The Port of Rotterdam Authority has launched a pilot with the KING application as there are 31 buoys and dolphins that are intensively utilized for transhipment, repair, bunkering, and waiting.
Shipping agents can book these berths 24/7 via the KING application, but demand currently exceeds supply. There is no space to expand physical infrastructure, so smart solutions are being pursued.
This expansion of the existing system enables digital booking of commercial berths, such as quays operated by market parties.
Commercial operators such as HBTM and ECT can make their berths available via the KING platform. They retain control over:
- Availability of their berths
- Which vessels, activities, and duration of stay they wish to accommodate
- Commercial conditions, including applicable rates
This approach delivers greater flexibility, optimizes existing infrastructure use, and provides a more transparent offering for shipping agents.
With KING, agents can identify available berths more quickly even beyond traditional buoys and dolphins. This results in shorter waiting times, reduced emissions, and more sustainable port operations.
The pilot began in October 2024 with two berths at HES Bulk Terminal Maasdelta (HBTM) and two berths on the DBF quay at ECT. Initial market feedback has been positive: users value the transparency and ease of use, while terminals benefit from improved quay occupancy and higher occupancy rates.
Following a successful pilot, three new parties are now being connected to KING. Several others are queued to join in subsequent phases.
By the end of 2025, approximately ten additional commercial berths are expected to be bookable via KING.
The Maxmodal Silk Road Index (MSRI) has officially been launched as the world’s first truly multimodal container index, setting a new benchmark for measuring, comparing, and understanding freight performance across the Eurasian transport network. Unlike traditional indices focused only on ocean shipping, the MSRI integrates real costs from rail, road, sea, ferry, and terminal handling, providing a comprehensive picture of container movements from inland China to inland Europe.
At its core, the MSRI tracks both the Middle and Southern corridors of the New Silk Road, capturing the true cost structure across end-to-end supply chains. This transparency supports better decision-making in an industry where most cargo no longer begins or ends at a seaport.
“By including every transport mode and key handling points, the MSRI reflects how supply chains actually work today,” said Maxmodal in its launch statement. “This makes it a neutral benchmark for shippers, forwarders, terminals, operators, financial institutions, and regulators alike.”
Benefits for the international transport & logistics industry
The MSRI offers clear, practical benefits to a wide range of stakeholders:
- Shippers and freight forwarders can evaluate routing strategies and compare pricing levels.
- Terminal operators and transport providers gain insights into corridor competitiveness and operational efficiency.
- Policy-makers and regulators can base their decisions on customs, subsidies, and infrastructure on evidence rather than assumptions.
- Financial institutions, such as the World Bank, ADB, and EBRD, can use the data to inform their infrastructure investment decisions.
In addition to pricing, Maxmodal will expand the index over time to cover transit times, service quality, carbon emissions, digitalisation, and market volumes — offering a 360-degree view of transport and logistics performance.
Market intelligence and global reach
The index is designed as both a benchmarking tool and a source of market intelligence. Monthly MSRI reports will feature:
- Corridor comparisons between the Middle Corridor, Southern Corridor, and Deep Sea (via Suez).
- Route-level rankings across 27 Eurasian connections.
- Hub-level analytics for 12 major transit and border points.
- Country-specific insights across an initial group of 10 Silk Road nations.
Maxmodal intends the MSRI to become the first of a global series of multimodal indices, with future expansions planned across the Americas, Africa, and Australia. With Eurasia alone representing over 60% of global GDP and 68% of the world’s population, the MSRI has the potential to evolve into a new macroeconomic indicator for the transport and logistics industry.
Independent and neutral
A key feature of the MSRI is its independence. Maxmodal emphasises that the index is not tied to any logistics group, carrier, or government, making it suitable as an industry-wide standard for transparency and reliability.
PhilaPort has announced the acquisition of the 152-acre Mustin Yard property from Norfolk Southern Corporation, marking a significant milestone in the Port's long-term expansion strategy.
Located adjacent to PhilaPort's SouthPort Marine Terminal, Mustin Yard represents the last major tract of land connecting deep water, rail, and highway infrastructure in Philadelphia. Formerly part of the historic Philadelphia Navy Yard, the site is seen as a cornerstone for the Port's continued development.
The acquisition aligns with PhilaPort's Strategic Plan: Destination 2040, supporting plans to expand cargo handling capacity, attract new business, and create sustainable jobs across the region. After achieving record container and automobile import volumes in 2024, PhilaPort is now preparing for its next phase of growth.
The site also features a fully developed intermodal transfer facility, which Norfolk Southern and PhilaPort plan to activate to enhance logistics connectivity. Once operational, it will strengthen the integration of maritime and rail freight networks, improving supply chain efficiency for regional and national shippers.
Port of Tauranga announced that its associate company Northport Group Limited has secured resource consent for its planned expansion.
The Environment Court has approved updated conditions for the project, which involves nearly 12 hectares of reclamation and a 250-meter wharf extension, with associated capital dredging.
Port of Tauranga Chief Executive Leonard Sampson stated it was welcome news that would enable Northport to assume a larger role in an enhanced Upper North Island supply chain.
He added that this consent decision, combined with the recent acquisition of Marsden Maritime Holdings, provides an excellent platform for future Northport Group growth and significant economic benefits for the Northland economy.
Construction timing depends on freight demand and rail line extension to Marsden Point, which is currently being advanced by the Government and KiwiRail.
Northport Group Limited, which includes Northport and the former Marsden Maritime Holdings, is 50% owned by Port of Tauranga, with Northland Regional Council owning 43% and Tupu Tonu 7%.
Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG is testing the first hydrogen-powered straddle carrier at the Port of Hamburg.
The vehicle is being utilized in operations at the Container Terminal Tollerort testing facility as part of the Clean Port & Logistics innovation cluster.
The new straddle carrier model from manufacturer Konecranes is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell and operates emission-free.
Initial practical experiences demonstrate that the drive system responds quickly and performs handling operations with performance matching the hybrid version. A distinctive feature of the vehicle is its modular power system, which can be flexibly adapted to different drive system types (hybrid, battery, or hydrogen) through simple modifications.
The straddle carrier is refueled at the CTT hydrogen filling station using a process similar to standard fueling procedures, creating operational synergies.
Supplementary training modules are being developed to ensure systematic knowledge transfer while establishing a long-term skills base.
Dr. Volker Windeck, Head of Hydrogen Projects, HHLA, stated that through this pilot project, they're demonstrating that hydrogen drive systems represent a genuine alternative in heavy-load operations.
HHLA collaborates with more than 40 partner companies from around the world in the Clean Port & Logistics cluster to develop solutions bringing hydrogen-powered heavy goods vehicles and terminal equipment to market rapidly and establishing the necessary measures for their use.
The concepts developed by working groups for operation, safety, maintenance, refueling, and supply are tested and optimized in practical operation at the CTT testing facility.
Their CPL collaboration assists companies in decarbonizing their processes and making meaningful, climate-friendly investments as they collect necessary information and practical experience.
The cluster and filling station received funding of approximately three million euros from the Federal Ministry of Transport as part of a national innovation program for hydrogen and fuel cell technology.
The funding guidelines are coordinated by NOW GmbH and implemented by Project Management Jülich.
As part of the "Balanced Logistics" sustainability strategy, HHLA aims to achieve climate neutrality throughout the Group by 2040.
The Port of Savannah handled 534,037 TEUs in August, up 44,000 TEUs or 9% year-over-year. It was the third-busiest month in Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) history. Container volumes reached 1,010,725 TEUs fiscal year-to-date through August, a 3.2% increase from last year.
In September, GPA launched a new fast-track routing system for vessels entering Savannah. Inbound ships now dock temporarily at Ocean Terminal until space opens at Garden City Terminal. The first vessel using this process cut 12-15 hours from its schedule.
GPA President and CEO Griff Lynch called the system "a gamechanger" that reduces berth idle time from up to 15 hours down to three.
Meanwhile, auto and machinery volumes at the Port of Brunswick fell. Colonels Island Terminal handled 63,926 units in August, down 14.3% year-over-year. Fiscal year-to-date volumes dropped 11.8% to 132,918 units.
Georgia's ports continue to drive economic growth. A University of Georgia study found they support nearly 651,000 jobs statewide, up 7% from last year. The ports generated $174 billion in sales, $77 billion in GDP, and $43 billion in personal income in fiscal 2024.
The GPA Board has approved $614 million in improvements at Ocean Terminal, part of a $1.54 billion renovation. The project will expand truck gates, add a new ramp to U.S.
17/Interstate 16, and allow the facility to serve two large ships at once by 2028. Long term, GPA plans to invest $4.5 billion in infrastructure, including new berths at Ocean Terminal and a new container terminal on Hutchinson Island.
On 18 September, GPA also celebrated National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. More than 14,000 trucks move through Savannah's terminals daily. COO Ed McCarthy said: "We honor our trucking community for the critical role they play in keeping Georgia's supply chains strong."
Ørsted has selected the Port of Tyne's Tyne Clean Energy Park in South Shields as the marshalling base for its US$11.3 billion Hornsea 3 Offshore Wind Farm positioned to become the world's largest offshore wind farm.
The 100,000m2 site will process secondary steel components before sea installation, supporting the delivery of 197 turbines.
Upon completion, Hornsea 3 will generate sufficient clean energy to power over three million UK homes, strengthen energy security, and create significant economic opportunities through local supply chain partnerships and skilled employment.
Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm has executed a lease agreement for up to 100,000 square meters at the Port of Tyne, one of the UK's major deep-sea ports. Hornsea 3 is being developed by Ørsted, a global leader in offshore wind energy.
The site, located at Tyne Clean Energy Park in South Shields, will be fundamental to constructing and completing the 2.9 GW Hornsea 3 Offshore Wind Farm, which, once complete, is anticipated to be the world's single largest offshore wind farm.
Hornsea 3 represents an infrastructure project positioned to generate sufficient green energy to power more than three million UK homes, enhancing energy security and delivering local and national economic growth through supply chain investment.
Matt Beeton, Chief Executive Officer at the Port of Tyne, stated that Ørsted's decision to base its marshalling operations at the Port of Tyne represents another significant milestone for the North East.
Jason Ledden, Senior Project Director, Hornsea 3 at Ørsted, commented that the construction of Hornsea 3 will substantially improve UK energy security while bringing investment into the local and national economy.
Beyond partnering with the Port of Tyne for its efficient marine access to Hornsea 3, 13.0 meter deep berths, and 24/7 365-day operation during all tide states, Ørsted is collaborating with industry-leading partners to deliver the 197 offshore wind turbines required for the project.
Port of Auckland launched construction of its Bledisloe North wharf with a blessing ceremony this morning.
Attended by Prime Minister Luxon and Minister Bishop, the milestone event celebrated the commencement of nearly US$200 million in developments to make the port capable of handling large vessels and support the cruise tourism industry.
The consent, which was the first approved and initiated under the Fast Track program, encompasses development of two wharves Bledisloe North and completion of Fergusson North wharf.
Roger Gray, Port of Auckland CEO, stated that the investments here today extend beyond infrastructure as they support growth and opportunity, ensuring Auckland continues thriving as an economic hub for trade and tourism.
The strategic importance becomes clearer when we consider the phrase "big ship capable."
Modern container vessels and cruise ships have grown substantially larger over recent decades to achieve economies of scale.
Ports that cannot accommodate these larger vessels risk being bypassed by shipping lines seeking more efficient operations. This creates a competitive disadvantage that can gradually erode a port's market position.
One of the most exciting aspects of this development is that this will make the port big ship capable for cruise and containers, supporting Auckland well into the future, Gray explained.
These investments establish the foundation for a stronger, more resilient port that connects Auckland to global markets and delivers value for the city.
The developments commenced today support Auckland Council's Long-Term Plan and the port's long-term strategy to consolidate port operations while retaining sufficient operational area to support the critical trade that powers Auckland businesses and homes.
The Fast Track approval program mentioned in this development represents a policy approach designed to accelerate infrastructure projects considered nationally significant.
This suggests recognition at the government level that port capacity improvements deliver economic benefits that extend beyond the immediate Auckland region to support New Zealand's broader trade competitiveness.
The Port of Oakland reported consistent cargo flows in August 2025, processing 192,313 TEUs, nearly matching August 2024 volumes (-0.3%).
In year-over-year comparison, imports decreased slightly and totaled 82,245 TEUS (-1.2%), while exports rose to 62,477 TEUs (+5.2%), demonstrating sustained demand from overseas markets.
August's results followed a robust July surge and reflected continued adjustments by shippers responding to tariff-related trade policy changes.
Importers moved goods earlier in the season to avoid potential disruptions, while exporters benefited from consistent overseas demand. Empty container movements aligned with seasonal patterns.
The Port handled 90 vessel calls during August, a 4.7% increase from last year, averaging 2,137 TEUs per ship, indicating efficient berth utilization and Oakland's capacity to manage large vessels.
Bryan Brandes, Port of Oakland Maritime Director, said that they anticipate cargo volumes will remain consistent through the fourth quarter, and Oakland remains committed to ensuring reliable, efficient operations for all the customers.
Through the first eight months of 2025, the Port has processed 1.54 million TEUS, a 1.7% increase compared to the same period last year, positioning Oakland for solid year-end performance as a vital US gateway for global trade.
Construction is progressing at the Port of Klaipeda on a significant project supporting Lithuania's offshore wind farm development plans.
In the former International Ferry Terminal area, quay construction is currently underway.
Algis Latakas, CEO of the Klaipeda State Seaport Authority, stated that currently, in the port's southern section at the former International Ferry Terminal, constructor Tilsta is executing the first phase of infrastructure works - reconstructing quays.
In May 2022, the Klaipeda Port Authority and cargo handling company Klasco executed an investment agreement, initiating the development of port infrastructure required for Lithuania's future offshore wind projects.
The Klaipeda Port project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.
By 2035, two offshore wind parks with combined capacity of approximately 1.4 GW are anticipated to be operational in Lithuania's exclusive economic zone of the Baltic Sea near Palanga.
Together they could generate up to 6 TWh of green electricity annually sufficient to cover approximately half of Lithuania's current electricity demand.
The first tender for a 700 MW offshore wind park was announced on 30 March 2023.
The winners were a joint venture between Ignitis Renewables and OW Offshore S.L.
