Kalmar introduces Gen 2 lithium-ion battery, boosting operating time, safety and sustainability for electric straddle carriers. (Image sources: Kalmar)

Kalmar has launched a second-generation lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery solution for its electric straddle carriers, marking a significant upgrade in energy performance, safety and operational efficiency

The new Gen 2 battery is designed to deliver higher energy capacity, improved thermal stability and longer operating hours, and is now available to customers worldwide.

Developed in response to increasing demand for safer, more efficient and sustainable cargo-handling equipment, the Gen 2 battery incorporates advanced cell chemistry that extends battery lifespan and reduces replacement frequency. This results in a lower total cost of ownership for customers, while also improving lifecycle sustainability compared with previous-generation technology.

The new battery offers a nominal capacity of 533 kWh, representing a 25% increase over its predecessor, with a usable capacity of 453 kWh. This enhanced capacity enables longer operating cycles and greater flexibility in charging strategies. Operators can combine scheduled depot charging during breaks with hands-free opportunity charging during operations, supporting hot-seat usage and continuous workflows. Depending on energy consumption, electric straddle carriers equipped with the Gen 2 battery can achieve up to 10 hours of net operating time.

Alongside the battery launch, Kalmar has also commissioned a megawatt charging system (MCS) at its test facility in Tampere, Finland, supporting faster and more efficient charging for high-capacity electric equipment.

“Gen 2 represents a major step forward in terms of battery energy capacity, safety and operational lifespan. With longer operating times and improved reliability, our customers can transition to fully electric fleets without compromising performance.”

The introduction of the Gen 2 battery reinforces Kalmar’s commitment to advancing electrification and decarbonisation in port and terminal operations, supporting customers as they move toward fully electric cargo-handling fleets.

Botswana railway modernisation project

RITES Ltd. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of the Republic of Botswana, through its Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, to support the development and upgrading of the country’s transport infrastructure

The agreement is focused on advancing Botswana’s railway and broader transport networks by leveraging advanced technologies, international best practices, and targeted capacity-building programmes. The collaboration is intended to strengthen local expertise while improving operational efficiency, safety, and reliability across the transport sector.

Under the MoU, Botswana will utilise RITES Limited’s technical and consultancy expertise to support the development and modernisation of its railway systems. RITES’ role will include assistance with the supply of rolling stock, commissioning services, repair and maintenance support, operational advisory services, and the modernisation of railway workshops.

Beyond railways, the partnership also extends to a wide range of transport infrastructure projects, including highways, bridges, airports, and buildings, supporting Botswana’s long-term infrastructure development goals.

In addition, RITES will deliver capacity-building initiatives and technical training programmes, promote structured knowledge exchange, and provide quality assurance services such as third-party inspections, pre-shipment inspections, and final acceptance testing. The collaboration also includes the deployment of advanced digital solutions, including integrated train operations systems and passenger management platforms.

Mangombe River Port launch boosts Central Africa connectivity.

The Central African Republic has taken a significant step forward in advancing the Pointe-Noire–Brazzaville–Bangui–N’Djamena (CD13) multimodal transport corridor with the official launch of works on the MANGOMBE river port, marked by the laying of its foundation stone

The ceremony, held on 10 December 2025, signals a new stage in regional integration efforts aimed at boosting intra-regional trade, easing the movement of goods and people, and supporting economic growth across Central Africa through improved road and river transport links.

The event was presided over by President Faustin-Archange Touadéra of the Central African Republic, alongside Prime Minister Félix Moloua, members of government, African Development Bank representatives led by interim Country Manager Boye Kissagne, development partners and local community representatives.

“By laying this stone, I confirm my strong commitment to building a modern Central African Republic that can capitalise on its geographical, hydraulic and human assets to take a worthy place among emerging nations,” president Touadéra said.

“This marks a decisive turning point for our policy of openness, connectivity and greater economic exchange in our Central African sub-region. We are laying more than a stone: we are laying the foundation of something that will bring growth, hope and opportunities for our country.”

Located at Mongoumba, the new river port is designed to play a pivotal role in strengthening river transport links between the Central African Republic and the Republic of Congo. The facility is expected to improve regional connectivity, shorten supply chains, ease inflationary pressures, and enhance the management of cargo transfers between river and road networks. In addition, the project is anticipated to stimulate private sector investment, create employment and open up new opportunities in logistics and financial services.

The project is being financed through a US$282mn grant from the African Development Fund, the concessional financing arm of the African Development Bank Group, underscoring the institution’s continued commitment to infrastructure development across Africa.

“Today, we are not simply launching an infrastructure project; we are opening the door to a future firmly focused on shared prosperity,” Kissagne said.

“The Port of Mongoumba is a symbol of resilience, courage, and determination to advance despite challenges.”

Construction of the port is scheduled to last 24 months and will be executed by the Italian–Egyptian Selip–Rowad consortium, with oversight provided by the SCET Tunisie and Lege Engineering consortium.

Currently, the African Development Bank Group is supporting 20 projects in the Central African Republic, with total commitments of US$583mn. These investments are concentrated mainly in transport (51%), water and sanitation (21%), agriculture (12%) and other sectors, including energy, social development, governance and finance (16%).

AGL wins first berths in Bagamoyo Port Project.

MSC subsidiary Africa Global Logistics (AGL) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) to act as a construction partner for the proposed Bagamoyo (Mbegani) Port

The MoU relates to the development of three berths from a total of 28 planned for the new port, which will be implemented in three phases, with the first phase scheduled to begin next year.

Under the agreement, TPA has granted AGL the rights to design, build and operate the initial three berths at Bagamoyo Port.

“We expect construction of the three new berths at Bagamoyo to begin early January,” said Plasduce Mbossa, TPA’s Director General. “We welcome more local and international investors to join the project, which aims to bring major transformation to port operations in Tanzania.”

The total investment earmarked for the full port development stands at $2.1bn.

According to the project timeline, the three new berths are expected to be designed and constructed over a three-year period.

AGL has been expanding its footprint in port development projects across Africa, with activities in countries including the Republic of Congo, Angola, Namibia and Ivory Coast. The company has stated that its investment in Tanzania will further strengthen access to multiple African markets, supported by the strategic Indian Ocean location of the Bagamoyo Port.