Goldwind is planning to build a new green methanol factory. (Image source: Hapag-Lloyd)

Hapag-Lloyd, a liner shipping company with a fleet of 292 modern container vessels, has reached an agreement with Goldwind, a global strategic partner in clean energy, for the delivery of green methanol

Consisting of a blend of bio- and e-methanol, 250,000 tonnes of the fuel will be supplied to Hapag-Lloyd every year which will be used to power specialist ships in its fleet including five 10,100 TEU charter ships that the company and Seaspan are converting to a suitable methanol dual-fuel propulsion system in 2026. The logistics company has also made a decision to invest in 24 new container ships with low-emission dual-fuel liquefied natural gas engines.

“As part of our Strategy 2030, we are fully committed to the 1.5-degree target of the Paris Agreement and therefore also to sustainable investments,” remarked Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd AG. “With the agreement, we are securing a significant proportion of our requirements for green fuels. This will bring us an important step closer to our goal of achieving net-zero fleet operations by 2045. It is and remains our ambition to play a leading role in the transformation of the liner shipping industry.”

The green methanol supplied by Golwind will reportedly ensure a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction of at least 70% and will help Hapa-Lloyd to reduce the absolute emissions of its fleet by around one third compared to 2022. This will translate to a total save of up to 400,000 tonnes of CO2e emissions in fleet operations per year.

On the path to carbon neutrality

“We are honored to have reached this agreement with Hapag-Lloyd,” remarked Wu Gang, chairman of Goldwind. “This collaboration proves once again that Goldwind can win the trust of one of the most important shipping companies. We are grateful for the opportunity to become a strong decarbonization partner of Hapag-Lloyd, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality ahead of the shipping-industry targets and aligns closely with Goldwind’s corporate vision. Goldwind highly values this endorsement and looks forward to deepening the collaboration.”

To help support the order, Goldwind is planning to build a new green methanol factory adjacent to its existing project in Hinggan League, China. Liu Rixin, head of Goldwind Green Methanol, explained, “The planned new factory will share technology, utilities, facilities and infrastructures with its neighbouring sister plant, boosting production efficiency. It is still subject to the financial investment decision of the Goldwind Board. We anticipate the completion of a megaton green methanol base in Hinggan League in late 2027.”

Jan Christensen, senior director global fuel purchasing, concluded, “Green methanol represents a key pathway within Hapag-Lloyd’s multi-fuel strategy, underscoring our commitment to advancing more sustainable shipping solutions. This initiative is made possible through strong partnerships, and we greatly value our collaboration with Goldwind, whose expertise and shared vision are helping us make important progress toward decarbonisation.”

• Genie has sought to improve quality and total cost of ownership. (Image source: Genie)

Genie, a leader in the aerials industry, has launched a new, future-focused design for its core slab scissor lift product line

The company has further improved the performance and lowered the total cost of ownership for Next-Generation Genie GST-1932, GS-2632, GS-3232, GS-2646, GS-3246, and GS-4046 scissor lifts. A noticeable change in the form of a curved linkage design results in reduced machine weight, allowing Genie to use right-sized components for lower replacement part cost.

“Genie’s Next-Generation Scissor Lifts are redefining the standard for slab scissor lifts and moving this classic MEWP category into the future,” remarked Christian Dube, senior global product manager. “Our priority when redesigning these lifts was to drive lower cost of ownership, improve serviceability, and enhance the user experience – all while delivering the quality that our customers and the industry expect from Genie.”

The company has also sought to eliminate rust and limit opportunity to damage through a number of design changes including a new chassis to mitigate stagnant water and reinforced steel in targeted locations to reduce damage.

“On their own, each individual update is an incremental improvement. But, when considered together as a system, and across the product line, the result is a family of machines that add value by reducing costs while improving performance and serviceability,” Dube added.

Overall, there are fewer serviceable components than with previous generations; of the components that remain, at least 70% have commonality across the product line. This simplifies machine fleet management and should increase uptime. According to Genie, fleet management is further improved by incorporating a consistent parts layout in easy-to-access locations; a win for service technicians who work on multiple models.

Operators are also set to benefit from a re-designed platform to improve productivity when working at height. On the popular GS-1932, standard fixed guard rails allow users to drive through most common doors without the need to pause and fold guardrails down. The platform is 20% larger, offering more room for two people to work comfortably indoors. Across the range, operators will notice other subtle details that enhance comfort at height.

Genie has also highlighted that the new Smart Link platform controller is completely redesigned to be 30% lighter than the previous version, complete with a more ergonomic design. Because it is modular, parts of the controller can be replaced without requiring replacement of the whole – another example of reducing parts replacement cost.

According to CFAO, the launch of the L200 marks a new standard for pickups in the region. (Image source: CFAO)

CFAO Mobility has launched the Mitsubishi L200 to Ghanaian market

The new vehicle was revealed in a dynamic ceremony having travelled through West Africa in a demonstration of its mastery of the local environment. The stunt saw the L200 travel through five different markets, with live events and test-driving experiences being conducted to provide customers with a first-hand experience.

At the heart of the Mitsubishi L200 is a 2.4L Turbo Diesel engine that delivers powerful acceleration and a responsive drive. It also boasts a Super Select 4WD-II system, offering drivers four selectable modes, including full-time 4WD. According to CFAO, the vehicle maintains stability and cornering performance regardless of wet surface or dry pavement.

Safety has also been prioritised through the Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control and Mitsubishi Motors Safety Sensing that provides advanced safety features. In terms of comfort, the interior features an easy-to-grip steering wheel, soft-to-touch door handles, and seats engineered for long-distance comfort.

“This is more than just a vehicle; it represents a bold step forward for CFAO Mobility Ghana and our ongoing commitment to providing cutting-edge mobility solutions tailored for the Ghanaian market,” remarked managing director of CFAO Ghana, Adedamola Adelabu, in a speech read on his behalf by the finance director, Heritiana Randriamanantena. “As we all know, the pickup segment is one of the most competitive in the automotive industry in Ghana, and today, we are here to show you why the All-New Mitsubishi L200 is set to redefine this space.”

The wagons will arrive in weekly deliveries starting from this first delivery until 2026. (Image source: LAR)

The first batch of 275 new container wagons have arrived in Lobito, Angola, to strengthen the transport capacity of the Lobito Atlantic Railway (LAR)

Purchased from Galison Manufacturing in South Africa, the new 13.5 ton wagons boast a load capacity of up to 60.5 tons and are designed to each carry one 40-foot container or two 20-foot containers.

This investment comes part of LAR’s expansion and modernisation plan covering the next three years. The wagons include a modern pneumatic braking system and light steel structure to ensure safer and more efficient transport operations and, overall, will reinforce LAR’s ability to increase the volume and capacity of the railway in the coming years.

The wagons will arrive in weekly deliveries starting from this first delivery until 2026.

This announcement is but another demonstration of efforts to upgrade the regional rail infrastructure. Elsewhere, AFC signed agreements to construct 800 km of greenfield rail in relation to the Zambia Lobito Rail Project and Yapi Merkezi has won a contract to oversee the construction of the Malaba-Kampala Railway Project.