Transport-a-logistics - Transport a logistics

DP World launches Brazil Africa logistics corridor

Brazil Africa trade link launched

DP World has introduced a new integrated logistics corridor linking Brazil with Africa, aimed at improving trade connectivity between Latin America’s largest economy and rapidly expanding African markets

Named the Brazil-Africa Link, the new service was launched during Intermodal South America 2026 in São Paulo. It offers a fully integrated end-to-end logistics solution connecting export cargo from the Port of Santos to DP World’s operations in Angola and Mozambique, with additional support from its wider logistics network in South Africa.

Developed under a “one-stop shop” model, the corridor combines ocean freight services with inland logistics capabilities, allowing customers to manage their complete supply chain through one provider. The platform provides access to three port terminals, 52 warehouses and a fleet of more than 4,250 vehicles, helping improve efficiency, visibility and reliability across cargo movements.

The service is intended to support major Brazilian export industries such as animal proteins, agricultural commodities and consumer goods. It is designed to help exporters improve transit certainty, lower operational complexity and widen access to African markets.

Fabio Siccherino said, “This Brazil-Africa Link simplifies the journey for Brazilian exporters to a market with enormous growth potential. By integrating the entire logistics chain – from port of origin to final delivery – we reduce complexity, increase predictability, and enable our customers to unlock new business opportunities between Brazil and Africa.”

Mohammed Akoojee said: "The Brazil-Africa Link marks a transformative step in connecting Latin America's largest economy with high-growth markets across Africa. This integrated logistics corridor leverages our investments in port infrastructure, economic free zones, and digital technology across Angola, Mozambique, and South Africa to enable growth, create jobs, and deepen economic partnership between our continents."

Expanding integrated logistics in Brazil

DP World said it is continuing to strengthen its end-to-end logistics presence in Brazil through three strategic areas:

Ports and Terminals: The company operates one of Brazil’s leading multipurpose terminals at the Port of Santos, which serves as the foundation of its local operations and supports increasing container and bulk cargo volumes.

Freight Forwarding: DP World manages six freight forwarding offices across Brazil, providing multimodal transport services covering ocean, air and road freight, alongside warehousing, container freight station (CFS), insurance and customs clearance solutions.

Contract Logistics: The business is also expanding warehousing capacity through multi-client facilities in São Paulo and Espírito Santo, delivering integrated B2B services covering storage, distribution, reverse logistics and value-added solutions.

Strengthening Santos capacity

DP World is also investing further in capacity growth and operational capability at its Santos terminal, reinforcing its status as a strategic South American trade gateway. Following a record 2025, during which the terminal handled 1.3 million TEUs and 5 million tonnes of pulp, the company is advancing investments worth more than R$2 billion (approx. US$400 million).

These upgrades include quay expansion, new equipment, a new berthing pier and the development of a grains and fertilizers terminal in partnership with Rumo, with annual handling capacity of up to 12.5 million tonnes.

A further R$1.6 billion (approx. US$320 million) investment is expected to lift container handling capacity to 1.7 million TEUs by 2026 and 2.1 million TEUs by 2028.

DP World said these investments reinforce the infrastructure supporting the Brazil-Africa Link, connecting expanded Santos port operations with its African logistics network to create more resilient and dependable trade corridors between Brazil and fast-growing African markets.

Ceva and Lagos Free Zone redefine West African logistics

One hub, endless West African possibilities. (Image source: Lagos Free Zone)

Lagos Free Zone has entered into a joint venture agreement with CEVA Logistics to strengthen integrated logistics capabilities in Nigeria and across the wider West African region

The agreement, recently formalised following approval from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, will see CEVA Logistics take a majority stake in the new entity.

The collaboration combines CEVA Logistics’ global expertise with Lagos Free Zone’s infrastructure and strategic positioning. It will establish the first warehouse in the zone operated by a global logistics provider, located within the free zone that hosts the Lekki Deep Sea Port. The facility is designed to support importers and multinational manufacturers seeking efficient access to regional markets.

Speaking on the strategic joint venture, the CEO and managing director, Lagos Free Zone, Adesuwa Ladoja said, “This partnership with CEVA Logistics underscores our commitment to creating a one-stop solution for manufacturing and trade businesses in Nigeria. By integrating Lekki Port, reliable industrial infrastructure, and efficient logistics solutions, we are building a logistics hub for West Africa. Collaborating with CEVA, a global leader in logistics, strengthens our ability to deliver on this vision.”

The development leverages Lekki Port’s modern infrastructure as a key gateway for goods entering West Africa. Businesses operating within the free zone benefit from duty-free export access to markets under the Economic Community of West African States, supporting more cost-effective and streamlined supply chains.

This advantage is further supported by the Lagos Free Zone Green Channel, a Nigeria Customs Service-approved corridor introduced in February 2026, which enables faster cargo movement between the port and the free zone, significantly reducing delays and associated costs while improving supply chain reliability.

In his remarks, the vice-President, Air and Ocean Product at CEVA IMEA, Jean-Baptiste Rambaud, stated, “We are proud to partner with Lagos Free Zone in this strategic venture. Our targeted investments in Nigeria reflect our commitment to providing uninterrupted logistics services to our global clients exporting to West Africa, including ECOWAS. This free zone warehouse is the final piece in creating a seamless logistics journey for goods and products from around the world to West Africa.”

He added that the partnership signals a new phase in logistics development for the region, supporting smoother trade flows into a fast-growing market. By combining global logistics capabilities with integrated local infrastructure, the joint venture is expected to enable businesses to focus on core operations while ensuring efficient movement of goods from international origins to destinations across West Africa.

Volvo extends range on electric trucks

The new Volvo FMX Electric truck in action (Image source: Volvo Trucks)

Volvo Trucks has announced the launch of new electric vehicles with improved performance, flexibility and ranges up to 700 km, a new benchmark for electric heavy-duty trucks

The fleet includes the long-distance heavy electric truck, the FH Aero Electric, offering extended range, capable of driving up to 700 km on one charge.

Actual range depends on external conditions such as weather and wind resistance, as well as other factors such as total weight of the truck and the driver’s performance.

The fleet also includes the next-generation heavy-duty Volvo FH, FM and FMX Electric trucks, which include improvements in flexibility, productivity, driving comfort and with ranges up to 470 km.

Roger Alm, president Volvo Trucks, said it makes it possible to switch to electric truck operation for even more transport assignments.

“It has never been easier to replace diesel trucks with electric ones,” he said. “We stand firm in our belief that electric vehicles will deliver a large part of the world's truck transport in the future. With the amazing performance of all our new trucks, it's easy to see why.”

The new trucks will be rolled out step by step to markets starting in 2026.

“We’re really sharpening our offering here,” said Alm. “We are broadening it and making electric solutions possible for an even wider range of transport assignments, and also adding a cutting‑edge electric truck with a range of up to 700 km. This means we can fully match the business needs of our customers.”

The new long-distance truck, the Volvo FH Aero Electric with extended range, can drive up to 700 km on one charge thanks to a new driveline technology, the e-axle, which creates space for significantly more battery capacity onboard.

The truck is adapted to the new MCS (Megawatt Charging System) standard and charging the eight batteries from 20% to 80% will take approximately 50 minutes.

“This long-haul electric truck is the best in the industry,” said Alm. “It offers an outstanding range in combination with high payload, fast charging and great riding comfort. With this truck, our customers can drive the really long distances and throughout an entire working day with the same productivity as diesel trucks.”

The new FH, FM and FMX Electric trucks have an all-new driveline designed for maximum flexibility across different applications.

It offers excellent drivability and is engineered so that the driver can drive the truck and power auxiliary equipment such as a concrete mixer, hook lift or refuse unit without extra motors or add-ons. This is due to an integrated gearbox power take-off (PTO) with increased functionality enabling usage during driving. The trucks will have a range of up to 470 km and can be charged from 20% to 80% in approximately 65 minutes.

“The next-generation FH, FM and FMX Electric are packed with new, smart functions, they offer great driver comfort and make zero tailpipe emissions transport available for very wide range of transport assignments,” said Alm.

All new trucks – the new Volvo FH, FM and FMX Electric, and the FH Aero Electric with extended range – are equipped with a gearbox optimised for electric transmission paired with dual motors to deliver smoother and more controlled performance.

The new powershift gearboxes, eight-speed on the new Volvo FH, FM and FMX Electric and six-speed on the FH Aero Electric with extended range, offer seamless gear shifting and also produce less noise and vibration for a more comfortable workday.

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Hybrid green ferry launched on Gambia river

New green hybrid ferry commissioned on River Gambia (Image source: AfDB)

A new hybrid ‘green’ ferry has been commissioned in The Gambia as part of a sustainable transport project funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB)

Designed with state-of-the-art hybrid technology, the newly ferry, named the Barra Ferry, is capable of carrying 1,000 passengers and over 50 vehicles across the River Gambia.

It represents a milestone in the country’s efforts to modernise river transport and is expected to improve connectivity between the country’s North and South Banks, cut travel delays and enhance the safety and reliability of ferry services relied upon daily by thousands of Gambians.

The new vessel forms part of the Banjul Port Expansion Project, a US$20.56mn scheme financed through the AfDB’s concessional window, the African Development Fund (ADF).

The commissioning ceremony, held in Barra, was presided over by Gambian President Adama Barrow, who underscored the strategic significance of transport infrastructure to his nation’s development.

“The socioeconomic wellbeing of The Gambia is closely linked to the strength of its domestic production base and its participation in regional and international trade,” he said.

“For this reason, the efficiency of our major trade gateways, such as the seaports, ferry services, airport, and telecommunications systems, remains fundamental to sustained economic growth and competitiveness.”

The River Gambia, stretching about 360 kilometres inland, divides the country into two, making reliable ferry services linking the North and South Banks indispensable.

For decades, the country’s ferry services have operated under intense constraints, amid growing demand from increasing vehicular traffic, freight movement and passenger volumes.

The new ferry’s energy-efficient design, cleaner propulsion systems and improved safety are expected to reduce emissions, lower operational costs and ensure safer and more reliable transport services.

The commissioning of the new ferry also underscores the AfDB’s strategic focus on promoting low-carbon transport and climate-resilient infrastructure, in line with development priorities.

“This ferry represents a transformative innovation in sustainable maritime transport,” added Lamin G. Barrow, director general for West Africa at the AfDB.

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New South African freight & logistics trade body

New trade group aims to boost freight and logistics in South Africa (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The South African Freight and Logistics Association (Safla) has officially launched as a new industry body to represent freight forwarders and logistics operators across the country

The group aims to tackle friction points that have long slowed trade and burdened businesses, according to Dave Logan, Safla’s founding executive officer.

“We represent the operational reality others are too centralised to capture,” he said. “Safla exists to solve specific problems — border delays, permit duplication, valuation disputes — and to do so with data and accountability.”

Immediate priorities include engagements with the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Transnet, the Border Management Authority (BMA) and all 17 government agencies and controlling authorities that intersect with freight forwarding and customs compliance.

The association will use shipment data, delay records and cost analysis to inform every regulatory submission and stakeholder engagement.

It will also maintain formal representation at key border posts and ports, including Durban, Cape Town, Beitbridge, Lebombo and Ngqura.

“We are not here to make noise,” said Logan. “We are here to deliver quick, visible wins with regulators and ensure measurable impact.”

One of its main commitments is equal representation across South Africa's provinces, with a structure that deliberately prevents the Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal dominance that has historically marginalised operators in other provinces.

It also prioritises SMME development with tiered membership, including micro, SME, and corporate categories, to ensure smaller operators can access the same advocacy rights as large corporates.

“SMMEs are the backbone of this industry,” said Logan. “SAFLA takes pride in being an association that builds them up through fit-for-purpose workshops, capacity building, and training interventions that align with the aspirational objectives of SARS and the broader trade environment.”

Another priority is supporting and developing the next generation of freight and logistics professionals, with special training and initiatives for younger professionals.

An accreditation framework, developed in partnership with the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) and other bodies, will introduce industry-recognised certifications in areas such as border clearance, customs compliance and multimodal logistics coordination.

Safla is ambitious in its plans for the first year, according to Logan.

“Within 12 months, we expect to demonstrate at least two measurable regulatory improvements, establish functional regional committees across key corridors, and publish data-backed position papers that shift the conversation,” he said. “Safla will be indispensable because it stays close to the friction points in the supply chain.”

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