IN THE NEWS
UK’s £170 billion logistics sector is unsung hero of the economy
The UK logistics sector generates £170 billion for the UK economy, employs over 8% of the nation’s workforce and is a key enabler in the government achieving its growth agenda, according to The Logistics Report 2025, Logistics UK’s annual review of the sector. The business group launched the report during its inaugural annual conference, at the QEII Conference Centre in London today (4 June) and also called for recognition from the government of the strategic role the sector plays in the wealth of the nation. Read more here: https://www.ukhaulier.co.uk/news/freight-logistics/supply-chain/uks-170-billion-logistics-sector-is-unsung-hero-of-the-economy/
ROAD FREIGHT
New AI low bridge detection system set for RTX unveil
A new AI low bridge detection system is set to be introduced at the Road Transport Expo (RTX). The system uses AI camera technology to identify low bridges and alert drivers. It can also read safety height signs. GPS is used in combination with the UK low bridge database to offer location based alerts.
Operators can set the vehicle’s trailer and load heights so the system can detect relevant low bridges based on vehicle information. Inside the cab, the driver can view alerts through a display. Early warnings give the driver enough time to find an appropriate alternative route. Read ore here: https://www.commercialmotor.com/news/article/new-ai-low-bridge-detection-system-by-durite-set-for-rtx-unveil-
IRU joins high-level EU dialogue on emissions trading and climate finance
IRU joined key EU stakeholders at a high-level Implementation Dialogue on the rollout of the Emissions Trading System 2 (ETS2) and the Social Climate Fund (SCF), cornerstones of the EU’s climate strategy.
The high-level Implementation Dialogue, hosted by European Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra, provided an opportunity to discuss concrete challenges and solutions directly with EU leaders.
IRU welcomed the initiative and expressed appreciation for the European Commission’s engagement, highlighting the importance of continued dialogue and collaborative policymaking to ensure that ETS2 delivers on its goals fairly and effectively. Read more here: https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/iru-joins-high-level-eu-dialogue-emissions-trading-and-climate-finance
SEA FREIGHT
National strike cripples Belgian ports
Ports in Belgium are struggling with operations because of a national strike, due to the Belgian government’s proposed labour market and pension reforms, called by representative trade unions. Port of Antwerp-Bruges expects disruptions and is closely monitoring the situation.
The port highlighted that inbound and outbound vessel traffic remains difficult due to the suspended pilotage service in Vlissingen. “The pilot cutter Wandelaar is only partially operational and is supported by a launch, as the tender swaths are out of service.” River pilots are available, with the towage capacity of Port of Antwerp-Bruges being approximately 65 per cent. Read more here: https://seanews.co.uk/port-terminals/national-strike-cripples-belgian-ports/
Months of congestion ahead for North Europe ports: Antwerp-Bruges
North European ports will continue to face disruption and congestion “for many more months” with little improvement in the series of factors contributing to the ongoing bottlenecks, according to an executive with the port of Antwerp-Bruges.
Luc Arnouts, vice president of international relations and networks at Europe’s busiest port, said container yards were full at the main hubs, ships were arriving outside their berthing windows, intermittent strikes at some ports were having a knock-on effect, carrier alliances were reshuffling capacity, and low water on the Rhine and delays in hinterland moves were all holding up traffic. Read more here: https://www.joc.com/article/months-of-congestion-ahead-for-north-europe-ports-antwerp-bruges-6028184
Peel Ports Group formally launches new £30m RoRo berth
Peel Ports Group has officially unveiled its new £30m RoRo (Roll-on, Roll-off) berth at London Medway as it welcomed a key freight service to the facility. As part of the official opening, the port welcomed one of Finnlines’ new Finneco-class hybrid RoRo vessels, a regular feature of the weekly service connecting London Medway with Finland, Poland, Belgium and Spain.
This new freight route between Kent, Northern Europe and Continental Europe offers customers shorter transit times and more efficient loading and unloading operations, supporting faster and more reliable supply chains. Read more here: https://www.ukhaulier.co.uk/news/freight-logistics/ports/peel-ports-group-formally-launches-new-30m-roro-berth/
First large boxship transits Suez Canal in 15 months
The Suez Canal Authority is highlighting the transit of the CMA CGM Osiris (15,536 TEU) through the Suez Canal on June 18 as the first large containerships through the canal in more than a year. The authority is calling it a new phase in its efforts to restore mega containership traffic through the canal.
The vessel, which is 156,000 dwt and 366 meters (1,200 feet) in length, was reported to be the largest to transit the Suez Canal since March 2024. It is travelling from Singapore bound for Europe and followed by two smaller CMA CGM containerships, which made the transit the day before. The CMA CGM Aquila and CMA CGM Callisto (each 11,400 TEU) made the transit on Tuesday, bound for Jeddah. Read more here: https://maritime-executive.com/article/first-large-boxship-transits-suez-canal-in-15-months
Greece advises shipowners to conduct due diligence in Hormuz Strait
Greece’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy has advised the country’s shipowners to reconsider transiting through the Strait of Hormuz following U.S. airstrikes on Iran.
The Greek Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, amid rising tensions in the Middle East, has advised and urged shipowners to reassess transits through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a Bloomberg report citing a Greek ministry circular.
Furthermore, the advisory recommends avoiding the passage until conditions stabilise, but for vessels that do proceed, strict security measures and maintaining maximum distance from Iranian territorial waters are strongly advised. Read more here: https://safety4sea.com/greece-advises-shipowners-to-conduct-due-diligence-in-hormuz-strait/
Sea shipping still safest bet amid Iran crisis, says expert
The global supply chain is currently holding its breath due to the recent escalation against Iran. Despite the possible (but not necessarily likely) closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz, industry experts still think that sea shipping will remain the safest option. This is especially true if the attacks on Iran, led by the United States and Israel, no longer target only nuclear facilities. Read more here: https://www.railfreight.com/beltandroad/2025/06/24/sea-shipping-still-safest-bet-amid-iran-crisis-says-expert/
Ocean carriers flex tonnage control, but overcapacity is mounting
External forces and a modicum of industry discipline mitigated yawning overcapacity in container shipping in the first half of 2025. But the sharpest pressures on ocean carriers’ capacity control, and resulting pricing, in the coming year are only intensifying, as reflected by the plunge in container spot rates on the trans-Pacific.
The signs and rewards of capacity discipline in the first six months were modest. Container lines concluded annual trans-Pacific service contracts at levels 10% to 20% higher than last year, moving closer to $2,000 per FEU to the US West Coast for midsize importers. Read more here: https://www.joc.com/article/ocean-carriers-flex-tonnage-control-but-overcapacity-is-mounting-6030004
RAIL FREIGHT
Network disruptions in Italy and Germany impact rail operations heavily
Rail operations across key intermodal routes in Italy are expected to face significant disruptions over the summer months due to scheduled maintenance and construction work. Meanwhile, in Germany, operators are bracing themselves for rail disruptions in July, affecting both freight transport and access to key ports. Read more here: https://www.railfreight.com/railfreight/2025/06/04/network-disruptions-in-italy-and-germany-impact-rail-operations-heavily/?gdpr=accept
Hotspur Press blaze brings Castlefield Corridor to a halt
Rail freight operations across northern England were brought to a standstill on Monday (23 June), after a major fire broke out at the disused Hotspur Press building in central Manchester. The building, directly adjacent to Oxford Road station and within metres of the Castlefield Corridor tracks, was engulfed in flames, triggering an immediate shutdown of one of the UK’s most critical mixed-traffic rail arteries. Read more here: https://www.railfreight.com/uk/2025/06/23/hotspur-press-blaze-brings-castlefield-corridor-to-a-halt/
FEATURES
Freight with vision: How Lynda Simms, Commercial Director at Kukla UK, blends people power with smart strategy
In the advancing landscape of logistics, every day brings new challenges and opportunities. Lynda Simms, Commercial Director at Kukla, exemplifies leadership that balances strategic vision with hands-on dedication. From the moment she starts her day, focusing on real-time industry needs to mentoring the next generation of logistics professionals when needed, Lynda’s approach is rooted in people, trust and innovation. She shares insights on what sets Kukla UK apart in the competitive drinks logistics sector, the role of technology and sustainability in shaping their future and her candid advice for women breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industries. Lynda’s story is one of passion for her team, her clients and the work-life balance that fuels her success. Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/freight-with-vision-lynda-simms-commercial-director-kukla-uk-combines-people-power-and-smart-strategy
Pallets for Beverages: The Backbone of Beverage Logistics
When you think about logistics for wine, beer, or spirits, the first things that may come to mind are vineyards, cellars, or shipping routes. But there’s a far less glamorous hero behind the scenes, this is the humble pallet.
At Kukla UK, we understand that successful beverage logistics isn’t just about bottles and containers; it starts at the base, with how those bottles are packed, stacked and shipped. Get this wrong, and the consequences can be catastrophic. Here’s why pallets matter, and how to ensure they’re working for you, not against you. Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/pallets-for-beverages-the-backbone-of-beverage-logistics
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