The government adopted a decision based on which the state will start work on amendments to the national location plan for the second railway line between Divača and Koper.

This will make the line double-track. The amendments to the spatial planning act, in line with the decision taken by the then government in 2017, concern the construction of a left parallel track alongside the already laid second railway line and the cancellation of the existing line between Koper and Prešnica.

On 24 January this year, the government agreed with the proposal of the most appropriate version of the National Spatial Plan (NSP) for the second railway line on the Divača-Koper section, called Variant 2. The preparation and adoption of the spatial document that will follow will enable the obtaining of a construction permit. According to the government, the aim of the proposal is to reduce freight traffic on motorways by diverting freight from the road to a modern and permeable rail link.

According to the study elaborated by the company in charge of developing the second railway line project, presented in 2021, three variants were possible. According to Variant 1, double-tracking would be ensured by a new (single-track) second railway line and an upgrade of the existing line between Koper and Prešnica. The Glinščica valley would not be further encroached upon and investment costs would be lower. However, the risk of water pollution would remain high.

Under Variant 2, which has now been approved by the government, an additional left-hand track would be built alongside the second railway line and the existing line between Koper and Prešnica would be cancelled. This option presents significantly lower environmental risks and fire hazards, as well as a significant reduction in noise pollution. In addition, the construction of the additional track could be carried out smoothly on the new line and, with shorter running times and increased capacity, would also result more convenient from an economic point of view. The only negative aspects, according to the authors of the study, are the additional encroachment on the Glinščica valley and the slightly higher initial investment.

Variant 3 would build a double-track line, i.e. a second railway line and an additional left-hand track, while maintaining the existing Koper-Prešnica line. In terms of environmental impacts, this would be the worst option, according to the authors of the study.

As traffic will be diverted to the second railway line, the plan foresees the dismantling of the existing line between Prešnica and Koper, where a bicycle path will be built.

The route of the second Divača-Koper railway line is planned in such a way that it avoids as much as possible the water protection area of the Rižana water source, which is the main source of drinking water for the entire Slovenian coastal region (drinking water for household, tourism, economic and agricultural needs), the government’s Office for Communication further explained.

Following an extensive review process, South Africa has been identified as a high potential crew sourcing destination for the A.P. Moller - Maersk (Maersk) fleet, which comprises 280 fully-owned and operated container vessels, employing 12500 seafarers.

South African Cadets from the National Seafarer Development Program will be considered for placement with Maersk, and it is expected that the first cadets will be joining Maersk vessels from Q2 2023.

"The importance of having geographically diverse pools of seafarers was highlighted during the Pandemic. South Africa is a natural choice due to its maritime legacy and the number of high-quality South African seafarers currently employed in Maersk’s global container vessel fleet many of whom hold senior positions in our crews." Niels Bruus, Head of Marine HR, A.P. Moller – Maersk.

South Africa is considered a high potential crew sourcing area for several reasons: the country’s proven track record in providing quality ships Officers, its favourable geographical location, the existing maritime infrastructure, vast population, and English language capabilities. South Africa’s socio-demographic profile and living cost index also lends itself to offshore employment.

The South African Maritime Training Academy (SAMTRA) was established in 2003 in Simons Town by the A.P. Moller- Maersk Foundation. SAMTRA offers a range of simulation-based skills development courses and will manage the Maersk South Africa Cadet Program.

SAMTRA is a leading provider of talent for the South African National Seafarer Development Program (NSDP), a programme sponsored by the South African Government via the National Skills Fund and the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI).

The STS Lawhill Maritime Centre (www.lawhill.org), offers three specialist maritime subjects (Nautical Science, Maritime Economics and Marine Science), as well as boarding facilities for the grade 10-12 learners. Maersk has been an anchor sponsor at Lawhill over the last 28 years and through the strong foundation provided, this institution is a natural feeder to the SAMTRA Cadet Programs.

Research into the availability and preparedness of future low- and zero- carbon marine fuels and technology is being conducted as part of a new project.

​The preparedness and availability of low- and zero-carbon marine fuels will be assessed by the new project

The decarbonization of international shipping is a priority for IMO and by mid-2023, the organization aims to have in place a revised and strengthened Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships.

A new IMO project aims to provide an assessment of the state of availability and readiness of low- and zero-carbon ship technology and marine fuels, in order to help inform Member States as they work towards the revision of the IMO GHG Strategy.

The key commitment of the Initial Strategy, adopted in 2018, is to phase out GHG emissions from international shipping as soon as possible.

Embracing technological innovation along with the transition to low- and zero-carbon fuels and/or alternative energy sources will be required to achieve this ambition. Such changes also require consideration of issues such as safety and regulation, pricing and infrastructure availability, lifecycle emissions, supply chain constraints and the existence of any barriers to adoption.

With this in mind, IMO's Marine Environment Division has launched a project providing technical analysis related to the feasibility of pathways to shipping decarbonization.

The Future Fuels and Technology for Low- and Zero-Carbon Shipping Project (FFT Project) is a partnership project being implemented by IMO with funding from the Republic of Korea. Expected to run until 2025, it consists of three main phases:

A study of current and projected global uptake and dissemination of low- and zero-carbon marine technology and fuels.

Identification of and support for incentives and regulatory mechanisms, including safety and training issues, to promote the uptake of alternative fuels and technology including mid- and long-term reduction measures.

Promotion of technological cooperation – for example, through pilot projects – and organization of outreach activities to reinforce mutual understanding and cooperation between developed and developing countries and the global shipping industry.

In June 2022, MEPC 78 noted the need for more information to support the revision process of the Initial GHG Strategy.

To that end, the first phase of the FFT Project includes an assessment of the state of readiness and availability of low- and zero-carbon ship technology and marine fuels.

The study will evaluate demand as well as capacity developments related to low- and zero-carbon technologies, whilst also assessing their commercial and technological preparedness. The latter will be analysed using three scenarios of possible ways to reduce CO2 emissions by 2050:

This research, due to continue until June 2023, is funded by the Voyage Together Trust Fund and IMO's voluntary multi-donor funding mechanism, the GHG TC-Trust Fund. The results will be made available and may inform discussions on GHG reduction goals in the Revised IMO GHG Strategy.

IMO has contracted Ricardo-AEA Ltd and DNV to undertake the research study.

A comprehensive website is being developed, which is intended to act as a dedicated online hub for IMO members to find and share information and data on the uptake of alternative fuels and new technology as part of the decarbonization of shipping in the mid and long term.

The site will provide easy access to materials of particular use to developing States on the latest advances in the decarbonization of the maritime sector. It will also provide education and training materials, as well as details of related activities and events.

Learn more about IMO's progress towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions as discussed at MEPC 79 in December 2022, and read an overview of the Organization's work on cutting GHG emissions.

CharterSync, the award-winning air cargo charter business, has enhanced its solution with the addition of first-of-its-kind real-time tracking capabilities, enabling clients to accurately track aircraft via a personalised all-in-one dashboard.

The addition of flight tracking to the active booking dashboard enables freight forwarders to monitor the aircraft’s position across any phase of their booking. The advanced monitoring ensures clients have total visibility into how their charter is tracking against its schedule, providing immediate updates in the event of delays caused by weather or air traffic control events.

The update allows users to view all related flight documents, including contracts, permits and cargo information alongside the aircraft's schedule and live aircraft location. This personalised all-in-one dashboard builds on CharterSync’s existing RocketRoute integration.

Simon Watson, co-founder and director, CharterSync, says: “Enhancing our RocketRoute integration so that we can provide live tracking and all key documents in an all-in-one dashboard offers new levels of peace of mind to airlines and freight forwarders. We have already significantly improved the process of creating quotes and predicting flight times in partnership with RocketRoute and this new development underlines our relentless focus on offering game-changing speed, simplicity, and convenience.”

CharterSync’s innovative and customer-focused business model has previously been recognised by its peers in the air cargo and logistics industries, as well as the wider UK business community. The company won ‘Most Innovative Company of the Year’ at the Logistics UK Awards in December 2022 and the ‘Technology Innovation Award’ at the Lloyds Bank British Business Excellence Awards in November 2022.

e+ Solutions (ePlus), a comprehensive logistics package designed specifically for owners of small start-up e-commerce businesses, has gained official recognition from the Hong Kong Brand Development Council.

The bespoke service launched by the U-Freight Group in 2018 has been presented with a Hong Kong Emerging Services Brand Award for demonstrating outstanding merits against six evaluation criteria considered by an independent judging panel.

The e+ Solutions service, which is offered from a number of U-Freight’s e-commerce fulfillment centres (EFCs), including one in Hong Kong, offers a comprehensive e-commerce logistics package: from dedicated storage space for the entrepreneurs' products, to order processing and fulfillment operations, including final delivery to customers.

The EFCs have the necessary hardware for storing and order processing, plus the associated software that is required for system integration and end-to-end data transparency. A wide range of value-added or customised services are also available.

Often the owners of small start-up e-commerce businesses have limited resources and are looking for cost effective behind-the-scenes assistance with order fulfillment, plus associated logistics and administration operations.

The e+ Solutions service also offers them the constant support of a workforce that already has significant experience in fulfilling e-commerce orders on an international level.

By using e+ Solutions, these small entrepreneurs have more time to concentrate on adding value to their products and optimising their marketing and sales development initiatives, rather than worrying about logistics matters.

Users benefit from complete data transparency, with real time inventory updates, plus web and mobile app access for immediate management and status updates of order instructions, plus subsequent live reporting of delivery tracking.

The customers of these small start-up e-commerce entrepreneurs receive push notifications on order status, and the service is backed by a 'live chat' facility enabling instant customer services follow up.

The judges decided to present e+ Solutions with the Hong Kong Emerging Services Brand Award having assessed the reputation, distinctiveness, innovation, quality, and image of the service, as well has its commitment to environmental, social responsibility and Corporate Governance (ESG) standards.

U-Freight Group chief executive officer, Simon Wong says: “When we launched “e+ Solutions, we said that it is another example of how we are utilising technology and infrastructure to help deliver bespoke logistics solutions.

“The objective of the award is to give recognition to up-and-coming young brands established by Hong Kong companies, with an aim to encourage the industries to embrace an enterprising spirit and to enhance the value-added attributes and the competitive edge of Hong Kong products and services through brand-building.

“Obtaining third-party recognition is a feather in our cap and a clear sign of how we are helping small entrepreneurs sell their own designs and products via the online channels and platforms dedicated to e-commerce.”

Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH (EFW), competence center for Airbus Aircraft Conversion (P2F) and for lightweight components, has signed a supplier contract with Euro-Composites S.A (EC), amounting to more than 80 million US Dollar.

This has secured EFW's supply for honeycomb products from EC as a long-term partner and supplier. EFW uses this material in the production of its lightweight aerospace products, for example floor panels, which are used in all Airbus aircraft, numbering more than 12,000. In addition, EFW also produces cargo lining and interior for the aerospace market as well as products for the transportation market at its production sites in Dresden and Kodersdorf.

Thanks to modern engineering and technologies, Euro-Composites ensures the foundation for EFW's top quality and excellent delivery performance. Jointly coordinated safety stocks and the efficient use of high-tech material form the basis for a stable supply chain for major customers such as Airbus, Diehl and, of course, EFW's freighter conversion operations.

"We are very pleased to take another step in our long-standing, close cooperation with Euro-Composites with this contract signing," says Jordi Boto, CEO EFW. "Longstanding cooperation based on trust pays off especially in turbulent times like today, where quality, delivery availability and cost efficiency are important elements of success. In addition, the cooperation also strengthens our joint innovation activities on honeycomb technologies for the aerospace industry."

"I am honored that Elbe Flugzeugwerke, a traditional, major customer of Euro-Composite, has placed a long-term order with us," said R.M. Alter, President, Chairman & CEO EC. "The order of over $80 million for the supply of honeycomb products for EFW's aerospace operations is by far the largest order we have received in our company's history of serving the aerospace industry for over three decades now."

Virgin Atlantic Cargo is delighted to announce the appointment of Maria Sanchez-Grant as its new Head of Distribution.

Maria has been at Virgin Atlantic Cargo for 15 years and during this time has held numerous sales and revenue roles within Virgin Atlantic Cargo, culminating in taking on the role of Senior Manager, Revenue Optimisation in 2019, with responsibility for leading the revenue management and pricing functions of the cargo division.

Maria’s new role will focus on distribution and technology within Virgin Atlantic Cargo and will increase the spotlight on its digital distribution focus, as the business seeks to continually evolve and enhance its services based on the requirements of its customers.

Commenting on her new position, Maria said: “I am incredibly excited to take on this new position at Virgin Atlantic Cargo. The technology team has done a tremendous job in upgrading our core operating platform to pave the way to digitally transform our business. I look forward to working with the team to help build on this, to achieve future success, ensuring we offer our customers more choice on how they engage with us, as we work towards many of the digital ambitions that help us deliver on our desire to further improve our service offering and reduce our impact on the environment”

Phil Wardlaw, Managing Director, Virgin Atlantic Cargo commented: “We are delighted for Maria to step into her new role at Virgin Atlantic Cargo. I know she brings incredible passion as well as a wealth of experience and will be pivotal in driving our 2023 digital transformation. I look forward to working closely with her, leading our cargo business into its exciting next chapter, as we focus on digital distribution.”

Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Astral Aviation Ltd to expand the partnership between the two parties and enhance the cooperation between Abu Dhabi and Nairobi, further growing Etihad Cargo’s reach into the African market.

Through the comprehensive MoU, Etihad Cargo’s customers will benefit from additional cargo capacity out of Nairobi via the introduction of additional services from Nairobi to Etihad Cargo’s hub in Abu Dhabi from 1 April 2023.

The expansion of the partnership between Etihad Cargo and Astral Aviation will further enhance Etihad Cargo’s capabilities in the African market. In 2021, the carrier signed a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Astral Aviation to provide reliable and cost-effective air freight solutions for the transport of pharmaceuticals across the continent. The SLA was Etihad Cargo’s first Pharma Interline agreement and ensured the carrier’s partners’ full compliance with latest IATA Pharma and GDP regulations and standards.

This latest agreement builds on Astral Aviation’s expanding partnership with Abu Dhabi, which will see Astral Aviation operating more flights to the UAE’s capital, supported by Etihad Cargo.

“The signing of this MoU demonstrates Etihad Cargo and Astral Aviation’s shared commitment to joint network development and providing a more comprehensive solution to international cargo transportation between Nairobi and Abu Dhabi,” said Martin Drew, Senior Vice President – Global Sales & Cargo at Etihad Airways. “The partnership will enable Etihad Cargo to expand its African network and offer increased cargo capacity both into and out of Nairobi, strengthening the connection between the two cities via this key route and further developing this critical African gateway.”

“We are truly honored to enter into a MoU with Etihad Cargo as a part of our strategy to expand our network globally, which will enhance accessibility and connectivity via Etihad’s Abu Dhabi Hub,” said Sanjeev Gadhia, CEO of Astral Aviation. “We look forward to transporting Perishables from Kenya into Abu Dhabi and beyond on Etihad’s network, and on the return with cargoes from Asia, USA and Europe to connect into Astral’s Intra African network in Nairobi. This cooperation will create new opportunities for our respective clients and will be a win-win partnership.”

The agreement will see Astral Aviation and Etihad Cargo sharing up to 50 per cent of all available capacity on the new Nairobi-Abu Dhabi-Nairobi flights, increasing the capacity Etihad Cargo offers air cargo and air mail customers. Via Etihad Cargo’s Abu Dhabi hub, the carrier’s global network will offer connectivity to destinations around the world. Etihad Cargo will utilise its expansive road feeder service network to transport cargo arriving in Abu Dhabi from Nairobi to destinations throughout the UAE and other offline stations.