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Silk Way West Airlines, a leading cargo carrier in the Caspian and Central Asian region, has unveiled a program of significant contributions to the educational development of Azerbaijan.

As part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, the airline is enhancing the nation’s educational infrastructure by financing the construction and refurbishment of six schools across the country, supporting the development of over 4500 students.

“Education is the foundation of a thriving, sustainable future. At Silk Way West Airlines, we are dedicated to giving back to our community and are proud to support the educational sector in Azerbaijan,” stated Zaur Akhundov, President of Silk Way Group. “Our initiatives underscore our broader commitment to social responsibility and our belief in education as a transformative force.”

The Minister of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Emin Amrullayev, expressed strong support for the initiatives, noting: “This collaboration with Silk Way West Airlines exemplifies the powerful synergy between the public and private sectors. It is pivotal in advancing our national educational infrastructure and equipping our youth with the facilities and opportunities they need to succeed. Through this partnership, we are not only improving physical infrastructure, but also fostering an environment where our students can thrive. By providing modern facilities and resources, we ensure that our youth are well prepared to meet the challenges of the future. This initiative is a testament to the positive outcomes that can be achieved when public and private entities work together towards a common goal. We are confident that this collaboration will serve as a model for future projects, inspiring further investment in our educational system.”

These efforts exemplify successful public-private partnerships, with Silk Way West Airlines leveraging its resources to meet critical educational needs. In collaboration with the Education Development Fund, Silk Way West Airlines is setting a benchmark for impactful contributions to the country’s educational development, demonstrating the significant potential of collaborative efforts to drive meaningful change.

The completion of the partial demerger of Cargotec Corporation and the incorporation of a new Kalmar Corporation was registered in the Finnish Trade Register on 30 June 2024.

As a result of the partial demerger, Cargotec has updated its segment reporting.

From 30 June 2024 onwards Cargotec has two reporting segments, Hiab and MacGregor. The Kalmar segment has been removed. The new reporting structure is being used in this half-year financial report January–June 2024.

To provide a basis for comparison, Cargotec published on 3 July 2024 its reclassified financial information of reportable segments and Corporate administration and support functions for all quarters of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024 separately, as well as for the full year 2023. Corporate administration and support functions now reflect continuing operations while Hiab and MacGregor financial information remains unchanged.

The reclassified financial information is unaudited.

Among the below presented key figures, statement of income related components and operating cash flow before financing items and taxes include both continuing and discontinued operations in all presented periods. The key figures including components from the balance sheet (interest-bearing net debt at the end of the period, gearing, return on capital employed) include discontinued operations in all presented periods, except June 2024.

Due to Kalmar business area’s classification as discontinued operations, suspended depreciation and amortisation starting from 1 February 2024 had a positive EUR 17.9 million impact on the presented result figures before taxes and EUR 13.4 million positive impact on the result after taxes. Comparative information is not restated accordingly.

Cargotec’s President and CEO Casimir Lindholm: Sixth consecutive good quarter and significant milestones achieved in reshaping the company

The second quarter of 2024 was another operationally solid one for Cargotec. We have now six quarters in a row with good and stable results. The market environment remained mixed as high interest rates and uncertainty in some of Hiab’s key geographies and industries continued to delay customer decision making. On the other hand, MacGregor continued to benefit from the strong ship building cycle. During the quarter, we achieved two major milestones in reshaping Cargotec. We completed the partial demerger on 30 June with Kalmar listing starting on Nasdaq Helsinki on 1 July, and we started the sales process of MacGregor in May.

Taking a look at our financial performance, Cargotec’s orders received in the second quarter increased, driven by MacGregor and totalling EUR 584 million. The order book declined from the comparison period as Hiab’s order book has gradually been returning to a more normal level. Sales amounted to EUR 625 million, declining by 4 percent from the comparison period. A solid business execution in both Hiab and MacGregor led the second quarter comparable operating profit to increase by 2 percent to EUR 82 million or 13.1 percent of sales. Our balance sheet is very strong after the demerger. Our gearing is only 2 percent and net debt amounted to EUR 18 million.

In Hiab, delayed decision making continued to impact customers’ ordering behaviour whereas the order book collected in the past couple of years still supported Hiab’s sales. Orders received declined by 7 percent to EUR 348 million. Hiab’s sales decreased from a record-breaking comparison period by 11 percent to EUR 433 million. Service sales continued to increase and amounted to EUR 115 million, representing 27 percent of Hiab’s sales. Despite lower sales, Hiab’s profitability remained on a good level and the comparable operating profit amounted to EUR 69 million, corresponding to 15.9 percent of sales.

In MacGregor, the positive development continued with both merchant and service businesses continuing their strong performance. Demand remained strong and orders received increased by 26 percent to EUR 235 million. MacGregor’s order book continued to increase and amounted to EUR 1,014 million. Sales increased by 17 percent to EUR 192 million, driven by merchant and service businesses. MacGregor’s comparable operating profit improved yet again against the comparison period, reaching EUR 21 million, representing 11.1 percent of sales.

To proactively adjust to continued uncertainty in the market environment, and to support Hiab’s future growth, Hiab initiates planning of an efficiency improvement programme. On top of cost saving actions in 2024, the target would be to reach approximately EUR 20 million of cost savings in 2025. These actions would further promote Hiab’s ambition to improve efficiency and to support our commitment to profitable growth and sustainable customer value creation.

We have also specified our outlook for 2024. Cargotec now estimates Hiab’s comparable operating profit margin in 2024 to be above 13.5 percent and MacGregor’s comparable operating profit in 2024 to be above EUR 55 million. In the outlook initially published in February, we estimated Hiab’s comparable operating margin to be above 12 percent and MacGregor’s comparable operating profit to increase from 2023 (EUR 33 million).

We strongly believe that Hiab will continue its profitable growth by ​​shaping the essential industries with innovative lifting and delivery solutions and increase customer’s productivity, safety and sustainability. This is reflected in the new long term financial targets set for 2028 which were published in May: Hiab targets to continue to grow over 7 percent over the cycle and to reach a comparable operating profit of 18 percent (as a business area of Cargotec), and deliver an over 25 percent operative ROCE. Setting Hiab-specific financial targets is also a major milestone on Hiab’s journey to become a standalone company.

Preparations of transforming Hiab into a standalone company progressed well during the quarter. We announced that if a solution to MacGregor is found so that MacGregor would not thereafter be part of the Cargotec group, Cargotec’s Board of Directors is planning to propose to Cargotec’s General Meeting of shareholders that the company’s name would be changed from Cargotec to Hiab. The Board of Directors would then appoint the President of the Hiab business Scott Phillips as the President and CEO of the renamed company being the current Cargotec. We currently estimate that these changes could take place during 2025. The current Cargotec CFO Mikko Puolakka would continue as CFO of standalone Hiab.

A major step was also taken in finding a solution for MacGregor. We settled the dispute with a monopile installation vessel customer and started the sales process of MacGregor. We continue to aim to find a solution for MacGregor in 2024.

Ecolab has reappointed DHL Supply Chain for an additional three years continuing a longstanding 16-year partnership.

Nalco Water, an Ecolab company provides water, hygiene and infection-prevention solutions to a range of industries. The contract will see DHL continue to transport specialist chemicals to Ecolab’s customer base, prioritising both product and staff safety.

DHL is responsible for delivering chemicals for water treatment to thousands of Ecolab customer tanks across the UK. These chemicals are then used in environments including air filtration processes in factories, cleaning and sanitising solutions in hospitals and antimicrobial treatments in food processing plants.

Working within an innovative, circular system, DHL transfers chemicals to Ecolab customer tanks from bespoke reusable containers that drivers reload and return for thorough cleaning before reuse. This process closes the loop on chemical delivery systems, reducing waste to provide a greener service.

In addition to holding ADR qualifications to carry dangerous goods on the road, DHL drivers working on the Ecolab contract undergo 2-3 months of internal training to ensure Zero Defect Deliveries and guarantee secure handling. DHL also uses Microlise telematics to provide a safe and reliable service, enabling real-time tracking for Ecolab deliveries.

Richard Cavanagh, Supply Chain Manager, Ecolab said, “Ensuring safe chemical transfers to our customer sites is a top priority and for nearly 17 years, DHL has delivered a reliable and specialist logistics service that we know we can trust. We are delighted to be continuing this long-standing partnership, helping us to drive efficiencies for our customers while keeping safety and sustainability at the forefront of our operation.”

Paul Mason, VP Operations, Manufacturing Logistics, DHL Supply Chain UK said, “Ecolab is a valued partner in the chemical services sector and the renewal of our contract is a testament to the high-quality service our team continues to deliver. With a wealth of experience and expertise in chemical services, we are continuing to enhance and develop this specialist function of our business with digital and sustainable solutions tailored to the unique needs of our customers.”

OCEANICWING S.A.S. (OCEANICWING), a France-based affiliate of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE), recently cooperated in volunteer activity supporting the earthquake-stricken area of the Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa, Japan and helped to organize a gathering in Nantes, France where local people interacted with children visiting from the affected area.

After hearing that some children from the area affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake would visit France to cheer at the Paris Olympics supported by the Japanese volunteer organization Smile for Nippon, OCEANICWING in collaboration with a France-based volunteer organization encouraged the municipal government of Nantes, where the company is located, to organize a gathering. The company was involved in supporting the entire process from preparations to running the event, including making arrangements for the attendees, an emcee and an interpreter, to make the gathering happen.

The gathering was held on July 26 and attended by over 30 people, including five junior high school students and their volunteer companions from the areas in Japan affected by the disaster, Japanese students studying in France, French people studying Japanese, members of the Nantes city council and others. In the opening address, a representative from the government of Nantes said the city and its counterpart in Japan, Niigata City, had been sending local students to each other every year since they formed a sister city relationship in 2009, expressing much joy to see the growth of the solidarity between Japan and France through the gathering. The speech was followed by reports from the visiting junior high school students about the status of the earthquake damage and reconstruction process, an exchange of gifts, games and conversation between all of the attendees. They strengthened their friendship with each other.

The Noto Peninsula Earthquake occurred on January 1, 2024, enormously damaging northern Noto Peninsula, including Wajima and Suzu. It will still be a very long time before the recovery is complete. The junior high school students from the stricken area squarely face difficulties every day despite having suffered from the earthquake and numerous restrictions being placed on them. We hope their visit to Europe will be an opportunity for them to understand that many people all over the world empathize and connect with them. We again express our sincerest wishes for the earliest possible recovery of the affected areas.

Three years after launching the Aurora Class design, the first Aurora vessel, Höegh Aurora, was delivered at a naming ceremony at China Merchants Heavy Industry’s yard in Jiangsu, China, today.

A groundbreaking and transformational vessel setting new standards for sustainable deep-sea shipping.

Today, shipping accounts for around 3 percent of all global emissions. 90% of shipping emissions come from deep-sea transportation. That is a big global problem that needs to be addressed now.

Already operating the world’s most sustainable pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) fleet sailing the oceans today, Höegh Autoliners have launched a transformational green fleet renewal program – ordering 12 brand new multi-fuel-ready vessels designed for transportation of future cargo.

The Aurora Class is a monumental leap towards Höegh Autoliners 2040 net-zero emissions goal. They represent the future of the deep seas shipping’s industry.

All Auroras will have DNV’s “ammonia ready” and “methanol ready” notations. And will be the first in the PCTC-segment to be able to operate on carbon-neutral ammonia. The vessels will be cutting carbon emissions per car transported by up to 58 percent from the current industry average.

In 2027, when the Auroras are powered entirely by clean ammonia, they will eliminate nearly all carbon emissions. With our Auroras, we are sailing for sustainability.

“With the Aurora Class, we are pioneering efforts to combat pollution in a hard-to abate segment. We are setting new standards for sustainable deep-sea transportation, making a significant stride toward our 2040 net zero emissions goal. As the largest and most environmentally friendly PCTCs ever built, the Aurora Class vessels embody the change our industry needs. This achievement would not have been possible without the support of the Norwegian maritime cluster, our trusted partners, and our investors. We are grateful for their invaluable contributions to this project”, says Andreas Enger, CEO of Höegh Autoliners.

The first Aurora vessel, Höegh Aurora, will commence commercial operations immediately. The Aurora Class has a capacity of up to 9,100 cars – and with strengthened decks and enhanced internal ramp systems she can carry Electric Vehicles on all 14 decks. The Auroras are designed for future cargo.

They will have 1500 square meters of solar panels on the top deck, reducing electricity production from the generators by up to 30-35 percent as well as the vessels being primed to embrace electric shore power for emissions-free port operations.

Sebjørn Dahl: The Aurora Class is the answer to carbon-conscious customers.

The Aurora Class is equipped with the newest and most modern maritime technology, including state-of-the-art safety and digitalization solutions.

“We have progressed from the initial idea to having the finished vessel in commercial operation in under four years—a record speed that attests to the exceptional effort from our employees and partners, whom I sincerely thank. The Aurora Class is the crown jewel of our groundbreaking, industry-transforming green fleet renewal program. These vessels meet the demands of our growing number of carbon-conscious customers seeking emission reductions and sustainable transportation. Together, we will not rest until we achieve net zero operations”, says Sebjørn Dahl, COO of Höegh Autoliners.

The first Aurora Class vessels will be running on liquefied natural gas (LNG), biofuels, and low-sulfur oil. From 2027, the aim is that the last 4 of the 12 Aurora Class vessels will be running on clean, green ammonia. Reducing emissions by close to 100 percent.

With the Aurora Class, Höegh Autoliners are raising the demand for ammonia as a viable, zero-carbon maritime fuel. Höegh Autoliners have already partnered with several of the world’s leading ammonia producers to ensure the supply and usage of green ammonia – these include Yara Clean Ammonia, Norwegian North Ammonia, Sumitomo Corporation and more.

Through its membership of the First Movers Coalition, Höegh Autoliners has committed, to powering at least 5% of its deep-sea operations with green ammonia by 2030. The goal is to run its fleet on at least 100,000 metric tons of green ammonia by that same year.

The Aurora Class is the result of years of hard work, extensive maritime knowledge, and visionary partnerships with the best in class on all fronts; China Merchants Heavy Industries, Kongsberg Maritime, DNV, DeltaMarin, MAN Energy Systems, MacGregor, TGE Marine, Bank of Communications, HD Huyndai, Glamox – and many more.

“Together with our partners, we are removing carbon from one of the hardest-to-abate sectors. Changing the perception of deep-sea transportation. Together, we are making sustainable shipping doable, accelerating the green transition within our industry and setting a whole new standard for sustainable solutions and services in shipping. Höegh Autoliners have always innovated, explored new ways and changed the future for the better. That is who we are. The Aurora Class is probably our most impactful innovation yet,” says Board Chair, Leif O. Høegh.

All vessels are being built by China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI), to be cllassed by DNV and registered under the Norwegian flag, «NIS».

Höegh Autoliners expect the delivery of two Aurora Class vessels every six months until H1 2027, with the option of ordering another four ships.

Muscat International Shipping (MIS) are pleased to share details of a shipment they recently completed from Oman to the United States.

This project shipment included thirty-two pieces of breakbulk, of which nine pieces were loaded on flat racks as out-of-gauge cargo.

MIS completed loading of the bulk cargo in Sohar, Oman, utilising an MSC flagship on a direct industry service maiden call only for this cargo, for transport to the United States.

The company handled all freight operations as well as the loading such as lashing, customs clearance and delivery to the port with a police escort.

“Our personnel are equipped with decades of rich experience and our infrastructure includes state of the art communication systems, 24×7 security enhanced storage, leased warehouses and our own heavy-duty trailers for speedy and on-time delivery for land transported cargo.”

ABL has moved to their new offices in Paris.

ABL has been operational in France since 2014 and established our first office in Paris.

“We are thrilled to continue our journey in our new Paris office. This move represents a significant milestone for ABL France, reflecting our growth and commitment to supporting the renewable energy, oil & gas, and maritime sectors.” Hugues Delanoue, Country Manager, ABL France.

ABL France has grown to over 25 members of staff combining multi-disciplined expertise across marine and engineering, including marine engineers, marine surveyors, master mariners, structural engineers, subsea engineers, naval architects and marine civil engineers. Through key new hires, the local expertise has recently extended to clean shipping and port & harbours to support local port infrastructure feasibility and the overall maritime sector’s decarbonisation targets.

ABL France, benefiting from the specialised engineering support in renewable energy and technologies from its sister company Innosea, based in Nantes, has been part of all major steps in France’s offshore wind development. ABL’s track record includes working on over 80% of France’s current offshore wind projects, 50% of France’s floating wind projects, and supporting the construction of France’s first offshore wind farm.

Multi-disciplinary marine and engineering support to France’s first operational offshore wind farm, Saint Nazaire
Today, our local office is established as the local leader in marine warranty survey, owners engineering, marine advisory, assurance, and risk services. We work to de-risk and drive sustainability across offshore energy projects, from engineering and development to transportation and installation (T&I), and operations and maintenance (O&M).

ABL France provides the company’s full technical offering to support renewables, maritime, and oil & gas sectors in France, Benelux countries, Spain, and Francophone Africa.

Anker Logística are pleased to announce the successful import of a gas compressor from Houston, United States, to Cartagena, Colombia.

“This operation highlights our expertise in managing complex logistics projects for the oil and gas industry.”

Anker Logística efficiently transported a gas compressor with a total volume of 279.40 cubic meters.

This project demonstrates their ability to handle large-scale shipments with precision and efficiency, ensuring timely and safe delivery.

At Anker Logística, they understand that each project comes with unique challenges.

The company specialise in comprehensive management of complex logistics projects, providing door-to-door solutions that guarantee punctuality and efficiency in every delivery.

Commitment to Operational Excellence

Anker Logística’s focus on operational excellence and customer satisfaction allows them to remain agile and flexible in a competitive market.

“Our global experience enables us to offer reliable, safe, and professional logistics solutions for all oversized cargo projects.”

Vestas has received a 49 MW order from WindBauer GmbH for the wind energy project Bartow Pfalz in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany.

Vestas will deliver six V162-7.2 MW and one V150-6.0 MW wind turbines, and the order includes supply, delivery, and commissioning of the turbines.

Upon completion, Vestas will service the turbines under a long-term full scope service agreement, designed to ensure optimised performance of the assets.

“We are delighted to have been selected to supply our EnVentus turbines for the Bartow Pfalz project, to continue the collaboration with WindBauer, and to support with accelerating the energy transition in Germany,” said Sulai Fahimi, Vice President Sales Central for Vestas Northern & Central Europe. “I would like to thank WindBauer for choosing Vestas as a supplier and entrusting us additionally with a long-term service agreement, which will optimise energy production and support business case certainty.”

“The Bartow Pfalz project marks an important milestone for the region but also for us as a company. We continue to value Vestas’ innovative technology and expertise, which will help us achieve our renewable energy goals while ensuring a stable and sustainable energy supply” said Martin Niedzwetzki, WindBauer GmbH.

Turbine delivery is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026 with commissioning scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2026.

The project logistics division of Polaris Shipping Agencies, our members from the United Arab Emirates began July with a significant cross-trade contract involving shipments from multiple CIS destinations.

These shipments were consigned to Polaris for storage and refurbishment.

Utilising their Jebel Ali Free Zone Logistics license, Polaris were able to import duty-free and VAT-exempt into the Jebel Ali Free Zone, with no time restrictions for export.

The project involved approximately 2,800 freight tons of RO/RO units, each with a maximum unit weight of 25 MT.

These units were meticulously inspected and refurbished at the Jebel Ali facility to meet the receiver’s requirements before being shipped to Myanmar.

To avoid additional charges at the destination, shipments were dispatched in multiple lots as per the receiver’s instructions.

The shipments were scheduled on container vessels using special equipment such as flat racks, open tops, and breakbulk.

Polaris’ scope of work covered the following: Collection from various suppliers in the CIS; Multimodal transportation via Georgia, Turkey to Jebel Ali; Receipt of units in the Jebel Ali Free Zone facility; Condition surveys of all units upon receipt, refurbishment, and export, with direct reporting; Refurbishment according to the receiver’s requirements; Coordination and arrangement of all inward and outward formalities; Stuffing and lashing on special equipment for containerised units and delivery under tackle for breakbulk shipments; Competitive ocean freight solutions to Port Myanmar.

“We extend our gratitude to all stakeholders, including our overseas associates, partners, and esteemed clients, for their trust in Polaris Services, which enabled us to complete the project on schedule.”

Hiab, part of Cargotec, launches the new JONSERED iZ.18R HD recycling crane, equipped with the advanced control system SPACEevo for improved productivity and safer operations.

For JONSERED, the introduction of this new model signals entering the 18 to 19 tm market, offering a sturdy and resistant mechanical structure platform.

The new model is powered by the SPACEevo control system, setting standards for safety and personalisation for customers to increase efficiency. The Olsbergs Q200 valve represents the completion of new hydraulics, sensors and cables that all bring long lasting durability for high frequency use cycles.

The JONSERED iZ.18R HD recycling crane has been specifically designed to withstand a minimum of eight hour working cycles, its structure classifies it as an S3. The crane comes in numerous variants, ranging from 8,6 metres to 10 metres of reach.

In order to satisfy a wide range of operator needs when operating the cranes, both models are available with high seat, side seat (left and right side), platform and cabin configurations. At the launch, the available version will be the high seat configuration positioned in the middle and the side seat options, while the platform and cabin will be introduced at a later stage.

The control stations come with a wide range of optional variants to choose from such as; mechanical steering (2+2), remote controlled and the option for ‘state of the art’ electric joysticks — a market first. These joysticks are fully weatherproof without the need for a protective cover. Combined with the Olsbergs Q200 main valve, they represent a market novelty in combination with the high seats. All control functions of the crane and stabilisers are controlled from the joysticks.

For peace of mind, customers can purchase a ProCare service contract to secure original performance with regular preventative maintenance checks, and scheduled inspections. Repairs are covered as part of the most extensive package, ProCare Total R&M. Available plans may vary by market

DEME and OQ recently reached an agreement to have bp as an equity partner and operator in the HYPORT Duqm project.

bp will acquire a 49% stake, while OQ and DEME will each maintain a 25.5% stake in the project company. The agreement will enable bp to become part of the green hydrogen project situated in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD), Oman. The transaction will be completed in Q3 2024.

HYPORT Duqm is being developed on an area of 150 km2 within the Special Economic Zone at Duqm in Oman. The production of green hydrogen to green ammonia will be powered by both wind and solar energy, with a combined capacity of approximately 1.3 GW under Phase 1 and potentially more than 2.7 GW upon completion of Phase 2.

The downstream operations plan is to be fully integrated with the state-of-the-art infrastructure at the Port of Duqm to handle green molecules and channel them for export into European and Asian markets. The molecules could possibly serve to apply across several industries that are on their path to sustainable decarbonization. Currently, the project is in the pre-front-end engineering design phase, with the commercial operations date scheduled for 2030-2031.

In June 2023, DEME and its development partner OQ, the leading global integrated energy group in Oman, signed a Project Development Agreement with Hydrom, which represents Oman’s national interest in green hydrogen and is regulated by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals.

DEME HYPORT Energy, which consolidates all of DEME’s green hydrogen interests, is a cornerstone of DEME’s sustainability strategy. As an active developer of renewable hydrogen projects that target a leading role in regard to early involvement, partnerships, and integrated control across the value chain, DEME HYPORT Energy is pursuing a fully integrated strategy to ensure that each project generates and transmits all the necessary electricity and water – resulting in 100% green hydrogen molecules. The agreement with bp is further proof of DEME’s commitment to being a global player in the green hydrogen space.

In June 2024, DEME signed a milestone Cooperation Agreement with the Egyptian Government to establish an industrial-scale green hydrogen production facility in Egypt’s western desert. Leveraging the knowledge gained from the development of Oman’s pioneering HYPORT Duqm green hydrogen project, DEME will apply its expertise to this innovative second facility. Meanwhile, DEME is also working with local partners in other strategic locations in regard to progressing utility-scale green hydrogen/ammonia projects, and more opportunities are being explored on a global level.

The transport of the U17 submarine from the Speyer Technology Museum to its sister museum in Sinsheim is likely to be considered the sensation of the year for heavy-load transport fans.

The Kübler haulage company team transported the spectacular load overland on 30 SCHEUERLE InterCombi axle lines whilst negotiating numerous obstacles on the way. The challenging route and the special cargo required precise maneuvering and several balancing acts – as well as the world’s first rotation of a submarine on a modular transporter. Without the know-how of the heavy-load logistics provider and the efficient transport technology from TII SCHEUERLE, this particular transport would not have been possible. TII SCHEUERLE thus impressively demonstrated how the company claim “Move the World” once more became a reality.

Following the action live or watching the streaming on the internet: over the past four weeks, tens of thousands of people have been watching the 350 ton U17 submarine make its way from the Speyer Technology Museum to its sister museum in Sinsheim. The transport was a delicate undertaking because the structure, which measured up to 90 meters long and ten meters high on land, had to pass under low bridges and high-voltage power lines as well as having to negotiate the narrow roads and streets of the hilly Kraichgau region. In order for the U17 to pass safely under the obstacles, it had to be repeatedly rotated by 70 degrees or more around its longitudinal axis by means of a special piece of equipment. As a result, the tower was positioned to one side within a few minutes and the height of the transport was reduced to the required clearance.

The transport began on the Rhine and Neckar rivers starting from Speyer via Mannheim and on to Haßmersheim. The maritime oldtimer was initially loaded onto a river pontoon positioned on 30 InterCombi axle lines from the TII Group subsidiary TII SCHEUERLE, the specialist for heavy-load transportation assignments on paved roads and off-road terrain. Both the loading and unloading of the transport, which weighed a total of around 500 tons, onto the floating load carrier was a careful balancing act whereby the 66-meter long and 11.5-meter wide pontoon had to be constantly re-leveled in order to compensate for the constantly changing load situation.

While the SCHEUERLE modular transporters slowly moved the submarine forward centimeter by centimeter, the Spedition Kübler crew kept a constant eye on the 240 wheels of the InterCombi and ensured that the pontoon and U17 were always evenly balanced by means of the ballasting and 650 millimeter high axle compensation. After around three hours, the roll-on was completed and the loan pontoon provided by the Defense Technology Study Collection of the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) was ready for transportation across the river using a push convoy procedure. The success was no coincidence: the heavy-load logistics provider from Michelfeld-Erlin has been responsible for many of the most spectacular transports on behalf of the Sinsheim and Speyer technology museums in the past. For example, Spedition Kübler has transported a Concorde, an Airbus A380 and the Kelly Family’s houseboat to the museums.

Before the roll-off took place in Haßmersheim, the teams from Kübler, Fischer Kran Transporte, Van der Wees and the Sinsheim-Speyer technical museums had to work hand in hand to jack up U17 to a height of 1.4 meters using eight hydraulic cylinders so that the 30 SCHEUERLE InterCombi axle lines could then drive under the submarine again for the final landing. Here, too, the precise balancing of the pontoon and axle lines was crucial for ensuring the success of the mission whereby the strong current of the Neckar river posed a particular challenge. The modular platform vehicles carefully made their way over ramps onto the pontoon and under the U17 and then centimeter by centimeter back onto land with the load. “It´s finished. The submarine is back on land. Now we have to combine all our efforts because the road transport begins tomorrow,” commented Frieder Saam, professional driver and transport manager at Spedition Kübler.

It was not without good reason that the highly experienced heavy haulage expert pointed out the challenge ahead. The route was quite challenging and led through the hilly Kraichgau region in the north west of Baden-Württemberg. The first big challenge lay waiting just before reaching the town of Neckarmühlbach: passing under a cement conveyor belt. For this, the U17 had to be tilted hydraulically for the first time on the low-loader in the special turning device. After the “dress rehearsal” on the water, the world premiere on land was also a success – thanks in part to the robust transport equipment from TII SCHEUERLE.

“For such transports, we need high-quality, robust and precisely steerable modular axle lines. We have been working together with TII SCHEUERLE for over 35 years and are very impressed with the convincing quality of the vehicles,” explained Frieder Saam. The SCHEUERLE InterCombi series precisely meets these requirements. It consists of a modular platform vehicle with a 3 m width with which a large range of transport assignments can be accommodated. Due to the low platform height of 1190 millimeters in the driving position and the wide support base, the axle lines are also suitable for loads with high centres of gravity like the U17 along with the rotational maneuvering capability. As in the case of the U17 transport, InterCombi vehicle combinations are not only used as trailer combinations but also as tractor-trailer combinations or as self-propelled transporters. Through the possibility of coupling the modules longitudinally and transversally, even the heaviest of transports on public roads can be realized. The high level of flexibility and variability of the InterCombi modules makes them an all-rounder for transporting the heaviest construction machinery and mining equipment, long materials, wind turbine components, transformers, bridge elements and other heavy goods applications.

In Bad Rappenau, too, there were tight bends, turns and a number of traffic islands waiting for the transport. In contrast, the route along the completely closed A6 expressway from Bad Rappenau towards Sinsheim accompanied by a police escort and support vehicles as well as under the gaze of countless onlookers was a routine task for the experienced team. Here, the U17 had to be rotated once again so that the submarine tower did not come into contact with any high-voltage lines. In order to exit via the Sinsheim/Steinsfurt motorway slip road, Frieder Saam had to move onto the opposite carriageway and drive the last five kilometers as a “wrong-way driver” at a maximum speed of 15 km/h.

Before crossing the railway line shortly before Ittlingen, the maritime museum exhibit had to be tilted to the side one last time in order to pass under the overhead power lines. After this, the convoy made its way to the town center thus providing once again another spectacle. Here, the heavy-load transport snaked its way past house facades just a few centimeters away whereby drive-over protection sheets protected the ground and paved streets. In the Sinsheim neighbourhood of Hilsbach, Frieder Saam negotiated a very tricky intersection in the town center where he maneuvered the U17 through a very tight space between a church wall and a residential building with only a few centimeters leeway, and was subsequently able to relax and be suitably impressed at the expert tapping of the beer barrel ceremony! Afterwards, after a challenging downhill zig-zag drive during which some road signs had to be removed, the U17 made a grand entrance on the TSG Hoffenheim sports facility.

The final kilometer to the Sinsheim Technology Museum saw music bands and thousands of onlookers once again accompanying the U17. They gave the submarine a worthy reception while Frieder Saam took the last turn onto the museum grounds to the sounds of thunderous applause and parked the exhibit in front of its future location – a moving moment with a guaranteed goosebump feeling. It is now waiting there to receive its first visitors from summer 2025 onwards. Museum Director, Hermann Layher, and the incumbent Lord Mayor of Sinsheim, Jörg Albrecht, thanked all those involved and the supporters for their commitment which made the logistical feat possible.

Last year, the decommissioned submarine was transported from the Kiel Fjord to Speyer, mainly by water. For the transport over the four-kilometer long route from the natural harbor at Speyer to the site of the Technology Museum, Spedition Kübler used 30 SCHEUERLE InterCombi axle lines, probably the longest rigid platform trailer combination on public roads in Germany to date. A stopover was necessary because the experts from the Speyer Technology Museum had to free the U17 from the batteries and diving weights which weighed several tons. Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems unfortunately did not have the time to do this during the demilitarization of the submarine in a shipyard in Kiel. Planning the entire special transport assignment took five years.

With the second part of the route, the Technology Museum gave the heavy haulage fans and all other onlookers who accompanied the transport the whole time, and celebrated a veritable folk festival at many locations on the way, probably the most exciting four weeks of the year. Local mayors welcomed the convoy and guests while local clubs and beer gardens took care of catering requirements. Numerous kindergartens and school classes used the spectacle for an educational trip which particularly pleased the commander of U17, Jürgen Weber, who accompanied the transport along with his team over many stages of the journey. “The interest of the spectators made us feel good, it was an unforgettable experience for the whole team and we are proud that the U17 is being kept open to the public”, said Weber who answered numerous questions about the U17 and reported on life on board the submarine.

Erik Ahrén has been appointed as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for WALLENIUS SOL.

Erik comes most recently from Gothenburg Port Authority, where he served as CFO since 2019. His appointment took effect on August 5, 2024, when he joined WALLENIUS SOL’s executive team.

“We are pleased to welcome Erik as a valuable addition to our team. WALLENIUS SOL is on a growth journey, with a strategic focus on enhancing customer value and addressing environmental and climate factors. With Erik on board, we will accelerate our journey towards creating value with minimal impact on the Earth’s resources,” says Elvir Dzanic, CEO of WALLENIUS SOL.

Erik Ahrén brings with him extensive experience in leading roles within finance and economics. He most recently served as CFO at Gothenburg Port Authority and has previously worked at various positions including BIC Nordic, Witre Manutan and Trelleborg Industrial Products.

“I am excited to join this innovative company. As CFO, I view my role as extending beyond finances; I consider myself a business partner. Together with the management team and our talented colleagues, I look forward to developing customer solutions that are sustainable from every aspect,” says Erik Ahrén, CFO, WALLENIUS SOL.