Tag: deep sea

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Morning Midas car carrier sinks in north Pacific

The pure car and truck carrier which was badly damaged by a fire on its vehicle decks has sunk in the Pacific Ocean.

Intense fire aboard car carrier Morning Midas forces crew to seek safety in lifeboat

Zodiac Maritime's Morning Midas car carrier on fire in Pacific

The car carrier Morning Midas has caught fire in the Pacific Ocean with a cargo of 3,000 vehicles being transported to the Mexican port of Lázaro Cárdenas from China.

Marcus Williams

North America’s vehicle handling ports are investing in strength to manage volatility

Upgrades to port infrastructure through 2024 have given some of the top volume processors room for manoeuvre amid uncertainty.

Marcus Williams

Vehicle throughput remains steady at Vancouver but is expected to increase when Annacis VPC opens

Tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports have affected volumes through the Canadian port of Vancouver but vehicle sales in Canada are up and imports from Mexico have remained consistent.

Marcus Williams

Amports maintains strong throughput at Benicia with strict vehicle scheduling

Amports Mark Boucher outlines the strong and consistent throughput the vehicle terminal operator has maintained through 2024 at the Californian port of Benicia.

Marcus Williams

VW Group Logistics launches Venice port terminal to optimise exports, reduce emissions and improve resilience across vehicle logistics

Volkswagen Group Logistics will expand its port network for finished vehicles of the Volkswagen Group with a terminal at Venice port in Italy, which will reduce lead times for many plants, increase rail transport, and shorten shipping times with Asia.

Christopher Ludwig

Megan Kelly

Automotive Inbound Logistics Survey 2025

The Automotive Inbound Logistics Survey 2025, in partnership with DP World, explores automotive inbound logistics, diving deep into the pertinent issues around tariffs, costs, digitalisation, and investment. Join the survey, win a prize, and gain access to vital insights on the challenges, constraints, and opportunities the sector faces.Take the survey

DSV finalises €14.3bn acquisition of DB Schenker, doubling size and strengthening global logistics network

DSV acquires DB Schenker, adding 160,000 staff and boosting revenue to €41.6bn amid rising demand for global logistics solutions.

Megan Kelly

US Trade Representative announces fee structure for vehicle and container deliveries by China-related shipping

The US Trade Representative has announced that fees on China-related vessels calling at US ports will include a cost per car unit of $150 for finished vehicle carriers.

Marcus Williams

There has been no marked increase in container and vehicle exports from Antwerp-Bruges ports to US as tariffs bite

Tariffs and trade uncertainty have not yet caused export spikes at the Port of Antwerp Bruges, which handled 28m tonnes of goods in 2024, including significant finished vehicle and parts trade.

Marcus Williams

Greek port of Piraeus reports decline in vehicle volumes in 2024 but increase in revenue

Vehicle throughput at the Greek port of Piraeus was down in 2024 but the port authority has recorded an increase in revenue and will benefit from a new joint venture between Cosco Shipping and Neptune Lines.

Marcus Williams

Spain’s Vigo port records increase in vehicle throughput including trade out of Morocco

Spain’s port of Vigo has maintained a top position in the ranking of European vehicle-handling ports in 2024, helped by an increase in trade with Morocco. It is also installing an onshore power supply from renewable sources for berthed vessels.

Marcus Williams

Cosco Shipping Car Carriers and Neptune Lines working together on Chinese vehicle distribution in Europe

Cosco’s car carrier division has signed an agreement with European short-sea car carrier Neptune Lines to manage finished vehicle shipments from China to Europe via the Greek port of Piraeus.

Marcus Williams

US trade organisations sign letter urging US Trade Representative to refrain from charging steep port fees on China-related vessels

During this week’s hearing in Washington DC, trade organisations from across US industry have signed a letter urging the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to row back on its proposal to impose heavy fees on China-made vessels calling at US ports.

Marcus Williams

National Transportation Safety Board report finds Francis Scott Key bridge was at high risk of collapse

The risk of catastrophic collapse to the Francis Scott Key bridge was 30 times higher than the established safety threshold, according to a report from the National Transportation Safety Board. The report also finds that 68 other bridge in the US could be at risk.

Marcus Williams

European Automotive Logistics Market Report 2025-2035

Download this comprehensive report with succinct industry analysis, market forecasts, company market share evaluations, and strategic recommendations

Daniel Harrison

MSC stake in Terminal Investment could make it global leader in container terminals after Hutchinson sale

MSC’s stake in the BlackRock-TIL buyout of Hutchinson’s non-China terminal portfolio could make it the global leader in container terminal capacity, according to market analysis by maritime expert Drewry.

Marcus Williams

Vessel operators are bringing in more capacity for maritime finished vehicle shipments

There appears to be a more even balance between demand and supply of ro-ro capacity for finished vehicle movements and rates appear to be dropping but the situation remains complex.

Marcus Williams

CMA CGM to invest $20 billion in US shipbuilding, port infrastructure and automotive platforms

CMA CGM plans to invest $20m in shipbuilding, ports, warehousing and automotive platforms over the next four years.

Marcus Williams

BLG Logistics and Cosco Shipping Car Carriers to work together on China vehicle and equipment imports to Europe

An agreement between BLG Logistics and Cosco Shipping Car Carriers will make the German port of Bremerhaven a hub for Chinese vehicle and equipment imports to Europe.

Marcus Williams

NYK Line signs memorandum of understanding with Port of Hueneme to cut emissions and focus on energy efficiency

The US west coast port of Hueneme is building on its commitment to cut emissions and improve energy efficiency in finished vehicle logistics with a new green corridor agreement for Japanese imports signed with NYK Line.

Marcus Williams

United States Trade Representative is looking to impose heavy service fees on China-related shipping

[Updated March 3] Following an investigation into unreasonable or discriminatory practice in international shipping, the United States Trade Representative is proposing to bring in fees of up to $1.5m for China-related vessel calls at US ports.

Marcus Williams

Disruption, diversion and a year of delays: European finished vehicle ports review

Lower car sales in Europe combined with disruption to routes in the Red Sea corresponded with a drop in volumes at a number of leading European vehicle terminals in 2024.

Marcus Williams

Grimaldi is introducing additional liner services and investing in terminal operations around Europe

Grimaldi is strengthening services for finished vehicle trade in Europe while at the same time building services for EV imports to there from China.

Marcus Williams

Vehicle ro-ro exports continue to recover at Barcelona while containerised imports double

The port of Barcelona has registed an increase in vehicle exports in 2024 and while imports have dropped overall, cars in containers imported have more than doubled.

Marcus Williams

US-Panama Canal tensions escalate as US threatens action, raising fears of disruption for automotive logistics

Tensions between the US and Panama over the use of its major logistics waterway have continued to boil, with the US secretary of state making accusations that the Panama Canal is controlled by the Chinese Communist Party.

Megan Kelly

BYD and other Chinese OEMs accelerate vertical integration with dedicated ro-ro fleets for global vehicle exports

Chinese OEM BYD has added a new vessel to its fleet, with the BYD Shenzhen ro-ro car carrier having undocked earlier this month.

Megan Kelly

Chinese carmaker Chery builds on containerised vehicle shipments to Turkey with DP World service

Chery is building the volumes of cars it ships in containers from China to Turkey supported by DP World operations at the Yarímca container terminal.

Marcus Williams

VW Group moves more than 1.2m vehicles through German port of Emden in 2024; almost 5% down on previous year

Volkswagen Group imported and exported 1.2m vehicles through Emden port in 2024, including 419,000 battery electric vehicles and hybrids, and is bringing in a new dock and yard management system.

Marcus Williams

Kawa Shipping makes first call at JadeWeserPort on China-Europe Express container service

Zhejiang Seaport Logistics has received its first express container ship call at JadeWeserPort in Germany with the arrival of the Kawa Ningbo.

Marcus Williams

Tariffs and geopolitical disruption take their toll on ro-ro volumes through Antwerp-Bruges

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has seen a fall in the processing of new and used passenger cars but overall throughput has increased thanks to a boost in container traffic

Marcus Williams

Wallenius Wilhelmsen and Georgia Ports Authority officially open Brunswick vehicle and equipment processing complex

Wallenius Wilhelmsen officially opened its South Atlantic Transportation and Logistics Mega Center with Georgia Ports Authority at the US port of Brunswick last week.

Marcus Williams

Crew of hijacked Galaxy Leader car carrier finally released by Houthi captors

Houthi captors have released the 25 members of the Galaxy Leader crew who taken hostage in November 2023 when the ro-ro vessel was hijacked transiting the Red Sea.

Marcus Williams

DP World begins finished vehicle and rolling equipment operations at port of Zeebrugge

DP World is building up its European finished vehicle services with the opening of facility at the port of Zeebrugge.

Marcus Williams

How Trump’s Panama Canal threat could reshape the automotive supply chain

In his inauguration speech, second-term US president Donald Trump promised to “retake” the Panama Canal, claiming it was operated by China.

Megan Kelly

Hyundai-Kia expands contract with car carrier Eukor to five years and strengthens presence in Asia

Eukor has succesfully extended the terms of its contract to ship Hyundai and Kia vehicles from Korea as well as adding extra trade from China.

Marcus Williams

Wallenius Marine has been testing its sail-driven car carrier concept with Rise Maritime in Gothenburg

Wallenius Marine has been conducting advanced wind tunnel tests for a car carrier vessel that will use Oceanbird wing sails

Marcus Williams

Hyundai working with Glovis America on Xcient hydrogen fuel cell truck rollout at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America

Hyundai Motor Group is working with Glovis America on the use of Xcient hydrogen fuel cell trucks for inbound logistics operations at its EV metaplant in the US

Marcus Williams

Latest ECG business intelligence report shows increase in global vehicle exports but slight decline in EVs to EU

The Association of European Vehicle Logistics (ECG) reports there has been 25% increase in global vehicle exports from China but EU has imported fewer EVs in first nine months of 2024

Marcus Williams

Typhoon Kong-rey’s disruption on automotive logistics highlights the need for predictive tools

Typhoon Kong-rey made landfall in Taiwan at the end of October before impacting the Philippines, East China, South Korea and Japan, disrupting ports in the region.

Megan Kelly

A mixed picture for vehicle logistics capacity from the Association of European Vehicle Logistics Providers

[Updated October 31] There remain transport capacity shortages for finished vehicle movements in Europe, though it’s a mixed picture according to mode, according to executives from the Association of European Vehicle Logistics Providers (ECG), which held its annual conference in Hamburg, Germany last week. The overall message was that the situation has certainly improved compared to 2022.

Marcus Williams

VW Group opens dedicated vehicle terminal at Freeport

Volkswagen Group of America (VWGoA) has officially opened a vehicle terminal facility at Port Freeport in Texas following an investment of $114m.

Marcus Williams

Impact of Hurricane Milton on auto operations not as severe as Helene

The impact of Hurricane Milton, which landed as a Category 3 storm on the Florida coastline late Wednesday (October 9), is still being assessed for its impact on container and finished vehicle logistics in the affected region.

Marcus Williams

BYD to share vessel capacity for vehicle shipments with Hyundai Glovis

Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hyundai Glovis to share vessel capacity for deep-ocean finished vehicle shipments between China and BYD’s export markets.

Marcus Williams

Wallenius Wilhelmsen increases car carrier capacity

Wallenius Wilhelmsen has modified its order for four Shaper Class vessels from China’s Jinling Shipyard, increasing the capacity of each from 9,300 car equivalent units (CEU) to 11,700 CEU. It means the pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs) will be the largest such vessels so far put into operation.

Marcus Williams

APM Terminals boosts vehicle throughput at Pipavav

APM Terminals has recorded almost 4,000 vehicles processed through the Indian port of Pipavav for the month of May, and the highest number of rail wagons handled at the port in a single month. The terminal processed 40 newly modified goods (NMG) rakes, up on its previous record of 30 in March this year.

Marcus Williams

Canada imposes tariffs on EVs and materials from China

The Government of Canada is imposing a 100% tariff on all imported Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) beginning October 1 this year, one of four measures the country has announced this week to address unfair international competition.

Marcus Williams

Maruti Suzuki exporting Fronx SUV to Japan

Maruti Suzuki India has started exporting its Fronx SUV to Japan – the first SUV the vehicle maker has launched in the country. Maruti Suzuki also exports the Baleno sedan, which it started doing in 2016.

Marcus Williams

Maersk: Container volume to rise, Red Sea disruption continues

Shipping company AP Møller-Maersk has raised its outlook for the global container market volume growth for the full year, despite supply chain disruption caused by the situation in the Red Sea which is now expected to continue at least until the end of the year.

Megan Kelly

Stellantis joint venture with Leapmotor imports first batch of battery EVs from China to Europe

Following the establishment of the joint venture between Stellantis and Chinese EV maker Zhejiang Leapmotor Technology in May this year, Leapmotor International shipped its first volume of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from China to Europe in July.

Marcus Williams

Vehicle throughput down in H1 at ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge

In in its half year results, the port authority of Antwerp-Bruges has reported a drop in finished vehicle handling of -9% to 1.66m units through the terminals at the ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge. Overall ro-ro traffic is down by 5.7% at 10.3m tonnes.

Marcus Williams

Yusen Logistics builds on Asia-Europe rail alternative for cargo

Yusen Logistics has started a rail freight service between Vietnam and Europe. The logistics provider said the service provided an alternative to ocean container services that continue to be disrupted by attacks on shipping in the Red Sea at the same time that capacity is being tested by an increase of exports from Asia.

Marcus Williams

MSC subsidiary SAS buys out Gram Car Carriers

Shipping Agencies Services Sárl (SAS), a subsidiary of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), has bought a majority 97% stake in Gram Car Carriers in a deal valued at around $693.3m. The acquisition is expected to be complete on July 25.

Marcus Williams

Kia enters European commercial electric van market

Kia is entering the European light-commercial electric vehicle market with its full-electric Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) van range, due to launch next year via import from South Korea.

Megan Kelly

Cosco Shipping cuts emissions on vehicle shipments

Cosco Shipping Specialized Carriers has deployed two 7,500 CEU dual-fuel pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) vessels. The newly launched vessel Liao He Kou is set to embark on its journey carrying over 5,000 commercial vehicles to Europe and the Min Jiang Kou, will transport more than 4,800 commercial vehicles following the completion of loading operations in Shanghai, according to the Cosco Shipping subsidiary.

Marcus Williams

Ceva integrates Bolloré Logistics following CMA CGM buyout

Following its acquisition by CMA CGM for €4.85 billion ($5.24 billion) at the end of February this year, Bolloré Logistics is being absorbed into the Ceva Logistics division, adding scale in air and ocean freight services, according to Ceva.

Marcus Williams

Manuel Purwin moves to CCO role at Scan Global Logistics

Manuel Purwin has moved to take the role of chief commercial officer (CCO) for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (Emea) region (excluding the Nordic countries) at freight forwarder Scan Global Logistics. Purwin moves from his role as global head of Automobility+ at logistics provider DB Schenker.

Marcus Williams

Sallaum Lines invests to expand vehicle capacity at Antwerp terminal

Sallaum Lines’ subsidiary Sallaum Terminal is investing €20m ($21.6m) in its operations at the port of Antwerp to expand capacity and streamline logistics processes. The vehicle logistics provider said the investment was in response to pent-up demand and persistent capacity pressures as OEM volumes increase and terminal operators cope with the new requirements for battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

Marcus Williams

Wallenius Wilhelmsen signs contract with leading equipment maker

Wallenius Wilhelmsen has announced the signing of a three-year contract worth $195m with a leading industrial equipment manufacturer. The ro-ro shipping and vehicle logistics provider has the option to extend the initial term of the contract by two years.

Marcus Williams

Red Sofa Interview: Skotti Fietsam on calculating ROI of digitalisation for Accuride’s supply chain

At the inaugural ALSC Digital Strategies North America, the head of supply chain for tier one supplier of wheels for commercial vehicles, Accuride, took to the Red Sofa to discuss how to calculate hard and soft savings and return on investment for digital technologies.

Data snapshot: Volume increases at Mexico’s finished vehicle handling ports

Finished vehicle handling ports in Mexico have seen volume increases across the board in 2023, with three of them now in the top five vehicle-handling ports in the wider North American market.

Marcus Williams

Polestar adopts biofuels to cut emissions from ocean shipments

Polestar is working to reduce supply chain emissions from its global finished vehicle and inbound logistics operations through the use B30 marine biofuel for ocean shipments, which can reduce emissions by approximately 20-25% compared with conventional sulphur fuel oils.

Marcus Williams

Brunswick port records historical month for autos and equipment

The US port of Brunswick has reported its busiest ever month in April, thanks in part to finished vehicles and high and heavy (H&H) traffic diverted from the port of Baltimore following the collapse of the Francis Key Scott bridge in March.

Marcus Williams

Forvia’s supply chain built on technology and trust

Tier one parts supplier Forvia is using the latest digital technology to manage its supply chain and mitigate disruption, while maintaining close communication with its logistics providers, says Ricardo Manzanera, transport director for Americas purchasing logistics

Marcus Williams

Wallenius Wilhelmsen sells Melbourne ro-ro terminal

Wallenius Wilhelmsen (WW) has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Melbourne International Roro & Auto Teminal (Mirrat) to a subsidy of Qube Holdings, Australia’s largest logistics provider.

Megan Kelly

Private equity and logistics firms eye up DB Schenker

Deutsche Bahn has received several confirmed bids for its logistics division DB Schenker, according to the parent company.

Megan Kelly

Drewes prepares to take over as CEO at Hellmann Worldwide Logistics

Jens Drewes will take over as CEO of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics on June 1 from Reiner Heiken, who is retiring. Drewes moves over from Kuehne + Nagel, where he was most recently president of the Europe region.

Marcus Williams

Autoport’s efficiency drive on the east coast

US vehicle terminal operator Autoport, which processes vehicles through the port of Wilmington in Delaware, reports moving 115,000 vehicles through its facilities in CY2023.

Marcus Williams

Red Sofa interview: Nissan’s Steve Jernigan on network improvements in Mexico

At this week’s Finished Vehicle Logistics North America 2024 conference in California, Steve Jernigan, senior director of supply chain management for Nissan North America, took to the Red Sofa to tell Richard Logan, senior content producer, Automotive Logistics about improvements to domestic haulaway performance in Mexico, which includes better equipment utilisation and availability.

Data snapshot: North American ports in review

As North American ports navigated unpredictable vehicle volumes in 2023, the collaboration between terminal operators and port authorities highlighted a dynamic strategy for managing disruptions. Automotive Logistics brings you a comprehensive review of activity at the top-performing US and Canadian vehicle-handling ports

Automotive Logistics

Chinese vehicle exports above 1.3m in first quarter, reports ECG

Latest research from the Association of European Vehicle Logistics (ECG) reveals that vehicle exports from China hit 502,000 units in March, bringing year-to-date vehicle exports in Q1 to 1.3m.

Marcus Williams

North American vehicle ports review: US and Canada ports adapt after Francis Scott Key bridge collapse

[Updated June 17] Vehicle shipments to the US and Canada have been subject to disruption over the last year, culminating in March with the Baltimore bridge collapse. However, as our annual review of activity at the top-performing vehicle ports shows, that has only tested the mettle of agile cooperation between ports and inland logistics providers. Marcus Williams reports

Marcus Williams

Transforming auto shipping: Navigating global challenges with containerisation

Tight ro-ro capacity has led to an increase in the volume of finished vehicles shipped by container but the advantages of doing so suggest a wider adoption which experts in the field say could be here to stay

Automotive Logistics

Containerised car deliveries soar on the US east coast

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) handled more than 35,000 containerised vehicles in 2023, ten times the amount it handled in the previous year.

Marcus Williams

Tensions in Middle East trigger war risk premiums in freight rates

As tensions escalate in the Middle East, Iran has captured a container ship linked to Israel, leading to heightened volatility in shipping markets. Container trading firm Container xChange is predicting a rise in war risk premiums.

Megan Kelly

Honda begins vehicle exports from India to Japan

Honda is now exporting its Elevate mid-size SUV from India to Japan via the port of Pipavav. The Elevate went on sale in Japan badged with the brand name WR-V last month and so far around 6,800 models have been delivered. It is the first time Honda has exported a model made in India to Japan.

Marcus Williams

Wallenius Wilhelmsen secures sustainable capacity with PCTC orders

Wallenius Wilhelmsen has ordered four additional next-generation Shaper Class pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) vessels from Jinling Shipyard in China, bringing its total order to eight. The first of the Shaper Class vessels already ordered are expected to be delivered in the second half of 2026. The four additional vessels will be delivered between May and November 2027.

Marcus Williams

Battling the bottlenecks in European vehicle distribution

Capacity constraints in finished vehicle logistics are a big headache for the automotive industry at the moment and carmakers have been chartering their own trucks and ocean ro-ro vessels to secure the space and get their cars to the end customer. However, taking capacity out of the network has an impact on efficiency and it doesn’t guarantee speed to market given the problems with port and inland compound congestion.

Marcus Williams

Rebuilding resilience and stability for a more sustainable supply chain

The multiple crises the automotive industry has experienced over the last four years have been a driver for innovation for inbound and outbound logistics processes, according to speakers at this year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Europe conference in Bonn, Germany.

Marcus Williams

NYK to capture vessel emissions in California with Stax technology

From January 2025 NYK Line will use technology from Stax Engineering to capture exhaust emissions from the vessels its operates while they are at berth in Californian ports. The maritime logistics provider said the agreement with Stax, which is worth $16m, comes in response to the expanded exhaust emission regulations for vessels calling at ports in the state imposed by the California Air Resources Board (Carb).

Marcus Williams

Latest research reveals impact of disruption on global trade and supply chains

The latest Trade in Transition research paper released by Economist Impact, and supported by DP World, looks at globalisation and the current disruptions that are reconfiguring global trading and the supply chain.

Marcus Williams

Tata’s Agratas confirms location of UK gigafactory for anchor client JLR

Agratas, Tata Group’s global battery business, will build Britain’s biggest battery manufacturing facility at the Gravity Smart Campus near Bridgwater, Somerset.

Megan Kelly

The many roads, fuels and tech leading to zero emission logistics at Volkswagen Group

Volkswagen Group Logistics’ plan for cutting supply chain emissions will require multiple transport modes, technology innovation and investment with logistics partners for the long term.

Christopher Ludwig

How Group Logistics is overcoming crises and shaping Volkswagen's future supply chain

Volkswagen Group Logistics can increasingly master disruptions thanks to greater resiliency, but its managing director Simon Motter is making sure the group is ready to deliver on long-term goals for electrification, sustainability and cost.

Christopher Ludwig

BYD wants to conquer Europe by maritime means

BYD’s first own car freighter, the Explorer No. 1, and its maiden voyage to Bremerhaven mark the beginning of a new era for the OEM, which is intended to pave the way to Europe. The car manufacturer’s private fleet is set to grow further in the coming months.

Ronja Schmiedchen

ABP invests to manage larger volumes through UK ports

Associated British Ports (ABP) moved 1.3m finished vehicles through its port facilities in the Humber and Southampton last year, with a surge in volumes recorded in Q4.

Marcus Williams

Antwerp-Bruges increases vehicle traffic in face of tight capacity

The European ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge have recorded a 9% increase in the number of finished vehicles handled in calendar year 2023 to 3.56m. The merger of the Belgian ports under one operating authority was finalised in April 2022 and since last year it has reported joint volumes.

Marcus Williams

Jens Bjørn Andersen steps down as CEO at DSV amid raft of executive changes

DSV has begun the year with a number of executive changes at the top of its organisation. Jens Lund has taken over as group CEO at the Danish logistics provider from Jens Bjørn Andersen, and Brian Ejsing is appointed chief operations officer (COO).

Marcus Williams

Brunswick port boosts vehicle and machinery handling in 2023

The US port of Brunswick moved more than 775,560 finished vehicle and machinery units last year, an increase of 15.6% on ro-ro performance in 2022.

Marcus Williams

Jaxport signs deal with Enstructure to develop multiple-cargo facility

Jacksonville Port Authority (Jaxport) has signed a 30-year agreement with US marine terminal and logistics provider Enstructure for the lease and development of a 32-hectare facility at the port’s Talleyrand Marine Terminal.

Marcus Williams

Bora Argac expands commercial role at Hellmann Worldwide Logistics

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics has appointed Bora Argac as its new chief commercial officer (CCO) for Germany. He succeeds Kai Hasenpusch, who has moved to become sales director for Roadfreight West Europe at the logistics provider.

Marcus Williams

Avtovaz looks for ro-ro capacity to strengthen vehicle exports

Russian carmaker Avtovaz is looking to boost production through exports abroad in 2024, including target markets in Iran and Egypt, according to the carmaker’s president, Maxim Sokolov. It follows a two-year decline in foreign sales. Russian cargo carrier, Fesco said it would support the carmaker’s export plans with a specialised fleet of car-carrying vessels, which is subject to Avtovaz receiving a concrete export order.

Automotive Logistics

Škoda begins exports from Europe to Vietnam

Škoda has begun exporting its Kodiaq and Karoq models from the Czech Republic to Vietnam and has opened its first dealership in Hanoi.

Megan Kelly

Maersk opts for land bridge due to Panama Canal drought

Container shipping line Maersk has changed its services due to the ongoing drought affecting the Panama Canal and is instead opting for a ‘land bridge’ to mitigate disruptions.

Megan Kelly

Red Sea blog: Live updates

Houthi attacks on vessels passing through the Red Sea are increasing, causing container ship and ro-ro operators to reroute vessels to avoid danger. Follow Automotive Logistics’ live blog below for the latest updates.

Megan Kelly

Sri Lanka’s Hambantota International Port increases vehicle throughput

Hambantota International Port has reported an increase in finished vehicle throughput by 26% last year, compared to 2022. Its vehicle terminals handled 700,000 transhipments, a figure its chief operating officer Tissa Wickramasinghe, said put it in “the top end of the league” compared with other transhipment ports in the region.

Marcus Williams

Mosolf restructures business and forms ports division

Mosolf is starting 2024 with a group-wide restructuring designed to streamline existing finished vehicle services as well as forming a new division – Mosolf Port Logistics and Services (MPLS) – to focus on its activity in Cuxhaven, Wilhelmshaven and Zeebrugge.

Marcus Williams

Vessel operators divert ships from Red Sea following Houthi attacks

Container ship and ro-ro operators have rerouted vessels to avoid danger to crew and cargo in the Red Sea following a number of attacks on ships by Houthi militants in Yemen since October last year.

Marcus Williams

Whitepaper: Partnerships in automotive logistics

Discover the growing imperative for industry collaboration to achieve operational efficiencies, capacity enhancement, adapting to EVs and sustainability

Megan Kelly

An automotive supply chain in transition – the year in review

This year has seen investments in supply chain resilience and the adoption of digital technology across the global automotive sector continue, with some positive developments in terms of inbound parts deliveries and greater supply chain transparency supported by digital technology, though strike action by the United Auto Workers union has taken its toll on production in the US in the fourth quarter.

Marcus Williams

Seaspan moves into car carrier sector with Hyundai Glovis

Hong Kong-based containership owner and operator, Seaspan, has made an order for up to ten large liquefied natural gas (LNG) pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs), marking its first venture into the car carrier market.

Megan Kelly

VW Group looks for partnerships to build a resilient North American supply chain

As it expands operations in North America, Volkswagen Group is intensifying its collaboration strategy, both internally between departments and with its logistics providers. By doing so it is finding greater sustainable intermodal efficiencies on the inbound delivery of parts.

Marcus Williams

Record month for Subaru imports through the Port of Vancouver USA

The Port of Vancouver USA moved a record-breaking amount of Subarus in October this year, with more than 13,500 Japanese imports processed. Those imports included Crosstreks, Foresters, all-electric Solterras amongst other models.

Marcus Williams

Houthi forces seize NYK car carrier in Red Sea

[Updated Nov 22] A pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) chartered by NYK Line en route to India has been seized by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, off the coast of Yemen, near Hodeida.

Marcus Williams

Hyundai Glovis invests in world’s biggest ro-ro vessels

Hyundai Glovis is investing $1.89 billion in 12 dual-fuel car carrier vessels that will be able to run on liquified natural gas (LNG). Each ship will be able to carry 10,800 car equivalent units (CEUs) making them the world’s largest pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs). Delivery of the vessels is expected to be complete by 2027.

Marcus Williams

Škoda opens CKD logistics hub in India

[Updated October 30] Škoda Auto has a new 16,000 sq.m facility in Pune, India that it will use to pack complete knockdown (CKD) kits of its Kushaq and Slavia models for export to Vietnam. There, the CKD kits will be welded, painted and assembled at a production line currently being built in Quãng Ninh province and expected to open in the first half of 2024.

Marcus Williams

Panama Canal disruptions set to continue into 2024, but container shipping less affected

The drought that is impacting shipping logistics on the Panama Canal is set to continue for the rest of the year and into early 2024, according to meteorologists and logistics experts, but container shipping is less likely to be affected than other shipping modes.

Megan Kelly

DP World advances vehicle container services with CFR Rinkens buyout

DP World has acquired freight forwarder CFR Rinkens to bolster the development of its services for containerised vehicle shipments.

Marcus Williams

FVL capacity constraints likely to remain across North America

Expert panellists at Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global 2023 explained current FVL capacity woes, mitigation strategies and why the issue will not be resolved any time soon. Daniel Harrison analyses how the FVL industry can work together to implement short-term solutions now, and begin planning for the future.

Daniel Harrison

Chery puts car exports in containers to Turkey with help from DP World

In the face of congestion at Turkey’s main finished vehicle handling ports, Chery Automobile has opted to put cars in containers for import through DP World’s Yarímca port terminal. Other Chinese carmakers are expected to follow suit and benefit from services DP World is providing.

Marcus Williams

Rinse and repeat to make your supply chain robust

Carmakers are confronted with a wide array of potential disruptions when trying to get service parts to the right place in a timely fashion.

Marcus Williams

Auto sector needs a full-scope approach to sustainability

There is a major disconnect between sustainability pledges and action in the automotive industry according to the findings of new study carried out by Kuehne + Nagel. Ilkhan Ozsevim talks to the logistics providers head of business development in Automotive + New Mobility, Achim Glass

Ilkhan Ozsevim

EVs “in good condition” after Fremantle Highway ro-ro fire

EVs on board car carrier Fremantle Highway are reported to be “in good condition” and salvageable after a fire that broke out on the vessel on 25th July, according to first inspections.

Megan Kelly

Material mission impossible: digital control of BMW’s inbound logistics

BMW has enhanced material planning and control systems for its Spartanburg plant across JIS, JIT and global flows, in close collaboration with Munich and partners in North America.

Christopher Ludwig

From South Carolina to the world of BMW, with love

BMW’s parts export operations in Spartanburg are a study in managing complexity and quality in packing, and where innovation can make a big difference. (Opening photo credit: SC Ports/English Purcell)

Christopher Ludwig

Chinese vehicle exports keep Russian vehicle logistics afloat at sea – and by rail

Russia has become the top destination for Chinese vehicle exports, rising almost 500% year-on-year. But vehicle logistics modes, cost and capacity are a challenge, leading to new delivery methods, including cars in containers.

Controlling destinies in GM’s supply chain

GM’s global purchasing chief, Jeff Morrison, has forged new partnerships with suppliers across chipmakers, battery materials and logistics providers to create more stable, resilient operations. Now his team wants to regain even more control – especially in vehicle logistics, in which the industry is facing many bottlenecks.

Christopher Ludwig

K Line ro-ro vessel on fire in North Sea

The Dutch coastguard is trying to control a fire on car carrier Fremantle Highway, which has killed one member of its crew and left several of the remaining 22 crew members injured. The vessel was reportedly carrying up to 500 EVs among the almost 3,000 vehicles on board, prompting questions about EV safety risks in FVL.

Megan Kelly

ECG publishes guidance on reporting ro-ro emissions

The Association of European Vehicle Logistics (ECG) and international non-profit Smart Freight Centre have published the first harmonised methodology to account for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ro-ro operations.

Megan Kelly

Volvo Cars uses renewable fuels in ocean freight

Volvo Cars is reducing the CO2 emissions in its supply chain by 84% switching to renewable fuels for its ocean freight, as it becomes the first OEM to switch all intercontinental container shipments to more sustainable fuels.

Megan Kelly