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Tag: logistics

Girteka Logistics Business Appoint New CEO

Posted on by David Priestman

Effective April 7th, Nikolay Pargov has been appointed CEO of Girteka logistics business (currently named Girteka Europe West UAB). He’ll continue to focus on growth of the logistics business, driving commercial and operational excellence, enhancing efficiency, and creating value for all stakeholders.

“With a strong and committed team, we’re well-positioned to deliver outstanding service and reliability to our customers,” says Nikolay. “I’m honored by the trust placed in me and look forward to continuing our mission of being Europe’s leading provider of temperature-controlled and high-care cargo transportation.”

Pargov joined the company in September 2024. He brought over 20 years of experience in logistics, having worked with companies such as DHL, C.H. Robinson Europe, and Transporeon.

New Name Reflects Strategic Focus

To better reflect the core of its business, Girteka Europe West UAB will officially become Girteka Logistics UAB as of the 2nd of May.

“The name “Girteka Europe West” no longer reflects the essence of our business and how we are structured today. “Girteka Logistics” better aligns with our core business and future direction – delivering operational excellence and driving growth in logistics,” says Edvardas Liachovičius, Girteka Group CEO.

Business Structure of Girteka Group

Girteka Group operates through main business areas. Girteka Logistics specializes in temperature-controlled and high-care cargo transportation across Europe. TNDM Trucking delivers dedicated fleet services tailored to customers. ClassTrucks ensures supply, management and sale of trucks and trailers, supporting efficient transport asset management. Girteka Group also owns Thermo-Transit which provides logistics services in fresh fish, food, and beverages delivery to and from Scandinavia.

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Show-Stopping Trailers Unveiled by Transport Company

Supply chain fraud – the dangers of extended credit

Posted on by David Priestman

Fraudulent strategies can prove extremely profitable to the international criminal fraternity and the global supply chain is typically low risk due to the remote nature of the actual physical theft of goods. The TT Club regularly highlights the risks of theft through fraudulent documents, mandate fraud, fraudulent truckers, and trucking companies presenting themselves to collect cargo and more recently fraudulent freight forwarders or brokers.

Now the insurer is drawing attention to another type of fraud prevalent over the last twelve months; that of credit fraud. TT’s Logistics Risk Manager Josh Finch comments, “Credit fraud is an exposure to all in the global supply chain and a danger that ought to be considered through the risk management structure of every business. This is primarily a financial risk as operators are left with freight costs that can’t be collected. The losses as a result of such fraud can escalate quickly.”

The methodologies of criminals may vary but they all prey on the priority of all operators to maximise revenue in a highly competitive commercial environment. A brief example can help illustrate the dangers.  Finch explains, “A new customer approaches with a single shipment, typically to transport internationally, for instance from Bangladesh to Spain. The ocean shipment will be completed by road at source and destination.  There is a suggestion this could be the start of a potentially large and lucrative contract.   A rate is agreed and a 60-day credit facility arranged. On completion of the shipment the freight account is settled within the agreed 60 days.”

What follows, from the operator’s point of view seems favourable, as four more consignments of clothing are booked on similar terms to the first. Then the ‘sting’ is put in place as these consignments become urgent and must be sent by air.  Several more air freight shipments occur regularly over a three-week period.  All successfully delivered.

However after that, communications to the customer go unanswered; the 60-day credit period expires, and the freight account goes unsettled. The operator is left with significant carrier costs and no revenue.

TT urges operators to engage in extensive due diligence when advancing credit to new customers and points to advice from the British International Freight Association (BIFA).  Based on the unfortunate experiences of a number of its members, BIFA highlights some similar characteristics shared by this type of fraudulent ‘customers’ :

  • Customer wants only airfreight handled
  • No customs clearance or delivery at destination required
  • Completely new contacts, never previously engaged with operator
  • Large volumes of cargo involved
  • Customer accepts the quote without negotiation
  • No record of customer ever importing or exporting previously on the UK’s HMRC Traders website

Concluding Finch emphasises, “Undoubtedly the best course is to withhold extended credit such as 60 days until a trusting relationship has been established with a customer. If commercial necessities dictate offering a more immediate credit facility then careful due diligence is vital. It is wise to maintain that primary risk management revolves around knowledge of your customer at all levels including regulatory compliance, safety, and security.”

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CMA CGM Group to acquire 35% stake in Dry Port

Posted on by David Priestman

Following French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Egypt, and in the presence of H.E. Kamel El Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport and Industry, the CMA CGM Group, a global player in maritime, land, air, and logistics solutions, officially signed a strategic partnership agreement with October Dry Port (ODP), marking a significant milestone in advancing Egypt’s logistics infrastructure and supply chain capabilities.

Through a shareholding participation of 35% and a management agreement, the CMA CGM Group will become an active operational partner in the activities and development of the logistics and rail platform  of October Dry Port. The Group will bring its expertise in managing inland terminals while providing reliable and cost-efficient services to all customers. The completion of the acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

The agreement was signed by Christine Cabau Woehrel, Executive Vice-President Assets and Operations of the CMA CGM Group, and Eng. Ahmed Elsewedy, President & CEO of Elsewedy Electric, during a ceremony attended by His Excellency Egypt’s Minister of Transport, Kamel El-Wazir as well as senior officials from both entities. This collaboration establishes a direct partnership between CMA CGM and ODP to enhance port operations, optimize cargo movement, and provide seamless logistics services to customers in Egypt’s expanding industrial zones.

October Dry Port, Egypt’s first dry port and the first public-private partnership (PPP) project in the Egyptian transport sector under the EBRD Green Cities program, was developed, built, and operated by Elsewedy Electric in partnership with the General Authority for Land and Dry Ports (GALDP). The project was funded by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and officially commenced operations in November 2023. Recognized for its commitment to sustainability, the dry port was awarded the “Best Sustainable Infrastructure Project” for its environmentally conscious design, energy-efficient operations, and alignment with Egypt’s green transformation strategy.

Strategically located in the heart of the New Industrial Area in 6th of October City, ODP is directly connected to all of Egypt’s seaports and serves as a critical logistics hub, facilitating faster cargo clearance, reducing seaport congestion, and supporting Egypt’s growing industrial and export ecosystem.

Through this partnership, CMA CGM will leverage ODP’s state-of-the-art facilities to serve its expanding customer base across Greater Cairo and Upper Egypt, providing integrated inland transport, customs clearance, and advanced logistics services. Already operating the Tahya Misr container terminal at the Port of Alexandria and the new terminal of Sokhna which will open early next year, the CMA CGM Group further strengthens its strategic positioning in Egypt, the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, especially through innovative and sustainable intermodal solutions. The CMA CGM Group will offer regular round trip rail services between the major seaports of Alexandria and Ain Sokhna to the Great Cairo area, boosting the competitivity of intermodal solution for Egyptian customers.

During the signing ceremony, H.E. Kamel El Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport affirmed that Egypt is open to cooperation with all international companies, including CMA CGM, which has a distinguished strategic partnership with the Egyptian side through its management and operation of the “Tahya Misr” multipurpose terminal at Alexandria Port. This terminal was inaugurated by H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in June 2023 and currently plays a vital role in maritime transport, global trade, and transit trade. The Minister also noted the cooperation in one of the terminals at Sokhna Port through CMA CGM’s partnership with a global alliance, inviting CMA CGM to inject further investments into Egypt, especially given the country’s promising investment climate.

Christine Cabau Woehrel stated: “The CMA CGM Group values a lot this new partnership with Elsewedy on the October Dry Port logistics platform. This is a unique opportunity to foster the development of low-emission intermodal solutions in Egypt through efficient rail connections. This new investment confirms the Group’s long-term commitment to Egyptian supply chain growth. It combines beautifully our worldwide maritime network to and from Egypt, our investment in the terminals of Alexandria and Sokhna, with the capacity to offer door to door efficient and competitive solutions to our Egyptian customers, opening a new more sophisticated vision of Egyptian supply chain development.”

Ahmed Elsewedy added: “Welcoming CMA CGM as a partner is a major step forward in positioning ODP as a national and regional logistics hub. Our shared vision for sustainability and efficiency makes this collaboration even more impactful.”

This agreement reinforces Egypt’s position as a regional logistics gateway and supports the country’s broader goals of promoting industrial growth, sustainable development, and global trade connectivity.

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3 Conveying Lessons Learned at LogiMAT 2025

Posted on by David Priestman

At LogiMAT 2025, one thing became crystal clear to: logistics operations are under more pressure than ever. Rising energy costs, unexpected breakdowns, and the push for sustainability mean businesses simply can’t afford inefficiencies. Florian Kley shares with you three key Conveying related lessons taken away from this year’s event.

Conveyor systems must work smarter, last longer, and be easier to manage.

1. High energy costs are straining budgets – but there’s a smarter way

With energy prices constantly fluctuating, every kilowatt really does count.

Many of the professionals I spoke with are under immense pressure to cut costs while still ensuring their operations perform at the highest level. This is where Ammeraal Beltech’s AMMdurance rPET belts come into play.

Their dry fabric treatment reduces friction, lowers power consumption in long-term by 17% in average, and extends their lifespan. This means real energy savings without compromising performance. Compared to standard synthetic belts, our PET fabric solutions also reduce CO2 emissions by 1.2 kg and decrease greenhouse gas release by 70%. It’s a smarter, more efficient way to operate.

2. Downtime is a constant headache for business

I’ve heard this time and again: every minute of downtime is lost revenue.

When unexpected breakdowns occur, especially during peak seasons, it’s a nightmare. Many visitors shared their frustrations about belts wearing out too quickly or breaking at the worst possible moments. This is exactly why we focused on ZipLink® belts.

Designed for ultimate flexibility, ZipLink® belts allow splicing at any length with just a single pin. The unique mesh structure not only simplifies splicing without special tools but also ensures quick maintenance and minimal downtime—critical for keeping operations running smoothly during those high-pressure peak seasons.

3. Managing conveyor belts shouldn’t be a hassle

One consistent issue I heard during my discussions with logistics experts is that finding technical data, certifications, or maintenance records shouldn’t slow down operations—but it often does. That’s why I was excited to see how well Ammeraal Beltech’s AMMcare Connect resonated with so many visitors.

With a simple QR code scan, everything operators need is right at their fingertips. This makes belt management effortless, helping to minimise downtime and make operations more efficient.

Stay ahead of competition!

The logistics industry is evolving rapidly, and the challenges are undeniable. But with the right conveyor solution, combining efficiency, durability, and digitalisation is within reach.

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New Product Line Optimizes Mid-rate Sortation

[Podcast] Future Fulfilment: Smarter, Scalable Warehouses

Posted on by David Priestman

In this insightful episode of our podcast, Logistics Business Conversations, host Peter Macleod is joined by Andy Ingram, Vice President of Advanced Technology at Ocado Intelligent Automation. Together, they explore the evolution of Ocado from an online grocery retailer to a global pioneer in warehouse automation and the future of fulfilment automation.

Andy shares the remarkable story of how Ocado’s early warehouse systems—like their monorail pick-and-pack setup—were replaced through bold decisions and fast learning. From conveyor-based systems with major points of failure to today’s fully fault-tolerant, modular storage and retrieval grid powered by “naked bots,” the conversation dives deep into the transformative power of technology, simulation, and in-house innovation.

Peter Macleod and Andy Ingram, Ocado, Podcast

Key highlights include

The journey from Ocado’s early automation failures to cutting-edge proprietary tech

The development of the Ocado Storage and Retrieval System and its global rollout

Why Ocado runs its own tech and how this operational insight fuels innovation

The shift toward “lights-out” warehouses and additive manufacturing (3D printing) to create lighter, faster, more efficient robots

Insights on flexibility, scalability, and KPIs businesses should measure when adopting automation

The importance of simulation and data modeling to design high-throughput, fault-tolerant systems

How Ocado is addressing labor challenges by upskilling workers and simplifying robotic systems

A look ahead at the future of logistics automation—including exciting technologies like subassembly 3D printing

Whether you’re a logistics professional, automation enthusiast, or just curious about the future of fulfilment, this episode delivers a fascinating glimpse into what’s next for warehouse operations around the world.

Click here to listen to this episode and more

New Thames Crossing Gets Go-Ahead

Posted on by David Priestman

The UK logistics and freight community has welcomed the news that the Lower Thames Crossing has been granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Transport.

The announcement, made by the Department for Transport, follows a detailed examination process and represents a key milestone for what is set to become a major new route beneath the River Thames, connecting Kent and Essex.

This 14.5-mile project, lead by National Highways, features two tunnels under the River Thames, aiming to alleviate congestion at the Dartford Crossing by rerouting 13 million journeys annually.

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) praised the decision, noting the long-running support from industry stakeholders.

“This is a great result for the campaign, backed by politicians and businesses, as well as BIFA, for a project that was first mooted in 2009 as a means of addressing the problems that congestion at the Dartford Crossing causes,” said Steve Parker, BIFA Director.

“Media reports indicate that work will commence in 2026 and could be complete by 2032. Our members, who manage the transport of a considerable amount of the UK’s visible trade, will be delighted.

“Delays in transit pose a risk to their reputations, and have significant financial consequences.”

The Dartford Crossing remains one of the UK’s busiest road links, and the new tunnel is expected to provide an alternative route to help alleviate traffic pressure. The decision to grant consent follows a period of extensive consultation and planning, and the project will now move into the next stages of development.

The Labour MP for Dartford, Jim Dickson said “This decision will unlock economic growth across the country and finally deliver a solution to the traffic chaos faced by my constituents on a daily basis.”

According to the government, the crossing is a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project and is designed to support long-term growth, enhance road connectivity, and reduce congestion in a key part of the strategic road network. Construction is slated to begin in 2026 or early 2027, with the crossing expected to open by 2032. This development promises to enhance connectivity between the south and the Midlands, linking key ports and stimulating regional economic growth.

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Industry Urges Supply Chain Resilience After Heathrow Closure

Industry Urges Supply Chain Resilience After Heathrow Closure

Posted on by Will Priestman

The recent closure of Heathrow Airport has sparked renewed urgency around resilience and supply chain risk management, prompting organisations to take a hard look at just how dependent they are on single transportation hubs. In an era where resilience is no longer optional, the disruption underscored how even a brief shutdown at a major logistics node can ripple across global networks—halting the movement of goods, delaying critical shipments, and challenging operational continuity.

More than ever, businesses are reassessing the structure, resilience and vulnerabilities of their supply chains. Heathrow, as a vital gateway for international freight and passenger traffic, has once again highlighted the dangers of over-concentration. The message is clear: without diversified routing, flexible infrastructure, and real-time visibility, supply chains remain one disruption away from gridlock.

Heiko Schwarz, Global Supply Chain Risk Advisor at Sphera, commented:

“While there are still many open questions surrounding the fire itself and how its impacts were so severe, from a supply chain perspective, this disruption should serve as a real-world stress test. Once the dust settles, businesses will be looking at how reliant they are on singular critical infrastructure hubs, whether it’s Heathrow, LAX, or Doha. No one can predict these kinds of events, but they can prepare what their response would look like.

“Whether it’s this fire, the Icelandic ash cloud in 2010, or the Suez Canal blockage in 2021, these incidents underscore the need for end-to-end visibility, scenario planning, and supply chain diversification. Organizations that understand the interconnected nature of their supply chains, maintain viable alternative routes, and invest in resilience will be far better placed to keep operations running when the unexpected strikes.”

From our perspective as a logistics business, the disruption hit close to home. After visiting Chicago for ProMAT 2025, our colleague Ian Wright joined many travellers stranded following cancellation to all Heathrow-bound flights – just one example of how a localised infrastructure failure can ripple across global routes.

As we reported last week, the fire at a nearby power station caused a major outage, forcing Heathrow to cancel all flights and remain shut until midnight. While the passenger impact was widely covered, we highlighted that the real and lasting implications for UK supply chains were largely overlooked in mainstream reporting.

This incident is a clear reminder that supply chain resilience can’t remain theoretical. Businesses must invest in contingency planning, alternative routing, and real-time visibility to protect operations against these increasingly frequent disruptions.

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Heathrow Airport Closes after Power Station Fire

Heathrow Airport Closes after Power Station Fire

Posted on by David Priestman

The recent events at Heathrow Airport have once again underscored the vulnerability of the UK’s logistics network to unexpected disruptions. As one of the country’s busiest transport hubs, any interruption to operations — particularly on the scale caused by a major power outage — has immediate and far-reaching effects. While passenger inconvenience has dominated headlines, the real and lasting impact on freight and supply chains deserves equal attention.

After the pandemic and Brexit, the British International Freight Association says it thought that there was a better understanding of the critical importance of efficient international supply chains. If the initial mainstream media coverage of the incident at Heathrow is anything to go by, clearly that is not the case, with little mention in the news of the huge disruption to UK supply chains.

The fire at a nearby power station which caused a significant power outage across Heathrow airport has resulted in major disruption with all flights cancelled. The airport is to remain shut until midnight.

PML Seafrigo, whose facilities are unaffected by the fire, is extending an offer to those whose  freight is impacted by the situation, providing a collection service from alternative UK airports where imported  goods have been unexpectedly rerouted. In addition, PML Seafrigo is able to ensure the seamless movement of exported goods to alternative London airports, specifically London Gatwick or Stansted, subject to space and availability.

As expected, most reporting has focused on the immediate impact on flights, terminals and passengers. Regrettably, cargo has been largely overlooked, and the impact will be significant on both import and export movements. Supply chains work based on a consistent flow of goods and this has been severely interrupted – for exports the immediate concern will be that airline sheds will fill up rapidly and be unable to accept fresh freight deliveries, which will then affect other parties. For imports, freight will not arrive at or be diverted from its original final destination.

BIFA says that a big concern for its members is that most cargo is carried in the bellyholds of passenger aircraft and when flights to and from LHR are restored there will be a considerable influx in demand by passengers for seats to continue their journeys. Potentially this will restrict the capacity to move cargo.

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Navigating the Supply Chain Maze

[Podcast] Safety First: How to ensure Safety in Intralogistics

Posted on by David Priestman

Warehouse safety is a growing concern, with thousands of industrial truck accidents reported annually—many happening while reversing. In this episode of Logistics Business Conversations, experts Elke Karnarski and Fabian Zimmermann from Linde Material Handling break down the biggest safety risks in warehouses and Intralogistics and what can be done to prevent them.

From AI-powered cameras that detect pedestrians to speed control zones and real-time monitoring, we reveal the latest innovations designed to cut down on injuries and fatalities. Plus, why investing in safety now saves companies thousands in the long run. Tune in to find out what’s really happening behind warehouse doors—and how to stay ahead of the risks.

Fabian and Elke from Linde Material Handling - Intralogistics Safety

One of the most shocking insights? Even food warehouses can be high-risk zones for explosions, requiring specialized, explosion-proof forklifts to prevent disaster. Meanwhile, AI-driven safety tech is making waves, with Reverse Assist Cameras and wearable pedestrian detection helping to reduce collisions in busy warehouse environments. As speed-related accidents rise, smart Speed Control Zones are balancing safety with productivity. And with major players like Nvidia stepping into warehouse safety, the future of logistics is getting smarter—and safer.

Are warehouses doing enough to prevent accidents? Listen now to find out what’s really happening behind the scenes—and how to stay ahead of the risks.

Click here to listen to this episode and more

[Podcast] Electric Freightway: Decarbonising the UK’s HGVs

Posted on by David Priestman

In this episode of Logistics Business Conversations, host Peter McLeod speaks with Colm Gallagher, Chief Data Scientist at Hitachi ZeroCarbon, about the ambitious Electric Freightway initiative. With heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) responsible for 20% of UK transport emissions, Hitachi ZeroCarbon, in collaboration with Gridserve and other key industry players, is spearheading a data-driven transition towards electric HGVs.

Colm explains how this initiative tackles the “chicken-and-egg” dilemma between charging infrastructure and vehicle adoption, ensuring a synchronized rollout of electric HGVs and public/private charging networks. The discussion explores the role of real-world telemetry data in optimizing fleet operations, reducing costs, and informing industry-wide decarbonization strategies.

Key topics include

The economic viability of electric HGVs, the challenges of scaling up infrastructure, and the behavioural shift required within the logistics sector. Colm also shares insights into Hitachi’s role in analysing fleet performance, supporting operators in making data-driven decisions, and driving policy development for the UK’s 2040 diesel ban.

Tune in to discover how Electric Freightway is shaping the future of sustainable logistics, and what it means for fleet operators, policymakers, and the wider supply chain. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insights from industry leaders tackling today’s most pressing logistics challenges!

Click here to listen to this episode and more…

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