P&O Ferries boosts North Sea freight capacity

Date: February 10, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

P&O Ferries is strengthening its North Sea freight offering with the long-term charter of a new RoRo vessel, the Lismore, which has now joined the fleet.

Sister ship to the Longstone, the Lismore will be deployed on the Zeebrugge–Tilbury route, increasing capacity for unaccompanied freight and offering customers greater guaranteed space across P&O Ferries’ North Sea network.

With 4,076 lane metres and the ability to carry up to 290 freight units, the Lismore will enable P&O Ferries to support additional volumes from freight forwarders, logistics operators and shippers seeking resilient, reliable and predictable North Sea capacity.

Kasper Moos, CEO, P&O Ferries, said:

“Our focus is on being a trusted, long-term partner to freight customers. By increasing capacity on the Zeebrugge–Tilbury corridor, we’re making it easier for customers to secure guaranteed space, plan with confidence and support their growth. This investment underlines our determination to offer a service that is dependable, competitive and aligned with evolving demand across key European supply chains.”

P&O Ferries will operate Lismore alongside Longstone on the Zeebrugge–Tilbury route, providing an attractive option for customers moving unaccompanied trailers and other units between the UK and mainland Europe. The weekly lane metre capacity for the route has the potential to be uplifted by 9000m.

The new vessel can accommodate a wide variety of freight types and will welcome:

• Wide loads
• Self-drive vehicles
• Trailers
• Lift units
• Loose plant and machinery
• Mobile homes
• Chassis
• Trade cars

The additional capacity is expected to better support the growth plans of existing and new customers, particularly those moving automotive, industrial, retail and project cargo.

Canadian pension funds to exit UK’s biggest port operator in £10bn deal

Date: February 10, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

The Financial Times has reported that two Canadian pension giants plan to sell their stakes in Associated British Ports in a deal that they hope will value the UK’s biggest ports operator at more than £10bn.  

The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) and Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) , which own 34 per cent and 33 per cent of ABP, respectively, have appointed bankers at investment bank Morgan Stanley to explore a sale of their stakes. 

ABP was taken private in 2006 by a group of investors, including Goldman Sachs’ infrastructure arm and OMERS, for £2.8bn. Ownership of the group has since changed, with CPPIB acquiring its stake in 2015.

Other major shareholders include Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund GIC with 20 per cent, the Kuwait Investment Authority’s Wren House Infrastructure with 10 per cent and asset manager Hermes, which owns about 6 per cent.

The full article and more analysis can be found here FT article

New Mercedes Benz truck haul for Redditch firm

Date: February 11, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

AMCO has made a significant investment in its fleet with the addition of twelve new state-of-the-art Mercedes Actros trucks. This takes the firm’s total fleet to 73 vehicles, plus 95 trailers.

This investment, which is in the region of £2m, signals the Redditch-based firm’s vision to continue to grow its portfolio of customers – which include high street names and luxury automotive brands – offering bespoke contract transport solutions across the UK.

AMCO’s fleet director Mark Jones said:

“As business grows and compliance becomes increasingly rigorous, a modern fleet is essential to serve customers and keep our drivers safe and comfortable. This investment is part of our commitment to that: the new trucks feature quilted leather seats, a luxury bed with mattress topper and under bunk fridge. They were specifically designed and prepared for our drivers who work around the clock on our blue-chip partner contracts.”

The trucks boast best-in-class driver technology and comfort, including multimedia cockpit and active brake assist. Smart MirrorCam replaces traditional mirrors to improve aerodynamics, which, alongside intelligent GPS driver programmes, helps reduce fuel consumption

The trucks were purchased from Midland Truck & Van, winner of the Mercedes Benz Truck Dealer of the Year 2025. They are fully compliant with all ULEZ areas set in the UK, and are fitted with the ‘Progress’ safe system – a radar enabled pedestrian warning – along with nearside camera and audible warning. The mirrorless cameras enable the vehicles to operate within London’s Direct Vision Standard (DVS) zone.

AMCO is committed to driver and vehicle safety, and is one of only 136 businesses in the UK to be accredited under the DVSA’s (Driver and Vehicle Safety Agency) Earned Recognition Scheme. The company conformed to rigorous criteria over a two-year timeframe to gain accreditation.

AMCO’s group deputy managing director Justin Miller concluded:

“We have a long-standing driver workforce which is testament to our dedication to providing a good working environment. From the vehicles we provide and the people management, through to our purpose-built modern facility AMCO Park, from where our 24/7 365-day operations take place. This vehicle investment is part of that ethos and will enable us to continue, and expand, the solutions-oriented offering our customers enjoy and have come to expect.”

PD Ports plays pivotal role in strengthening the UK’s renewable energy infrastructure

Date: February 11, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

PD Ports has played a key role in a major logistics operation to support the development of solar energy infrastructure across the North of England.

Working in close partnership with leading freight forwarders Fracht and Cargocare Global, the company has orchestrated end‑to‑end supply chain solutions that demonstrate its agility, technical capability and pivotal role in supporting the UK’s clean‑energy transition.

The project involved handling, storing and delivering more than 220 containers of solar panels and over 300 containers of lithium cubes, vital components for the generation and storage of energy to be released into the grid when required, maximising the use of renewable energy.

These components have been imported into PD Ports’ Teesport container terminal for use in large scale sustainable energy projects, including the development of solar farms in the North East of England using vacant or unfarmed land for the generation of clean energy.

From Teesport to the final destination, PD Ports’ specialist teams coordinated the entire logistics journey through a single point of contact. From discharging containers from vessels at Tees Dock, then safely unloading the container contents on to a lorry or into storage, before finally ensuring seamless onward delivery to site, PD Ports played a role at every step.

Mark Mulholland, Commercial Director – Warehousing, PD Ports, said:

“This project demonstrates how our expertise and infrastructure can support the UK’s clean energy transition. By bringing together services from across our business and working hand in hand with our freight forwarding partners, we are enabling projects that will play a vital role in building the country’s renewable energy capacity.

“As one of Teesside’s largest landowners and a key national gateway for trade, PD Ports is uniquely positioned to help accelerate the clean energy revolution. By combining scale with innovation and collaboration, we are not only delivering for our customer but also helping to secure a more sustainable future for generations to come.”

Tom Page, Project Manager, Fracht UK, said:

“Working alongside PD Ports on this project has been a great example of what can be achieved through true collaboration. At Fracht, our priority is always to understand our customers’ needs and deliver a smooth, reliable end‑to‑end journey, no matter how complex the supply chain. Partnering with PD Ports allowed us to bring together our expertise and ensure these critical components reached site safely and efficiently. We’re proud to play our part in bringing clean energy projects to life across the UK.”

Chris Simcock, General Manager, Cargocare Global, said:

“Great work by the team at PD Ports on the successful delivery of solar panels to the farm – a real testament to the value of having one simple point of contact to manage a complex supply chain. At Cargocare Global, we’re proud to play our part in strengthening the UK’s green energy infrastructure, and it’s always a pleasure to partner with such a reliable and experienced team in delivering critical components for clean energy projects.”

Frans Caljé, Chief Executive Officer, PD Ports, said:

“Delivering clean energy supply chains is a national priority. Projects like this show what is possible when industry works together, combining the strengths of logistics partners, freight forwarders, and infrastructure providers. Teesside is at the forefront of the clean energy revolution, and PD Ports is proud to be at its heart.”

Warrenpoint signs long-term deal with CLdN

Date: February 12, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Warrenpoint Harbour Authority (WHA), Northern Ireland’s third-largest port, has signed a 55-year operating agreement with CLdN, one of Europe’s leading short sea shipping and multimodal logistics operators.

The long-term contract represents a significant investment in CLdN’s future operations at Warrenpoint and underlines the strategic importance of the Irish Sea corridor, with 95% of all consumer goods to the island arriving by sea.

Under the agreement, CLdN is enabled to operate its high-frequency RoRo freight service between Warrenpoint and Heysham, handling some 125,000 freight units and trade cars annually. This strong two-way trade provides a resilient and reliable supply chain for manufacturers, distributors, and logistics operators across Ireland and Great Britain, extending onwards to global markets.

The service supports the movement of a wide range of manufactured goods, including machinery from the Mid Ulster quarrying sector, aerospace components such as Spirit AeroSystems’ tail fin assemblies, food products, and other non-perishable items.

CLdN traffic accounts for a significant portion of Warrenpoint Harbour’s annual tonnage, highlighting the strength of the partnership and the strategic importance of the Warrenpoint–Heysham route. The agreement took effect on 1 January 2026.

David Holmes, Chief Executive, Warrenpoint Harbour Authority said:

“This long-term partnership with CLdN reflects the strength of our relationship and the critical role Warrenpoint plays as a gateway for trade between Ireland, Great Britain, and global markets.

“The service is a key catalyst for local, regional, and shared island commerce, strengthening connectivity, driving economic growth and supporting marine resilience outside of Dublin and Belfast. The agreement provides both long-term certainty for the Port, our customers, and the wider logistics ecosystem and an opportunity to reinvest dividends to support the long-term development of the Port and the services it provides under our Trust Port status.”

Florent Maes, Chief Executive Officer, CLdN added:

“We are delighted to sign this renewed operating agreement with Warrenpoint Harbour Authority. This provides long-term visibility for CLdN to further develop the route between Warrenpoint and Heysham and additional flexibility to expand our operating footprint and services at the port. The Warrenpoint-Heysham service is an essential one for trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and an integral part of our strategic focus on the Irish Sea trades. We look forward to developing our presence in Warrenpoint and to serving customers there for many years to come.”

CLdN strengthened its Irish Sea capabilities in 2022 through the acquisition of Seatruck Ferries and currently employs some 50 staff at Warrenpoint Port. CLdN’s unaccompanied short sea shipping business is supported by local haulage companies which play a vital role moving unaccompanied trailers between the Port and the wider regional supply chains.

The Chair of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority Dr Gerard O’Hare CBE DL expressed his thanks to the Executives in both organisations whom he said had worked diligently for some months to bring this tremendous vote of confidence in Warrenpoint as a trading Port of the future. He added that it will help to continue the Port’s important economic impact both locally and to the Northern Ireland economy.

Credit: The Newsletter

GXO and Greene King sign 10-year extension

Date: February 12, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

GXO Logistics and Greene King, the UK’s leading pub company and brewer, have announced a 10-year extension to their long-standing partnership.

The renewal strengthens a relationship spanning more than two decades, with over 700 GXO colleagues ensuring expert delivery of food, drink and equipment to Greene King’s estate of over 2,600 pubs across the UK.

“We’re delighted to extend our partnership with Greene King for another 10 years,” said Chris Hyde, Managing Director – Food and Beverage, GXO UK and Ireland.

“Together, we’ve delivered some amazing projects and leveraged our sector expertise to drive operational efficiencies across the supply chain. I’m particularly proud of our shared commitment to sustainability and the progress we’re making together. I look forward to building on this success over the next decade.”

Vance Fairman-Smith, Group Supply Chain Director at Greene King, said:

“We are pleased to continue our partnership with GXO. It allows us to work together and focus on a long-term, end-to-end strategy across our supply chain for our pubs so we can best support our teams and serve our customers and communities. By bringing all the elements of our supply chain together, we are optimising our supply network and can expect to unlock operational agility, sustainability and reporting benefits to reinvest in the business.”

Under the renewed agreement, GXO consolidates elements of food and drink distribution across England, Scotland and Wales, creating a more flexible and scalable supply chain to meet the dynamic needs of Greene King’s pubs and its customers. GXO continues to strive for operational excellence and currently operates an industry-leading availability of products for every pub in the network.

GXO will leverage its experience in the food and beverage sector and expertise in automation and technology to drive continuous operational improvements.

ZIM to be sold to Hapag-Lloyd and FIMI in $3.7bn (£2.8bn) deal

Date: February 15, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Israel’s shipping giant, ZIM Integrated Shipping Services, is set to be sold to Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd and the Israeli private equity firm FIMI Opportunity Funds. The transaction is valued at approximately $3.7 billion.

Notably, Hapag-Lloyd’s shareholder base includes the Qatar Investment Authority, which owns roughly 12.3% of the company, and Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, which holds a stake of around 10.2%.

Structure of the Acquisition

Reports suggest that Hapag-Lloyd will acquire the entirety of ZIM’s shares, resulting in the firm’s delisting from the New York Stock Exchange. The long-term structure remains somewhat unconventional:

Hapag-Lloyd is expected to take over ZIM’s international operations.

FIMI will reportedly assume control of ZIM’s domestic Israeli operations.

This split suggests a strategic division of assets rather than a traditional equity partnership.

State Interests and the “Golden Share”

The Israeli government will retain its “golden share” in the company. Much like the arrangement held with the national carrier El Al, this share ensures the state can rely on the company’s fleet during national emergencies and grants the government veto power over matters of national interest.

As part of the agreement, it is reported that:

• ZIM’s senior management must remain based in Israel.
• A specific quota of vessels must remain under Israeli ownership.

The completion of the deal remains subject to regulatory approval. Once the final “green light” is given, control will transfer to the buyers, provided the state’s specific rights are fully preserved.

Hapag-Lloyd signs merger agreement with ZIM

Date: February 16, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Hapag-Lloyd has signed an agreement with ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd., the world’s 10th largest container shipping line, under which Hapag-Lloyd will acquire 100% of ZIM’s shares. The completion of the envisaged transaction is subject, among others, to approval by ZIM’s shareholders and the relevant regulatory authorities.

Once the merger is closed, Hapag-Lloyd aims to build a stronger, more seamless network and intend to operate a modern fleet of over 400 vessels with a capacity exceeding 3 million TEU – further reinforcing Hapag-Lloyd’s position as one of the world’s leading container shipping companies. Together with ZIM, Hapag-Lloyd plans to expand in attractive growth markets and enhance its services across key global trades – including Transpacific, Intra Asia, Atlantic, Latin America, and East Mediterranean.

Reflecting on the values that unite both companies, Hapag-Lloyd CEO Rolf Habben Jansen said:

“ZIM is an excellent partner for Hapag-Lloyd. Customers will benefit from a significantly strengthened network on the Transpacific, Intra Asia, Atlantic, Latin America and East Mediterranean. We share the same ambitions: exceptional customer service, excellent operational quality, and a commitment to digital innovation – all powered by the expertise and passion of our people worldwide.”

Hapag-Lloyd expects the closing of this transaction by the end of 2026. Until then, Hapag-Lloyd and ZIM will continue to operate independently, maintaining collaboration only within existing vessel-sharing and slot charter agreements. Additionally, Hapag-Lloyd will continue to build on its successful partnership with Maersk in the Gemini Cooperation.

CLdN acquires Samskip’s UK quay-to-quay and door-to-door freight business

Date: February 17, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

CLdN has announced an agreement with Samskip to purchase its quay-to-quay and door-to-door freight business between the Continent and UK & Ireland.

The acquisition covers the container shipping services currently operated by Samskip between the Dutch port of Rotterdam and the UK ports of Belfast, Blythe, Grangemouth, Hull and Tilbury and the Irish ports of Cork, Dublin and Waterford.

These services currently carry out more than 1,000 port calls every year, transporting cargo for a broad customer base, including blue chip consumer goods manufacturers. The transaction also covers the door-to-door cargo services connecting the UK and Ireland with continental Europe, including the transfer of the lease agreements for more than 5,000 multimodal cargo units including 45ft pallet-wide containers, refrigerated containers and curtain-side containers; 40 and 45ft flat racks and 40ft high-cube refrigerated containers.

Once regulatory clearance is confirmed and the deal is closed, CLdN will provide its new customers with a seamless continuation of the services currently offered by Samskip. The transfer of activities also involves certain supplier agreements being transferred to CLdN including contracts related to road haulage, rail and barge connections, vessel sharing and port operating agreements.

The transaction further enhances CLdN short-sea container shipping offering for existing and new customers between mainland Europe, the UK and Ireland. It is fully aligned with CLdN’s strategy of providing complementary roll-on / roll-off (RoRo) services for mixed cargo and lift-on / lift-off (LoLo) services specifically for containers. The transaction would also significantly enhance the scale of CLdN’s door-to-door multimodal activities with the integration of a broader fleet with wider network reach, particularly between the UK & Ireland and Central & Eastern Europe.

Commenting on the transaction, Florent Maes, Chief Executive Officer, CLdN said:

“This transaction is highly complementary to CLdN’s existing shipping and multimodal activities. Customers will benefit from an even broader array of shipping options, increased sailing frequency and enhanced door-to-door equipment and services. CLdN has a long history of connecting mainland Europe with the UK and Irish markets and we look forward to further developing these reliable, flexible and environmentally efficient connections. We are also delighted that we will welcome new colleagues to our CLdN team and are excited by the prospect of growing CLdN’s business together in the coming years.”

Ólafur Orri Ólafsson, Chief Executive Officer, Samskip added:

“We at Samskip are very confident about this transaction. It will allow us to focus on the key strategic markets of the future, where we will continue to invest in our organization and further develop our longer-distance trades where we deliver the most value to our customers. At the same time, selling the UK and Ireland trades to a strong partner will secure the continuation of this trade and guarantee a high coverage for our customers in the respective markets.”

The transaction is subject to fulfilment or waiver of specific conditions, amongst which the satisfactory outcome of the relevant regulatory and competition clearances.

Both parties have agreed not to disclose financial details related to the transaction.

Information relating to the transaction can be found on the dedicated microsite at www.cldn.com/samskip-transaction

Multimodal Team pedals for Transaid

Date: February 17, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

This September, three members of the Multimodal team will cycle 454km in Tanzania to raise vital funds for development charity Transaid.

With an average age of 62 – the three non-cyclists will pedal, probably uphill the whole way, from Kilimanjaro to the Indian Ocean. 

Marketing Director, Sara Mikunda said:

“I’ve talked about doing this for be must be the past 10 years so have finally decided to stop prevaricating and signed myself up for this very worthy cause, and a very exciting adventure. It will be very tough – but worth the pain to support this very worthy cause.

Donating through JustGiving is super simple, fast, and totally secure. Your details are safe with them – they won’t sell your information or bombard you with unwanted emails. Once you donate, your money goes directly to Transaid, making it the most efficient way to contribute and help save time and costs for the charity.

So if you can spare a little something, please consider donating. Every penny counts and will make a real difference in people’s lives!

If you can, please donate here

There are also a number of commercial sponsorships available – please email robert.jervis@clarionevents.com to learn more

Entries open for UKWA Silver Anniversary Awards

Date: February 18, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

The UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) has opened entries for the 2026 UKWA Awards for Excellence, marking the 25th anniversary of the industry’s most respected accolades. For a quarter of a century, these Awards have recognised the individuals and organisations whose achievements set the standard for professionalism, innovation and leadership across the UK’s warehousing and logistics sector.

Warehousing plays a critical role in the national economy, underpinning supply chains, enabling trade and supporting every major industry. As the sector continues to evolve, driven by technological advancement, sustainability imperatives and rising customer expectations, the need to highlight and celebrate excellence has never been greater.

The UKWA Awards serve as a benchmark for quality, showcasing those who demonstrate outstanding performance and contribute meaningfully to the sector’s progress.

To mark this Silver Anniversary year, UKWA has refreshed its Award categories to reflect the breadth and dynamism of modern warehousing, from workforce development and inclusive employment to sustainability, fulfilment and advanced warehouse solutions.

UKWA CEO Clare Bottle comments:

“The UKWA Awards for Excellence shine a spotlight on innovation, leadership, sustainability and service across our industry. They are widely regarded as the highest recognition in UK warehousing, celebrating those who consistently raise the bar. With entries now open, we look forward to putting the spotlight on the outstanding performers and rising stars who will shape the future of our sector.”

2026 Award Categories

• Award for Excellence in Workforce Wellbeing
• Award for Excellence in Inclusive Employment
• Rising Star of the Year
• Warehouse Leader of the Year
• Award for Excellence in Co Packing & Fulfilment
• Award for Excellence in Warehouse Solutions
• Award for Excellence in Sustainability
• Award for Excellence in Customer Partnership
• UKWA Warehouse Developer of the Year
• UKWA SME Logistics Provider of the Year
• UKWA Large Logistics Provider of the Year

The Chair of the UKWA Management Board will also recognise an individual whose contribution to the sector has been truly outstanding through the presentation of the highly coveted Chairman’s Award.

Full details of the categories and entry criteria are available here – https://ukwarehousing.org/Awards2026

Entries close on 27 March 2026 and winners will be announced on 15 July at the Royal Lancaster London.

Cox Automotive acquires Bruntingthorpe Logistics

Date: February 19, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Cox Automotive has acquired Bruntingthorpe Logistics Limited (BLL), a longstanding logistics partner that has played an important role in supporting Manheim Vehicle Services (MVS).

The move is designed to further strengthen operational stability.

Liam Quegan, Managing Director of Cox Automotive Wholesale, said:

“We’re very pleased to welcome the BLL team into Cox Automotive. They’ve been an essential partner in the success of Manheim Vehicle Services, and this acquisition will help us continue to grow with confidence while maintaining the strong operational foundations our customers expect.

“This is an exciting moment for MVS. As demand increases and our operations expand, securing the right capability and expertise within our logistics network is vital. Bringing BLL into the business supports that ambition and positions us strongly for the future.”

BLL has provided vehicle movements into and out of Cox Automotive’s key preparation centres for many years. By bringing the business into Cox Automotive, the company aims to secure long-term capacity and maintain the consistency and reliability that customers rely on.

The team will transfer to Cox Automotive as part of the acquisition, including its experienced drivers and operational staff. BLL’s Operations Director, Martyn Rose, will remain in his role to provide ongoing leadership and stability, and owner Paul Cox will support the transition before retiring later this year.

MVS will also continue to support BLL’s remaining customers, ensuring continuity during the transition period.

Paul Cox said:

“BLL has worked closely with Cox Automotive for many years, and this step feels like a natural progression for the business and the team. Our colleagues have always taken great pride in delivering a dependable service, and I’m pleased to see BLL join an organisation that values that commitment. I’m confident this move will provide long-term stability and opportunity for everyone involved.”