IN THE NEWS
No clear timeline for Red Sea return as carriers face rising insurance costs
Ocean carriers will require “a full and permanent” ceasefire between Israel and Hamas before they are confident enough to shift services back to the Red Sea and Suez Canal, according to marine management company Inchcape Shipping Services. And the unstable situation that currently prevails in the region does not suggest an end to the vessel diversions around southern Africa anytime soon, Chris Greenwood, vice president of survey and inspection at Inchcape, said. Read more here: https://www.joc.com/article/no-clear-timeline-for-red-sea-return-as-carriers-face-rising-insurance-costs-5946947
ROAD FREIGHT
Driver wellbeing takes centre stage in fleet safety strategies, research reveals
UK fleets are prioritising driver mental wellbeing as part of their safety strategies, with 82% reporting formal processes to support drivers after incidents. The findings from a study by Webfleet1, Bridgestone’s globally trusted fleet management solution, and video telematics partner Lytxâ, highlight a growing focus on the human aspect of fleet safety. Safety technologies are also yielding wider benefits, with 88% of fleets reporting improvements in driver recruitment and retention as a result of adopting tools to help protect their mobile workforce. Read more here: https://www.ukhaulier.co.uk/news/road-transport/drivers/driver-wellbeing-takes-centre-stage-in-fleet-safety-strategies-research-reveals/
The European Transport Board joins IRU to strengthen industry collaboration
IRU welcomed the European Transport Board (ETB), a significant industry network in Europe, as its newest member. By joining IRU, the world road transport organisation, the ETB seeks to advance safety, efficiency and sustainability across European transport and logistics, benefiting from IRU’s extensive global network. The ETB consists of decision-makers from 22 major European transport and logistics companies, collectively operating a fleet of more than 300,000 vehicles. Read more here: https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/european-transport-board-joins-iru-strengthen-industry-collaboration
IRU shapes critical transport discussions at the United Nations
The World Road Transport Organisation, IRU, intervened in key policy debates of the highest UNECE Inland Transport Committee meetings and side events. The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Inland Transport Committee (ITC) 2025 focused on the successes and challenges for inland transport on the road to 2030. Discussions centred on enhancing sustainable regional and interregional transport connectivity and advancing decarbonisation.
IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto addressed the high-level ministerial opening session on the severe consequences of red tape at border crossings, “Trucks drivers are being stranded at borders for days on end, even weeks, often without access to hygiene and sanitary facilities. Read more here: https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/iru-shapes-critical-transport-discussions-united-nations
SEA FREIGHT
Pioneer Carbon Inset Programme registers over 100,000 containers
The world’s first container port Carbon Inset Programme has registered more than 100,000 TEUs worth of import laden containers by cargo owners in its first two months. Launched by DP World in the UK in December 2024, the six-month trial commenced on 1 January and rewards importers with 50kg CO₂e of carbon credits for every loaded import container they move through DP World’s London Gateway and Southampton terminals, helping them to reduce their indirect (Scope 3) emissions. If 50 per cent of import cargo owners register for the programme during the six-month trial, it will remove over 10,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from supply chains. Read more here: https://www.ukhaulier.co.uk/news/freight-logistics/ports/dp-worlds-pioneering-carbon-inset-programme-registers-over-100000-containers/
European Council extends ASPIDES for an additional year
The European Council decided to extend the mandate of the EU maritime security operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES until 28 February 2026. As stated, the Council decided to prolong the mandate of the EU maritime security operation to safeguard freedom of navigation in relation to the Red sea crisis (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES) until 28 February 2026 with a reference amount of over €17 million for the period. The decision was taken following the strategic review of the operation. Read more here: https://safety4sea.com/european-council-extends-aspides-for-an-additional-year/
Global bunker indices on moderate decline
During the eight week of the year, the Marine Bunker Exchange (MABUX) indices experienced a moderate decrease. According to MABUX, global LNG imports surged to a 12-month high of 38.12 million tinnes in January. Europe continues diverting LNG cargoes from Australia and Oman while European natural gas futures limb.
Meantime, European natural gas future prices have slightly declined. However, the potential for an upward trend in gas indices remains due to rapid reserve depletion caused by colder weather or decreased wind power generation from low wind speeds. Read more here: https://container-news.com/global-bunker-indices-on-moderate-decline/
Maritime Safety: Implementing SASH/CCTV Systems at Sea
The maritime industry is experiencing significant changes in safety and compliance standards due to the implementation of the Safer Seas Act (SSA) in December 2022. This legislation focuses on addressing incidents of sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH). It requires the installation of video and audio surveillance systems on certain vessels to improve safety and accountability. This legislative development brings challenges and opportunities for shipowners, operators, and maritime professionals. As vessels adjust to comply with these requirements, adopting surveillance systems is crucial to creating safer environments at sea. Read more: https://maritime-executive.com/features/raising-the-bar-for-maritime-safety-implementing-sash-cctv-systems-at-sea
RAIL FREIGHT
New Teesport to Manchester direct rail freight service makes its first journey
A new Trans Pennine rail freight link operating between Teesport and Manchester’s Trafford Park has completed its first service. The new service could see up to 40 heavy vehicle movements removed from the congested Trans Pennine road network for each one-way service, with the aim of helping customers from both the North East and the North West cut carbon emissions and reduce delays. The five-day-a-week return service is initially being run as a trial, part of a collaboration between Direct Rail Services (DRS) and PD Ports, which operates a dedicated rail freight terminal from the heart of Tees Dock. Read more here: https://www.ukhaulier.co.uk/news/freight-logistics/rail-freight/new-teesport-to-manchester-direct-rail-freight-service-makes-its-first-journey/
Sectors in Italy and Spain reveal divergent logistics priorities for modal shift
European institutions have been pushing for a modal shift to rail freight for the past few years. However, the various segments of the industry in the member states seem to have different priorities, and there are two recent examples highlighting this fragmentation. Read more here: https://www.railfreight.com/intermodal/2025/02/20/sectors-in-italy-and-spain-reveal-divergent-logistics-priorities-for-modal-shift/
New rail tunnel in Bern to boost capacity for freight and passengers alike
The Swiss state rail operator and infrastructure manager SBB is going to build a new rail tunnel in Bern. Even if it is only 440 metres in length, it should significantly boost capacity: Freight and passenger traffic will no longer have to wait for each other. Read more here: https://www.railfreight.com/railfreight/2025/02/20/sbb-announces-new-rail-tunnel-in-bern-to-boost-capacity-for-freight-and-passengers-alike/
FEATURES
Mastering the art of wine imports, exports and cross trade – Q&A with Kukla UK’s EU Division
Continuing our series highlighting the names and faces behind the day-to-day work running and managing the operational teams that drive Kukla UK’s success, we take a look this month at our EU Division. With just two people, the number of countries covered by our specialist EUD team is greater than any other Kukla department. Chris Porter caught up with Tom Wood and Becky Thompson to learn a little more about how they manage our client’s import requirements from Germany and Austria, as well as those from some of Europe’s less familiar but developing regions. Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/mastering-the-art-of-wine-imports-exports-and-cross-trade-qa-with-kukla-uks-eu-division
Did You Know? The story behind knots in shipping history
Photo credit: Pexels
When you hear the term “knots,” it’s easy to think of sailing or nautical adventures. But did you know that knots have been a key part of shipping history for centuries? Their significance goes beyond simple ropework – they represent a unit of measurement that has shaped maritime navigation for generations.
The word “knot” itself comes from the Old English term “knoten,” meaning “node” or “joint”. This was closely related to the idea of tying things together. However, it is fascinating how knots became intertwined with maritime navigation!
In the 17th century, the English mathematician and sailor William Whiston introduced the concept of the nautical mile, which became the foundation for measuring speed at sea. A nautical mile is defined as the distance equivalent to one minute of latitude measured along the Earth’s equator. This laid the groundwork for the knot, which came to represent one nautical mile per hour, a unit of speed. Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/did-you-know-the-story-behind-knots-in-shipping-history
AI and Robotics in Warehousing and the Beverage Sector
Photo credit: Pexels
The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics in warehousing is ushering in a new era for the logistics sector, significantly impacting various industries, notably beverage distribution. As technological advancements progress, the opportunities for improving operational efficiency, worker safety and overall quality of jobs are becoming more evident.
In the beverage industry specifically, AI and robotics are redefining the warehouse landscape. These innovations are streamlining operations, leading to higher-skilled roles and ultimately to greater job satisfaction for employees. Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/ai-and-robotics-in-warehousing-and-the-beverage-sector
Stay informed with Kukla UK!
Check Kukla UK’s website for logistics updates, strikes, issues, regulations and much more. The page link remains the same throughout the year. We welcome your feedback and are always happy to hear from you. Access our dedicated page for the 2025 updates here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/news/information-update-2025
Kukla UK LIVE Sailing Schedule
The Sailing Schedule is updated weekly or as needed, so please bookmark it and refer to it when you need the information. Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/sailing-schedule