Global logistics news roundup: Maersk, Raft
Maersk first with green-fuel containership
Maersk has taken delivery of the world’s first containership powered by green methanol, reports Port Technology International.
The vessel, named HMD Hull #4168, was built by Hyundai Mipo Dockyard and Hyundai Heavy Industries, both based in South Korea.
The containership’s maiden voyage towards Copenhagen, Denmark. Maersk said on Twitter that the delivery was “a significant step towards realising our commitment to becoming carbon neutral”.
The company has also placed an order for six mid-sized containerships, each with dual-fuel engines that can run on green methanol.
These will be built by the China-based Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group, and are slated to be delivered between 2026-27.
Rabab Boulos, Chief Infrastructure Officer at Maersk, said: “With this order, we take another step in the green transformation of our fleet and towards our target of becoming net-zero in 2040."
British PM Sunak backs UK logistics recruitment drive
A UK-based programme to promote logistics as a career choice has been backed by British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak.
Speaking to an audience of young people considering a career in logistics, Sunak said the industry is “mission critical to how we live our lives”, that it was “the lifeblood of our economy” and that “nothing happens without logistic people”.
Sunak’s address was part of Generation Logistics, an industry-led and government-backed initiative to increase awareness around logistics and help recruit the next generation of logistics talent.
Launched in August 2022, it is a collaboration between 40 logistics companies and trade associations, and is managed by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK and business group Logistics UK.
Bethany Windsor, Programme Manager of Generation Logistics, said: “Generation Logistics is speaking directly to the next generation of logistics professionals by promoting real people, doing real jobs, with real passion.
“Encouraging young people into the sector is critical and there can be no higher endorsement of the profession than the Prime Minister.”
Raft freight forwarding secures $30m funding
Freight forwarding platform Raft has closed a $30m Series B funding round, as the company continues to build its automation solutions around warehousing and booking confirmations.
Founded in 2017, Raft helps logistics companies leverage AI to drive customer interactions.
The company – which has offices in the UK, India and the US – also offers customer-facing solutions, with a shipment portal that allows customers to share internal and third-party data with end customers.
Raft CEO and Co-founder James Coombes says: “We recognized early on the pain points around accounts payable reconciliation and customs entry preparation, and we’ve since grown the product to help automate areas such as warehousing, booking confirmations, and more.”
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