ONE deploys new energy efficient vessel on new Transatlantic service

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

Ocean Network Express (ONE), has announced the deployment of its brand new container ship M/V ONE Satisfaction on its Transatlantic AT1 service, further strengthening its presence on the trade route between Europe and the United States.

Launched in March 2026, the AT1 service connects Southampton with Antwerp, Rotterdam, Bremerhaven and Le Havre, before crossing the Atlantic to call at New York, Norfolk, Charleston and Savannah, and then returning to Southampton.

The deployment marks the first time ONE has operated a ONE liveried vessel with its iconic magenta branding on this Transatlantic trade lane.

The M/V ONE Satisfaction, delivered in February 2026 is one of Ocean Network Express’s S series, offering superior capacity and environmental performance. Measuring 336 metres long with 161,626 DWT and a capacity of 13900 TEU, the ship’s design supports heavy payload requirements and includes the capability for methanol or ammonia fuel conversion, driving both operational efficiency and sustainability. 

The introduction of the ONE Satisfaction symbolizes a commitment to reliable service quality and a seamless customer experience, as well as increasing the visibility of the ONE brand in strategically important markets.

Tom Hosaka, Managing Director of ONE, Europe and Africa region said:

“We are very pleased to introduce this new and efficient S- Class vessel to our AT1 service, underlining our long-term commitment to the Transatlantic market.

“As our brand continues to gain recognition globally, we remain focused on the values that define our business: quality, customer satisfaction, innovation and reliability. We believe this deployment will further enhance the value we offer our customers on this important trade route.”

Dover becomes UK’s first net-zero port

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

The Port of Dover has announced it has achieved its ambitious goal of carbon net zero emissions (Scope 1 and 2) for 2025, at least five years ahead of any other UK port target, and 25 years ahead of the UK Government’s maritime target. 

Its emissions for Scope 1 and 2 have fallen by a huge 98.3% from 2007, with residual emissions being offset through a local regenerative farming scheme issued under the UK Carbon Code of Conduct. Today’s announcement comes shortly after external verification of the Port’s 2025 emissions was received, (against ISO 14064 and the GHG Protocols Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard). The Short Straits counts for eight percent of all UK maritime emissions, so this news is a significant step forward for the future of maritime decarbonisation. 

Doug Bannister, CEO of the Port of Dover said:

“We are proud to be celebrating this milestone moment, which has seen our carbon emissions reduce drastically from nearly 14,000 tonnes 18 years ago. Since setting our goal four years ago, people from across the Port have all contributed to this incredible result.  Our brilliant in-house environment team has implemented modern and forward-thinking assets, sustainable processes and progressive behaviours across all areas of the Port to get here. This has then given us the tools for our customers, partners and internal stakeholders to follow. My thanks and congratulations go to our team, particularly Megan Turner, environment and sustainability manager.

“We are not stopping here. We want Dover to be a global leader, putting the UK on the global stage as home to the world’s first high-volume Green Shipping Corridor here on the Short Straits. This sustainability drive is an essential part of our Port of Dover 2050 Masterplan, helping to protect the UK’s competitiveness and drive economic growth in an efficient and sustainable manner.” 

Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather said:

“It’s fantastic to see the Port of Dover charting the course for a cleaner maritime future, showing net zero port operations are becoming a reality in Britain. 

“UK shipping is vital to our national prosperity. That’s why we’re supporting industry with £448m to develop clean fuels and technologies to support skilled jobs, cut carbon emissions and drive growth in our coastal communities.”

The Port’s longer-term ambitions require strong partnerships with industry and government, and the Port is already working hard with both.  Its Scope 1 and 2 achievements have, nevertheless, all been accomplished through its own drive and determination to champion sustainable maritime trade and travel.  Some specific examples include:

• Purchasing sustainably sourced HVO (Hydrotreated vegetable oil) to operate machinery.
• Installing 1.5MW of on-site solar generation.
• General energy efficiency improvements, such as purchasing renewable electricity and using LED lighting and heating controls.
• Residual emissions being offset through an approved local regenerative farming scheme, which has produced carbon credits under the UK Carbon Code of Conduct.

The Port also recently achieved recertification under the EcoPorts environmental management standard (PERS) for the fourth time, which is the only port-specific environmental management classification.

DP World launches first port-based carbon insets at Southampton

Date: April 21, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

DP World has launched a new carbon inset scheme at its Southampton terminal, allowing customers to claim a share of emissions reductions generated at the port towards their own supply chain targets for the first time.

The new Container Terminal Inset Certificates are created through emissions reductions at Southampton, where the use of biofuels, such as HVO, port-wide electrification and the generation of renewable electricity has resulted in significant carbon savings. These savings are then converted into uniquely allocated certificates that customers can use to report lower Scope 3 emissions across their supply chains.

The certificates will be included in DP World’s Carbon Inset Programme as a share of the 250kg CO₂e allocation and automatically applied to qualifying cargo moving through DP World Southampton from 1 April 2026. Customers will receive independently verified documentation to support their sustainability reporting.

DP World’s Carbon Inset Programme, which was introduced in January 2025 in partnership with global Carbon insetting platform 123Carbon, has so far registered more than 250,000 TEU of cargo in its first year, issuing over 9,000 tonnes of CO₂e savings. Originally scheduled to be a 12-month trial, the Carbon Inset Programme was subsequently extended to 31 December 2026.

John Trenchard, Vice President – Sustainable International Supply Chains, Europe said:

“At DP World, we believe decarbonising global supply chains requires practical solutions that deliver measurable impact today. This scheme will turn real emissions reductions at Southampton into verified savings our customers can count towards their Scope 3 targets. By working with partners like Bureau Veritas and 123Carbon, we’re scaling a model that recognises the critical role ports play in driving lower-carbon logistics across road, rail and sea.”

Jeroen van Heiningen, Chief Executive Officer, 123 Carbon, said:

“This project is a landmark milestone, as it represents a new standard on how carbon reductions realised in port operations can be shared with owners. The development of such a standard together with industry leaders as DP World is necessary to ensure companies can safely and securely reduce transport-related emissions from origin to destination, regardless of transport type and including container handling at ports.”

The Carbon Inset Programme in the UK is funded by the Energy Transition Contribution applied to all import laden containers through DP World UK ports. Registered programme users who move containers into the UK through DP World ports can access carbon credits to address residual emissions for container ships, tug boats and container terminal operations.

Separately, DP World has highlighted that Multimodal corridors gain ground as supply chains reconfigure.

As ongoing disruption across key global shipping corridors continues to impact trade flows, DP World is helping customers maintain cargo flows by integrating sea, rail and road networks that are increasingly critical to supply chain resilience.

As cargo owners navigate geopolitical uncertainty, port congestion and climate-related pressures, the ability to move goods seamlessly across connected transport modes is becoming a growing competitive advantage. Industry projections show the global multimodal transport market is expected to grow to nearly $160 billion by 2032, representing a $60.7 billion growth opportunity driven by demand for more agile, visible and reliable supply chains.

This includes coastal and feeder shipping services that connect regional ports, alongside rail and road solutions that extend cargo moves inland, enabling more integrated, end-to-end logistics across key trade corridors.

For DP World, this is not just a future trend. It is already being operationalised across the company’s global network. Through its Marine Services business, DP World connects more than 200 ports worldwide and supports 23,500+ sailings annually, with its Shipping Solutions business handling approximately 6 million TEU, creating the coastal and feeder connectivity that underpins global trade flows. These services are increasingly integrated with inland logistics capabilities, including rail and road, helping customers move cargo more efficiently across key trade corridors.

This corridor-based approach is becoming more important as supply chains evolve from linear, point-to-point models into more connected regional networks. As trading patterns become increasingly shaped by resilience, regionalisation and speed to market, businesses need transport systems that can flex across multiple modes while maintaining reliability and visibility from origin to destination.

DP World is responding by strengthening the links between ports, marine services and inland logistics to create more joined-up supply chain solutions. This includes expanding coastal and feeder connectivity beyond major hubs, improving inland access through rail and road integration, and enabling greater coordination across the end-to-end cargo journey.

These capabilities position DP World to support customers as trade becomes increasingly corridor-driven and operational resilience becomes a defining requirement.

Ganesh Raj, Global COO, Marine Services, DP World, said:

“As supply chains face increasing disruption, the ability to connect ports, marine services, rail and road into integrated trade corridors is becoming essential. DP World is helping customers maintain reliability and efficiency by enabling more flexible, connected cargo flows across these networks.”

DP World explores these trends further in its new whitepaper, A $60.7 Billion Opportunity: Multimodal Transport and the Future of Global Trade, which examines how integrated transport networks are redefining the movement of goods across regional and global markets.

Download the whitepaper here: https://www.dpworld.com/insights/multimodal-transport-future-of-trade

DP World is exhibiting at Multimodal on stand 5070

Asyad Group acquires Ligentia

Date: April 22, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Asyad Group, a global integrated logistics provider, and Ligentia Group, a premier UK-based tech-enabled supply chain services provider, have announced a strategic transaction that will see Ligentia join Asyad Group. This landmark acquisition marks a significant milestone for both organizations, accelerating their global expansion and reinforcing their commitment to delivering innovative, end-to-end supply chain solutions.

The acquisition is Asyad Group’s second major international transaction in less than two years, following the integration of Skybridge Freight Solutions (SFS) in July 2024. By joining forces, the combined entity will boast a formidable global network spanning 24 countries, with operations in 76 cities worldwide.

Founded in 1996, Ligentia has built a strong reputation over nearly three decades for helping organizations design, manage, and optimize complex global supply chains. At the core of this strategic partnership is the integration of Ligentia’s proprietary digital platform, Ligentix. This sophisticated “control tower” provides clients with real-time visibility, ERP integration, and predictive analytics. The technology will serve as a cornerstone of the combined group’s strategy to deliver unparalleled efficiency, resilience, and agility across the entire supply chain.

The deal significantly enhances the value proposition for a combined base of over 6,000 global clients. The addition of Ligentia’s deep expertise in high-value sectors—including retail, consumer, industrial, automotive, manufacturing, healthcare, and e-commerce—enables the delivery of a truly comprehensive suite of end-to-end fourth-party logistics (4PL) solutions. Customers will benefit from a single, integrated partner capable of managing complex global supply chains from the first to the last mile, backed by world-class technology and operational excellence. Furthermore, Ligentia’s established presence in key hubs across the UK, Poland, Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, India, Australia, and the United States will seamlessly complement Asyad’s extensive logistics infrastructure.

Over the past decade, Asyad Group has demonstrated its ability to deliver sustainable growth, increasing its turnover approximately seven-fold from $320 million in 2016 to an estimated annualized level exceeding $2.1 billion in 2026. The Ligentia acquisition builds on this foundation, reinforcing the Group’s ability to deliver integrated, multimodal logistics solutions across the full value chain.

“This acquisition marks a defining moment for Asyad Group. By integrating Ligentia’s advanced digital capabilities and global network with our world-class logistics ecosystem, we are accelerating our expansion into key international markets,” said Abdulrahman Al Hatmi, Group CEO of Asyad. “This move reinforces our commitment to deliver smart, integrated logistics solutions that create long-term value for our customers and partners worldwide, unlocking new global opportunities across critical trade corridors.”

Dan Gill, Group CEO of Ligentia, commented:

“Joining Asyad marks an exciting new chapter for Ligentia. Over nearly three decades, we have built a customer focused business using a combination of technology and people to deliver innovative solutions. This partnership provides the scale, global reach, and strategic investment needed to accelerate our growth while continuing to innovate and enhance the services we deliver to our customers worldwide.”

The transaction will enable Ligentia to continue developing its digital capabilities while expanding its presence in key international markets. With access to Asyad’s broader logistics infrastructure and integrated services, Ligentia will be well positioned to further strengthen its end-to-end 4PL offering and help customers navigate the growing complexity of global trade. This milestone represents an important step in Ligentia’s evolution as a global supply chain partner, reinforcing its commitment to delivering innovative, technology-enabled solutions that help organizations build more resilient, agile, and sustainable supply chains.

XPO Logistics wins B&Q Ireland contract

Date: April 23, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

XPO Logistics has been chosen by B&Q, a leading home improvement retailer in the UK and Ireland, as its home delivery partner in Ireland. Together, B&Q and XPO Logistics will continue to enhance the home delivery experience for B&Q customers across Ireland by improving delivery times and enhancing track and trace communication, and by supporting B&Q’s commitment to switching to alternative fuels.

The new partnership reinforces XPO Logistics’ expertise in last mile deliveries across Europe and the UK. 

• B&Q customer satisfaction measures in Ireland show that customers are already benefiting from reduced delivery lead times and forward order visibility, supported by XPO Logistics’ proprietary technology, XPO Connect. This is helped by the strong collaboration between the B&Q store teams and XPO Logistics. XPO Logistics has also expanded its central hub in Dublin and is leveraging its home delivery network, which includes hubs in Cork and Athlone.
• This week also sees the introduction of the first electric home delivery vehicle into XPO Logistics’ B&Q branded home delivery fleet in Ireland, supporting B&Q’s commitment to reduce its impact on the environment.

John Eason, Director of B&Q Ireland, commented:

“Our ambition at B&Q is to help make it easier for our customers to do their home improvement projects, and this includes offering a choice of fulfilment services so that they can get their products when and where they want them. With XPO Logistics on board, we’re continuing the enhancement of our home delivery service for our customers in Ireland, giving them speedier and more reliable home delivery options. It’s also great to see this partnership advancing our commitment to reduce our impact on the environment with the launch of our first electric home delivery vehicle in Ireland this week.”

Xavier Bour, Senior Vice President, Distribution and Last Mile – Europe, XPO Logistics, said:

“B&Q is a leading home improvement and garden living retailer. Together we have created a home delivery offer which delivers the promise and ensures focus on the customer.”

Globe Air Cargo is new GSSA to airBaltic in UK

Date: April 23, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

ECS Group’s UK subsidiary, Globe Air Cargo UK, has formally entered into partnership with airBaltic. The experienced GSSA will maximise load factors on all airBaltic flights leaving London-Gatwick, Manchester, and Aberdeen for Riga and Tallinn, and opening up new routing opportunities to key destinations in the Baltics and other parts of Europe.

Since 6th March 2026, Globe Air Cargo UK is commercially responsible for the belly capacity of airBaltic’s 17 weekly flights from London-Gatwick (LGW) to Riga (RIX) and Tallinn (TLL). Two weekly Riga flights will commence from Aberdeen (ABZ) on 2nd June 2026, and Manchester services will resume on 13th December 2026. airBaltic operates a very young and growing fleet of A220-330 aircraft which are ideal for mail and e-commerce business, alongside general cargo and pets.

“This new GSSA contract with airBaltic offers a true win-win situation. It opens up cargo capacities to key destinations in Europe and, in particular, the Baltic regions, which were previously not served from the UK. So, Globe Air Cargo UK’s freight forwarding customers across the UK now have increased global access,” says Jean Ceccaldi, Chief Executive Officer of ECS Group.

“At the same time, airBaltic stands to benefit from Globe Air Cargo UK’s digital framework when it comes to simple and efficient booking processes, or AI-supported shipment documentation, for example. And above all, the people aspect played a significant part in airBaltic’s tender decision. Globe Air Cargo UK’s expansive customer base and market knowledge will soon bring a positive turnaround for airBaltic, in line with its strategic growth plans.”

“In the seven years that airBaltic has been serving the UK, we have built up a strong personal relationship, managing its handling, supporting growth, promoting its product and providing high load factors and strong revenues out of the UK,” Steve Hughes, Managing Director Globe Air Cargo UK, adds:

“We thank Ilja Seliverstovs, Irina Podzuka and Vladislavs Pecevics for the trust and faith they now place in Globe Air Cargo to represent them as GSSA in the UK. We aim to build on this excellent rapport and leverage digital efficiencies, going forward.”

“At airBaltic, we are on a mission to position Latvia as a key strategic logistics gateway in Northern Europe and have invested not only in the youngest and greenest fleet in Europe, but also have new modern cargo handling facility in Riga,” states Ilja Seliverstovs, Vice President Cargo at airBaltic.

“Our partnership with Globe Air Cargo UK now adds the much-needed people factor into this success equation. The team’s expertise will help redirect the focus onto our cargo business once more and enable airBaltic to grow as intended.”

The official contract signing took place on 4th February 2026, at airBaltic’s new, state-of-the-art facility at its main base, Riga Airport, Latvia. Opened last year, the Baltic Cargo Center is located in one of the region’s largest cargo hubs, capable of handling up to 45,000 tonnes of cargo per year, including specialised facilities for temperature-sensitive, high-value goods, and live animals.

PIK secures three new weekly Ethiopian Airlines ecommerce flights

Date: April 24, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Glasgow Prestwick Airport (Prestwick) has secured three new weekly cargo flights with Ethiopian Airlines from Hong Kong.

The service will operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, increasing e-commerce volumes.

“These new flights mark a significant step in scaling Prestwick’s e-commerce operation, with Hong Kong now a key inbound gateway into our network,” said Ian Forgie, Chief Executive Officer, Glasgow Prestwick Airport.

“By introducing a purpose-built, fast-track cargo handling model for e-commerce, we’re setting a new benchmark for speed and efficiency, enabling goods to move through the airport faster than at other hubs and reach end customers more quickly and reliably.”

Royal Mail and EVRi joined Prestwick earlier this year to celebrate 25 million e-commerce parcels passing through its e-commerce facility, and the growth in cargo services has created over 250 direct jobs.

“This service demonstrates how regional airports can rebalance global flows, pairing inbound e-commerce with outbound premium exports to improve utilisation and strengthen supply chain resilience,” said Nico Le Roux, Business Development Director, Glasgow Prestwick Airport.

“New routes to South Korea and Vietnam also give Scottish exporters more direct access to high growth markets and a more efficient routing model for global logistics partners.”

Prestwick currently handles 15 flights to and from mainland China and now an additional three from Hong Kong per week. Its growth in long haul cargo services is expected to facilitate up to GBP 250 million in cross border trade.

“Ethiopian Airlines’ new thrice weekly cargo service between Hong Kong and Glasgow Prestwick is a significant boost to the e-commerce operations between the two airports,” said Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew.

“As a global airline growing its network in both regions, we are delighted to launch the new thrice weekly flights and be part of the link.”

Scottish salmon exporters, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, and other perishable industries benefit from Prestwick’s dedicated cool chain facilities and specialist import and export services.

In recognition of this growth, Prestwick has been shortlisted for Air Freight Business of the Year at the Multimodal Awards this year.

CNG Fuels signs long-term agreement with M&S to provide refuelling capacity for more than 300 Bio-CNG trucks

Date: April 24, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

ReFuels has through CNG Fuels, signed a long-term agreement with Marks & Spencer (M&S) to provide Mobile Refuelling Stations (MRS) at UK distribution centres.

The stations, owned and operated by CNG Fuels (40% owned by ReFuels), will support M&S’ continued expansion of its biomethane-powered HGV fleet. Today, M&S operates more than 210 Bio-CNG trucks, including approximately 150 Scania 4×2 and 26 Scania 6×2 trucks, and plans to increase its lower-emission fleet to more than 300 vehicles by the end of March 2027.

The MRS units will provide combined capacity to refuel up to 300 trucks daily and will complement CNG Fuels’ UK-wide network of 16 public-access Bio-CNG stations, which is expanding to support up to 20,000 trucks per day by end-2028. Bio-CNG is a renewable fuel produced from domestic waste feedstocks, including food waste and agricultural by-products such as manure, supporting energy security and supply resilience. It delivers up to 85% lower CO₂ emissions compared to traditional diesel-powered vehicles.

“We are proud to support M&S as they shift towards more sustainable logistics. Biomethane is a cost-efficient, domestic here-and-now solution to decarbonise road transport, and our Mobile Refuelling Stations help large fleets decarbonise quickly. This agreement underscores the rapid growth in demand from major UK retailers and distributors,” said Philip Fjeld, CEO and co-founder of ReFuels.

Julian Bailey, Transport Director at M&S, added:

“Moving to lower-carbon logistics with reduced dependency on diesel and the increased use of new technologies and lower carbon fuels is key to achieving our Plan A Net Zero ambitions. We trialled a range of technologies and have chosen Bio-CNG as a key solution for decarbonising our logistics fleet as it is a proven, flexible and cost-efficient fuel supported by mature infrastructure.”

Simon Gray, Specialist Sales Manager at Scania UK, said:

“We are pleased to be working in collaboration with Marks & Spencer, and to be playing an active role in helping them reach their Plan A Net Zero ambitions. At Scania, we are driving the shift towards sustainable transport systems that are better for business, society and the environment. By working together with our partners, we can develop transport solutions that reduce our carbon footprints, while making sure that we continue to meet the demands of a growing population – profitably and sustainably.

“It is testament to the vision and the shared values between the three companies that we can work side-by-side. And this is just the beginning, we are very excited to be in partnership with Marks & Spencer and CNG Fuels, and we can’t wait to see how this partnership grows and evolves in the future.”

The agreement includes redeployment of one existing MRS and manufacturing of up to three new units, growing the MRS fleet from 10 to 14 by 2026.

DB Cargo UK strengthens team

Date: April 25, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

DB Cargo UK has announced two new appointments as it continues to strengthen its Commercial Team.

Kathryn Oldale, who previously led the Commercial Development Team, has been promoted to the broader role of Commercial Director.

In her new role, Kathryn will take on responsibility for what was previously the Sales Team and will be supported by Will Wilson, who has been appointed Head of Account Management.

Kathryn joined DB Cargo UK in 2017 as Head of Innovation and Strategy, having previously worked as a commercial manager at the pharmaceutical giant, Johnson and Johnson.

Since then she has been an ambassador for DB, building trusted relationships with a wide range of key industry stakeholders.

Will joined the DB Group in 2008 where he spent two years as a Production Manager with DB Schenker Rail, before leaving to join Mabanaft UK (now MB Energy) where he fulfilled a number of Commercial Sales and Marketing roles.

He joined DB Cargo UK’s Sales Team as an Account Manager in 2022 before being promoted to Head of Logistics Sales in 2024.

Announcing the appointments, Chief Commercial Officer Roger Neary said:

“I am delighted to announce these two key appointments as we implement a new, more proactive approach to customer relations.

“Kathryn is well known to many existing customers and has excellent connections with Government and the Train Operating Companies, which the company will be looking to work more closely with the in the future as it diversifies its service offering.

“Will also has significant commercial and account management experience and between them I think they will make a formidable team,” he added.

DB Cargo is exhibiting at Multimodal on stand RFG9

Freeport East publishes masterplan

Date: April 25, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

As the Government looks at transport investment as a means to deliver economic growth across the UK, the newly launched Freeport East Transport Masterplan sets out how 14 investments will maintain world-class connectivity unlocking up to £5.5bn GVA and over 10,000 new jobs in the Freeport region alone.

Freeport East, in partnership with Transport East, publishes its transport masterplan this week – a prioritised programme of proposed transport interventions spanning road, rail, bus, active travel and digital integration that will supercharge the region’s role in driving the UK’s economic growth. Freeport East has been involved in several of the projects for over three years, but this is the first time a priority list of investments has been set out.

With a number of Government infrastructure plans in development or announced, and as devolution progresses, the masterplan comes at a critical time to ensure that the identified schemes are progressed based on their contribution to regional and national growth.

Freeport East is centred on the Ports of Felixstowe, Harwich and Ipswich offering national and global connections unmatched anywhere else in the UK. While the region already attracts high value investment across several of the UK’s Industrial Strategy priority sectors, its growth will depend on the delivery of enabling transport infrastructure. The masterplan shows how investment in strategic connections alongside local enhancements will support jobs, businesses, communities and the wider economy.

Freeport East Transport Masterplan

Developed with Transport East and local authority transport teams, the 14 projects identified within the masterplan include:

• Rail: upgrades to the Ely and Haughley junctions alongside electrification of the Ipswich line to the Port of Felixstowe, and improvements to passenger services on the Colchester-Clacton and Ipswich-Cambridge routes.

• Road: improvements to major routes to create new growth and decarbonisation opportunities including the A120 corridor from Harwich to London Stansted Airport, the Orwell Crossing near Ipswich, and the A14 Copdock Interchange.

• Local & Innovation: Enhancing local transport connections through technology integration, particularly linking Felixstowe, Harwich and Shotley, alongside other targeted active travel options around the Freeport’s tax sites – bringing benefits through access to jobs, education and green space.

The masterplan highlights how the private sector has driven major investment on many of the transport routes, including hundreds of millions to strengthen trade infrastructure at ports and a £1bn expansion at London Stansted Airport. It sets out how targeted public investment can now unlock and multiply returns. This builds on the Freeport’s strong track record of attracting investment, with over £250m secured and 1,800 jobs supported to date.

Steve Beel, CEO at Freeport East, commented:

“Freeport East was created to boost trade and investment, higher-paying jobs and wider sustainable growth, and we believe that productivity comes from connectivity. With the Government’s Industrial Strategy placing us at the heart of the UK’s economic ambitions, now is the right time to clearly set out our transport priorities.

“The 14 priority investments we’ve identified today will guide our focus over the coming months and years.  We know that we will need to be creative in developing the funding plans to bring these to fruition but believe we have the right strategic perspective and partnerships to make that happen. This masterplan gives Government, local authorities, and industry a clear plan of where investment will make the greatest difference for communities, supply chains, and the UK’s position as a trading nation.”

Andrew Summers, Chief Executive at Transport East, added:

“We are pleased to work with Freeport East to support the development of this ambitious transport masterplan, which clearly demonstrates the power of partnership in unlocking the East’s full potential to drive national growth.

“The East contributes £94 billion in GVA and supports 1.7 million jobs, making it one of the UK’s fastest growing and most productive regions. This masterplan reflects Transport East’s strategic priorities, aligning investment with the region’s strengths to supply, power and feed the nation, while making a compelling case for the enhanced transport infrastructure needed for the Freeport to realise its full benefits.

“We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with Freeport East to deliver our shared ambitions and ensure the East not only succeeds but thrives in the years ahead.”

Demonstrating the strength of private sector support for transport investment in the region, Clemence Cheng, Managing Director at Hutchison Ports Europe, a key private sector infrastructure developer in the region, including through the Ports of Felixstowe and Harwich, said:

“We welcome the publication of the Freeport East Transport Masterplan. The UK economy is built on trade and the ports of Felixstowe and Harwich are critical international gateways which help drive inward investment and economic growth. Delivering the masterplan objectives are vitally important to maximise future economic growth opportunities locally, regionally and nationally.”

Martin Beable, Managing Director, Greater Anglia, commented:

“Greater Anglia is pleased to be working with Freeport East on initiatives that aim to deliver further improvements to rail services in our region. We have shown before that a partnership approach can help enable major upgrades, such as the new Greater Anglia train fleet introduced in recent years which has transformed service standards and benefitted customers and communities across our network. By collaborating with Freeport East and other partners on their masterplan, we’re focused on securing the investment and upgrades that would see even more passengers and freight travelling by rail.”

Logistics UK makes internal appointments to support strategic growth

Date: April 28, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Business group Logistics UK has made three internal appointments to support the organisation’s work in representing its members and the whole of the logistics sector.

Michelle Gardner, formerly Deputy Director of Policy, has been appointed to the new position of Chief of Staff, to provide strategic advice and day to day management to Chief Executive Ben Fletcher, who joined the organisation in December 2025.

“Michelle is a highly trusted member of our senior management team,” explains Mr Fletcher, “and is committed to delivering efficiencies and driving focus throughout the business as we continue to expand the organisation’s reach and impact. Her new role will see her identifying opportunities for growth, as well as supporting me as I take the business into its next phase. I would like to congratulate her on her success.”

Formerly Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Ben Garratt steps into the role of Interim Policy and Communications Director, with a focus on enhancing the organisation’s influence while leading its policy, insight, communications and marketing functions. Garratt takes over from Kevin Green, who left the business in early January.

Meanwhile, Katia Yakovleva’s role has been expanded from Deputy Director of Events to Interim Deputy Director of Engagement and Membership, which will see her develop the organisation’s strategy for optimising member engagement across the business, while continuing to lead its high-quality programme of conferences. She will work closely with Commercial Director Jerry Kane and Head of Membership Al Richardson, who remain responsible for membership management.

“Logistics UK has a fantastic reputation for the work we do for and with our members,” says Mr Fletcher, “and I am keen to ensure that we build on that, championing our sector and working with policy makers to embed it as central to economic growth across the UK. In such a fast-paced, constantly changing industry, it is vital that we are able to react quickly to the needs of those we represent and ensure our advocacy for them is focused and impactful. These appointments will enable us to achieve more for our members, which is our ultimate goal in everything we do.”