FDI screening

Berlin set to block Cosco-Zippel deal

A confidential document reported by Handelsblatt states that the German government has "significant security concerns" and sees a "risk of strategic dependencies" in Cosco's planned takeover of Hamburg freight forwarder Konrad Zippel.

Port congestion

MSC sees scope for increased cargo volumes in Hamburg

MSC CEO Sören Toft has admitted that cargo volumes at Germany's largest seaport fell short of expectations, citing congestion and waiting times as the main reasons.

Takeover

InfraRed Capital Partners buys Hector Rail

Sweden's largest freight rail operator is changing hands, as Ancala sells its stake to InfraRed Capital Partners and its listed subsidiary HICL Infrastructure for 231 million euros.

Private equity

A.P. Moller Capital acquires a majority stake in Euroports

The Belgian port logistics operator runs more than 50 deep-water and inland terminals in ten European countries and China. The company handles more than 70 million tonnes of cargo annually and employs around 3,000 staff.

Drought

Low water levels threaten chemical industry supply chains

Water levels on the Rhine are falling, with record lows recorded at several locations. This threatens to prolong disruption to logistics chains in the chemical industry, prompting North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate to extend their…

Freight rates

Golden Week set to bring even more turbulence to sea freight

Market research firm Sea-Intelligence warns that shippers must prepare for unusually sharp fluctuations in capacity on Far East routes in October. This is being driven by a wave of vessel arrivals at Asian ports, which is likely to force carriers…

Warehousing

Maersk expands its contract logistics network

The Danish group is investing in expanding its warehouse space around the globe. Germany is now its biggest contract logistics market in Europe, accounting for roughly a third of the continent's total space.

Middle East War

Hormuz blockade costs DP World 90 million dollars a month

Jebel Ali Port in Dubai is currently operating at just 10 per cent of its previous capacity, DP World CEO Yuvraj Narayan told the Wall Street Journal. Although the logistics company is shifting capacity elsewhere, there is no equivalent replacement…

Acquisition

Hapag-Lloyd submits a revised bid for Zim

The proposed framework agreement provides for changes in ten areas. Essentially, these are aimed at securing greater operational independence for Zim Israel, the independent Israeli shipping company due to be established as part of the takeover. The…

Change of leadership

Cold-chain logistics: Constellation appoints Abhy Maharaj as CEO

The current Chief Commercial Officer succeeds Carlos Rodriguez, who is moving to the advisory board and will support the company with its M&A strategy going forward.

Fuel shortage

What a US ban on diesel exports would mean for Europe

The Trump administration is considering a ban on diesel exports. The move would be a critical blow for Europe´s energy market. Half the EU’s diesel imports come frome the US. And replacing them would be virtually impossible. 

Company News

DHL’s Head of E-commerce: “We aim to double our turnover over the next five years”

The logistics group plans to expand its e-commerce division in the coming years. CEO Pablo Ciano expects growth to come primarily from cross-border business, new markets such as India, acquisitions, and the expansion of C2C and out-of-home services.

Company history

Kühne + Nagel plans independent investigation into company´s Nazi past

Following the death of Klaus-Michael Kühne, the logistics group is apparently set to undertake a review of its involvement with Adolf Hitler. It remains to be seen when this will begin and how far it will go.

Expansion

Uber Freight to expand its 4PL business in Europe

The Company announced investments in its operational structures and a second European site. Uber Freight is also strengthening its leadership: Mike Doucleff is set to take charge of the European business.

Drought

Rhine water level could drop to zero at key gauge

The water level at Kaub, a key gauge point along the river, could drop to zero centimetres in early October, which would mark a new record low. Low-water surcharges are already rising sharply, with consequences for the country's overall economic…