"Collaboration with Suppliers and Customers Is the only Way to Meaningfully Reduce Impact"
Best Fresh Group, a Dutch fresh‑produce trader, found that only 4% of its carbon footprint originates from its own operations, while 96% comes from the broader supply chain. The company quantified emissions across purchased products (40%), transport (30%) and processing/packaging (the remaining share). To address this, it adopted the Voluntary SME Standard for reporting and built a three‑pillar sustainability strategy focused on healthy people, planet and business. Marissa van Adrichem stresses that collaboration with suppliers and customers, plus small pilot projects, is the only realistic path to meaningful emissions reductions.
Drugmaker AbbVie Chooses North Carolina for $1.4B Manufacturing Campus
AbbVie announced a $1.4 billion investment to build a 185‑acre manufacturing campus in Durham, North Carolina, targeting its immunology, neuroscience and oncology portfolios. The site will create 734 jobs over four years, incorporate AI‑driven production tools, and be operational by the...
Taiwan's Manufacturing Activity Improves in April
Taiwan's manufacturing PMI rose to 60.3 in April, marking the seventh straight month of expansion, buoyed by strong global demand for semiconductors and AI‑related devices. The service sector’s non‑manufacturing index also climbed to 58.3, extending a 14‑month growth streak. All...
SensiBel MEMS Microphone Heads to Silex Production
sensiBel announced a high‑volume manufacturing deal with Sweden’s Silex Microsystems, the pure‑play MEMS foundry, to produce its optical MEMS microphone. The microphone delivers an 80 dB signal‑to‑noise ratio, 146 dB SPL overload point and 132 dB dynamic range, aimed at conferencing, laptop, automotive...
LeadCoverage Releases AEO Scorecard to Help Freight and Logistics Companies Measure AI Visibility
LeadCoverage has launched the LC AEO Visibility Index, a free scorecard that lets freight and logistics companies gauge how often AI engines cite them during buyer research. The index measures three pillars—Visibility, Readiness, and Impact—across major large‑language models such as...
SAIL Tech Lets Robots Perform Human-Scale Tasks Far More Quickly
Georgia Tech researchers unveiled Speed Adaptation of Imitation Learning (SAIL), a system that lets robots execute human‑scale tasks up to 3.2× faster while maintaining accuracy. SAIL blends smooth‑motion algorithms, high‑fidelity tracking, adaptive speed control, and action‑scheduling to adjust in real...
KSS Line Books Trio of VLGCs at HD Hyundai
South Korea’s KSS Line has placed a $342 million order for three 90,000 cu m very large gas carriers (VLGCs) with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. The vessels, slated for delivery starting Q1 2029, are already covered by long‑term time charters – two to BGN...
The EBRD Is Investing USD 125 Million in Bonds Issued by KTZ
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will invest up to $125 million in a Eurobond issued by Kazakhstan’s national railway operator, KTZ. The bond, sized at $1 billion, is listed in London and Kazakhstan and will finance modernisation of passenger...
Oil Jumps by 5% After Report of US Warship Being Hit by Missiles
Oil prices surged about 5% on Monday after Iran’s Fars news agency reported that a U.S. warship was hit by missiles in the Strait of Hormuz. Brent futures climbed to $113.69 a barrel and WTI to $107.04, reversing Friday’s losses....
Amazon Launches Amazon Supply Chain Services, Opening Its Logistics Network to All Businesses
Amazon announced Amazon Supply Chain Services (ASCS), extending its freight, distribution, fulfillment and parcel‑shipping capabilities to any business. The service leverages the same logistics infrastructure that powers Amazon.com, including a fleet of over 80,000 trailers, 24,000 intermodal containers and more...
Sanctioned Iranian Gas Carrier Probes US Strait of Hormuz Blockade
A U.S.-sanctioned Iranian LPG tanker, the 20,700‑cbm Nooh Gas built in 1993, attempted an eastbound passage through the Strait of Hormuz on May 4, 2026. Shipping data confirms the vessel entered the waterway despite a U.S. naval blockade aimed at enforcing sanctions against...
Two Worlds Collide: The Regulatory Battlefield Hanging over the EU’s Ties with China
A Norwegian mine experiment that let Chinese‑made Yutong buses be remotely accessed sparked fresh EU alarm over cyber‑vulnerabilities in Chinese technology. The incident helped catalyse a wave of EU legislation, including a ban on funding Chinese inverters and the Industrial...
SEMI: Global Silicon Wafer Shipments Jump 13% on AI Demand
Global silicon wafer shipments surged 13.1% year‑on‑year in Q1 2026, reaching 3,275 million square inches. The growth is driven primarily by AI‑related data‑center demand, spanning advanced logic, memory and power management devices. While industrial semiconductor segments helped absorb excess inventory, smartphone...
Bloomberg Daybreak: Trump Announces Hormuz Ship Plan (Podcast)
President Trump unveiled "Project Freedom," a U.S. operation to escort stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz using guided‑missile destroyers, aircraft and drones, while Iran warned it will fire on any U.S. forces entering the waterway. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy...
Shipowners Query Trump’s New Hormuz Plan as Attacks Go On
Former President Donald Trump unveiled “Project Freedom,” a plan to guide vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing attacks. The U.S. announced an “enhanced security area” and urged ships to consider transiting through Omani waters, but offered no...
Volkswagen Reportedly Developing New Production System
Volkswagen is developing a new production system called “Gamechanger” at its Wolfsburg plant to slash costs and accelerate electric‑vehicle output. The initiative, overseen by board members Christian Vollmer and CFO Arno Antlitz, is tied to the upcoming SSP electric platform...
Sweden to Reduce Track Access Charges for Freight by 20%
Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) will cut rail freight track access charges by 20% starting with the 2028 timetable, reversing a 40% rise seen in 2024‑25. The reduction follows a government‑commissioned study and is paired with a higher passenger charge (+15%)....
A Closed Strait of Hormuz Was Once Unthinkable
Energy planners have historically dismissed a full closure of the Strait of Hormuz as implausible, a view reflected in 2007 and 2022 scenario exercises that omitted the extreme event. Recent disruptions, however, have forced executives like TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné...
What Savvy Facilities Leaders Should Now Ask Their Power Suppliers
Facilities leaders are being urged to adopt a grid‑aware strategy as load growth outpaces new generation and inflation pushes power costs higher. CPV Retail argues that suppliers with operating generation assets can better manage capacity, ancillary services and transmission costs,...
Data Intelligence Drives Total Cost of Ownership in Industry 4.0
Manufacturers are confronting heightened supply‑chain uncertainty, prompting a shift of Industry 4.0 beyond the shop floor to procurement and engineering. The article argues that fragmented data and siloed tools leave 60% of procurement teams overpaying, while real‑time component intelligence is essential...
2025 at ČD Cargo Mirrors PKP Cargo’s 2024
ČD Cargo reported transporting 57.8 million tonnes in 2025, a 1.1 million‑tonne increase over 2024, driven by higher demand for fuel, container and cross‑border services. International operations surged, with 16.6 million tonnes moved abroad and the Polish subsidiary hitting a record 6 million tonnes....
Singapore and New Zealand Strike ‘World First’ Supply-Chain Pact
Singapore and New Zealand have signed a landmark supply‑chain agreement, the first of its kind between two Pacific nations, to jointly develop secure pathways for critical minerals and high‑tech components. The pact includes a US$500 million joint investment fund, shared standards...
New Feasibility Study Launches to Explore the Future of Driverless Autonomous Freight in Teesside
Cenex and the International Centre for Digital Trade and Innovation have entered the UK Government’s CAM Pathfinder Feasibility Studies 2 competition with Project TACTIC, a six‑month study to build an investment‑ready business case for driverless freight between Teesport and Teesside...
Risk of Hormuz Transits Manageable versus Psychological Cost of Inaction
Maritime security firm 3iSea CEO Nicholas Davis warns that over 20,000 seafarers have been stranded in the Arabian Gulf for more than two months, and the psychological toll of inaction now outweighs the manageable risks of transiting the Strait of...
Rhenus Strengthens APAC Road Freight Offerings Amid High Demand
Rhenus Group announced a major expansion of its road‑freight network across the Asia‑Pacific region, adding cross‑border trucking capabilities and a new border office in Bukit Kayu Hitam, Malaysia. The move dovetails with the company’s multimodal strategy that blends road, air,...
World Rail Freight News Round-Up
Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern submitted an amended merger application that relies on 100 % actual traffic data from all six Class I railroads, a first in merger history. A Stop the Rail Merger Coalition, including major shippers, unions and competing railroads,...
Middle East Crisis Live: Iran Warns It Will Attack US Forces if They Enter Strait of Hormuz After Trump Says...
Iran’s unified military command warned that any U.S. forces entering the Strait of Hormuz will be attacked, intensifying a volatile regional standoff. President Donald Trump announced a U.S. naval effort involving guided‑missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft and roughly 15,000 service members...
TSMC Seeks Approval for Advanced Fab in Expanded Hsinchu Science Park
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) has filed for government approval to build an advanced wafer fab in the Longtan Campus of Hsinchu Science Park. The proposal, part of the park’s third‑phase expansion, targets "angstrom‑class" 0.1 nm process technology to meet rising...
PKP Cargo Terminale to Take Part in the European Cargo Experience
Polish state‑owned rail freight group PKP Cargo announced that its terminal arm, PKP Cargo Terminale, will speak at the European Cargo Experience in Gdańsk on May 6‑7. CEO Cezary Klimont will join Baltic Hub’s Jan Van Mossevelde in the opening ceremony,...
What FMCG Can Learn From Ferrari About Switching Lanes
FMCG supply chains face extreme pressure from high SKU counts, thin margins and rapid turnover, prompting firms to look for incremental improvements within the industry. Peter Jones of Prological Consulting argues that true step‑change innovation comes from borrowing ideas outside...
ACN Awards: Enter the Air Cargo Charter Project of the Year
The Air Cargo News (ACN) Awards are now accepting entries for the Air Cargo Charter Project of the Year, a category sponsored by Network Airline Services. Companies that completed a complex, customer‑focused charter shipment in the past 12 months may...
Kazakh Railways Starts Building Its Own Maritime Fleet
Kazakh Railways’ freight arm KTZ Express has placed orders for six new river‑sea vessels to operate across the Caspian and Black Seas. The ships, built by China’s Jiangsu Haizhongzhou Shipping Industry (four vessels) and Azerbaijan’s Baku Shipyard (two vessels), each...
SNCF Is Required to List Trains Operated by Competitors on the Connect Platform
The French Senate adopted a transport framework bill requiring SNCF Connect to list services from independent long‑distance operators, ending its exclusive control over digital ticket sales. The measure targets the rail ticket market’s fragmentation and aims to give passengers a fuller...
Primoco UAV Reports Strongest Q1 in Its History: Robust Performance, New Contracts and Infrastructure Expansion
Primoco UAV posted its strongest first‑quarter ever, generating roughly $4.5 million in revenue and $2.7 million EBITDA. The company now holds a $38 million backlog of 30 aircraft, including a rapid one‑month delivery to Spain’s Guardia Civil. It is expanding infrastructure with a new...
Schlam Expanding in Response to Global Opportunities
Load‑and‑haul attachment maker Schlam is expanding its global operating model by adding new bucket and ground‑engaging tool product lines and appointing a Chief Commercial Officer. The company will launch broader bucket ranges, high‑quality ground engaging tools and installation kits for...
GBRf and Maritime Seal New Deal
GB Railfreight and Maritime Transport have signed a new multi‑year agreement to operate intermodal rail services linking the UK’s major deep‑sea ports—Tilbury, London Gateway and Felixstowe—with Maritime’s inland distribution hubs. The contract extends a two‑decade partnership and underpins Maritime’s strategy...
Further Major Works Announced on the Transpennine Route
Network Rail will launch a two‑phase upgrade of the Huddersfield‑Leeds segment of the Transpennine route in May and June 2026. The works will renew 11.5 km of track, lay 50,000 tons of ballast, install over 100 electrification foundations, and extend platforms at...
Middle East Crisis Strains Cement Sector
Bangladesh’s cement sector faces a sharp output decline as the Middle East conflict disrupts imports of clinker and limestone, driving production costs up 30‑40%. A concurrent diesel shortage worsens logistics, while weak domestic demand prevents price passes. Output has fallen...
Vessel Attacks Continue in the Mideast Gulf
On 3 May, the UK Maritime Trade Operations reported three separate security incidents involving commercial vessels in the Middle East Gulf. A tanker north of Fujairah was struck by unknown projectiles, a bulk carrier near Sirik, Iran, was attacked by small...
Infios Launches New AI Capabilities Focused on Supply Chain Workflows
Infios unveiled a suite of AI agents that embed directly into supply‑chain workflows, spanning order management, warehousing and transportation. The agents automate tasks such as driver check‑calls, document parsing and inventory research, while dynamically rerouting shipments when disruptions occur. Customers...
Gulf LNG Export Woes Push Gas Prices up but Diversification Becomes Europe’s Energy Lifeline
The Middle East conflict halted roughly 80 mtpa of Gulf LNG exports, creating a supply shock that could have driven European gas prices sky‑high. Instead, Europe’s diversified fuel mix—new 40 mtpa of LNG capacity, over‑60% renewable penetration in Spain, and expanding battery...
UZ Cargo Poland Is Involved in the Development of the Middle Corridor
UZ Cargo Poland joined the Trans‑Caspian International Transport Corridor (TITR) working group on April 23‑24, signaling its commitment to shaping faster Asia‑Europe rail routes. The Warsaw‑registered firm offers a 48‑hour container service linking Georgian ports to Ukraine and integrates Black Sea...
Equinor Extends Drilling Agreements for Norwegian Continental Shelf
Equinor has extended key supplier agreements on the Norwegian continental shelf worth roughly NOK 17 billion (about $1.8 billion). The contracts with Baker Hughes Norge, Halliburton and SLB Norge cover integrated drilling and well services valued at NOK 8.3 billion (~$0.88 billion) and specialist framework agreements...
Taiwan Weighs Stricter Air Pollution Rules that Could Force Factory Shutdowns
Taiwan lawmakers have introduced draft amendments that would shorten air‑pollution permit validity to two years and require renewal reviews within two months, with non‑compliance potentially forcing factories to shut down. The proposal also empowers local governments to revise permit conditions...
Manufacturing Shrinks in April as Costs Surge on Mideast War
Indonesia's manufacturing sector contracted in April, with the PMI slipping to 49.1 from 50.1 in March, the first sub‑50 reading in nine months. The drop reflects surging raw‑material costs and supply disruptions tied to the Middle‑East conflict, leading to the...
Dutch Startup Intelic Sets up Drone Marketplace for European Militaries
Dutch defence‑tech startup Intelic has launched BASE, a European military drone marketplace that aggregates manufacturers from nine countries and lets ministries compare mission‑ready UAVs. The platform relies on Intelic’s Nexus command‑and‑control software to guarantee plug‑and‑play interoperability, aiming to slash procurement...
Kyodo News Digest: May 4, 2026
Japan and Australia announced a deepened partnership to secure critical minerals and energy supplies, issuing five joint outcome documents amid China’s rare‑earth dominance and Middle‑East tensions. Denso Corp. disclosed plans to develop a road‑embedded, wireless charging system for moving electric...
Australia–Japan Deal Targets Manufacturing Growth Through Critical Minerals Cooperation
Australia and Japan announced a deepened critical‑minerals partnership during a Canberra summit, earmarking up to $1.3 bn (about $860 m USD) in financing for joint projects. The deal expands the 2022 partnership, targeting on‑shore processing of gallium, nickel, graphite, rare earths and...
How to Think About Foreign Policy in the New Geoeconomic Era
Iran’s threats to the Strait of Hormuz are disrupting fuel, food and fertilizer supplies, risking acute hunger for 45 million people. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is urging a swift, toll‑free reopening, warning that tolls would undermine the law of the...
Average Distance of Global Seaborne Trade Has Increased by 10% During the Disruptive 2020s
Clarksons Research reports that the average haul of global seaborne trade rose 10% in the 2020s, reaching 5,262 nautical miles per tonne and generating 68 trillion tonne‑miles last year. The surge stems from expanding U.S. energy exports, Guinea’s bauxite shipments, and...