Member States’ climate and social plans

EU approves funding for small road transport companies

Starting 2028, the EU Emissions Trading Scheme 2 (ETS 2) will lead to rising fuel prices for road transport. EU Member States can use the expected revenue to support small businesses in switching to more energy-efficient alternatives – even before…

Automotive crisis

VW workers council rejects redundancies and plant closures

Volkswagen is facing further cutbacks. Ahead of key staff meetings, workers council chair Daniela Cavallo is setting clear boundaries. Olaf Lies, Minister-President of Lower Saxony, the state holding the second-largest share in Volkswagen, has issued…

A life’s work

He never asked to be an icon

Klaus-Michael Kühne, a visionary and highly successful logistics entrepreneur, has passed away. Those who knew him describe him as curious and open to innovative ideas, thrifty, and demanding. An obituary.

Strait of Hormuz

Iran and Oman continue discussions on shipping regulations

The Strait of Hormuz remains the central point of contention in the conflict between the US and Iran. Iran's neighbour Oman is trying to put in place new regulation. 

Climate change

Panama reduces the number of daily canal transits

Due to falling water levels, the canal authority has limited the number of daily transit slots. With storm front El Niño coming up, the situation is likely to get worse. Meanwhile, the cost of transiting the canal has reached a record high.

Abbreviation

South Korea is testing the northern trade route

For the first time ever, South Korea sent a cargo ship to Europe through the Arctic. The journey is considerably shorter – provided the Arctic ice allows it. China and Russia also intend to make greater use of the route.

Transatlantic Trade

What is left of the EU-US trade deal a year on

A year ago, after weeks of haggling over the fine print, the EU and the US issued a joint statement setting out their trade agreement. Not everyone is convinced it has delivered.

Management

Cargobeamer trims its executive board

Nicolas Albrecht is stepping down as chief executive and moving to the Supervisory Board. Markus Fischer, currently chief financial officer, takes over as CEO but keeps his old role too. The slimmed-down board is meant to keep the company on its…

Acquisition

Hapag-Lloyd takes 25 per cent stake in Maasvlakte II

The deal gives Hapag-Lloyd a bigger foothold in Rotterdam and adds to the terminal portfolio it markets under the Hanseatic Global Terminals brand. Maasvlakte II is a key European hub for the Gemini Cooperation, the joint network run by Hapag-Lloyd…

Market share shifts

European air cargo market splinters into regions

Europe's traditionally dominant air freight nations are steadily losing ground. Growth across the continent in the first half of 2026 rested on a single country.

Corporate strategy

Kühne + Nagel overhauls road transport arm

Søren Schmidt, a long-serving DSV manager, has been running the Road division from Schindellegi for just over 100 days. To boost margins, he plans to roll out at Kühne + Nagel the model of regular round trips that has worked well in Scandinavia for…

Costs

Signs of Red Sea return stir hopes on rates

Hopes are growing across the shipping industry that traffic between the Far East and Europe will once again be able to run primarily via the Suez Canal from 2027. That would go a long way towards easing the current shortage of berthing capacity.

International growth

JD Logistics steps up European expansion

JD.com's logistics arm posted a sharp rise in turnover and operating profit in the first half of the year. Its international network keeps expanding, underpinning the growth of Joybuy.

Disruptions

Middle East logistics firms are feeling the impact of the Hormuz crisis

The closure of the waterway is reflected in the half-yearly results of DP World and AD Ports. However, the impact on the companies varies. One thing is clear: the logistics divisions are becoming increasingly important for both groups in the wake of…

M&A

MSC and Blackrock withdraw their bid for the Hutchison terminal in Barcelona

Following the announcement of the takeover plan, the European Commission had launched an antitrust investigation. MSC and Blackrock have now pre-empted Brussels’ decision. CK Hutchison does not address these events in its latest half-yearly report.