Tag: short sea

Neptune Group to open first vehicle terminal in Port-La-Nouvelle

Neptune Land Services will start operations from Q1 2026 at a new terminal able to process 200,000 vehicles annually.

UECC adds Blue Heritage dual-fuel LNG vessel to European network

UECC is boosting capacity along with sustainble ocean services options for carmakers with the addition of a dual-fuel car carrier with 7,000 CEU capacity.

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.

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.

DP World is expanding its ro-ro services to a new level of scale and efficiency

PARTNER CONTENTThis content was produced by Automotive Logistics in partnership with DP World is scaling up its investment in efficient ro-ro operations and advanced technologies to meet growing global vehicle demand and deliver connected, sustainable services, suitable for OEM customers.

Suardiaz Shipping Lines invests in sustainable vessels for Atlantic ro-ro services

PARTNER CONTENTThis content was produced by Automotive Logistics in partnership with Suardíaz GroupSuardiaz Shipping Lines, the maritime division in Suardiaz Group, is investing in sustainable vessels and route optimisation to decarbonise finished vehicle, high & heavy, and trailer services on its European Atlantic service between North Africa and Europe

NYK to operate automated finished vehicle facility at the port of Barcelona port from 2027

Port de Barcelona has awarded NYK a concession to operate a inished vehicle logistics terminal that will feature a fully automated, multilevel parking facility, due to become operational in 2027.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Grimaldi has grown its fleet of hybrid short-sea ro-ro vessels to 14 with the addition of the Eco Napoli

Grimaldi’s latest hybrid-power ro-ro vessel will arrive in the Mediterranean from China in May this year and will support services calling between Italy, Greece and Turkey

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

JLR becomes fourth carmaker to join UECC’s Sail for Change sustainable fuel switch programme

[Updated January 9] JLR is helping advance its own emissions reduction goals by taking part in the Sail for Change fuel switch initiative for the maritime delivery of finished vehicles, which offers the option to switch to biofuel for short-sea shipments.

UECC adds multi-fuel LNG vessel to car carrier fleet as sector invests to decarbonise global maritime vehicle logistics

UECC continues to invest in decarbonising its car carrier operations with addition of multi-fuel LNG vessel

How Trump’s promised tariffs on Mexico and Canada could threaten the North American auto supply chain

Donald Trump, the US president-elect, has vowed to impose a 25% tariff on all goods being imported into the country from Mexico and Canada, deepening fears for the automotive industry in North America and threatening the trend of nearshoring.

Toyota announces $1.4 billion investment in Mexico for its Baja California and Guanajuato facilities

Toyota has announced it will invest $1.45 billion into its factories in Mexico to renovate its facilities in Tecate, Baja California and Apaseo el Grande, Guanajuato.

A more sustainable service with Suardiaz Group

This content was produced by Automotive Logistics in partnership with Suardiaz GroupCustomised integral logistics provider Suardiaz is making its inbound and finished vehicle logistics services more sustainable through a combination of new truck and vessel technology, optimised route planning, including mixed short-sea loads, and the adoption of alternative fuels.

ALSC Mexico 2024 recap blog: Discussing nearshoring, digital transformation and cross-border strategies

The tenth Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Mexico conference has wrapped up, after industry leaders, logistics experts and automotive pioneers gathered to discuss the latest trends, challenges and innovations transforming Mexico’s automotive supply chain. That transformation comes at an uncertain time for the North American supply chain, with shifting global dynamics and a pivotal US election.

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.

RPM aims to quadruple under Mehrtens’ leadership: “It’s all about agility in a volatile market”

RPM Freight Systems has appointed Frits Mehrtens as managing director for Europe, where he will focus on aligning operations for significant growth in the finished vehicle logistics sector. With over 30 years of experience, Mehrtens aims to enhance sales, improve collaboration and prioritise sustainability in response to industry challenges.

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.

ECG and Smart Freight Centre take next step in vehicle decarbonisation

The Association of European Vehicle Logistics (ECG) is working in partnership with Smart Freight Centre (SFC) – non-profit organisation dedicated to sustainable freight and logistics – to accelerate the decarbonisation of the vehicle logistics industry across Europe.

Toyota and Ford sign up to UECC’s Sail for Change programme

Toyota and Ford have signed up for United European Car Carriers’ (UECC) Sail for Change sustainability programme and will use UECC short-sea ro-ro vessels fuelled by bioLNG for finished vehicle transport across Europe. A third unnamed carmaker has also joined the initiative, according to UECC.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

UECC launches Sail for Change decarbonisation product for vehicle makers

Shortsea vessel owner and operator UECC has begun a fuel switch programme for carmakers enabling them to decarbonise the delivery of their finished vehicles by ocean.

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.

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.

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.

Suardíaz adds car carrier to fleet for Africa-Europe vehicle trade

Suardíaz Shipping Lines has added a pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) to its car carrier fleet in Europe, bringing the number to nine. The M/V Asturias (formerly Viking Amber) joined the service on May 1 and will operate on the Atlantic corridor between Morocco and Northern Europe. The Spanish logistics provider said has capacity for 4,200 CEUs and would improve its service for Renault, Stellantis and Toyota.

DFDS in agreement to buy Ekol Logistics’ transport network

DFDS is in the process of buying the international transport network of Ekol Logistics, which transports goods, including automotive and industrial parts, between Turkey and Europe. The purchase price is €260m ($276m).

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.

UECC working on maritime biofuel trials for cleaner vessel services

UECC is working with industry partners to evaluate the suitability of a biofuel made from cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) that can be used as a fuel oil for marine transport. The provider of short-sea forwarding services is looking to provide more sustainable transport for the movement of finished vehicle volumes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Neptune Line orders two more Genesis Project vessels

Short-sea vehicle forwarder, Neptune Lines, has ordered two new pure car and truck carriers for its 22-strong fleet, each with a capacity for 4,200 car equivalent units (CEUs). The company said the vessels will increase cargo capacity by 36% compared to the current core fleet vessels and reduce emissions in line with global sustainability goals.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Peel Ports and Suardíaz set up sustainable logistics for EV parts deliveries to Stellantis

Stellantis is benefitting from a sustainable logistics service opened this week that will see EV parts shipped from Spain via the port of Vigo and delivered to a new logistics hub at Merseyside docks in the UK. From there the parts will be moved to its nearby Ellesmere Port assembly plant.

Apollo turns to digital freight management to gain supply chain visibility

Digitalisation has the power to provide greater visibility and control across complex automotive supply chains and make inbound and outbound logistics more efficient. That is what Apollo Tyres has discovered with the adoption of new digital freight technology tools

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.

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

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.

European vehicle ports review: Hanging in the balance

Uneven volumes, a lack of transport capacity and labour have been testing Europe’s top performing finished vehicle handling ports, along with a new wave of EV imports from China. Can ports keep up with new dynamics and requirements?

VW Group of America: what data points in the delivery chain help us act?

Anu Goel says it’s important for Volkswagen to determine what visibility logistics teams need versus what the customer needs – as they are not always the same.

Rebuilding trust is key to solving the European capacity crisis

The stubborn capacity crisis in the finished vehicle logistics sector in Europe will take time to mend, delegates at the Association of European Vehicle Logistics’ (ECG) Spring Congress heard last week, but industry dialogue is slowly helping to repair broken trust and disrupted contracting cycles.

Bridging the gap for vehicle distribution in North America

The automotive industry in North America is dealing with a number of capacity and service lead time disruptions, many of which are shockwaves from the impact of the Covid pandemic. One of the most recent to be felt is the shift in volume imports from the east to the west coast of the US, a topic of discussion for carmakers and their logistics service providers at this year’s Finished Vehicle Logistics North America conference in California.

Out of sight is not out of mind in today’s vehicle logistics

Giving the end customer an accurate date for the delivery of their vehicle has taken on greater importance since the Covid pandemic.

North American ports review: Co-operation helps calm the waters

While vehicle volumes through North America’s gateway ports were sporadic in 2022, terminal operators have been working with port authorities to manage flows while investing for the return of stable volumes with more sustainable infrastructure.

Barcelona port increases finished vehicle throughput in 2022

The port of Barcelona reported an 18.4% increase in finished vehicle handling in 2022, moving more than 591,000 vehicles through the year. That growth was driven by imports and transhipment volumes, which increased +63% and +145.7% respectively.

Digital clouds on the horizon for finished vehicle logistics

The transport capacity shortage in finished vehicle deliveries could well be the next major disruption for the automotive industry. For Volvo Cars that means innovating to make the best use of available resources, which it is managing with its Over the Horizon planning strategy.

VW Group forecasts increase in deliveries as logistics problems ease

VW Group expects vehicle deliveries to rise to around 9.5m units in 2023 and sales revenue to increase by between 10-15% compared to 2022.

FVL Cost Index shows increase across transport modes and compounds

Costs associated with the provision of finished vehicle logistics services in Europe increased by around 54% between January 2019 and September 2022, according to the first of a new cost index series of reports published by the Association of European Finished Vehicle Logistics and analyst PwC Austria.

The swing of the post-Covid pendulum

If the Covid pandemic and the consequent supply chain disruption has taught the North American finished vehicle sector anything, it is that better communication and stronger partnerships are essential to for a competitive and connected future. Dennis Manns, executive vice-president of North Motors Group talks to Automotive Logistics

Seven new car carriers to be built for Anji shipping

Two vessels from Jinling are expected to be delivered by November 2025, with a second batch of two at the end of March 2026. The three from Jiangnan are also expected in two batches, the first in October 2025 and the second also in March 2026.

Dacia delivers latest models through Bristol port

Dacia has started delivering its latest vehicle models through the port of Bristol to its dealership network in the UK. It is officially a decade since the Romanian carmaker started selling vehicles in the UK.

Stellantis to benefit from short-sea delivery of parts into Ellesmere Port

Stellantis is setting up a new twice-weekly shipping service with Suardíaz from the port of Vigo in Spain to the Queen Elizabeth II Eastham docks in the UK.

Volvo to make flagship electric SUV in US and China

Volvo Cars launched its fully electric EX90 SUV last week. The seven-seater vehicle will be mass produced at the Swedish carmaker’s US plant in Ridgeville, South Carolina for domestic and export markets from 2024. Volvo said it also has plans to produce the vehicle in China.

Compliance with Mexico’s Carta Porte a concern for the car industry

The Mexican Tax Authority (SAT) has spent this year trying to bring in a new system designed to secure revenue on all Mexico-billed shipments of products. The Carta Porte specifies rules of compliance for every step of a product’s journey and each transport mode used, with penalties or seizure for non-compliance.

Renault keeps an eye on the road ahead

Renault Group is transforming its supply chain with digital tools provided by Shippeo to gain greater visibility of parts location and predict where disruption could occur to avoid it.

Shedding the legacy of short-term contracts

The critical shortage of capacity for finished vehicle deliveries in Europe is making carmakers reassess their short-term contract arrangements with outbound logistics providers. At this autumn’s annual conference of the Association of European Vehicle Logistics (ECG), Toyota and VW Group said the industry cannot survive without longer-term contracts and closer collaboration to improve outbound visibility.

Nissan to benefit from investment in services at Brunswick port

Nissan North America is the latest carmaker to use the US port of Brunswick for vehicle imports. The carmaker is moving vehicles through the port for distribution to its dealer network in the US south-east.

VW to start vehicle imports through Port Freeport

Volkswagen will start delivering its vehicles to the US through Port Freeport in Texas from early 2024. Annual throughput of imported vehicles from Mexico and Europe is expected to be 140,000 units and Freeport will become the carmaker’s main Gulf Coast hub.

Grimaldi partners with European Space Agency for satellite-assisted berthing

Pure car and truck carriers are set to benefit from space technology with the launch of a new project involving the European Space Agency (ESA) and shipping company Grimaldi.

Low river levels hamper vehicle shipments in Europe

Soaring temperatures and a prolonged dry spell in Europe this summer means river levels are at an all-time low, most notably in the Rhine, which was closed to freight traffic this week.

Blueprints for the rebound at North America’s vehicle ports

Crisis management has become normalised for the automotive industry over two years of supply chain disruption but the North American vehicle-handling ports have withstood volatility and invested in a more sustainable recovery

Neptune Lines increases car carrier fleet

Neptune Lines has added another pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) vessel to its fleet, the third so far this year. It brings to 19 the number of car carriers the short-sea ro-ro provider has operational in European waters and is helping to provide capacity for OEMs at a time of production volatility and high vessel charter rates

Second quarter survey from RPM and Automotive Logistics now live

Following the successful launch of a new quarterly finished vehicle survey in March this year, logistics provider RPM, in collaboration with Automotive Logistics, has now made live the next round of questions for the second quarter.

Slowing down for sustainability means sacrificing capacity

Carmakers in the US are currently fighting for space to get their cars to the dealerships on time. There are a number of reasons for the lack of capacity affecting the different modes of delivery, including a shortage of haulaway drivers and rail operatives, volatile production schedules caused by ongoing parts shortage, which is affecting road and rail, and the fact that EVs are heavier vehicles to move so fewer can be shipped at the same time.

Lasse Kristoffersen takes over as CEO of Wallenius Wilhelmsen

Lasse Kristoffersen has taken over as president and CEO of Wallenius Wilhelmsen pledging to focus on the Norwegian ro-ro shipping provider’s digitalisation and decarbonisation priorities.

Sustainable priorities at Europe’s vehicle ports

Vehicle-handling ports on the European continent spent last year dealing with the fallout from the Covid pandemic and the impact of the semiconductor shortage, but that did not stop a number of them pursuing ambitious sustainability initiatives related to infrastructure. Marcus Williams reports

Toyota forced to revise global production on Shanghai lockdown

Toyota has been forced to extend production restrictions at plants around the world because of the parts shortages caused by the Covid lockdowns in Shanghai

Clean energy around the coast

The main vehicle-handling ports in the UK were dealing with volatile volumes and labour shortages last year but business continues on a more sustainable footing for the future.

A gateway for growth in the Gulf

Carmakers looking for a quick and cost-effective port to move their vehicle volumes in and out of the southern US have a new option at the port of Mobile on the Alabama coast, featuring a fully equipped terminal run by AutoMobile International Terminal

A time of risk and uncertainty for vehicle logistics in Europe

At this year’s General Assembly and Spring Congress for the Association for European Vehicle Logistics (ECG), members from the top outbound logistics providers and their OEM customers discussed the current disruption affecting the business and the creative solutions used to deal with it

Watch: Fuelling the future of green trade

Traditionally, the fuel and systems that maritime, rail and commercial vehicle operators use have depended on polluting diesel and bunker, which are now subject to both legislative restriction and rising prices. In response, transport providers on road, rail and ocean are embracing new alternative fuels

BLG upbeat on performance despite automotive losses

In its latest annual financial report, BLG Logistics reports earnings in its Automobile division that are significantly below target because of continued problems in the automotive industry. However, earnings were positive and the company is investing to digitalise operations and make them more sustainable.

A sea change for sustainable vehicle delivery

A car is only as clean as the boat in which it is delivered. Regulation and investment in new technology are leading to cleaner seas but it is not all plain sailing, writes Jason Dunn

A carbon-neutral network for Volvo

At last year’s COP26 climate conference Volvo Cars signed a declaration to phase out fossil fuels from its cars, but as Martin Corner, vice-president of global supply chain logistics, explains to Marcus Williams, that commitment to carbon cutting goes for logistics as well.

Finn Roden appointed president of Autoport

Finn Roden has taken over as president of vehicle terminal processor Autoport, succeeding Roy Kirchner who is stepping down after 20 years in the role.

Automotive logistics in Russia is in tatters

Already debilitated by the impact of Covid, the Russian automotive market was hoping for better times ahead, but the invasion of Ukraine and the consequent sanctions imposed on Russia have undermined production and sales, and hit the logistics providers hard

No more rough estimates

Toyota has been working to improve transparency in the delivery of its vehicles and provide its dealers with clear and concise information, but that is not all Project ETA promises says Kevin Austin, vice-president of demand and supply management at the carmaker

Optimising capacity with accurate ETAs

ICL, a leader in finished vehicle logistics software provider with 30 years of experience, has worked across the outbound supply chain to optimise operations using advanced ETAs to each node in the route along which a vehicle is delivered

Brunswick port gets boost to vehicle handling capacity

The US port of Brunswick, which is run by the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA), is to benefit from a $150m development plan that will increase finished vehicle capacity through the Colonel’s Island vehicle terminal to 1.4m units.

Ukraine’s vital link in the European supply chain

The shutdown of much industry, trade and logistics out of Ukraine is hurting automotive production and driving up logistics and bunker costs for European logistics providers.

Grimaldi vessels to become 'vacuum cleaners' for ocean microplastics

Grimaldi Group and Finnish technology group Wärtsilä have announced a new system promising to help cleanse the world’s oceans of microplastic pollution.

Ferrari chooses Ceva Logistics for global racing programmes

Ferrari has chosen Ceva Logistics to provide all logistics support services for its racing division Scuderia Ferrari.

Sallaum Lines adds BMW and Ford volumes to global shipments

Sallaum Lines is well established in the movement of vehicles between the US, Europe and Africa, and has now signed new contracts with BMW and Ford for the shipment of vehicles from South Africa to Europe

Lasse Kristoffersen to take over as CEO of Wallenius Wilhelmsen

Norwegian ro-ro shipping provider Wallenius Wilhelmsen has named Lasse Kristoffersen as its new CEO. He will take up the role no later than June 2022, according to the company.

A more sustainable supply chain does not have to cost the earth

The automotive industry now has a deadline to clean up its act but that is not just in terms of the electric vehicles it has to make. It also means making the method in which inbound parts are moved and how the finished vehicles are delivered to market more sustainable.

Outbound sector grapples with reality of reaching carbon neutrality

The demand is clear: a carbon neutral Europe by 2050. However, the complexities in achieving this target are myriad, especially for the vehicle logistics industry.

Communication and creativity are crucial to withstand supply chain turbulence

The automotive industry has faced a perfect storm of troubles over the last 18 months. Namely, a year of global shutdowns resulting from the coronavirus pandemic, bottlenecks, labour shortages, and a deficit in semiconductors. This has shone a light on the once inconspicuous drudgery of logistics providers who make the commercial world go around.

Data quality and collaboration key to sustainable future

The automotive industry needs to move with a sense of urgency toward a more sustainable model of production because climate change is happening now. There is no time to lose in making good on sustainability goals, both in terms of the vehicle produced and the supply chain feeding its production.

Microchip shortage threatens finished vehicle carriers, warns ECG

The Association of European Vehicle Logistics (ECG) has warned that the “very existence” of finished vehicle carriers is threatened by the ongoing global microchip shortage.

Craig Jasienski joins Neptune Lines as CEO

Craig Jasienski will take on the role of CEO at European short-sea ro-ro operator Neptune Lines from October 1 this year. Melina Travlos, who had held the role, will remain president of the company.

Antwerp EuroTerminal boosts capacity with multistorey vehicle park

Construction has begun on a multistorey car park at the port of Antwerp in Belgium, Europe’s fourth-busiest vehicle handling port. The facility is located at the Grimaldi-run Antwerp EuroTerminal (AET) and will be used to store vehicles being processed through the port

DSV Panalpina buys Global Integrated Logistics for $4.1 billion

Logistics giant DSV Panalpina is buying Global Integrated Logistics (GIL), the freight forwarding and contract logistics division of Agility Logistics. The latest acquisition positions DSV as one of the top three transport and logistics providers globally.

Adapting to change at Amports

Amports has spent the last couple of years increasing capacity and services in North America’s vehicle handling ports, something that stood it in good stead to manage volatility last year and which bodes well for the recovery in US trade, writes Marcus Williams

North American vehicle ports: versatile through the year of the virus

The disruption caused to the finished vehicle sector by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 tested the flexibility and resourcefulness of the leading vehicle handling ports in North America. The lessons learned have been useful in facing the challenges of thrown up in the last six months, writes Marcus Williams

Uber Freight says Transplace buyout will transform logistics landscape

Uber Freight, the logistics division of the ride-hailing and food delivery provider, is buying Transplace from its current owner TPG Capital for $2.25 billion. Transplace is one the largest managed transport service and logistics technology providers in North America, with a well-established offering to the automotive industry.

AL FVL Summer 2021 Digital Edition – Gearing up the supply chain for sustainable growth

The summer digital edition of Automotive Logistics and Finished Vehicle Logistics magazine is out now, featuring an overview of the top performing vehicle handling ports in North America, a special focus on the terminal operator Amports and an in-depth look at developments at the Mexican port of Mazatlán.

Making the best of it at Mazatlán

The port of Mazatlán saw its steadily increasing trade in finished vehicles badly affected last year when coronavirus disruption knocked out volumes. However, Nissan remains committed to importing through the port and terminal operator TMAZ is making plans for a full recovery. Marcus Williams reports

Smart tools for sustainable logistics at Hellmann

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics steered a careful course through the Covid crisis last year and, with Monika Thielemann-Hald at the helm of its automotive logistics division, the company is well-positioned to continue its drive toward sustainable regional expansion and technological innovation. Marcus Williams reports

Renault forecasts shift in the make-up of outbound deliveries

The type of vehicles being moved through the outbound supply chain is going to change in the near future, with more commercial vehicles, vehicles meant for sharing and more refurbished used vehicles coming into the mix, according to Renault. At the same time, there is a need for rationalisation of modes and sharing of data.

Haropa completes merger of Le Havre, Rouen and Paris ports

The ports of Le Havre, Rouen and Paris, which had been working together since 2012 under the banner of Haropa Port, have officially merged from June and have announced infrastructure investments.

Aditi Rasquinha heads ocean freight for Apac at DB Schenker

DB Schenker has appointed Aditi Rasquinha as its new head of ocean freight for the Asia Pacific (Apac) region. She replaces Christoph Matthes who has moved to a new role as CEO of the south-east Asia region for Agility.

Why just-in-time will remain the way forward for Toyota

Leon van der Merwe is leading inbound, outbound and service parts logistics for Toyota Motor Europe. At this year’s Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Europe Live conference he told Christopher Ludwig about the carmaker’s strategy to modernise just-in-time and make Toyota’s logistics more sustainable

Light at the end of the Suez Canal but challenges for automotive

Of the many disruptions the pandemic has caused, the chain reaction of delays and spiralling costs in container global container shipping must have been one of the hardest to deal with. The delays in the Suez Canal were just the icing on an already unappetising cake.

Logistics providers call for fairness in calculating shipping emissions

Clarity is needed on measuring emissions in shipping but a poorly judged methodology could disadvantage finished vehicle logistics and disrupt the supply chain

VW begins exporting Taos from Mexico to US

Volkswagen has started exporting Taos models from its plant in Puebla, Mexico to the US. The vehicles are moving through the port of Lázaro Cárdenas to different northbound destinations.

A game of two halves at Europe’s vehicle ports

Volatility at Europe’s leading finished vehicle handling ports was made worse in 2020 by the impact of restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in the first half of the year and then by resurgent demand in the second half. Marcus Williams reports

Zeebrugge remains busiest European vehicle handling port

Despite the impact on throughput caused by Covid-19 disruption, Belgium’s port of Zeebrugge maintained its position as Europe’s busiest vehicle handling port in 2020.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen puts more vessels back into service

Wallenius Wilhelmsen will reactivate the last three of the ro-ro vessels it placed in cold layup in the second quarter of last year when the Covid-19 pandemic hit finished vehicle volumes.

ABP to install 5G network at port of Southampton

Associated British Ports (ABP) is working with Verizon Business on the installation of a private 5G telecommunications network at the port of Southampton on the UK south coast. It will make ABP the first mainland port operator in the UK to offer a private 5G network to its customers.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen reactivates nine car carriers from cold lay-up

The ocean division of Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s car carrying business (WW Ocean) is re-activating nine of the 16 car carrying vessels it has in cold lay-up. It will be reactivating them during the first quarter of 2021, to replace capacity currently sourced through short-term charters.

Automotive sector welcomes EU-UK trade deal

The UK car industry has welcomed the new EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), which was finally announced on December 24. The agreement avoids a no-deal Brexit that would have added tariff charges to the import and export of parts and vehicles, but there are still hurdles to overcome in terms of new customs procedures.

VW switches to recycled oil to power ro-ro vessels

In an innovative response to lowering emissions in European maritime freight transport, Volkswagen Group Logistics has set up an initiative for ro-ro vessels carrying its vehicles to use vegetable oil, including oil recycled from restaurants and the food industry.

Pros and cons on the Pacific Coast

While vehicle dwell and allocation are still challenges for some ports, others are benefitting from capacity gains and stronger rail links, which are helping with increased short-sea trade from Mexico and the build-up of inventory during Covid-19. Marcus Williams reports

Stronger connections for a competitive future

Haropa ports, which runs the Seine Axis ports of Le Havre, Rouen and Paris, is meeting storage capacity constraints with investment, redevelopment and the application of smart technology

Shipping lines accused of fixing transport charges which cost UK car buyers

Watch: BMW prepares its logistics network for global export from Mexico

Karl-Friedrich Koch, vice-president of production control, logistics at BMW Group Mexico talks to Christopher Ludwig about the ramp up in production at the carmaker’s plant in San Luis Potosí and how exports will now be aimed at 30 markets as opposed to just three. BMW is doubling capacity at the plant and adding rail to ship vehicles to the US and Canada. It is also addressing the increasing complexity of inbound parts supply for additional models with more variation that will be made for multiple global markets. For more on Automotive Logistics Mexico 2020 visit the event page, and check out more coverage from Mexico on our website here. For more business intelligence and market insight, visit our global business intelligence page.

Toyota begins exports of Tacoma from Guanajuato

Dedicated ro-ro terminal planned for Egypt’s Port Said

Weighing the cost of the EV revolution

The rise in the number of electric vehicles being transported in Europe is bringing with it some significant challenges for those carriers tasked with volume shipments. They are having to deal with heavier and higher voltage vehicles that need charging on routes that cross countries with differing regulations on load dimensions

Cleaner vehicle carriers sail into new decade at a cost

Volkswagen & Audi in Mexico part 3: Building in an extra level of efficiency

With VW’s Puebla plant expected to return to full capacity soon and Audi’s San José Chiapa facility poised to begin production, the Volkswagen Group in Mexico will be relying on its road, rail and port partners to meet future demand and quality standards