PSA International Pte Ltd, a leading global ports and supply chain solutions provider, and Kazakhstan Railways, the operator of the main railway network of the Republic of Kazakhstan, have signed an agreement to establish a joint venture company, KPMC Ltd. KPMC will promote the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, enhancing connectivity and trade flows from Southeast Asia and China, through Kazakhstan, and beyond to Europe. The Agreement is subject to customary conditions including regulatory approval.

The TITR is a rail corridor route that connects China and Europe, offering cargo owners an additional intermodal transport option to help them balance their supply chain needs of resilience, agility and sustainability. The partnership between KTZ and PSA aims to develop
the TITR through initiatives such as the organisation of block trains and provision of stationto-station products and services. This increases cargo flow, improves transit times and reduces the cost of transportation through the TITR.

Mr Tan Chong Meng, Group CEO of PSA International, said, “This joint venture is a milestone moment for PSA, as it expands our global footprint into Central Asia, and reflects our continued commitment to enhance global connectivity and enable sustainable trade. By partnering with KTZ to develop a holistic physical and digital ecosystem for the users and stakeholders of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, we seek to create a seamless and efficient logistics network that offers cargo owners a vital and valuable option to improve the agility, resilience and sustainability of their businesses.”

Mr Wan Chee Foong, Regional CEO Middle East South Asia & Head of Group Business Development of PSA International, said, “PSA’s global presence with an established network of ports and supply chain capabilities enables us to add value in the development and
commercialisation of TITR. This synergistic partnership will not only bolster PSA’s efforts to expand its rail product offerings but also empower KTZ to tap into new markets and establish itself as a pivotal player in the global logistics landscape.”

The Agreement was signed during the Kazakhstan-Singapore Business Forum in Astana in May 2023, in the presence of Singapore’s President Mdm Halimah Yacob and Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Mr Alikhan Smailov.

DHL Freight, one of Europe’s leading providers of road freight services, is introducing a new, sustainable intermodal rail freight solution between Germany and Denmark. The freight trains will depart from the Ziel Terminal GmbH in Duisburg every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. In Denmark, departures from Padborg will occur every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from the combined transport terminal. The rail transport takes about 12 hours and is available to customers with full-truckload shipments. Of course, DHL Freight also offers an end-to-end solution including pick-up and delivery.

Operator of the rail connection is the rail logistics company TX Logistik, which maintains an efficient European network with connections in eleven countries. As part of Mercitalia Logistics, TX Logistik is responsible for the development of the group’s international activities. Being able to strengthen the network with a renowned customer like DHL is therefore an important step for the company on this path.

“We are introducing this new train connection exclusively for our customers. In line with our sustainability strategy of net-zero emission logistics by 2050 and the growing demand from our customers for green transport solutions, a modal shift from road to rail on certain relations is a powerful lever to save CO2 emission. We expect this new rail service alone to save up to 11,500t CO2 emissions per year. A perfect complement to our recently introduced GoGreen Plus service,” states Uwe Brinks, CEO DHL Freight.

This solution is another milestone in shifting DHL Freight’s road business to the rails and benefits the route from Denmark to BeNeLux countries and Germany, offering smoother logistics, lower emissions, and increased freight reliability. As part of its sustainability roadmap and in line with Deutsche Post DHL Group’s sustainability goals DHL Freight plans to further increase the use of rail connections and intermodal solutions. Today, DHL Freight already transports freight on more than 3,900 trains on various trade lanes in Europe in cooperation with different rail carriers. In Germany alone, DHL Freight moves more than 970 trailers per week by rail in heavy-load transport.

Reducing emissions through rail transport

The new connection will considerably relieve road traffic thanks to the intensified use of rail networks. Up to 240 truckloads per week can be fulfilled via rail transport. As rail transportation is a less carbon-intensive logistical option, this leads to considerable CO2 savings. For each truck shifted, 1.05 tons of CO2 are saved, up to 250 tons per week and as much as 11,500 tons per year. In combination with DHL Freight’s GoGreen Plus service for pick and delivery customers get the opportunity to reduce the emission for their land transport significantly.

Deutsche Post DHL Group is constantly pursuing its goal of reducing all logistics-related emissions to net zero by 2050. The new train connection is expected to be another effective element in achieving this important goal and represents a firm step forward in their sustainability strategy.

South Carolina Ports provides reliable, fluid and efficient service to port-dependent businesses throughout the Southeast and beyond.

Thus far in fiscal year 2023, SC Ports has handled nearly 1.6 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) and 867,256 pier containers, which account for containers of any size.

In January, SC Ports handled 215,238 TEUs and 118,179 pier containers. This is down roughly 5% from last year with loaded imports softening year-over-year.

Loaded exports were up nearly 11% in January. This is a positive trend for a strong exporting region with a booming automotive industry.

The S.C. Department of Commerce reported that 2022 export sales totaled $31.5 billion, up 6% from 2021. South Carolina remains the national leader in the export of completed passenger vehicles and tires.

Shippers benefit from SC Ports’ efficient operations and Charleston’s deep harbor, which is now the deepest on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet. The deeper channel seamlessly handles ships fully laden with heavy exports and imports.

SC Ports also offers a 7-day export receiving window that locks in 11 days before a vessel’s arrival, providing much-needed stability and reliability for U.S. businesses, farmers and advanced manufacturers needing to send goods overseas.

“Whether a farmer needs to export soybeans to international customers, or an automaker needs to import a part for its just-in-time manufacturing operation, companies know that SC Ports has a track record of delivering excellent service and customized solutions,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said.

SC Ports also handled 13,361 vehicles for the automotive sector in January. Inland Ports Greer and Dillon reported a combined 16,222 rail moves last month, with Inland Port Dillon handling a January record 3,709 rail moves.

Expanding intermodal capabilities

South Carolina Ports is one step closer to having near-dock rail at the Port of Charleston, further enhancing intermodal capabilities and making South Carolina even more competitive.

Thanks to $400 million in state funding, a site in North Charleston is being transformed into a modern, rail-served cargo yard. The Navy Base Intermodal Facility is set to open in 2025.

Class I railroads CSX and Norfolk Southern will serve the facility, in partnership with Palmetto Railways. Inside the Navy Base Intermodal Facility, rail-mounted gantry cranes will lead containers on and off trains.

The facility will seamlessly move cargo between the port and inland markets, as well as support SC Ports’ rail-served Inland Ports in Greer and Dillon.

“The Navy Base Intermodal Facility will ensure SC Ports remains competitive by enhancing rail capabilities, cargo capacity and speed-to-market for customers,” Melvin said. “South Carolina remains a powerhouse in attracting investment. As companies expand their operations and invest in new facilities, SC Ports is investing in critical port infrastructure to support this growth.”