Modalis and Dunkerque-Port lay the first stone of the rail-road terminal

Date: November 26, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

The Modalis Group and Dunkerque-Port have officially launched construction of the new Dunkirk rail-road terminal, a strategic €25 million investment designed to accelerate Europe’s modal shift and support the continent’s low-carbon logistics ambitions.

This new terminal will relieve road congestion, reduce CO₂ emissions, and optimize freight flows. It will strengthen the economic attractiveness of the Dunkirk industrial-port zone and, more broadly, support the transition of the Hauts-de-France region.

With an investment of €25 million, the two partners mark a major step toward decarbonized logistics. Built in record time and operational in spring 2026, the site will connect Dunkirk to major European industrial corridors. The objective is clear: to shift up to 50,000 transport units per year from road to rail and avoid 70,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. This project reflects a shared vision of intelligent, sustainable mobility.

Located on 9.6 hectares along the Loon-Plage railway corridor, and close to the Great Britain & Ireland RoRo terminals, the facility is designed to serve the dense industrial fabric of the region. Open to all rail operators, it will accommodate four 750-meter freight trains, each capable of transporting 130 to 150 semi-trailers. A large storage area will hold more than 600 units (swap bodies or trailers), supporting the shift of significant volumes from road to rail.

The terminal’s first regular service will link Dunkirk and Piacenza (Italy) via Lyon, operated by Delta Rail, a subsidiary of Modalis Group. This new corridor will connect northern and southern European industrial centers, with extended access to the United Kingdom through DFDS maritime routes between Dunkirk, Dover, and Rosslare.

Designed with environmental performance in mind, the site will feature next-generation handling and traction equipment: HVO-powered vehicles reducing CO₂ emissions by 85%, and electric shunters for rail operations. A shared maintenance zone will support wagons, swap bodies, and trailers, and enhancing local services while limiting costly empty trips.

This project aligns with Dunkirk’s broader green reindustrialization strategy, supporting port growth, logistics development, and the decarbonization trajectory of the territory. The terminal will create around 15 direct jobs and contribute to training new technicians specialized in combined transport and rail maintenance.

Founded in 2002, the family-owned Modalis Group has become a major player in multimodal logistics and a committed partner in freight decarbonization. Building on expertise in intermodal equipment leasing and management, the Group has developed an integrated model combining engineering, operations, maintenance, and infrastructure management. The Dunkirk site complements its terminals in Burgundy, Lorraine, and Italy, connecting Europe’s industrial basins through a low-carbon network.

Maurice Georges, Chairman of Dunkerque-Port, said:

“This project maintains efficient inland access to the port while supporting Europe’s long-distance modal shift objectives. It marks a decisive step toward more sustainable logistics.”

Bernard Meï, President of Modalis Group, added:

“Ports are central to modal choices. Providing them with modern infrastructures is essential to supporting freight decarbonization. Modalis is proud to contribute to this transformation alongside Dunkerque-Port.”

DP World’s first Atlas service sets sail from Morocco to the UK and Europe transforming fresh produce trade

Date: November 27, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

DP World’s first Atlas service sets sail from Morocco to the UK and Europe transforming fresh produce trade

This maiden service is bound for DP World owned terminals, London Gateway on Sunday 30 November for the UK and, Antwerp Gateway on Monday 1 December serving Europe.

This new dedicated sea route will transform the way fruit and vegetables are transported to the UK and Europe – delivering fresher produce, faster and at lower cost, while slashing carbon emissions by up to 70%.

By shifting up to 150,000 tonnes of fresh produce annually from road to sea, the service offers a scalable, sustainable logistics solution that reduces emissions by up to 250kg CO₂/ton-km.

Claus Larner, Vice President, Perishables, at DP World, said:

“The launch of our first Atlas service from Agadir marks a major step forward in sustainable logistics. This tailor-made solution combines speed, reliability and digital transparency to deliver better quality produce to retailers and consumers – while helping our customers meet climate goals.”

Each weekly sailing will transport tomatoes, blueberries, peppers and citrus from Morocco’s key growing regions to UK and EU retail networks.

Unlike traditional trucking routes that span over 3,000km the Atlas service ensures a smoother, safer journey for produce. The use of DP World’s Unifeeder vessels and 1,250 brand new 40’ high cube refrigerated containers (reefers) guarantees freshness and condition on arrival.

To support the service, DP World has invested in 1,000 x 40’ high-cube and 750 x 20’ dry containers, ensuring capacity for both fresh and general cargo. Full visibility is provided via a state-of-the-art digital platform, offering true end-to-end supply chain transparency. The southbound service sails from London Gateway to Antwerp Gateway on to Casablanca and back to Agadir.

Morocco currently exports over 1.1 million metric tonnes of fruit and vegetables annually to Western Europe, with volumes growth expected at more than 10% year-on-year. The Atlas service is designed to meet this rising demand while supporting Morocco’s position as a leading exporter of high-quality produce.

Mohammad Shihab, Executive Vice President of DP World North Africa, said:

“The launch of the Atlas Service marks an important development for Morocco’s fresh produce sector. It enhances the country’s position as a supplier of high-quality fruits and vegetables to Europe, supports local farmers, and promotes sustainable growth across the agricultural industry. This initiative reflects DP World’s commitment to supporting Morocco’s trade and its connections to global markets.”

Built around fixed berthing windows and dedicated reefer capacity, the Atlas Service ensures day-certain arrivals in the UK and Antwerp. Exporters benefit from pre-booked inspection slots, reefer plug-ins and guaranteed terminal access, while importers enjoy streamlined customs and inland logistics from DP World’s terminals.

Logistics industry responds to anti-growth budget

Date: November 27, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Commenting on Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ announcement in the Budget of an increase in fuel duty from September 2026, Logistics UK Acting Chief Executive Kevin Green said,

“Instead of nurturing the green shoots of economic recovery, the government risks stamping them out. The increase in fuel duty announced in the Budget will mean hundreds of millions in increased taxes for logistics businesses, much of which will be passed onto households and businesses, as well as hitting motorists directly – fuelling inflation across the economy. It is a short-sighted decision that fails to appreciate logistics’ role in the economy – logistics costs are embedded in all products from food and medicines to construction materials and consumer goods: increasing logistics taxes mean increased costs for everyone. 

“Logistics businesses already pay around £5.5 billion a year in fuel duty – increasing the tax burden on our industry shows a disregard for a sector that generates £170 billion for the UK economy, employs over 8% of the nation’s workforce and is key to the government’s growth agenda. We urge the Chancellor to reconsider this decision at the earliest possible opportunity, or risk an inflationary impact right across the economy in the spring.”

Clare Bottle, CEO of the UK Warehousing Association, added:

“Cutting through all of the noise, the bottom line for our members is that costs are still going up. This Budget doesn’t have the bombshell of last year’s national insurance rise, but the warehousing sector is being hit by painful business rates increases, minimum wages are rising, and energy costs are really starting to bite.

“Claiming that the business rates surcharge is justified as a tax on the warehouses of ‘online giants’ was a cheap shot. The rise in e-commerce has been driven by consumer choice, and this tax hike will hit all sectors. The Chancellor must know that warehouses store everything from medicines to food, as well as the goods that are sold in high street shops.

“The Office for Budget Responsibility’s analysis shows that higher employment costs are feeding through to lower margins, lower headcounts or higher prices. Meanwhile, planning reform is not yet having the positive impact business is hoping for, with the OBR warning that amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill risk limiting the amount of land released for development*.

“The fact that minimum wage rises were announced as a prelude to the Budget was a grim irony for the warehousing sector, which employs 650,000 people, and is now hitting its peak season with Black Friday and Christmas fast approaching.

“These companies, who make sure Black Friday deals and the ingredients for a Christmas dinner all get to consumers on time, have already been hit hard by rises in minimum wages and national insurance. It’s an unavoidable fact that the cost of storing and handling goods, including labour, goes into the final price a customer pays.”

“The Treasury is aiming to raise a staggering £270 million extra from distribution warehouses over three years. High street businesses don’t exist in a vacuum, they rely on goods that are stored in the UK’s extensive network of warehouses. The extra bill for the warehousing sector will inevitably flow down the supply chain.”

“Changes to the Apprenticeship system, including the Government fully-funding SME apprenticeships for eligible people under 25, look positive, although much of the detail is still to be announced.

“After similar moves by the US and EU, it was perhaps inevitable that Chancellor would seek to remove the duty exemption for imports of goods worth less than £135. The important thing is that it mustn’t create an additional burden for the logistics industry.”

Peel Ports Group becomes first UK port operator to join CO2nstructZero framework

Date: December 2, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Peel Ports Group has become the first UK port operator to join the Construction Leadership Council’s Co2nstructZero programme. 

The move marks a major step for the Group as it scales up its efforts to support the construction industry on its decarbonisation journey.

Co2nstructZero is the sector’s response to the Government’s 10-point plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, which was announced in 2020.

The framework brings together leading businesses to accelerate progress towards the 2050 decarbonisation target, ensuring a collaborative approach to yield genuinely greener operations.

Peel Ports Group aims to help the industry cut emissions by facilitating greener, more sustainable supply chain processes, including importing materials closer to their end destinations.

Its involvement demonstrates a continued commitment to working with the sector to find practical solutions that will reduce the carbon impact of major construction projects.

The port operator has also launched its Sustainable Construction Partner programme, an initiative aimed at connecting materials and logistics suppliers with end users. 

The initiative is already helping to create greener, more efficient supply chains for its founding partners, which include Ecocem, Hercules, Bretts, Holcim, Mibau Stema and Peel Ports Group customers.

The programme will enable the opportunity to develop dedicated construction consolidation hubs at every Peel Ports Group location in the UK. 

This follows the success of pilot hubs at the Port of London Medway and Port of East Anglia in Great Yarmouth, which will support major infrastructure projects such as Sizewell C, the Lower Thames Crossing, and the Heathrow Airport expansion.

Alongside bringing sustainable materials closer to the point of use, the partnership will allow large volumes of materials to move cost-effectively by rail or water, supporting Government targets to shift freight to lower-carbon transport.

David Huck, Chief Operations Officer at Peel Ports Group, said: “As decarbonisation deadlines approach, the demand for greener construction propositions is rising fast. The construction industry has made good progress in reducing building emissions, but there remains a big opportunity to cut carbon earlier through smarter sourcing and logistics.

“Our ports play a key role in the construction supply chain, so it’s fantastic that the CLC have welcomed us onto the Co2nstructZero framework. We’re leading the way with greener logistics management by rethinking how materials enter and move around the UK. 

“We’re confident this approach will lower costs and emissions, while delivering these hugely needed infrastructure projects.”

Awery partners with Cirium

Date: December 2, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Awery Aviation Software and Cirium have entered a strategic partnership that will see Cirium’s aviation data and analytics integrated into Awery’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform.

Cirium is a leading provider of aviation analytics, providing fleets, schedules, flights, traffic and fares data, and intelligence to airlines, arports, travel enterprises, aircraft manufacturers, and financial entities globally.

This partnership will allow Awery ERP users to access this data from directly within the platform.

“Integrating this data into our ERP increases the quality and depth of information available to our users,” said Vitaly Smilianets, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Awery.

“Access to Cirium’s trusted, regularly updated aviation data enables our users to make more accurate assessments, and improve performance tracking across all their operations.”

Through this partnership, Awery ERP users will be able to:

• Access up-to-date flight schedules and operational data
• Review fleet and aircraft utilisation information
• Analyse historic flight and performance trends
• Support cost analysis and route planning with accurate, standardised data
• Benchmark operational performance using industry-wide metrics

“Partnering with Awery brings Cirium’s data directly into the hands of airline professionals, where decisions are made in real time,” said Rahul Oberai, Global Head of Sales, Cirium.

“By embedding Cirium’s intelligence within Awery’s ERP, we’re helping users see the full picture, anticipate challenges, and optimise performance across every flight and fleet.”

Awery advocates for complete interoperability across air cargo stakeholders; its digital tools are able to integrate with all Cargo Management Systems and a range of other software, data, and analytics providers.

Stena Line and Associated British Ports to begin work on new Immingham terminal

Date: December 3, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Stena Line, and the UK’s largest port operator, Associated British Ports (ABP), are to commence work on a new freight ferry terminal at the Port of Immingham. The new terminal represents a joint investment of more than £200 million in the port and a boost to the Humber region of England where the unaccompanied freight market has been steadily growing.

Located in Lincolnshire, Immingham is becoming a strategic hub for Stena Line, which currently runs two daily services from the Humber region to The Netherlands. ABP’s four Humber ports collectively already make up the UK’s number 1 gateway for trade by volume.

The new Roll on – Roll off (RoRo) terminal, known as the Immingham Eastern RoRo Terminal (IERRT), will provide access to the main Humber Estuary, allowing for quicker sailing times and the option to use larger vessels to cater for increased freight demand from exporters and importers from across the region and the rest of the UK.

Niclas Mårtensson, CEO of Stena Line said:

“Stena Line has 20 routes across Northern Europe and the Mediterranean and Immingham port is a key part of that network. This project highlights our ongoing commitment to the North East of England but will also be integral to the expansion of freight operations on our routes between the UK and Continental Europe to meet demand.”

“In addition to this major investment, we signed a landmark long term agreement with ABP securing our operations at the new terminal in Immingham through to the next century. This long-term commitment reflects our confidence in the region and reinforces Immingham as one of several significant investments across our UK and Ireland network, as we continue to evolve and exceed the expectations of our customers.”

Henrik Pedersen, CEO of Associated British Ports, said:

”Associated British Ports is committed to fulfilling our mission to Keep Britian Trading as the UK’s largest and leading port operator. The Immingham Eastern RoRo Terminal is the latest demonstration of this commitment. I’m delighted that we continue to deepen our long-term partnership with Stena Line and strengthening choice and supply chain resilience for UK businesses trading with Europe.”

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Simon Lightwood, said:

“This £200 million investment into Immingham is a big win for Lincolnshire and the North. It means more jobs, more trade, and more growth. We’re making the UK one of the most attractive places to invest in the world, helping to drive innovation and boost the economy to deliver on our Plan for Change.”

Carl Johan Hellner, Chief Operating Officer, Ports and Terminals, Stena Line added:

“We’ve already invested over £170 million in our Immingham operations over the past five years, and we remain focused on expanding capacity and delivering high-quality, efficient services to our customers. Our partnership with ABP is truly innovative, and as we advance this project, we’re excited about entering the next phase of our collaboration.”

Andy Dawes, Regional Director for the Humber for Associated British Ports, said:

“The move to construction phase is a welcome next step for the IERRT project, reflecting a lot of hard work by ABP and Stena Line colleagues. The new terminal will further enhance the Humber as the UK’s #1 gateway for trade, providing more options for customers to land their cargo closer to end markets and benefitting from the experience and well invested capabilities of ABP and Stena Line at Immingham.”

As well as supporting the wider UK economy, especially in the Humber surrounding area and communities, the IERRT development will also create and support local jobs in its own right with around 700 construction jobs required in the near term and an additional 200 jobs in terminal operations on an ongoing basis.

ABP has also announced investments in its ports in Wales

The new investment of £42 million includes the delivery of a new deep-water berth at Middle Quay, Newport, the UK’s largest steel-handling port, and will also facilitate upgrades at Swansea and Cardiff. It forms part of a total capital investment programme of £137m for ABP in South Wales, which is designed to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of South Wales’ port infrastructure.

The announcement coincides with the Welsh Government’s Investment Summit, where the First Minister highlighted announced several major investments in Wales – an event ABP is proud to attend as part of its commitment to driving growth and opportunity across the region.

The landmark development at the Port of Newport, with the introduction of a new quayside represents a significant opportunity to increase the port’s handling capacity. It will enable the port to handle some of the world’s largest vessels and strengthen its role in global supply chains. It will also unlock significant opportunities for businesses seeking access to international trade routes.

Alongside the Newport upgrade, ABP’s investment will deliver significant infrastructure improvements at its ports of Swansea and Cardiff – two locations that play a vital role in supporting diverse cargoes and regional industries. Cardiff is a key hub for construction materials, agribulk and project cargo, while Swansea provides strategic access for renewable energy projects and bulk commodities. These upgrades will improve operational efficiency and ensure customers benefit from modern, sustainable infrastructure.

First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, said:

“I’m delighted that ABP has announced this significant investment in Welsh ports at our Wales Investment Summit today. Long term investment in our port infrastructure is vital to economic growth and international trade and investment, especially to key strategic industries such as offshore wind. This investment is a real boost for our coastal economies and the people and businesses who rely on them.”

Ashley Curnow, Divisional Port Manager, Wales and Southwest at ABP, said:

“Introducing a new deep-sea berth to the market is a cornerstone of our strategy for Newport and for our South Wales ports more widely. It is rare to see a new quayside of this scale come to market, and it will unlock new opportunities for trade and investment across the region.

“We’re proud that Newport is the UK’s leading steel-handling port and its strategic location means it plays a vital role in connecting Welsh industry to international markets and supporting the UK’s wider supply chain.

“We warmly welcome the First Minister’s support for this investment, which demonstrates ABP’s commitment to supporting regional growth and the industries that rely on our ports.”

The new berth will be capable of accommodating vessels up to 220m LOA (Length Over All). With multi-modal connectivity, including direct access to the M4 and links to the national rail network, the Port of Newport provides unrivalled logistics advantages for bulk cargo, project cargo and steel products. Businesses will also benefit from open storage opportunities of up to 8 acres and build-to-suit industrial and warehouse units of up to 133,000 sq ft, creating flexible solutions close to the quay.

This programme forms part of ABP’s wider strategy to invest in its UK port network, supporting sustainable growth and enabling customers to meet evolving market demands.

Impact Handling celebrates 15 years with Cat Lift Trucks

Date: December 7, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Materials handling provider Impact Handling, part of Aprolis UK, is celebrating 15 years as the exclusive distributor of Cat® Lift Trucks for the UK.

The milestone marks a sustained and successful partnership between Impact and one of the leading materials handling brands across the world, which has been defined by a steadfast commitment to delivering high-quality and customer-focused solutions.

Impact Handling was appointed as the exclusive distributor for Cat Lift Trucks in 2010 by Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift Europe – now known as Mitsubishi Logisnext Europe B.V. (MLE) – the manufacturer and European distributor of the brand in Europe. Impact was identified as an ideal national partner to strengthen Cat Lift Trucks’ presence in the UK due to its values and national network.

Since then, it has flourished, going from strength to strength over the years, underpinned by a shared synergy in teamwork and meeting customers’ evolving needs.

Such is the extent of its success that Impact is credited for further cementing Cat Lift Trucks as the go-to materials handling solution in the UK.

Together, Impact and Cat Lift Trucks have, over their 15-year relationship, delivered solutions that go beyond just the standard equipment supply offering, instead looking at providing a level of support that caters to today’s market demands, rather than those of years gone by. 

Hans Seijger, Chief Business Development Officer at Mitsubishi Logisnext Europe B.V., said:

“Impact Handling isn’t just a distributor to us; they are a partner in every sense of the word. They don’t just supply Cat Lift Trucks products to the UK, they deliver complete solutions to meet specific customer requirements, rather than what they think they need – a customer-centric ethos which made them stand out in the early days of our partnership.

“While the Cat Lift Trucks product portfolio caters to a wide range of customer needs, when unique operational requirements arise, that’s where Impact comes in, through providing complementary solutions and bespoke adaptations they ensure customers receive a solution tailored to their own operations. It is Impact’s ability to deliver that has been a game-changer for us over the years. In many ways they’ve pioneered this approach, which 10-15 years ago was relatively uncommon among their competitors within the industry.

“Despite undergoing change over the years, Impact Handling’s DNA has remained the same. A steady, experienced management team ensures the relationship between our teams continues to thrive, and the culture they have built regarding customer care is ingrained across the organisation from top to bottom, even in the event of personnel changes. They bring a family feel that truly resonates with us and that level of continuity is what we value most. As such we’d like to extend a big thank you to the entire Impact Handling team for their commitment and professionalism over these past 15 years.”

Looking ahead, Hans Seijger says the next phase of the partnership will be an evolution rather than a reinvention, with the focus being on embracing digital innovations, driving sustainability, and continuing to put customers at the heart of everything they do. 

Founded in 1985, Impact Handling has grown to become one of the leading providers of materials handling equipment in the UK, with its network expanding nationally as the business grew over the decades.

It now has 13 strategically located depots across the country, from which it supplies and services a full range of materials handling solutions, alongside providing tailored services, maintenance, and bespoke equipment adaptations to cater to the specific requirements of its customers.

As the UK distributor for Cat Lift Trucks products, the materials handling specialist offers a full range of acquisition and support solutions including purchase, hire, lease-purchase, buy-back/re-hire and full-service contracts.

From the outset of the partnership, Impact has looked to champion Cat Lift Truck products by aligning its business model around the brand to deliver not only high-performance machinery, but comprehensive service and support packages that complement the existing range, namely through having the in-house capability to adapt equipment to individual needs.

This flexible approach has enabled customers to benefit from the renowned durability and engineering excellence of Cat Lift Trucks while also enjoying the agility and bespoke support for which Impact Handling is renowned.

Such is the history of the relationship that Aprolis Group, which acquired Impact Handling in 2021, itself has more than five decades of experience in materials handling distribution in Europe and is a long-term partner and distributor for Cat Lift Trucks in France, Italy, Spain, and Luxembourg.

Commenting on the successful partnership Impact Handling has with Cat Lift Trucks, Steve Shakespeare, CEO of Aprolis UK commented:

“Over the past 15 years our relationship with Cat Lift Trucks has given us a real opportunity to consistently provide our customers with greater choice and truly high-quality equipment tailored to their needs, and we’ve grown extensively because of it.

“The company has undergone much change during this time, most recently with Impact being acquired by Aprolis Group in 2021, and a big part of the growth that the company has achieved has largely been driven by having the weight of the Cat Lift Trucks brand behind us. The secret to the success of our partnership is down to synergy in values. We’re totally aligned on understanding the market, anticipating customer needs, and how best to deliver value that is tailored to those requirements rather than just providing an off-the-shelf offering.

“We are at the coalface of it all, so we can offer feedback on customer needs. Through our partnership with Cat Lift Trucks, we are able to come up with a solution from a product and service perspective that is flexible and bespoke to the end user. Equally, we don’t shirk away from challenges, such as those experienced on a geopolitical scale in recent years, but rather continually work closely together to agree on practical solutions to overcome these obstacles to keep everything moving forward.”

Logistics UK has the Vision to launch new business unit

Date: December 7, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Business group Logistics UK has strengthened its digital support for its members with the creation of a new business unit under the leadership of Jemma James as Director of Partnerships and Digital Services.

The new unit will be responsible for the ongoing development of Logistics UK’s market-leading Vision suite of customer-supporting digital products. And as Acting Chief Executive Kevin Green explains, the move will provide increased support for members as well as developing new and enhanced products within Vision, as well as creating new and building on existing commercial partnerships to benefit Logistics UK members:

“Vision already provides transformational support to many members, who rely on the software to streamline their compliance processes,” he explains. “By expanding the offer for our market-leading Vision product range, we have already added value to our members this year in areas such as our new licence checking and driver risk modules. By continuing to innovate in the coming months, we will continue to ensure that Vision remains the market leader in on-site compliance, making it simpler for our members to undertake the checks that they need, simply and efficiently.

In her new role, Ms James will assume responsibility for all of Logistics UK’s existing and new commercial partnerships, and will drive the development of product extensions that deliver for the group’s membership:

“As a business, our mission is always how we can do more for our members,” she explains, “and this amalgamation of service units will speed and improve the support and guidance that our digital products provide to our customers. Along with this commitment, the team will be focused on developing new strategic relationships that benefit all our members, and make it easier for them to deliver for their own customers.

“At its heart, this new team will make the Vision Compliance platform a one-stop shop for our compliance services, backed best-in-class support and Onsite Compliance Services.”

Verdion to deliver €1 billion Danish intermodal freight hub

Date: December 7, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Pan-European logistics real estate specialist Verdion has announced plans for iPort Zealand: a €1 billion business hub for Danish logistics, industry and business to capitalise on the completion of the major Fehmarnbelt infrastructure project.

When complete, the world’s longest combined road + rail tunnel will connect Germany and Scandinavia with new road and high-speed rail passenger and freight connections, reducing journey times between Hamburg and Copenhagen by ~2 hours by rail and ~70 minutes by road.

iPort Zealand will become Denmark’s premier intermodal hub, extending to 250-ha on privately-owned land in the Ringsted municipality, 60km west of Copenhagen. It sits at the intersection of the country’s main east-west and north-south rail corridors and is located next to the E20 motorway, which stretches from western Denmark to Stockholm via Copenhagen and Malmӧ.

• It will be anchored by an international freight terminal enabling the transshipment of trailers, containers, and swap bodies between road and rail.
• On the surrounding site, Verdion will deliver up to 570,000 sqm of logistics, advanced manufacturing, light industrial and other business space including high-tech industry and pharmaceuticals, where thousands of new jobs will be created.

Michael Hughes, CEO of Verdion, said:

“iPort Zealand is set to become a major new cluster for Danish business in an unparalleled strategic location.

“The Fehmarnbelt tunnel will have a transformative effect across the Nordics and Germany, opening up more supply chain routes and creating new opportunities across a huge range of business sectors. It is vital that Denmark is in a strong position to benefit from this economic upswing – from employment and services to customs and revenue. 

“This new commercial hub is set to become a growth engine for the region, translating infrastructure improvements into tangible benefits for the local and national economy, including better access to major regional ports. Combining state-of-the-art freight handling and leading-edge real estate, alongside the environmental benefits of rail freight and our ESG-focussed approach, these plans will ensure that the positive impacts of this value-creation are felt across the country. 

“With the tunnel works already progressing, it is essential that there is provision on the ground before services start running – which means starting the development process now. We have made important progress already, and with positive discussions at local and national levels, and partnership agreements in place, we are in a strong position to move forward with the support of the local municipality.” 

• iPort Zealand follows iPort Doncaster, Verdion’s major intermodal logistics park in the north of England, which is almost complete. Extending to 324 ha with an on-site intermodal rail terminal and substantial areas given over to wildlife and biodiversity, the park will have benefitted from €600m of direct investment via Verdion, augmented by significant local investment from occupiers.
• iPort Zealand will sit within the STRING megaregion extending from Oslo to Hamburg, linking 4 countries. 7 cities, 9 regions and 14 million people.

The terminal will be designed to handle at least 12 full-length freight trains per day, seven days a week. Each train would replace around 60 long-distance trucks, freeing capacity on the road network. Freight trains emit around four times less CO₂ than trucks, meaning each train movement can save approximately 45 tonnes of CO₂ compared to road transport alone.

All buildings will be developed to high standards of sustainability with a focus on energy and resource efficiency and independently certified by an internationally recognised body.

Verdion is now working with local and national stakeholders to progress detailed designs for the park with plans to deliver new development ready for the completion of the new tunnel.

ID Logistics wins major new e-commerce contract in the UK

Date: December 7, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

ID Logistics has announced the award of another major e-commerce contract, marking a significant milestone in its continued expansion across the UK. The new partnership will see ID Logistics operate a brand-new 450,000 sq. ft. fulfilment centre in Sittingbourne, Kent, further strengthening its growing UK footprint and creating over 300 jobs for the local area.

The new facility, which will become operational in early May 2026, represents a key investment to support the company’s rapidly expanding customer base in the fast-moving e-commerce sector. The Sittingbourne site will provide advanced warehousing, fulfilment and distribution services, supported by the latest automation and digital technologies to enhance efficiency, scalability, and sustainability.

This contract win reinforces ID Logistics’ growing momentum in the UK market. In just a short period, the business has grown to operate across three sites, demonstrating its strong capability in delivering complex, multi-channel logistics solutions tailored to leading retail and e-commerce brands.

Stuart Evans, Managing Director, ID Logistics UK commented:

“The UK is one of the most dynamic markets in Europe and our rapid growth here reflects our ability to deliver agile, customer-focused logistics solutions. This new contract and the launch of our Sittingbourne site underline the company’s long-term commitment to the UK and our confidence in its continued potential.

“We’re thrilled to be expanding our network with this new state-of-the-art facility in Sittingbourne. It will not only enable us to support our customer’s growth but also create new employment opportunities and strengthen our operational excellence in the e-commerce sector.”

The new Sittingbourne site will feature modern infrastructure designed to optimise energy efficiency, employee safety and operational performance, aligning with ID Logistics’ global sustainability goals.

With its UK network now spanning key locations in Northampton, Leeds and now Sittingbourne; ID Logistics continues to cement its position as a trusted logistics partner for some of the world’s most recognised brands.

Freightliner delivers Hydrogen by rail for the first time

Date: December 7, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Network Rail, working with rail and energy partners Freightliner and GeoPura, has transported hydrogen for the first time on Britain’s rail network, marking a major step forward for both the rail and energy sectors.

The milestone was achieved at Network Rail’s Test Tracks site in Tuxford, where freight operator Freightliner hauled a train of gas containers from Doncaster to High Marnham – marking Britain’s first shipment of hydrogen by rail.

It was part of a rail and energy industry innovation event showcasing several hydrogen initiatives. This included the first re-engineered hydrogen-powered shunting locomotive – seen as a step towards replacing diesel – another milestone towards the rail industry’s goal of becoming net zero. The event also demonstrated HPU hydrogen-powered generators, lighting towers and support vehicles.

Network Rail’s site at Tuxford runs all the way to High Marnham, where it sits adjacent to HyMarnham Power, the UK’s largest green hydrogen production facility operated by GeoPura and JG Pears. Built on the site of a former coal-fired power station, HyMarnham Power is one of the world’s first rail-connected hydrogen production facilities, and Network Rail’s Tuxford site will be the world’s first net-zero railway testing facility.

Currently, hydrogen is transported by road. This breakthrough marks a major step towards the rail network becoming a ready-made hydrogen distribution system, a rolling pipeline, with connections to all major industrial and urban centres across Britain – proving the practical capability of rail to transport hydrogen at scale. Hydrogen will also be utilised to decarbonise wider rail operations, from construction to ongoing maintenance and off-grid operations.

Leevan Finney, Network Rail’s Engineering Services Director, said:

“Rail is the greenest form of long-distance transport, and we, as an industry, are working hard to decarbonise transport and achieve net zero. For 200 years the railway has connected communities and major industry across Britain. The railway has the potential to be a strategic hydrogen distribution network in the future, as it has been for energy for many years.

“By bringing together rail and energy innovators here at Test Tracks in Tuxford, we’re accelerating Britain’s journey to net zero and showing how rail and energy sectors can work together to deliver sustainable transport and energy distribution.”