge; Narrow transport barges.

Because of the narrow waterway to be traversed, the CC1500 crane had to be transported piece by piece from the Netherlands via narrow transport barges, travelling through a tight lock along the way.

Furthermore, due to the narrow width of these barges, the crew had to pay special attention to their stability. For example, if the crane body were to be placed on the centre of a barge at just a 10cm offset, it would shift the barge’s angle by 1°–and would become stuck in the lock!

These careful stability calculations were one reason why the CC1500 was chosen for the job: it had to be sufficiently strong to lift each bridge section but light enough to avoid over-submerging the barge, which would have resulted in a collision with the river bed.

In total, Sarens used 11 trucks (in addition to the barges) to transport the CC1500, as well as 37 trucks for the main Sarens modular barge, and 8 trucks for the rented narrow barges. It took the rigging team five days to assemble the main barge and a further five days to assemble the crane with a 54-metre main boom. Once on location, the transport barge was reconfigured so it would be wide enough for installation work, allowing the crane to be driven onto the main Sarens barge.

With all the equipment in place and ready to work, the CC1500 proceeded to lift and install all nine bridge sections to a 30-metre height. It slewed and crawled all along the barge to install each load, which weighed up to 50 tonnes and measured 32 metres in radius.

Thanks to Sarens’ five-member crew and their smooth collaboration with our client, the cyclists and pedestrians of Albi now have a direct and safe link between both banks of the Tarn. This is an important part of the city’s urban renewal plan, which aims to conserve historical architecture while successfully developing the surrounding neighbourhood.

16 January 2025 |
FreightHub
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