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Tag: port

New Rail Services Launched From London Gateway

Posted on by David Priestman

Maritime Transport has launched two new intermodal rail services connecting DP World London Gateway with its inland terminals at Hams Hall and iPort Doncaster.

Running Monday to Saturday, the new services commenced last week and are operated in partnership with GB Railfreight. Both services have been introduced in response to growing volumes at DP World London Gateway – where a £1bn expansion is set to begin this month to increase capacity at the Port – and reflect Maritime’s continued investment in expanding its rail network and infrastructure, improving inland connectivity, and driving modal shift across key UK routes.

John Bailey, Managing Director – Intermodal, Maritime Transport:

‘London Gateway is seeing strong growth in container volumes, supported by its role in the Gemini Cooperation’s Asia–Europe network and a major expansion project that will further strengthen its position as one of the UK’s leading deep-sea ports. As throughput increases, so too does the need for reliable inland connections. These new rail services provide the additional capacity needed to support that growth, enhance our national network, and enable a more meaningful shift from road to rail as part of a lower-carbon, more efficient UK supply chain.’

London Gateway Maritime Transport

Maritime plans to introduce additional services in the coming weeks, expanding connectivity between major UK ports and its network of nine strategic rail freight terminals. New routes currently in development include Felixstowe to Manchester, DP World London Gateway to the East Midlands, and Southampton to Maritime’s SRFI at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton – the latest addition to the company’s growing rail terminal portfolio which is now fully integrated into the national rail network.

Julie Garn, Intermodal Director, GB Railfreight:

‘Rail plays a hugely important role in our national supply chains. In addition to driving our economy, moving goods by rail reduces emissions and supports the UK’s transition to more sustainable transport. Using rail freight reduces carbon emissions by c.76% compared to road. These new services are a great example of what long-term collaboration can achieve, delivering practical, lower-carbon alternatives to road that benefit the wider supply chain.’

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Adriatic Gate Welcomes MSC’s New HADRIA Service

Posted on by Will Priestman

Adriatic Gate Container Terminal (AGCT), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) operation at the Port of Rijeka in Croatia, welcomed the commencement of the new HADRIA service by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) with the maiden call of the MSC ANNICK on 9 April.

MSC’s standalone service marks a significant development for North Adriatic trade connectivity, offering direct weekly connections to the Far East via Malta.

“With the breakup of the 2M Alliance, we are excited to welcome the new standalone MSC HADRIA service to AGCT,” said Emmanuel Papagiannakis, AGCT chief executive officer.

“We expect shippers to embrace the new service, as well as MSC’s global connectivity and continued commitment to Rijeka as a major gateway for the Balkans and Central Europe,” he added.

The HADRIA service makes regular weekly calls, strengthening AGCT’s network and enhancing options for regional shippers looking for reliable, efficient access to global markets. With this new addition, AGCT continues to expand its portfolio of direct services, supporting the increasing demand for sustainable and cost-effective logistics solutions in the Adriatic region.

With a rich port history with over 50 years of industry experience, we seek to take advantage of our geographic position and provide an efficient gateway to Central and South East Europe

Recognizing that we are just one part of the logistics chain, we strive provide a seamless product ensuring all rail and road hinterland connections are met and providing additional services for your container.

With continuous investment in people, new technologies and infrastructure we are committed to meet customer requirements.

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Cargo Capacity Boosted to Meet Growing Demand

Posted on by David Priestman

Etihad Cargo, the logistics and cargo division of Etihad Airways, has enhanced its operations to respond to rising customer demand across Greater China. The carrier is increasing its total number of flights between China and other markets from 11 in 2024 to a projected 18 by 2025, reinforcing trade connections between major global regions.

To support this growth, Etihad Cargo will utilize a wet-leased 747 freighter, bolstering freight capacity on high-demand lanes and offering customers enhanced flexibility for shipments to and from key global destinations.

In response to the surging market demand, the airline has introduced three more weekly freighter services to Shenzhen and added two additional flights per week to London. These new routes will significantly improve connectivity between China, Europe, and the Middle East, with expanded capacity for the transport of e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, perishables, and other time-sensitive goods.

This strategic capacity increase aligns with Etihad Cargo’s broader objective to expand its global footprint and deliver dependable, customer-focused logistics solutions. The airline remains dedicated to providing agile, efficient freight services while advancing Abu Dhabi’s role as a premier global logistics center.

Commenting on the expansion, Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer at Etihad Cargo, said: “Etihad Cargo is continuously investing in network growth and capacity enhancements to support the dynamic needs of global commerce. The added services to Shenzhen and London Stansted reflect our dedication to meeting customer expectations through increased access and stronger trade route connectivity.”

By deepening its footprint in China and strengthening links with Europe, Etihad Cargo is unlocking greater freight capacity to facilitate the smooth flow of goods across international markets.

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Maersk Unveils Middle East’s Largest Logistics Park

Posted on by Will Priestman

A Major Milestone for Maersk and Saudi Arabia

On August 22, 2024, Maersk, the global leader in integrated container logistics, marked a significant achievement by inaugurating its largest logistics park in the Middle East, located at Jeddah Islamic Port, Saudi Arabia. This state-of-the-art facility, sprawling over 225,000 square meters and developed at a cost of $250 million, is a cornerstone of Maersk’s ambitious strategy to bolster its logistics capabilities in the region. It aims to meet the growing demand for efficient, integrated supply chain solutions across the Middle East.

Strategic Location and Comprehensive Services

The park’s location at Jeddah Islamic Port, one of the busiest and most strategically important ports in Saudi Arabia, underscores its critical role in the region’s logistics landscape. The facility is designed to serve as a hub for a wide range of industries, including retail, automotive, technology, and pharmaceuticals. It offers a comprehensive suite of services, from multimodal transportation options to temperature-controlled warehousing, ensuring that businesses can efficiently manage their supply chains from a single, centralized location. The park is also equipped with advanced customs clearance capabilities, which will streamline the movement of goods and reduce lead times, further enhancing the efficiency of regional and global trade.

Sustainability at the Heart of Operations

A defining feature of Maersk’s new logistics park is its strong emphasis on sustainability. In line with the company’s global commitment to reducing its environmental impact, the facility incorporates several eco-friendly initiatives. Notably, 70% of the park’s energy requirements are met through a large solar panel array, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. Additionally, the park employs electric-powered equipment and vehicles for its operations, minimizing emissions and contributing to a greener supply chain. These initiatives are not only beneficial for the environment but also align with global trends towards more sustainable business practices, positioning Maersk as a leader in the green logistics movement.

Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

The opening of this logistics park is closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, an ambitious blueprint aimed at diversifying the Kingdom’s economy and reducing its dependency on oil exports. By enhancing the logistical infrastructure at Jeddah Port, Maersk’s facility is set to play a crucial role in facilitating trade, attracting foreign investment, and boosting economic growth in Saudi Arabia. The park is expected to support the development of local industries, create job opportunities, and contribute to the overall modernization of the Kingdom’s logistics sector.

Strategic Importance for Global Trade

As global supply chains continue to evolve, the need for integrated and efficient logistics solutions has never been more critical. Maersk’s new logistics park in Jeddah is a testament to the company’s forward-thinking approach and its commitment to addressing the complex demands of modern logistics. The facility’s strategic location at Jeddah Port, combined with its cutting-edge capabilities, positions it as a key node in the global supply chain, facilitating the seamless movement of goods across the Middle East and beyond.

By establishing the largest logistics park in the Middle East, Maersk is not only reinforcing its presence in the region but also contributing to the broader global trade ecosystem. The Jeddah Islamic Port is already a vital gateway for trade, and with the addition of this advanced logistics facility, it is poised to become an even more critical hub for businesses looking to optimize their supply chains.

The inauguration of Maersk’s logistics park at Jeddah Port marks a significant advancement in the Middle East’s logistical capabilities. This development not only strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional logistics leader but also underscores Maersk’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in global trade. As the facility begins operations, it is expected to play a pivotal role in driving economic growth, supporting Vision 2030, and enhancing the efficiency of supply chains across the Middle East and beyond.

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Port of Milford Haven Continues to Invest

Posted on by Will Priestman

The Port of Milford Haven is making a series of strategic investments to strengthen its position as the UK’s largest energy port and further expand its diversification across hospitality and tourism and renewable energy thanks to a £40m finance package from HSBC UK.

The Port, which is an independent trust port with no shareholders, is using the funds to expand its world class pilotage capability through investment in a new world class pilot transfer vessel as well as in additional highly skilled staff and modernised assets and infrastructure.

Forming part of the Port’s long-term diversification strategy, the funds have also enabled the redevelopment of a vacant retail unit which is now occupied by McDonald’s as well as the refinancing of Ty Milford Waterfront Hotel – a 100-bedroom hotel in Milford Haven operated by Celtic Collection. With around 100,000 visitors a year already visiting the cafes, restaurants and array of independent retailers, the new, award-winning four-star hotel, is supporting the Port’s ambition to develop the town as a leading destination to live, visit, play and enjoy.

Pembroke Port

At the Port’s Pembroke Port facility, the funding is being utilised to modernise the historic dockyard to attract developers of marine renewable technologies and their supply chains. The current ambition of 16.5GW of installed floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea with potential of up to 24GW by 2050 will require over 1,000 turbines to be built, deployed, operated and maintained. With 10 new turbines a month needing to be built for the next 20 years, there is a huge opportunity to anchor the supply chain in Pembrokeshire and create productive, well-paid jobs.

Across the business, the Port has also invested in a number of sustainability initiatives including expanding its electric van fleet and installing LED lighting, further driving the business to become Net-Zero ahead of the Government’s target of 2050.

Jonathan Chitty, Chief Financial Officer at the Port of Milford Haven, commented: “It’s an exciting time for the business as we firm up growth plans for the future, all of which are creating and enabling well-paid jobs across the region. We’re really pleased that our investments in Milford Haven have already created over 180 jobs.  As proud custodians of the Milford Haven Waterway, we’re investing to improve safety, resilience and sustainability, not just for our own business, but for the coastal communities we support and for our future generations.

“HSBC UK has been imperative in making this happen by understanding our business needs both now and into the future and working tirelessly to provide the optimum financing package for us.”

Simon Williams, Relationship Director at HSBC UK, said: “Pembroke Dock and Milford Haven play a very important role in the economic stability of the region, with the Waterway supporting over 5,000 jobs in Wales. It’s great to see the Trust Port’s diversification into renewables and leisure, creating even more jobs that support the local economy.”

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Pusan Terminal First to Implement BOXBAY

Posted on by Keith McKinley

DP World has announced the first commercial use of its revolutionary BOXBAY high-bay storage system at their terminal in Pusan, South Korea.

A contract was signed on 8th March between Pusan Newport Corporation (PNC) and Boxbay FZCO — a joint venture of DP World and German plant technology supplier, SMS group – initiating the design and engineering works for the site. The signing took place in Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai, and was signed by Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World and Burkhard Dahmen, Chairman and CEO of SMS group, the partners behind BOXBAY.

PNC already operates one of the highest performing container terminals in Asia. The addition of BOXBAY’s technology will allow PNC to boost its efficiency even further.

The BOXBAY high-bay storage technology will be seamlessly integrated along with the existing mode of ARMG/truck operations as a retrofit on an existing empty storage area. The system allows direct access to each container at any time, eliminating 350,000 unproductive moves per year. This will improve the overall truck servicing time by 20 percent, further improving PNC service delivery to its customers.

BOXBAY is fully automated with additional safety features built in. DP World also intend to power it by using solar power, generated by photovoltaic panels on the roof of the storage system, complementing DP World’s drive to decarbonise operations.

Tiemen Meester, COO Ports & Terminals, DP World, said:

“We have long invested in new and innovative technology that will improve and modernise our ports and terminals. It’s a tremendous step forward to announce our first commercial use of BOXBAY. The PNC terminal is an exemplary operation that is already technologically advanced and forward focused. With the introduction of the BOXBAY high-bay storage system, we will be able to better serve our customers while keeping our people safe and cutting carbon emissions from the environment.”

Glen Hilton, CEO & Managing Director, DP World Asia Pacific & Australasia, said:

“We are delighted to see this technology implemented first at one of our terminals. Safety, sustainability and efficiency are huge drivers for our business. We look forward to working with the PNC and BOXBAY teams to implement this system without any interruption to our current services.”

DP World developed BOXBAY in a joint venture with German plant technology supplier SMS group, who originally created the storage system to handle heavy metal coils. Having proven the technology in the metals industry, it was refined for port logistics. DP World and SMS built a pilot facility at Jebel Ali’s Terminal-4 in January 2021. By the end of June 2022, 190,000 container movements had been carried out under realistic operating conditions to verify the market maturity of the system.

DP World has a 66% stake in PNC, which handled 5.3 million TEUs in 2021. PNC operates in Pusan port, which is the tenth largest in the world.

Vessel Capability of Manila Flagship Expanded

Posted on by Keith McKinley

International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) continues to go above and beyond its concession obligations with the Philippine Ports Authority, adding another berth at the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) – the Philippines’ premiere gateway for international trade.

Currently under phase two development, MICT’s berth 8 has a design depth of 15 meters that will enable the terminal to handle foreign ultra large container vessels with capacities of up to 18,000 TEUs. MICT is capable of handling neo-Panamax ships through berths 6 and 7, which are operated by five quay cranes (QC). A sixth crane is scheduled to arrive in July and will be operational within the year. Berth 8 will operate with a minimum of four QCs – two of which will be delivered in 2025.

“We are optimistic of the prospect of welcoming ultra large container vessels at the Port of Manila and are preparing to accommodate the added volume that these more efficient ships will bring. With these developments, our goal is to outpace demand and ensure the efficient flow of trade from the port to the local supply chain. We thank the PPA for supporting our initiatives to continuously raise the standard of ports and maritime trade in the country,” said Christian R. Gonzalez, ICTSI executive vice president.

The expansion will also increase MICT’s capacity by 200,000 TEUs to 3.5 million TEUs, which will be key in addressing the increase in cargo volume as the country’s economy fully reopens. In addition, the new berth will add 400 meters of quay along with 12 hectares of yard space that will be constructed in phases.

Aside from infrastructure developments, ICTSI continues to invest in technology to make MICT’s operations more efficient.

ICTSI launched a mobile app last year that grants port users visibility over their cargo. The ICTSI App enables customers to monitor the status of their shipment across ICTSI’s network of terminals in the Philippines, which include MICT, NorthPort, Subic Bay International Terminals (SBITC), and Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT). Other ICTSI terminals in the country will soon be covered by the app.

“Giving our customers visibility over their cargo empowers them to make better business decisions. It also enhances stakeholder coordination, which could help us further improve the services that we offer,” explained Mr. Gonzalez.

In 1988, International Container Terminal Services, Inc. won the 25 + 25 years concession to operate the Manila International Container Terminal in an international tender. Since ICTSI’s takeover, MICT has increased its annual capacity five-fold, expanded its container handling fleet to make it the largest and most modern container terminal in the Philippines, and switched from a manual control system to an integrated real-time IT terminal control system. MICT is ICTSI’s flagship operation.

Headquartered and established in 1988 in Manila, Philippines, International Container Terminal Services, Inc. is in the business of port development, management and operations. ICTSI’s portfolio of terminals and projects are located in developed and emerging market economies in the Asia Pacific, the Americas, and Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Independent with no shipping or consignee-related interests, ICTSI works and transacts transparently with all stakeholders of the supply chain. ICTSI continues to receive global acclaim for its public-private partnerships, which are focused on sustainable development, and supported by corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Gothenburg Named Top Swedish Logistics Location

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The Gothenburg region tops the list when leading Swedish industry magazine Intelligent Logistik annually ranks Sweden’s best logistics locations. As Sweden’s largest cargo hub, the Port of Gothenburg plays a decisive role in the award according to the jury, who state that the port’s infrastructure, investment program and growing cargo volumes form a good basis for future growth in the region.

“It is an honourable award that we place great value on, and it is of course nice to be recognized together with the region’s other actors in the field of logistics. Together, we create conditions for a strong freight hub that strengthens Swedish competitiveness and is the guarantor of Swedish industry’s access to the world,” says Jacob Minnhagen, senior business developer at the Gothenburg Port Authority.

The Port of Gothenburg handles 53% of Sweden’s total container freight and volume growth is stable with nine straight quarters of increased container throughput. The container terminal operated by APM Terminals is particularly highlighted in the justification, as well as the growing freight train traffic where the port reached an all-time high in 2022.

Good establishment opportunities

Access to logistics areas is crucial for the functionality of a logistics region, and hence an important assessment criterion in the designation of Sweden’s best logistics location. The growth in logistics space has been exceptionally large in recent years, notes the magazine, and in the past year additional new land for logistics establishments has been added – both in areas close to the port, as well as locations just outside Gothenburg, like Landvetter and Borås.

“In the port, for example, we are developing the Halvorsäng Logistics Park together with Castellum just ten minutes from the quayside, it will be an important addition to port-side logistics. Then the growth of logistics areas is also good further out in the region, which is very important. Overall, the future looks bright for the Gothenburg region and there are good opportunities to establish yourself here as a logistics operator in the long term as well,” says Jacob Minnhagen.

The high-profile list of the best logistics locations in Sweden has been published since 2001. The ranking is founded on access to a logistics base, flows and geography, infrastructure, land access, know-how and skills, and the collaborative climate throughout the region. The Helsingborg Region and Jönköping Region were ranked second and third.

Excerpt from the citation:
“The Gothenburg region has long been Sweden’s logistics capital with an excellent distribution location with access to the Nordics’ largest container port, which stood strong even through the pandemic; with stable container volumes and greatly increased train freight volumes. Upcoming multibillion-crown investments in the port with a fairway deepening also provide good conditions for future growth. Gothenburg has historically had exceptional growth for logistics, a development which, however, slowed somewhat in 2022 when only approx. 70,000 square meters were added in the region. In the past year, however, new land for logistics establishments has been added both around Landvetter and at Hisingen.”

Tangier Port Maintains Leadership in Med

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Tangier Port / Tanger Med Port complex handled 107,822,662 tons in 2022, an increase of 6% compared to 2021, thus maintaining its ranking as the busiest port in the Mediterranean. This traffic is expected to represent about 54% of the total port tonnage handled in the Kingdom of Morocco.

Container Traffic on the rise

Excellent productivity levels were achieved over the past year and the record bar of 700,000 TEUs handled per month was surpassed. The Port Complex handled 459,091 trucks in 2022, up 13% from 2021. This good dynamic of the national exports was primarily driven by the industrial and agri-business sectors with respectively growths of 22% and 11%.

478,589 new vehicles were handled at the two vehicle terminals of Tanger Med Port Complex in 2022, up 11% compared to 2021. The traffic mainly consists of 295,393 vehicles for export produced by the Renault plants in Melloussa and SOMACA, and 124,112 vehicles for export produced by the Stellantis (Peugeot) plant in Kénitra.

Liquid bulk traffic grew by 6% compared to 2021. A total of 9,260,711 tons of hydrocarbons were processed. Solid bulk traffic recorded a total of 404,007 tons handled, an 18% increase over last year, largely due to sheet metal coil and grain traffic.

Passenger activity fully resumed in 2022 after the COVID-19-related health restrictions of 2020 and 2021. 2 071 504 passengers have transited through the Port Complex last year. In 2022, a total of 14,404 ships called at Tanger Med Port Complex, an increase of 32% compared to 2021, including 961 mega-ships (over 290 meters).

This growth is mainly due to the increase in productivity of container terminals for the reception and processing of mega-ships, as well as the resumption of crossings for passenger traffic especially during the Marhaba 2022 campaign. The performances achieved in 2022 are the result of the commitment and continuous collaboration of all Tanger Med Partners, in particular concessionaires, shipowners, local authorities and administrations.

Free Zone in Oman

Posted on by David Priestman

With investors and manufacturers across the globe searching for stable and sustainable business environments, Salalah Free Zone in Oman explains why it has become a favourite destination for investment and industry worldwide.

Established in 2006 in the Sultanate of Oman, Salalah Free Zone (SFZ), a member of Asyad Group, is a 21-million-sqm industrial and logistics hub offering top financial and technical benefits to investors and leveraging a strategic location overlooking the main international trade route. SFZ today hosts over 75 companies, from leading energy plants and manufacturing facilities to prominent logistics companies, all seizing our unique advantages to access a host of export markets.

While countries across the globe suffer from political instability and high energy costs, Oman has become a coveted home for investment thanks to its strong economy, energy security, investment-friendly legislations and advanced transport and ICT infrastructure. More specifically, the southern Omani city of Salalah is an ideal base of operations for any export-oriented business, as it opens to the Indian Ocean and captures the main East-West shipping lane. SFZ leverages the city’s strategic location that offers easy and quick access to the world’s largest consumer markets in Africa, India and Southeast Asia.

Adding to these innate advantages, SFZ offers investors a range of benefits that enable them to increase their global competitiveness, starting with a secure and competitively priced supply of energy and skilled low-cost workforce to highly flexible incorporation requirements. Businesses in our Free Zone can enjoy 0% corporate tax and 0% customs duties, in addition to 100% foreign ownership and no minimum capital requirements.

SFZ also supports businesses with ample space for all manufacturing and industrial projects by providing comprehensive physical infrastructure options, including customized packages of quality office space, warehousing and developed land to meet client-specific needs. The Free Zone is designed to accommodate all types of industries, with a particular focus on manufacturing, logistics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and renewable energy projects.

Free Zone benefits

Another lever for SFZ is the strong connectivity capabilities it has to offer. Oman has positioned itself perfectly to be a leading gateway to global markets by concluding free trade agreements with numerous countries, including the US, Singapore, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland & Liechtenstein. Moreover, the Sultanate has developed a strong transport system with an advanced road network ranked 10th on the World Economic Forum’s Quality of Roads index, stretching across the country and connecting it with Saudi Arabia, UAE and Yemen.

In Salalah, excellent road transport capabilities are complemented by Salalah International Airport, a state-of-the-art passenger and cargo airport located merely 20 km away from SFZ. The 23,000-sqm facility features a premier cargo complex with an impressive annual cargo capacity of 50,000 mt. Our clients can utilize the conveniently located airport to support their businesses with express access to over 200 international destinations.

Meanwhile, outstanding maritime transport capabilities are just around the corner, 10 km away from SFZ. The Port of Salalah is the third largest port in the GCC, processing over 4 million containers and 16 million mt of dry and liquid bulk annually. It is also equipped with ultramodern infrastructure for niche exports and imports, specifically catering to new green markets. For example, SFZ is now an ideal base of operations for green ammonia exporters, as the port is equipped with four jet pipelines leading to a pipeline corridor, as well as 4.6 km of pipes connecting the Port of Salalah directly to SFZ where businesses have 230,000 m3 of storage available to meet their liquid bulk needs.

The port was recently ranked the world’s 6th most efficient port, boasting exceptional processing speeds and cutting-edge equipment and IT systems. It is located at the heart of the global trade map and offers short shipping times to major markets, with 6 days to India, 16 days to China, 18 days to the US and 21 days to the Netherlands.

Salalah Free Zone stands today as a major regional industrial and a modern logistics cluster where global players and potential investors can operate easily and securely away from turmoil, uncertainty and supply chain vulnerabilities.

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