Msc strengthens its leading position in maritime container shipping
According to Alphaliner, Msc has expanded its fleet by adding 400,000 TEUs of capacity in 2024, securing 19.8% of global capacity, the highest share ever held by a single company. Maersk, in second place, saw its share drop to 14.4% by July 2024. Cma Cgm, ranked third, also experienced a decline from 12.8% to 12.4%. Both Msc and Cma Cgm are significantly expanding their fleets with new orders, while Maersk is falling behind.
Kryalos SGR manages Mercury fund assets
Kryalos SGR has taken over the management of a real estate fund dedicated to last-mile logistics, following an acquisition by vehicles linked to Blackstone. The fund, renamed Mercury, owns a property in Liscate (Milan) and has acquired two assets in Cortemaggiore (Piacenza) and Pieve Emanuele (Milan), the latter featuring a photovoltaic plant, covering a total of over 110,000 square meters. "With the Mercury fund, we strengthen our presence in last-mile logistics, which is crucial in the current supply chain," said Gianluca Vairani, Senior Managing Director Transaction Management and Head of ESG.
Container traffic declines at Piraeus due to Red Sea crisis
The port of Piraeus recorded a 10.1% drop in container handling in June, contributing to a 12.9% decrease in the first half of the year. This decline is attributed to difficulties in global maritime routes through the Red Sea, where Houthi rebel attacks have forced shipping companies to avoid the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, opting instead for the longer route around Africa. In contrast, Cosco terminals in Spain, including Valencia and Bilbao, saw a significant increase of 31% in June and 13.2% in the first six months of 2024.
EU approves €998 million for hydrogen in the Netherlands
The European Commission has approved a Dutch program worth €998 million to support the production of renewable hydrogen, in line with the EU's state aid rules. This measure aims to develop renewable hydrogen in accordance with the goals of the EU's Hydrogen Strategy and the European Green Deal. The plan will also help reduce reliance on Russian fossil fuels and accelerate the green transition, according to the EU's statement. The initiative includes the construction of at least 200 MW of electrolysis capacity and will be funded through a competitive tender to be concluded in 2024.
South Korean acquisition in Croatian road transport
South Korean logistics group Taewoong Logistics has announced the acquisition of Croatian trucking company LA Trans, based in Rijeka. This move aims to leverage synergies with Taewoong's Hungarian and German subsidiaries, using the port of Rijeka as a strategic hub. The agreement also includes the forwarding of containers landed by Maersk, which is investing €600 million in the terminal's expansion. Taewoong's CEO, Han Jae Dong, emphasized the importance of consolidating the logistics network in the region and creating a link between Europe and Central Asia.
