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.

M&A

Hapag-Lloyd remains confident about the Zim takeover

Recently, opposition to the 4.2 billion US dollars deal had been growing in Israel. According to media reports, Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Ministry of Defence have spoken out against the sale.

State subsidies

HGK calls for an investment package for low-draught vessels

According to Europe's largest inland shipping operator, HGK 1,000 shallow-draft vessels are needed in Europe’s waterways by 2035. A look at the data reveals the way ahead. 

Draughts in central Europe

Low water levels: DB Cargo to the rescue?

The river Rhine is on the verge of drying up, prompting logistics service providers to draw up contingency plans. DB Cargo sends out additional wagons. HGK and Kombiverkehr respond with new services, while inland waterway shipping companies are…

Trade Routes

Maersk is gradually resuming full operations through the Suez Canal

The liner shipping company is already routing a third of its volumes through the Red Sea to the Middle East, as it did before the outbreak of the crisis, according to CEO Vincent Clerc. Market conditions will continue to be shaped by bottlenecks.…

Sea

Maersk raises its full-year forecast

Despite the closure of the Strait of Hormuz the container giant managed to boost turnover using its overland diversions. Following the second quarter, the outlook in Copenhagen for the remainder of 2026 is confident.

Departure

DFDS: Girardin on the way out

The head of the ferry division at the Danish ferry and logistics group has unexpectedly stepped down from his post. CEO Michael Hansen is assuming the role on an interim basis.