News from the world of transport and logistics 7 March 2025

New stop at Patras for the Trieste-Damietta ro-ro line

The ro-ro route between Trieste and Damietta (Egypt), operated by Pan Marine with Dfds vessels, will now also call at Patras, but only in the Egypt-bound direction. The aim is to increase vessel load capacity. Meanwhile, the Egyptian government is considering new incentives to boost agricultural exports to Europe. Kamel El-Wazir, Minister of Industry and Transport, has discussed the route’s performance and measures to enhance its efficiency with Alaa Farouk. Incentives already in place include reduced port fees and a dedicated terminal in Damietta. Additionally, work is ongoing to integrate Egyptian and Italian customs to facilitate trade exchanges.

Transport and logistics costs on the rise

Istat reports that in the fourth quarter of 2024, prices for transport and warehousing services rose by 0.6% compared to the previous quarter. The increase affects all sectors except maritime transport, which saw a 0.5% decline. Notably, air transport costs surged by 5.1%. On an annual basis, inflation in the sector accelerated to 5.4%, up from 5.0% in the previous quarter.

Cocaine seizure at Turin airport

Sixteen kilograms of pure cocaine have been seized at Sandro Pertini Airport in Turin. The drugs, valued at over three million euros, were concealed in the checked luggage of a Peruvian passenger arriving from Lima via Paris. Customs officials and the Financial Police, assisted by sniffer dog units, discovered 42 packages containing the narcotics, hidden in cosmetic bottles, wooden bars, sewing threads, and food packages. The woman was arrested on charges of international drug trafficking.

Vgp acquires land in Split for new logistics hub

Vgp has announced the acquisition of a strategic plot of land in Split, Croatia, marking its second project in the country after Vgp Park Zagreb. The new Vgp Park Split will be located in Dugopolje, an area well connected to major transport hubs. Covering 187,000 square metres, it will feature 74,000 square metres of logistics and industrial facilities across two buildings. Its proximity to Split’s port and international airport makes it an ideal location for logistics operators, commercial enterprises, and manufacturing companies. The project will incorporate sustainable solutions, including solar power systems and energy efficiency measures.

Record growth for Kazakh-Chinese terminal in Xi’an

The Kazakh-Chinese logistics terminal in Xi’an, operational for just over a year, has already achieved remarkable results. Its current annual capacity stands at 133,000 teu, with transit volumes exceeding 276,000 tonnes in 2024. Over 5,000 trains have departed from the terminal to Europe, accounting for 25% of all shipments along this route, setting a new record. Traffic is expected to increase to 456,000 tonnes in 2025. The terminal, which consolidates up to 40% of container trains bound for Kazakhstan, has contributed to a 33-fold increase in freight traffic over the past year, strengthening logistical ties between Kazakhstan and China.

South Container Terminal inaugurated in Jeddah

Dp World and the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) have inaugurated the South Container Terminal at the Saudi port of Jeddah, part of an $800 million investment. The project, completed in three years, has more than doubled the terminal’s capacity from 1.8 to 4 million teu, with a future target of 5 million. The upgrade enhances Jeddah’s role as a strategic commercial hub, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Managed by Dp World since 1999 under a thirty-year agreement, the terminal is now among the most advanced and sustainable in the region.