Porti & ambiente — le notizie raccolte

The port of Antwerp-Bruges has appointed Rob Smeets (above) as its new chief executive, for a six-year term, succeeding Jacques Vandermeiren, who announced on 14 April that he would be stepping down. Mr Smeets had been acting as interim CEO since Mr Vandermeiren’s announcement. The appointment follows “a selection process carried out over recent weeks, during which a wide range of candidates were assessed by a selection committee of members of the board – Rob Smeets emerged as the strongest candidate”, the port authority said. He is no stranger to the port, having worked there for more than 20 years in a variety of several senior roles. In 2014, he was appointed to lead the towage department; in 2017 he became nautical operations director; and since 2019 he has been chief operations officer. “We ran a swift but thorough selection process, with a selection committee, in-depth interviews and a strong pool of candidates,” Dirk De fauw, vice-chair of the port authority board said. “Based on his experience, knowledge of the port and leadership qualities, Rob came out of that process as the strongest candidate.” “He is a familiar face, both within and beyond the organisation, knows our stakeholders well and is able to reconcile different interests,” Johan Klaps, port authority chairman said. “Rob knows the port authority and the port like no one else,” he added. Meanwhile, Mr Smeets said: “I am grateful to the board of directors for their trust. Port of Antwerp-Bruges is strongly positioned internationally and has outstanding employees, customers and partners. Together, we want to continue building a port that keeps increasing its impact, is ready for tomorrow’s challenges, and further strengthens its position as a leading global port. I am looking forward to it,” he said.

With fighting in the Persian Gulf flaring up again over the weekend, container lines serving markets trapped behind the blocked Strait of Hormuz have begun to further formalise their landbridge supply chains. MSC announced this morning it would launch the Europe-Red Sea-Middle East Express service, “in response to the growing demand for services from Europe to the Red Sea, and to the challenging scenario in the Middle East”. It said: “The service will call at strategic ports in Europe directly connecting to King Abdullah Port, Jeddah, Aqaba, and with connections to POD [ports of destination] in the Gulf (UAE and Upper Gulf) through our multimodal service. “It is designed to provide reliable, efficient, and competitive shipping options, with improved transit times to suit all kinds of cargo,” MSC added. The port rotation is: Gdansk-Klaipeda-Bremerhaven-Antwerp-Valencia-Barcelona-Gioia Tauro-Abu Kir-King Abdullah-Jeddah-Aqaba. MSC has yet to reveal the full vessel deployment for the new service, but said the first sailing was scheduled to depart Antwerp on 10 May. The Red Sea port calls at King Abdullah, Jeddah, and Aqaba will allow MSC customers landbridge access to both the upper and lower Gulf regions, while an MSC map of its planned Gulf network indicates volumes trucked across Saudi Arabia will be loaded onto intra-Gulf feeder ships: Source: MSC In a separate development, Abu Dhabi’s AD Ports Group has signed an MoU with CMA CGM and its CMA Terminals Khalifa Port container terminal “to develop efficient intermodal solutions and extend inland reach across the UAE and wider region”. The partners intend to “anchor cargo flows across AD Ports Group’s consolidated network of rail-linked inland container depots, dry ports, and cargo depots, extending CMA Terminals Khalifa Port’s reach beyond the quay to inland consumer, industrial, and regional markets”. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, group CEO of AD Ports Group, said: “This MoU marks an important step in consolidating the UAE’s inland intermodal logistics backbone under one integrated platform. “By bringing CMA CGM as the first global shipping line partner into this network, we are extending CMA Terminals Khalifa Port beyond its traditional role at the quay and creating a more connected, flexible, and resilient trade gateway for the UAE and the wider region.” He added: “This initiative directly supports national industrial growth ambitions by strengthening inbound cargo access, improving corridor optionality, and enhancing the long-term competitiveness of national supply chains.” The CMA CGM terminal in AD Ports’ Khalifa hub in Abu Dahbi – CMA Terminals Khalifa Port – is a joint-venture between CMA CGM (70%) and AD Ports Group(30%) and formally launched operations in December 2024. In contrast with nearby Dubai, where DP World’s Jebel Ali facilities have retained their common user status, the CMA CGM terminal in Abu Dhabi is one of three carrier-controlled terminals in the port, the other two operated by MSC and Cosco. Jesper Stenbak, regional director in the Middle East Gulf, Indian Sub-Continent and Indian Ocean at CMA CGM Group, said: “By linking maritime services more directly to inland cargo flows, this partnership supports more efficient routing, stronger supply chain resilience and improved service reach for our customers.”

Belgian shipping company Exmar has celebrated the delivery of the first in a series of four newbuild dual-fuel ammonia midsize gas carriers (MGCs), seen as a breakthrough in the green shipping quest and a landmark milestone in the firm’s attempt to future-proof its vessel fleet. While announcing the first-ever newbuild dual-fuel ammonia oceangoing vessel delivery, Exmar described the milestone as a historic step in low-carbon shipping, spotlightingMGC Antwerpenas the first oceangoing vessel powered by a dual-fuel ammonia engine.​ Developed in close collaboration with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, WinGD, Nord Gas Solutions, formerly Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, and Lloyd’s Register, the vessel is capable of carrying up to 46,000 cubic meters of ammonia or LPG and trading with close to zero emissions when using low-carbon ammonia fuel. According to the European shipping player, the MGC Antwerpen meets and exceeds current IMO emissions-reduction targets, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional ships. Carl-Antoine Saverys, Chief Executive Officer of Exmar Group, commented:“Ammonia propulsion is no longer theoretical—we are deploying it. Change comes through execution, not debate. This achievement reflects collective expertise and our commitment to drive sustainable shipping forward.” This gas shipowner and infrastructure developer is awaiting delivery of three more ammonia dual-fuel midsize gas carriers, eachnamed after a Belgian city. With the delivery of Antwerpen, the firm claims to continue its tradition of innovation in maritimetransport and handling of ammonia. This content is available after accepting the cookies. ‘World’s first’ ammonia dual‑fuel vessels get their names as green shipping advances The company sees the delivery of its newbuild MGC as a decisive step forward in the decarbonization of shipping, positioning the Belgian player and its partners at the forefront of sustainable maritime innovation. Exmar underlined:“Operational safety has been a key focus throughout development, drawing on Exmar’s four decades of experience transporting ammonia and other liquefied gases. “With comprehensive crew training, robust risk assessments, and input from leading partners and the Belgian administration, ammonia propulsion is now realized and regulatory frameworks are established for safe operations.” The vessel delivery comes nearly two months after the Belgian shipowner beganconversionof a new floating storage regasification unit (FSRU) bound for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in the Netherlands. Take the spotlight and anchor your brand in the heart of the offshore world! Join us for a bigger impact and amplify your presence at the core hub of the offshore energy community!

A new consortium, facilitated by the Global Maritime Forum and RMI, is set on bringing to life a green shipping corridor between the Port of Açu in Brazil and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium to advance e-fuel production and transport. The consortium, which includes HIF Global, Fuella, NYK Line, Höegh Autoliners, and Wallenius Wilhelmsen, along with the port teams on both ends of the corridor, will assess infrastructure, vessels, and business models to create a roadmap for transportingzero-carbon fuelsproduced in Açu, such ase-ammonia or e-methanol. The transport is expected to be powered by the same zero- or near-zero-emission fuels. This new consortium builds on a pre-feasibility study developed by RMI and the Global Maritime Forum in November 2025. This content is available after accepting the cookies. E-fuels hold the key to shipping’s 2040 goals but not without push The study highlighted the competitive projected costs of e-fuel produced in Açu, due to Brazilian policies supportive of green hydrogen production, the country’s largely renewable electricity grid, its abundance of renewable energy sources, and a relatively low cost of capital. A 2024 report from the same two organisations, Oceans of Opportunity, identified the Port of Açu as a high-potential e-fuel export hub. The Global Maritime Forum and RMI intend to continue to facilitate the realisation of the Açu-Antwerpgreen corridor. This content is available after accepting the cookies. Methanol and ammonia shipping fuels are becoming a reality, new report shows To this end, work is already moving at a pace to progress beyond pre-feasibility and develop a feasibility analysis for the corridor. The feasibility analysis is expected to be published by the end of the year, with the consortium meeting regularly in the meantime. Eleanor Wells, Senior Project Manager at the Global Maritime Forum, commented:“We’re thrilled to be working with these partners to take these important steps towards Brazil’s e-fuel production and bunkering opportunity, whilst supporting the growing demand for e-fuels in Europe.” Take the spotlight and anchor your brand in the heart of the offshore world! Join us for a bigger impact and amplify your presence at the core hub of the offshore energy community!

Dopo una sorta di fase di test durata un anno e mezzo, è destinata a crescere l’alleanza fra il gruppo armatoriale Grimaldi e il produttore automobilistico cinese Leapmotor. Leapmotor International (Lpmi), joint venture a guida Stellantis per la commercializzazione extra Cina delle auto Leapmotor, ha infatti annunciato “l’espansione della sua partnership logistica con il Gruppo Grimaldi. Questa collaborazione rappresenta un importante traguardo nell’orchestrazione della supply chain automobilistica, avendo consegnato con successo quasi 100.000 veicoli dalla Cina all’Europa negli ultimi 18 mesi, di cui oltre 20.000 unità destinate al mercato italiano nel periodo gennaio-marzo 2026”. L’operazione è stata realizzata attraverso un programma strutturato di 15 viaggi nel primo trimestre del 2026, collegando la Cina con diversi porti di ingresso europei (Anversa, Portbury, Valencia, Vigo, Setúbal, Livorno, Civitavecchia e Gioia Tauro). Il programma si avvale della flotta di nuova generazione di Pure Car & Truck Carriers (Pctc) del Gruppo Grimaldi, tra cui la Grande Svezia, la Grande Michigan, la Grande Istanbul e la Grande Tianjin. Queste navi rappresentano una parte di un importante investimento in 17 nuove Pctc, ognuna con una capacità superiore a 9.000 Ceu. Oltre al transito marittimo, la partnership si basa sulla piattaforma logistica integrata di Grimaldi e sui suoi ingenti investimenti infrastrutturali. Queste strutture, tra cui hub chiave in Italia e ulteriori posizioni strategiche in tutta Europa, svolgono un ruolo centrale a supporto dell’operazione. Estendendosi su quasi sei milioni di metri quadrati di aree portuali attrezzate, consentono processi di movimentazione dei veicoli altamente efficienti e snelli, tra cui preparazione, manutenzione e ricarica delle batterie. “La logistica è un fattore chiave di differenziazione e una leva strategica per la competitività nel moderno settore automobilistico” ha spiegato Alessandro Furnò, Vicepresidente Global Supply Chain & Purchasing di Lpmi. “La nostra capacità di gestire un ecosistema così complesso, supportata da un partner affidabile come il Gruppo Grimaldi, è un pilastro del nostro successo commerciale. Questa partnership garantisce che le nostre capacità logistiche si evolvano di pari passo con la nostra tecnologia, consolidando la nostra posizione nel mercato europeo”. “Siamo orgogliosi di supportare Leapmotor International in questa fase di trasformazione della sua espansione europea” ha affermato Luigi Pacella Grimaldi, Direttore Automotive Intercontinentale del Gruppo Grimaldi. “Questo è più di un semplice contratto di servizio; è una partnership a lungo termine basata sulla fiducia e sulla collaborazione. Rimaniamo impegnati a fornire le soluzioni logistiche scalabili e personalizzate necessarie per supportare la crescita dei volumi di Lpmi”. ISCRIVITI ALLA NEWSLETTER QUOTIDIANA GRATUITA DI SHIPPING ITALY SHIPPING ITALY E’ ANCHE SU WHATSAPP: BASTA CLICCARE QUI PER ISCRIVERSI AL CANALE ED ESSERE SEMPRE AGGIORNATI

La prima partenza è prevista il 10 maggio dal porto di Anversa Ginevra – Msc rafforza la propria rete globale con il lancio del nuovo servizio Europe–Red Sea–Middle East Express, un collegamento che unisce Nord e Sud Europa con Arabia Saudita e Giordania, integrando soluzioni marittime e terrestri. La prima partenza è prevista il 10 maggio dal porto di Anversa. La rotazione eastbound toccherà Gdansk, Klaipeda, Bremerhaven, quindi nuovamente Anversa, per proseguire verso Valencia, Barcelona e Gioia Tauro, fino agli scali del Mar Rosso e del Medio Oriente: Abu Kir, King Abdullah, Jeddah e Aqaba. Il servizio nasce per rispondere alla crescente domanda in uno scenario definito “sfidante” per il Medio Oriente, introducendo un modello operativo che sposta i flussi destinati al Golfo su gateway nel Mar Rosso. I container vengono sbarcati nei porti sauditi ed egiziani e successivamente trasportati via terra attraverso l’Arabia Saudita, sfruttando il cosiddetto land bridge, per poi essere inoltrati verso i mercati del Golfo tramite servizi feeder.

Dal porto di King Abdullah, Jeddah e Aqaba i container potranno proseguire via terrà fino ai punti di consegna nel Golfo Persico Mediterranean Shipping Company (Msc) ha annunciato l’avvio di un nuovo servizio regolare per il trasporto marittimo di container ribattezzato Europe – Red Sea – Middle East Express “in risposta alla crescente domanda di collegamenti tra l’Europa e il Mar Rosso e al difficile scenario in Medio Oriente” si legge in una comunicazione. Il collegamento scalerà anche l’hub portuale italiano di Gioia Tauro. “Il servizio farà scalo in porti strategici in Europa, collegandosi direttamente al porto di King Abdullah, a Jeddah, ad Aqaba e, tramite il nostro servizio multimodale, con collegamenti ai punti di consegna nel Golfo Persico (Emirati Arabi Uniti e paesi settentrionali affacciati sul golfo)” precisa la compagnia. La prima partenza è prevista dal porto di Anversa il prossimo 10 maggio e prevede la seguente rotazione: Danzica – Klaipeda – Bremerhaven – Anversa – Valencia – Barcellona – Gioia Tauro – Abu Kir – Re Abdullah – Jeddah – Aqaba. ISCRIVITI ALLA NEWSLETTER QUOTIDIANA GRATUITA DI SHIPPING ITALY SHIPPING ITALY E’ ANCHE SU WHATSAPP: BASTA CLICCARE QUI PER ISCRIVERSI AL CANALE ED ESSERE SEMPRE AGGIORNATI