Glasgow Prestwick Airport marks one million kilograms of Scottish salmon exports in 2026

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

Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) has reached the milestone of one million kilograms of Scottish salmon exported through the airport since 1st January 2026.

The year-to-date volume follows the launch of Prestwick’s Scotland to China seafood export service last September, backed by a significant investment in new equipment, dedicated cool chain personnel, and temperature-controlled facilities for time-sensitive exports.

Prestwick’s seafood export operation includes high-volume metal detectors, temperature exposure and tracking systems, and 87 tonnes of chiller capacity.

“This is an important marker for the airport and for the Scottish seafood sector,” said Ian Forgie, Chief Executive Officer, Glasgow Prestwick Airport.

“It shows that exporters are using the new service at scale, and that the investments we have made in cool chain facilities, people, and specialist handling are giving producers a faster and more resilient route to market.

“Every hour saved between the catch and final market helps protect quality, shelf life, and value for exporters, and that is exactly where Prestwick can make a difference.”

The milestone comes during a period of sustained cargo growth at the airport, supported by new scheduled freighter capacity.

Air China Cargo increased its Prestwick-Chengdu service from four flights a week to a daily service in March, bringing Prestwick’s direct scheduled cargo flights to and from mainland China to 15. Currently 11 flights are operated by Air China Cargo and 4 by China Southern Logistics per week.

Ethiopian Airlines also added three new weekly Hong Kong cargo flights earlier this month, strengthening Prestwick’s role as a gateway for Asian trade and opening options to high-growth export markets including South Korea and Vietnam.

The 30% efficiency debt: Can precision planning and mapping save the UK’s 1.58% margin hauliers?

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

UK hauliers have long been battling a perfect storm of challenges, from an ageing driver workforce and inefficient road networks to persistently rising fuel and non-fuel costs, most recently exacerbated by the conflict in the Middle East. Now, the sector faces an additional and increasingly pressing issue: razor-thin profit margins. The RHA Cost Movement Survey shows that average pre-tax profits for Hauliers has fallen to just 1.58%, down from 2.6% the previous year. This, coupled with the fact that 30.1% of all HGV kilometres are driven empty, according to the Department for Transport, highlights a significant efficiency deficit within the sector.

Philipp Pfister, Sector Vice President of Transporeon, a Trimble company, believes this “efficiency debt” is no longer sustainable for UK Hauliers and fleets, and discusses how to tackle the issue by shifting from reactive routing toward precision mapping and real-time data to ensure every mile driven contributes to revenue.

Understanding the efficiency debt

Empty running has always been part of transport operations, whether driven by last-minute order changes or fragmented planning systems. But as the conflict in the Middle East drives a surge in fuel prices, the cost of inefficiency is escalating sharply. Every empty mile now represents not just wasted time and vehicle wear, but significantly higher fuel spend with no revenue to offset it.

For some businesses, this has historically been a manageable inefficiency. Today, however, especially for carriers operating on tight margins, it has become a critical pressure point, turning what was once tolerated into a serious financial risk.

The result of empty mileage is a growing gap between operational effort and financial return. Closing that gap requires more than incremental improvements, it calls for greater precision in how routes are planned, executed, and connected across the wider transport network.

Moving from shortest to smartest routing

Reducing empty running starts with improving the quality of routing decisions and commercial-grade mapping solutions are designed specifically for this purpose. A smart system keeps drivers on the most efficient path to reduce out-of-route mileage and lower fuel costs by up to 10% by incorporating real-world HGV and LCV constraints alongside operational data, allowing planners to build routes that are both safe and compliant, sustainable and efficient. This means drivers can factor in personal preferences such as 2D and 3D maps, safety views and timing of voice instruction as well as their vehicle type and load, traffic patterns and congestion, road restrictions and infrastructure and sustainability priorities.

Unlike consumer GPS, cloud-based solutions are built specifically for HGV and LCV operations, integrating legal restrictions and vehicle-specific parameters into route planning. By ensuring routes are compliant before departure, these tools reduce unnecessary mileage caused by routing errors while supporting fuel efficiency and emissions compliance. Crucially, by combining routing algorithms, map data and customer site information into a single platform, they create a consistent “single source of truth” from planning through to real-time execution and post-trip analysis.

Aligning planning with execution

Reducing empty miles starts with better planning, and that planning must be tightly connected from back office to cab. By investing in advanced commercial navigation tools, carriers can ensure drivers have full visibility of optimized routes in real time, aligned with central planning decisions. This eliminates the disconnect that often leads to unnecessary detours and inefficiencies.

Crucially, when routing, scheduling, and execution operate from the same data and commercial logic, carriers can actively minimise empty running rather than react to it. The result is fewer wasted miles, lower fuel costs, and a more resilient, efficient operation, something that is no longer optional in today’s high-cost environment.

There are additional operational benefits, too. This technology is also a huge aid when onboarding a new or less experienced driver. The International Road Transport Union (IRU), estimates that Europe is short of nearly 500,000 drivers, with fewer than 5% under the age of 25. This worrying stat demonstrates the importance of getting a driver up to speed and comfortable in the role as soon as possible. A smart advanced mapping tool will allow any driver, no matter their experience, to navigate unfamiliar routes with confidence, improving productivity from day one and reducing reliance on local knowledge. This also affords drivers peace of mind and confidence in their abilities, which ultimately means they are less likely to leave the business further down the road.

Using data to unlock backhaul opportunities

For hauliers, investing in a market intelligence solution that delivers in-depth, real-time insights into market rates, spot rates, lanes, and capacity, and how these evolve over time, is a critical first step in improving visibility. When combined with smart mapping data and both real-time and historical market insights, this enables a clearer view of available capacity and demand.

Alongside this, spot freight, encompassing non-contractual transactions, offers agility, making it particularly valuable for surge volumes, irregular shipment patterns, and rejected loads. When used strategically, it allows hauliers to secure competitive rates, optimise backhauls, and ultimately enhance overall market efficiency.

With this level of insight, operators can identify backhaul opportunities more effectively and align loads with demand in real time. Ultimately, this means carriers have the opportunity to make more informed decisions about pricing and route selection. Rather than relying on static planning or manual coordination, fleets can respond dynamically to changing conditions. Over time, this reduces the structural imbalance that leads to empty return journeys. 

To conclude

While the challenges facing UK Hauliers aren’t new, with the margin for inefficiency getting a lot tighter, empty running is no longer a viable option. Addressing this requires a new approach to how routes are planned and executed. This means moving away from basic consumer navigation GPS tools and towards new commercial technology that addresses the pain points HGV and LCV drivers face. Be it aligning planning within cab execution or data that can help match capacity with demand.

Of course, it’s impossible to eradicate all empty miles completely. However, by upgrading its planning and routing technology, a business can minimise avoidable costs and inefficiencies. For many UK hauliers, this will be the difference between maintaining profitability and falling behind in an increasingly constrained market in volatile times.

William Stobart makes two more acquisitions

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

Logistics Development Group plc has announced that its portfolio company, WS Holdco, has acquired Walkers Transport Holdings Limited and Madex Logistics Limited.

WS Holdco is the holding company for WS Transport and the family business of the William Stobart and his family.

No additional investment into WS Holdco was made by LDG in relation to the Acquisitions and, following the Acquisitions, LDG’s interest in WS Holdco is 39.5%.

WS Holdco’s press release on the Acquisitions is set out below:

“WS Holdco is pleased to announce the acquisition of Walkers Transport Holdings Limited, a specialist provider of pallet distribution services across the UK and Ireland, together with Madex Logistics Limited, a London-based pallet distribution business.

“These transactions mark a further significant milestone in WS Holdco’s strategic growth journey and strengthen its position as a leading provider of fully integrated logistics solutions in the UK.

“On completion, the combined Group is expected to generate annual revenues of more than £400 million.

“Walkers Transport’s proprietary technology stack has positioned it at the forefront of the pallet distribution sector, providing high-quality services to a loyal customer base.  It also adds international freight forwarding capabilities to the Group.

“Madex Logistics complements this with a strategically located London hub and an international network extending into mainland Europe.

“By combining deep sector expertise, digital capability and a broader customer base, the enlarged Group is well positioned to unlock cross-selling opportunities, drive efficiencies and accelerate organic growth. The transactions reinforce WS Holdco’s ambition to build a scaled, technology-enabled logistics platform with long-term customer partnerships.

“We are delighted to welcome our new colleagues to the Group. Their experience, expertise and strong customer relationships will play an important role in supporting the continued success and accelerated growth of the combined business.”

In March, WS Holdco acquired EV Cargo Solutions and Distribution

Leapmotor International and Grimaldi Group solidify partnership

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

Leapmotor International (LPMI), the strategic joint venture between Stellantis and Leapmotor, has announced the continued expansion of its logistics partnership with the Grimaldi Group.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in automotive supply chain orchestration, having successfully delivered nearly 100,000 vehicles from China to Europe in the last 18 months, including more than 20,000 units to the Italian market in the Jan-Mar 2026 period.

The operation was executed through a structured program of 15 sailings over the first quarter of 2026, connecting China with multiple European ports of entry (Antwerp, Portbury, Valencia, Vigo, Setubal, Livorno, Civitavecchia and Gioia Tauro). This initiative highlights Leapmotor International’s capability to design and manage complex, large-scale supply chains, delivering fully integrated end-to-end logistics solutions in partnership with the Grimaldi Group.

The program utilizes the Grimaldi Group’s next-generation fleet of Pure Car & Truck Carriers (PCTC), including the Grande Svezia, Grande Michigan, Grande Istanbul, and Grande Tianjin. These vessels represent a portion of a major investment in 17 new PCTCs, each boasting capacities exceeding 9.000 CEU (Car Equivalent Units).

In alignment with the maritime sector’s 2050 net-zero ambitions, these vessels are ammonia-ready, combining massive scale with a commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of global vehicle distribution.

A key enabler of the program is the Grimaldi Group’s integrated logistics platform, underpinned by significant infrastructure investments across major European ports.

Beyond maritime transit, the partnership relies on Grimaldi’s integrated logistics platform and significant infrastructure investments.  These facilities, including key hubs in Italy and additional strategic locations across Europe, play a central role in supporting the operation. Spanning nearly six million square meters of equipped port areas, they enable highly efficient and streamlined vehicle handling processes, including preparation, maintenance, and battery charging.

At the core of the initiative lies LPMI’s advanced logistics design and orchestration capability, enabling the company to manage increasing volumes and operational complexity. The program is structured around three main pillars:

• End-to-end supply chain planning and synchronization: Leapmotor production in China is closely aligned with maritime capacity and terminal availability, often requiring tailored, case-specific solutions. This approach enables LPMI to effectively respond to strong market demand while strengthening its position within the Stellantis ecosystem
• Integrated supply chain coordination: Close alignment of maritime and inland operations ensures rapid vehicle flows through European ports, handling peak volumes exceeding 5.400 units per vessel call. Continuous coordination among all stakeholders – shipping carriers, terminal operators, road transport providers, and customs authorities – is critical to maintaining efficiency and reliability
• Operational discipline and continuous improvement: Detailed planning and ongoing optimization of processes ensure consistent performance and secure activities on the ground, enhancing operational efficiency and robust execution across the entire logistics chain

“Logistics is a key differentiator and a strategic lever for competitiveness in the modern automotive sector,” added Alessandro Furnò, LPMI VP of Global Supply Chain & Purchasing. “Our ability to lead such a complex ecosystem – supported by a trusted partner like the Grimaldi Group – is a cornerstone of our commercial success. This partnership ensures that our logistics capabilities evolve as fast as our technology, securing our momentum in the European market.”.

“We are proud to support Leapmotor International during this transformative phase of their European expansion” said Luigi Pacella Grimaldi, Automotive Intercontinental Director of the Grimaldi Group. “This is more than a service agreement; it is a long-term partnership built on trust and shared execution. We remain committed to providing the scalable, tailored logistics solutions necessary as LPMI’s volumes continue to reach new heights.”

Grimaldi is exhibiting at Multimodal on stand 6025

Ziegler UK partners with THOMAX to accelerate connected warehousing and fulfilment capabilities

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

Ziegler UK has announced a strategic partnership with warehouse management specialist THOMAX. This collaboration marks a significant step in Ziegler’s ongoing investment in connected warehousing and integrated logistics services across the United Kingdom.

The partnership will see THOMAX’s modern, cloud-first warehouse management system (m-WMS) implemented across Ziegler’s UK warehousing operations, helping to enhance operational visibility, inventory control, scalability and fulfilment performance throughout the growing logistics network.

Anand Assi, Head of Commercial – UK & Europe at THOMAX, said:

“Ziegler UK is a highly respected operator within the UK and European logistics market, with a clear vision for the continued development of its warehousing and fulfilment capabilities. We’re proud to be supporting Ignas, Lee and the wider Ziegler UK team with a modern warehouse management platform designed to deliver immediate operational value alongside long-term flexibility and scalability.”

The partnership represents another important milestone in Ziegler UK’s continued investment in operational capability, customer experience and technology-led logistics services.

THOMAX’s flexible and operationally focused WMS platform will provide Ziegler with greater warehouse agility, enhanced stock accuracy and a scalable digital foundation capable of supporting future growth across warehousing and ecommerce fulfilment activities.

Ziegler now manages over half a million square feet of dedicated warehouse space. At the heart of the operation is the flagship super-hub at London Gateway. Featuring a 365,000 square foot warehouse facility, housing 55,000 pallet racking spaces and 37 docking bays, it represents a bold step in elevating Ziegler UK as a major player in the national logistics landscape.

A mere 11 miles from the M25 and 3 miles from the A13, this hub provides us with a prime roadside location for nationwide distribution and super-efficient container freight receiving timeframes. This massive capacity is bolstered by 11 further UK Hubs, including our specialised Northampton pharma division, which holds a Wholesale Distribution Authorisation (WDA) license from the MHRA. This allows Ziegler to provide regulated, temperature-controlled ambient and chilled storage for up to 600 pallets, specifically serving the critical healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.

To manage this vast scale with the precision that clients expect, Ziegler UK is at the forefront of the logistics of the future. A prime example is its integration of an autonomous inventory management robot brought by Dexory.

In a high-volume environment managing tens of thousands of pallet locations, even a minor error rate can lead to significant supply chain disruptions. Through this deployment, Ziegler has replaced slow, manual cycle counts with real-time, AI-powered insights. This award-winning technology operates continuously, identifying discrepancies such as misapplied labels or incorrect scans instantly, without requiring any operational shutdowns. What once required four days of intensive manual labour is now handled with continuous efficiency, ensuring 100% accountability and data-driven warehouse optimisation.

Ignas Saknaitis, Logistics Director for Ziegler UK, commented:

“As customer expectations continue to evolve, it’s essential that we invest in technology capable of supporting both our operational teams and our customers’ future requirements. THOMAX.wms demonstrated strong flexibility, operational visibility and scalability, making it a strong fit for the next stage of our warehousing and fulfilment growth strategy.

“The partnership also reflects increasing demand across the logistics sector for agile, rapidly deployable warehouse solutions that improve responsiveness, fulfilment efficiency and end-to-end supply chain visibility.

“The implementation of the m-WMS system further enhances our ability to deliver a suite of value-added services across our 24,000 square foot dedicated mezzanine at London Gateway. Our capabilities extend far beyond simple storage, as we utilise streamlined processes and our close proximity to key ports to facilitate swift cross-docking and transit reductions that minimise delays and maximise throughput.

“As a member of the DP World campus, we benefit from Freeport status and operate as an authorised loading point, which allows our dedicated local customs teams to manage over 600,000 declarations per year. This robust ETSF and customs integration facilitates seamless DDP movements while effectively bypassing traditional customs bottlenecks.

“Furthermore, our facilities are designed to adapt to peak seasonal demands and evolving market requirements by offering long-term and flexible storage options that range from rework and co-packing to industrial-scale bulk handling. Finally, our B2B and e-commerce fulfilment workflows provide real-time stock visibility and fast turnaround times across multiple digital sales channels, all of which are supported by seamless EDI integration.

“For our customers, this technology-led investment means moving away from traditional logistics hurdles toward a model of Logistics Beyond Limits. By managing both transport and warehousing under one roof, we eliminate third-party friction and provide a single-source accountability model.

“The integration of advanced inventory management with our flexible fleet, which processes over 15,000 consignments per month; allows us to offer shorter, more reliable lead times. Whether it is a local delivery or a complex international shipment, our clients benefit from a proactive approach that prioritises their unique supply chain challenges through innovation, efficiency, and a truly personal touch.”

Ziegler UK is exhibiting at Multimodal on stand 4030

Brookfield to acquire World Freight Company

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

Brookfield, through its private equity business, has announced that it has agreed to acquire leading global air freight services provider World Freight Company (“WFC”).

WFC was founded in 2004 and is now the world’s largest general sales and service agent (GSSA) for the global air freight industry. The company represents airlines to sell and manage cargo capacity while coordinating key operational activities including booking, handling and shipment oversight. It serves more than 300 airlines on 3,500 trade lanes and over 16,000 freight forwarders across more than 80 countries and key international trade routes.

GSSA plays a mission-critical role in the resilient air freight industry optimizing efficiency and economic interests for its customers. WFC is led by an experienced management team with a consistent track record of growth through both organic growth and M&A integration.

Alex Yang, Managing Partner, Private Equity, Brookfield, said:

“World Freight Company is a high-quality platform operating in a critical segment of the resilient global air freight ecosystem, supported by long-standing customer relationships. With its global scale, local capabilities, and leading market position, WFC is well positioned to benefit from industry consolidation. We look forward to supporting the business by applying our operational playbook – investing behind technology and strengthening commercial execution – to support its next phase of growth as a scaled provider of essential services to the air freight industry.” 

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to complete by the end of 2026.

WFC brands include Kales Group, Aviation Plus and Wexco Cargo GSSA. Wexco are exhibiting at Multimodal on stand C4

Scan Global Logistics and Hapag-Lloyd to scale existing decarbonisation partnership

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

Scan Global Logistics (SGL) and Hapag-Lloyd are strengthening their partnership to further reduce emissions in ocean freight. By expanding their collaboration and leveraging Hapag-Lloyd’s Ship Green solution and integrating it into the existing product portfolio of emission-reducing solutions that SGL offers, which enables the global freight forwarder’s customers to take immediate and measurable action to decarbonise their global supply chains.

“Together with Scan Global Logistics, we are driving forward practical solutions to reduce emissions in ocean freight,” said Danny Smolders, Managing Director Global Sales at Hapag-Lloyd. “Ship Green enables customers to act today and take meaningful steps towards their sustainability targets.”

“Our customers are asking for real emission reductions. Not promises for 2030 or 2050, but solutions they can use straight away. By working with Hapag-Lloyd and investing in biofuel, we can reduce emissions from ocean freight right now, without changing how our customers operate. That’s what makes this collaboration meaningful,” said Martin Andersen, Global Head of Sustainability & ESG at Scan Global Logistics.

Across the collaboration, the two companies now enable a total avoidance of more than 8,500 tonnes of CO₂e emissions (Well-to-Wake) on global shipments. The solution is based on the use of second-generation biofuels derived from waste and residue-based feedstocks, offering a practical and scalable way to reduce emissions without requiring any changes to existing logistics operations.

At a time when the shipping industry is still scaling up low-carbon fuels and infrastructure, solutions that can be easily implemented play a crucial role. In this partnership, customers can reduce emissions in their supply chain through a physical Book-and-Claim approach based on the Mass Balance principle. This means the ship’s normal fuel is blended with biofuel. The physical book-and-claim approach, based on the Mass Balance principle, allows customers to claim verified emission reductions independently of the physical shipment. This enables companies to reduce their Scope 3 emissions across global supply chains in a transparent and flexible way.

“Ocean biofuel is a powerful solution for customers as it reduces emissions without changing anything in the supply chain in an affordable way,” explains Martin Andersen, Global Head of Sustainability & ESG at Scan Global Logistics

Both companies are committed to ambitious climate targets and to accelerating the decarbonization of global supply chains. Scan Global Logistics is working towards halving its emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, while Hapag-Lloyd aims to achieve net-zero fleet operations by 2045.

By working together, Scan Global Logistics and Hapag-Lloyd are contributing to the transition towards more sustainable and transparent global supply chains.

Hapag-Lloyd is exhibiting at Multimodal on stand 6070

ID Logistics UK announces acquisition of site in Rugby

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

ID Logistics UK has announced the acquisition of its latest UK site, a facility located in Rugby, Warwickshire. This strategic expansion strengthens the company’s rapidly growing UK footprint and reinforces its position as a leading provider of high-performance logistics solutions.

The newly secured unit totals 673,270 sq ft, making it one of the largest sites within the ID Logistics UK network. The facility will support a major global ecommerce customer in the online retail sector, a partnership that reflects the company’s continued momentum and capability in delivering scalable fulfilment solutions.

The site is scheduled to be fully operational in August, with operational planning, recruitment and systems deployment already underway.  This project delivery further strengthens our position as one of the most agile 3PL providers in the UK. The investment marks a significant milestone in ID Logistics UK’s growth strategy, enabling increased capacity, enhanced service performance and greater geographic reach across the Midlands and beyond.

UK Managing Director Stuart Evans said:

“This latest site acquisition marks another significant milestone for our business as we expand our footprint in the UK. This investment reflects our continued growth, our commitment to customers, and the incredible work of our team driving the business forward. All of us at ID Logistics UK are hugely excited and looking forward to the opportunities this next chapter in Rugby will bring.”

The Rugby site will feature advanced automation capability, sustainable building design, and optimised operational flows to support high speed, high accuracy ecommerce fulfilment. Recruitment for operational, engineering, and support roles will begin shortly as the business prepares for launch.

This latest addition follows a period of sustained growth for ID Logistics UK, reflecting strong customer demand and the company’s commitment to long term investment in the UK market.

ID Logistics is exhibiting at Multimodal on stand 5044

CLdN moves shipping operations to the UK

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

Maritime group CLdN has finalised the move of its shipping operations from Luxembourg to the United Kingdom. This UK move is a natural evolution for CLdN; the company has been operating freight connections to the UK for more than 60 years and owns and operates port terminals in London, Killingholme and Liverpool. Furthermore, around three quarters of CLdN’s sailings currently start or end in a UK port. CLdN will benefit from the talent pool and maritime expertise that the UK offers as a leading seafaring nation.

In connection with the move, CLdN welcomed UK Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather to its London terminal in Purfleet on Thursday 21st May. A CLdN team, including CEO Florent Maes, provided a tour of the 130-hectare facility which is an essential trade gateway between the UK and mainland Europe; CLdN operates 17 return sailings per week between Purfleet to its ports in Zeebrugge and Rotterdam. CLdN management also gave its perspective on the current trading environment and held a briefing aboard the CLdN vessel MV Pauline.

Minister Mather said:

“CLdN’s decision to base its shipping operations in the UK underlines the strength of our ports, our people and our economy, and is exactly the kind of investment that drives growth, supports trade and creates quality jobs.

“I know the scale of CLdN’s ambition here in the UK, and with new headquarters in London, operations in Purfleet and more UK jobs on the way, it’s a clear sign of confidence in our economy.”

Florent Maes, CEO of CLdN commented:

“We were delighted to welcome the Minister to our Purfleet terminal and have had very constructive interactions with the UK authorities in preparing the move of our shipping operations. CLdN has been providing direct freight links for customers between mainland Europe and the UK for more than 60 years, and we are further strengthening these links, particularly through the recently announced acquisition of Samskip’s UK and Ireland services. We continue to demonstrate our commitment to the UK through our extensive port investment programme and deployment of enhanced shipping services on our routes across the North Sea and Irish Sea.”

CLdN is exhibiting at Multimodal on stand 7080

Vantec rebrands to LOGISTEED

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

Martin Kendall, Managing Director, said:

“We’re delighted to now be LOGISTEED UK Limited. The change represents an important transition in the business, as we firmly establish ourselves as part of a global group that will open up exciting new opportunities for our business and for our colleagues.

“It’s incredible to think that a business that started out operating from a competitors facility as a logistics supplier to Nissan Motor Corporation in the early days of its life here in Sunderland is now part of a global group, creating hundreds of jobs in Sunderland and across the UK, Supporting blue-chip clients in automotive, premium automotive, construction, electric battery, offshore renewable energy, HVAC, commercial lighting and fashion sectors. The business has come so far, and this marks a bold new chapter for us – one filled with opportunity, innovation and global ambition.”

“This rebrand marks an important step in our evolution, strengthening our role within a global network spanning 122 companies, 1,003 sites and around 30 countries, while continuing to support UK customers across automotive, advanced manufacturing, energy and more.

“The company has come a long way since we started out over 30 years ago, and we can continue to offer people not just a job but a career in a key industry, with fantastic opportunities as part of a global company if they want to progress.”

LOGISTEED UK has already strengthened its operational capability through integrating LOGISTEED operations in Basingstoke, adding specialist expertise in freight forwarding and project cargo. This broader capability allows the company to offer more streamlined, connected logistics services and improved end-to-end supply chain support. Capitalising on a global network providing one-stop services of Smart Logistics.

“We really want to show people that there is huge opportunity in this sector, and outdated perceptions of warehouse work no longer reflect the reality of today’s logistics industry. This is an industry with so much going for it, and we’ll support colleagues to reach their full potential, whether that is through education, training or opportunities to experience work in different locations.

“We’ve got many colleagues who started working for us in operations and have progressed to team leaders, supervisors and operations managers, with others now managing some of our central teams, including Finance Training and IT,” added Martin

Introducing the CMA CGM NOTRE DAME, the world’s largest LNG-powered containership

Date: May 27, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

The CMA CGM Group has taken delivery of the CMA CGM NOTRE DAME, a new-generation liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered vessel and the largest containership currently operating under the French flag. The vessel has begun its maiden commercial voyage in Shanghai, China, before arriving in France and Europe in early July.

With this vessel, CMA CGM continues the modernization of its fleet and reaffirms its commitment to the energy transition of maritime transport, while strengthening its capacity to support the growth of global trade.

With 400 meters long, 62 meters wide, and 75 meters high, the CMA CGM NOTRE DAME is designed to carry up to 24,212 containers (TEU).

Deployed on the French Asia Line (FAL), the Group’s strategic service connecting Asia and Europe, the vessel operates on a rotation of approximately 102 days, calling at ports including Ningbo, Shanghai, Yantian, Singapore, Le Havre, Rotterdam, Hamburg and Tangier Med. This route is one of the world’s main trade corridors and plays a key role in supplying European economies.

The CMA CGM NOTRE DAME is registered under the French International Register (RIF), as will be the entire series. This strategic decision, announced in November 2025 by Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group, is accompanied by the recruitment of 135 French seafarers trained to operate these ten vessels.

The CMA CGM NOTRE DAME embodies a new generation of LNG-powered containerships combining scale, performance and energy efficiency, fully aligned with the Group’s ambition to achieve Net Zero Carbon by 2050.

Beyond its LNG propulsion system, the vessel incorporates equipment designed to reduce its environmental footprint throughout operations, including an aerodynamic windshield system that lowers energy consumption and an 18,600 m³ LNG tank ensuring autonomy on Asia-Europe routes. It also features smart energy-management solutions, particularly for powering and ventilating refrigerated containers, with a capacity of 1,600 reefer plugs.

Its architecture has also been optimized to increase carrying capacity by 280 containers without increasing the vessel’s dimensions.

The CMA CGM NOTRE DAME integrates a range of cutting-edge technologies and artificial intelligence solutions to enhance operational performance. Its fully digitalized bridge provides crews with real-time navigation tools enhanced by augmented reality systems. Advanced trajectory prediction systems and 360-degree visualization capabilities further improve manoeuvring safety, particularly during port operations.

Embedded artificial intelligence helps optimize routes, adjust speed and control the vessel’s energy consumption. These systems are supported by CMA CGM’s Fleet Centers located in Marseille, Miami and Singapore, which continuously monitor the global fleet and support crews in operational decision-making.

The CMA CGM NOTRE DAME is operated by a crew of around 30 highly specialized seafarers under the command of Captain Nicolas Le Scornet.

Designed for long-haul rotations, the vessel offers living conditions adapted to life at sea, including modern personal spaces, high-performance permanent connectivity and facilities dedicated to crew comfort. Each seafarer directly contributes to the safety of the vessel, the quality of navigation and operational continuity, in an environment where technical excellence goes hand in hand with strong team spirit.

The CMA CGM NOTRE DAME inaugurates a series of 10 vessels named after emblematic landmarks of French heritage. They will be delivered between 2026 and 2028 and progressively deployed across the world’s major maritime trade routes.

An inauguration ceremony for the CMA CGM NOTRE DAME will take place in Le Havre on July 2, upon the vessel’s arrival in France. An emblematic maritime tradition, the inauguration of a ship officially marks its entry into service and symbolizes protection, transmission and attachment to the maritime world. The event will provide an opportunity for the public to celebrate the arrival of the largest containership operating under the French flag.

CMA CGM is exhibiting at Multimodal on stand 4049

UK’s largest water slide delivered to Cliff Lakes – all went smoothly

Date: May 27, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

A major milestone has been reached at Cliff Lakes, as components for the UK’s largest water slide have been successfully delivered following a carefully coordinated international transport operation led by Future Forwarding Co Ltd.

Commissioned by Kingsbury Watersport Limited, the project centres on the delivery of the X-Tower Slide, a large-scale fibreglass and galvanised steel structure that will stand 12 metres high. The installation covers a footprint of around 30 by 30 metres and weighs in excess of 20 tonnes.

The successful movement of this equipment marks a significant achievement for both the UK leisure sector and the specialist freight forwarding industry, demonstrating the level of precision required when handling oversized, high-value cargo across international borders.

The logistics journey began in Fontenay-le-Comte, France, where the structure was prepared for export and loaded through five separate crane operations. Each lift was carefully scheduled to manage fibreglass slide sections, steel supports, and associated installation materials including fixings and structural components.

Due to the abnormal dimensions of the cargo, five flatbed trailers were required, with several loads classified as out-of-gauge. This introduced additional complexity in relation to route planning, permitting, and cross-border compliance.

The transport route moved from France through Calais and into the UK via Dover, before continuing on to Tamworth. Despite the challenges associated with oversized freight movements, the full operation was completed within a four-day transit window.

Timing played a critical role in the success of the project. With the installation team working to a fixed schedule on site, requiring staggered deliveries to align with immediate crane offloading and assembly requirements.

All five consignments were delivered in carefully planned intervals, enabling a smooth transition from transport to installation. Close coordination between all parties ensured that the fragile yet heavy components were handled safely at every stage.

Oversized transport projects of this nature inherently present challenges, including permitting requirements, route restrictions, and the physical handling of large structural elements.

Continuous communication between Future Forwarding Co Ltd, suppliers, and the client ensured that adjustments could be made in real time where necessary. This proactive approach helped maintain schedule integrity throughout the entire operation.

With installation now complete, the structure stands as a centrepiece attraction at Cliff Lakes, further enhancing its position as one of the UK’s leading aqua and watersports destinations.

Already home to the popular Aqualand inflatable obstacle course, the site continues to expand its offering with large-scale water-based attractions designed to enhance visitor experience.

This project represents more than a transport movement. It was a full-scale European logistics operation delivered by the European Road Freight team at Future Forwarding Co Ltd, requiring detailed planning, precise execution, and close coordination from origin to final delivery.

By managing every stage of the journey, the team has successfully supported the delivery of a landmark leisure development, reinforcing capability in complex and oversized freight movements across Europe.