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Japanese Shipping Industry Begins Consideration of Donating a New Training Vessel to JMETS

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE)

Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line)

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL)

The Japanese Shipowners’ Association (JSA)

Recognising the critical importance of training and securing highly skilled Japanese seafarers to maintain and further develop maritime transport, which is a vital infrastructure for Japan’s economy and daily life, major Japanese ocean-going shipping companies, NYK Line (President: Takaya Soga, Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo), MOL (President: Takeshi Hashimoto, Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo), and “K” LINE (President: Takenori Igarashi, Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo), along with the Japanese Shipowners’ Association (JSA) (President: Hitoshi Nagasawa, Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo), have initiated concrete discussions regarding the donation of a large-sized training vessel to the Japan Agency of Maritime Education and Training for Seafarers (JMETS) from the Japanese ocean-going shipping industry.

As identified in the report by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)’s study group on JMETS’s medium-term strategy, JMETS has been facing various challenges such as an unstable financial foundation, fewer actual on-board training days due to escalating fuel costs, shortages of instructors and crew, and the issue of accommodating students with varying proficiency levels and qualification goals on the same training vessel. These factors make it challenging for JMETS to provide sufficient on-board training, and additionally JMETS is also facing the issue of aging training vessels and school buildings. Considering these circumstances affecting JMETS, our industry has decided to begin exploring the donation of a large-sized training vessel to actively support the steady progress of JMETS’s medium-term reforms based on MLIT’s study group report.

The first step will be to examine the concrete specifications for the training vessel and engage in discussions with shipyards, aiming for completion around 2030.

We sincerely hope that JMETS’s reforms will progress steadily based on the MLIT study group’s report, and that our donation of this training ship will contribute to the healthy and stable development of training and securing highly skilled Japanese seafarers.

Reference:

MLIT Study Group on the Future of JMETS (Japanese only):

https://www.mlit.go.jp/maritime/maritime_fr10_000040.html

Contact:

Public Relations Office, Planning Division, The Japanese Shipowners’ Association

Email: pub-office@jsanet.or.jp

Notes to Editors:

JMETS (Japan Agency of Maritime Education and Training for Seafarers) is Japan’s principal institution for seafarer education and training. It operates eight maritime schools and maintains a fleet of five large training vessels nationwide. – https://www.jmets.ac.jp/

“K” LINE Group Ship Management Company Receives MPA Safety@Sea Awards from Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) is pleased to announce that K MARINE SHIP MANAGEMENT PTE. LTD. (hereinafter “KMSM”), our in-house ship management company, received the “MPA Safety@Sea Awards” from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). The award recognizes the outstanding efforts of organizations and individuals who have contributed towards ensuring safer seas, and is presented across four distinct categories.

Award Ceremony (Photo Credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA))

From left:
Capt. Shoji Fukuda, Chief Executive Officer, KMSM and Mr. Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore

KMSM received the award in the “Outstanding Contribution to Search and Rescue Effort” category—an achievement attributed to the exemplary rescue operation performed in May 2024 by the M/T TONEGAWA, under KMSM`s management, in the Indian Ocean, which earned widespread acclaim. The vessel received a request for assistance in rescuing the crew of the fishing boat from MRCC Colombo (Maritime Rescue Coordination Center) and successfully rescued all six crew members.

The awards ceremony was held during the opening session of the International Safety@Sea Conference*1 on July 15, with Mr. Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive, MPA, in attendance.

The “K” LINE Group includes “providing safe and optimized services” as part of its corporate principle and vision. To fulfill its responsibilities to society through safe navigation, “K” LINE Group has established the following three policy pillars.*2

(1) Enhancing the management structure to ensure safety in navigation

(2) Strengthening the ship management structure

(3) Reinforcing the securing and training of maritime technical personnel

The “K” LINE Group will continue to work toward the realization of both social and economic value through excellence in safe navigation and transportation quality management, sustainable growth and increased corporate value by supporting the infrastructure of the global community as a partner trusted by all of its stakeholders.

*1 International Safety@Sea Conference:

The International Safety@Sea Conference is a key event held during the Safety@Sea Week, an annual initiative organized by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). It serves as a global platform to promote maritime safety and foster collaboration among international maritime professionals.

https://www.safetyatseaweek.gov.sg

*2 “K” LINE’s policy on promoting safe navigation:https://www.kline.co.jp/en/sustainability/social/safety.html

LNG-fueled Car Carrier “TETHYS HIGHWAY” with a 6,900-vehicle Capacity Delivered

A car carrier with a capacity of 6,900 vehicles has been delivered to Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) on July 18. The vessel is mainly fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and had been constructed by SHIN KURUSHIMA TOYOHASHI SHIPBUILDING CO., LTD.

A naming ceremony was held on the day of the delivery, and the vessel was named TETHYS HIGHWAY” (the “Vessel”) after a sea goddess from the Greek mythology by Mr. Tsuguo Fukumura, Senior Executive Officer of the shipper Isuzu Motors Limited.

TETHYS HIGHWAY

Using LNG fuel is expected to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas (GHG), by 25% to 30% and emissions of sulfur oxides (SOx), which cause air pollution, by almost 100% in comparison with conventional vessels using heavy fuel oil.

In “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050 -Blue Seas for the Future-*¹, it has set the 2030 interim target of improving CO2 emissions efficiency by 50% compared with 2008, surpassing the IMO target of a 40% improvement. Furthermore, it sets its new target for 2050 as “The Challenge of Achieving Net-Zero GHG Emissions.” As an action plan, it will continue to work on the introduction of new fuels which have a low environmental impact and take on the challenge of achieving the targets it has established. 

Vessel Particulars

Main Measure :  LOA 199.96 meters x Beam 38.00 meters x Depth 38.07 meters x Draft 9.00 meters

Gross Ton :  75,259 tons

Speed :  19.00 KTS

Class :   ClassNK

Flag :  Japan

Builder :  SHIN KURUSHIMA TOYOHASHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd.

*1 “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050: Blue Seas for the Future

Naming and Delivery Ceremony

As part of our action plan to reduce GHG, it is engaged in a number of initiatives, for instance introducing zero-emission fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen fuels, and carbon-neutral fuels such as bio-LNG and synthetic fuels.

https://www.kline.co.jp/ja/sustainability/environment/management.html

“K” LINE selected as a Constituent of FTSE4Good Index Series

“K” LINE selected as a Constituent of FTSE4Good Index Series, FTSE Blossom Japan Index and FTSE Blossom Sector Relative Index

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) has been selected as a constituent of the “FTSE4Good Index Series”, one of the leading global indices for ESG investing, for the fourth year straight and 21st time in total. “K” LINE has also been listed as a constituent of “FTSE Blossom Japan Index” for eight years in a row and “FTSE Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index for the fourth consecutive year respectively, since those indices were initially launched.

Created by the global index provider FTSE Russell (the trading name of FTSE International Limited and Frank Russell Company), the FTSE4Good Index Series is designed to measure the performance of companies demonstrating strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices, selecting 1,175 companies from developed countries including 278 Japanese companies, and 870 companies from emerging countries. On the other hand, FTSE Blossom Japan Index and FTSE Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index reflect the performance of Japanese companies that demonstrate strong ESG practices (405 companies and 683 companies are selected respectively out of 1,347 constituents of FTSE Japan All Cap Index). These indices have been adopted as a benchmark of ESG investing by Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF) in Japan. Those indices are used by a wide variety of market participants to create and assess responsible investment funds and other products.

The “K” LINE Group regards “sustainability management” as one of the key issues for achieving medium- to long-term enhancement of corporate value, and aims to create both economic and social values in a sustainable manner by striving to achieve both the continuous development of the Group and its contribution to a sustainable society. Going forward, the “K” LINE Group will continue to contribute to the resolution of social issues, including climate change, while pursuing growth opportunities and enhancing corporate value.

DACHSER drives from Ireland to the European continent

DACHSER is utilizing its customs expertise and its leading European groupage network to introduce the new ‘Smart Landbridge Connect’ service. As before Brexit, the logistics provider is now once again driving from Ireland across the British landbridge to continental Europe. Compared to ferry connections, this route offers more flexibility, shorter transit times and more frequent departures. This makes DACHSER the first major logistics provider to revive this Pre-Brexit service.

Smart Landbridge Connect utilises the UK landbridge, connecting Irish exporters with the EU market.

Following the launch of the Smart Border Connect customs service last year, which offers British exporters smoother access to the European market, DACHSER has found another way to speed up the flow of goods from the British Isles to continental Europe. The logistics provider is now introducing the new Smart Landbridge Connect service, which brings goods from Ireland to mainland Europe via the UK. It offers up to 40 weekly departures to destinations in 35 countries.

As the direct ferry connections between Irish ports and mainland Europe only allow limited capacity, the number of departures is restricted and severe weather frequently causes interruptions, access to the continental European markets has become much more difficult for Irish exporters. This is where DACHSER’s new transport service comes in, offering smoother connections for the transportation of goods. “By restoring a fast and efficient UK Landbridge option, DACHSER is creating a competitive advantage for Irish exporters,” says John Van Den Berg, Managing Director of DACHSER Ireland. “By utilising a simple T2 transit procedure, Irish trade can move seamlessly through the UK for onward connection through the Channel Tunnel, allowing Irish trade to reach European destinations more quickly and efficiently”, he adds.

High-quality-network

Irish customers will benefit from DACHSER’s high-quality groupage network, which annually handles over 77 million shipments through the logistics provider’s 220 own-operated branches across the continent. The reliability, transparency, and security of DACHSER’s in-house IT-systems and eLogistics platform offer peace of mind, particularly for Irish pharmaceutical and hazardous cargo shippers, as well as exporters in general. “Ultimately, it is our own network of offices in Ireland, the UK, and across continental Europe that enables us to provide the highest level of reassurance – something that is paramount to our customers,” concludes Van Den Berg.  

For more information about Smart Landbridge Connect, watch the video: https://www.dachser.ie/en/smart-landbridge-connect

About Dachser

Dachser, a family-owned company headquartered in Kempten, Germany, provides transport logistics, warehousing, and customized services in two business fields: Dachser Air & Sea Logistics and Dachser Road Logistics. The latter consists of two business lines: Dachser

European Logistics and Dachser Food Logistics. Comprehensive contract logistics services and industry-specific solutions round out the company’s range. A seamless shipping network—both in Europe and overseas—and fully integrated IT systems ensure intelligent logistics solutions worldwide.

Thanks to some 37,300 employees at 433 locations all over the globe, Dachser generated consolidated net revenue of approximately EUR 8 billion in 2024. The same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 83.2 million shipments with a tonnage of 44.1 million metric tons.  Country organizations represent Dachser in 43 countries. For more information about Dachser, please visit www.dachser.com

GEODIS launches a new fully digital sales channel

GEODIS has launched a fully digital sales channel in France, primarily intended for small and medium-size businesses. This platform is designed to simplify the purchase of logistics services.

Launched in early June, the new digital channel is now available directly from the www.geodis.com website. In just a few clicks, business customers can request a quote, pay for their order online and schedule a pickup for their goods. The order will then be integrated into the operational workflow and will benefit from the same high quality of service provided to all our existing customers.

Photo Credit :
Sebastien Ortola

First introduced in France, the online sales platform covers our core Express (next-day delivery) and Parcel (48-hour delivery) services, subject to certain weight and volume criteria (ranging from 1 kg to 3 pallets), with deliveries in mainland France and other European Union countries.

Laurent Melaine, Executive Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Communications at GEODIS, said: “The launch of this new online sales channel in France represents a key strategic milestone. By the end of the year, we plan to expand the service to include air and sea transport, allowing us to serve new markets. Our goal is to meet the everyday needs of small and medium-size businesses by offering a simplified purchasing process and delivery solutions that are perfectly tailored to their occasional requirements. This channel is designed to give these players a fully digital, agile experience, from requesting quotes to real-time tracking and proof of delivery.”

Accessible 24/7, regardless of branch office hours or operational constraints, the platform also supports secure online credit card payment.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com    

GEODIS is a leading global logistics provider acknowledged for its expertise across all aspects of the supply chain. As a growth partner to its clients, GEODIS specializes in four lines of business: Global Freight Forwarding, Global Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express Transport, and European Road Network. The Group operates a global network spanning nearly 170 countries and 50,000 employees. In 2024, GEODIS generated €11.3 billion in revenue. GEODIS is a company owned by SNCF group. 

GEODIS Announces Laura Ritchey as President & CEO of Americas Region

GEODIS, a world leader in transport and logistics, announced today the appointment of Laura Ritchey as President & CEO of the Americas region. Laura Ritchey will also serve as a member of the Group’s Executive Board, which is chaired by Marie-Christine Lombard, Chief Executive Officer of GEODIS.

Photo Credit : Laura Ritchey

As President & CEO of GEODIS in Americas, Laura Ritchey will oversee the management and growth of the region’s multiple business units across North and South America, including contract logistics, freight forwarding and transportation. Ritchey now leads the region’s nearly 20,000 teammates across eight countries, comprised of the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.

“With the U.S. being one of the top markets in our global network, Laura has the robust industry and leadership experience needed to continue strengthening GEODIS’ position in this critical region,” said Marie-Christine Lombard. “Laura’s unique knowledge of the logistics industry, including deep expertise in retail and e-commerce, and business acumen makes her the right leader to further the region’s incredible growth and help navigate in the face of today’s complex and ever-changing landscape.”

Laura Ritchey joins GEODIS with more than 30 years of experience, including 15 years in supply chain management for both retail and third-party logistics. She began her career in finance before shifting into supply chain operations, including sourcing, distribution and strategic transformation. Laura Ritchey was most recently CEO at Radial, Inc., a leader in e-commerce fulfillment solutions, where she delivered revenue growth and profitability through operational excellence.

Prior to joining Radial, Laura Ritchey held leadership positions at L Brands, FullBeauty Brands and Centric Brands. She is a board member for Goodwill Manasota in Florida and a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council, Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University. Ritchey earned her J.D., MBA and bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University. She is a certified public accountant and admitted to the bar in Ohio.

Laura Ritchey will succeed Mike Honious, who is retiring from the supply chain industry after 30 years (20 of those at GEODIS). Mike Honious will serve in an advisory capacity to Marie-Christine Lombard to assist in the transition and will continue to hold director roles with the GEODIS Foundation and GEODIS Compassion Fund.

To learn more about GEODIS, visit www.geodis.com.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com    

GEODIS is a leading global logistics provider acknowledged for its expertise across all aspects of the supply chain. As a growth partner to its clients, GEODIS specializes in four lines of business: Global Freight Forwarding, Global Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express Transport, and European Road Network. The Group operates a global network spanning nearly 170 countries and 50,000 employees. In 2024, GEODIS generated €11.3 billion in revenue. GEODIS is a company owned by SNCF group. 

GEODIS Completes the Transport and Float-Off of Three Floating Wind Foundations

GEODIS, a world leader in transport and logistics, has successfully completed a major operation in partnership with Eiffage Metal for the transport and float-off of three floating substructures of 2,500 tons. Designed by Principle Power, the turbine foundations are part of the “Les Éoliennes Flottantes du Golfe du Lion” (EFGL) pilot project, one of the largest floating offshore wind farms in the world.

This large-scale operation was managed by a dedicated GEODIS team, onsite between the end of April and early June 2025. The complex move took place within the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille (GPMM), from the Eiffage Darsette site to the Carfos terminal in Fos-sur-Mer (France).

Photo Credit : GEODIS

The project required an extensive engineering phase, including the design of grillage and sea fastening systems, precise ballasting calculations, and close coordination with local port authorities. High environmental and safety standards were also applied throughout the process.

To execute the float-offs, GEODIS mobilized a semi-submersible barge, specifically selected for its suitability. The process involved a carefully sequenced ballasting operation to ground the barge and allow the floaters to be safely launched into the water. Despite strict weather requirements, the float-offs were conducted efficiently and without incident.

Nicolas Bonnier, Global Manager Offshore Wind Solution, Project Logistics at GEODIS, commented:

The EFGL project, with 30 MW of capacity, represents nearly 10% of the operational floating wind turbines currently installed worldwide, so we are very proud to have contributed to its success. Also, GEODIS’ seamless execution of two consecutive float-offs within six days highlights the potential scalability and industrial feasibility of commercial size floating wind energy projects.”

The success of the project, GEODIS’ first in floating offshore wind, marks a key milestone and reinforces the Group’s strategic commitment to strengthening its position in this emerging sector. Building on this experience, GEODIS will continue to develop innovative, tailor-made solutions specifically designed to meet the unique requirements of future commercial-scale projects.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com

GEODIS is a leading global logistics provider acknowledged for its expertise across all aspects of the supply chain. As a growth partner to its clients, GEODIS specializes in four lines of business: Global Freight Forwarding, Global Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express Transport, and European Road Network. The Group operates a global network spanning nearly 170 countries and 50,000 employees. In 2024, GEODIS generated €11.3 billion in revenue. GEODIS is a company owned by SNCF group.

GEODIS Completes the Transport and Float-Off

of Three Floating Wind Foundations

GEODIS, a world leader in transport and logistics, has successfully completed a major operation in partnership with Eiffage Metal for the transport and float-off of three floating substructures of 2,500 tons. Designed by Principle Power, the turbine foundations are part of the “Les Éoliennes Flottantes du Golfe du Lion” (EFGL) pilot project, one of the largest floating offshore wind farms in the world.

This large-scale operation was managed by a dedicated GEODIS team, onsite between the end of April and early June 2025. The complex move took place within the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille (GPMM), from the Eiffage Darsette site to the Carfos terminal in Fos-sur-Mer (France).

The project required an extensive engineering phase, including the design of grillage and sea fastening systems, precise ballasting calculations, and close coordination with local port authorities. High environmental and safety standards were also applied throughout the process.

To execute the float-offs, GEODIS mobilized a semi-submersible barge, specifically selected for its suitability. The process involved a carefully sequenced ballasting operation to ground the barge and allow the floaters to be safely launched into the water. Despite strict weather requirements, the float-offs were conducted efficiently and without incident.

Nicolas Bonnier, Global Manager Offshore Wind Solution, Project Logistics at GEODIS, commented:

The EFGL project, with 30 MW of capacity, represents nearly 10% of the operational floating wind turbines currently installed worldwide, so we are very proud to have contributed to its success. Also, GEODIS’ seamless execution of two consecutive float-offs within six days highlights the potential scalability and industrial feasibility of commercial size floating wind energy projects.”

The success of the project, GEODIS’ first in floating offshore wind, marks a key milestone and reinforces the Group’s strategic commitment to strengthening its position in this emerging sector. Building on this experience, GEODIS will continue to develop innovative, tailor-made solutions specifically designed to meet the unique requirements of future commercial-scale projects.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com

GEODIS is a leading global logistics provider acknowledged for its expertise across all aspects of the supply chain. As a growth partner to its clients, GEODIS specializes in four lines of business: Global Freight Forwarding, Global Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express Transport, and European Road Network. The Group operates a global network spanning nearly 170 countries and 50,000 employees. In 2024, GEODIS generated €11.3 billion in revenue. GEODIS is a company owned by SNCF group.

“K” LINE starts use of Bio-LNG fuel for Car Carrier

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) is pleased to announce its first use of bio-LNG fuel supplied by Shell Western LNG B.V. (Shell) to the car carrier “OCEANUS HIGHWAY”.

The vessel received 500 tons of bio-LNG from Shell at the Belgium port of Zeebrugge on June 16, 2025.

The bio-LNG fuel (liquefied bio methane, LBM), derived from renewable organic waste and residue, is ISCC-EU*1 certified to have a carbon intensity of less than zero on a lifecycle basis*2, from fuel production to consumption.

Bio-LNG is a drop-in solution that is fully compatible with existing LNG infrastructure, making it an effective means of decarbonization for the shipping industry.

“OCEANUS HIGHWAY” using Bio LNG

Dexter Belmar, Vice President of Shell Downstream LNG said: “Bio-LNG is a scalable solution we can use today. It is great for Shell to collaborate with key shipping players like “K” LINE that are taking the lead in the adoption of bio-LNG. Together, we’re helping to build industry-wide momentum in the transition to renewable fuels. Bio-LNG’s increasing availability and commercial viability gives our customers confidence that their dual-fuel LNG fleets are ready to further reduce emissions.”

Hiroto Arai, the General Manager of the “K” LINE Environmental/Technical Strategy Group said, “Our goal is to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in maritime transport is one of our top priorities. Our beginning to use bio-LNG fuel is a significant step towards our net-zero GHG emissions goal. Additionally, we feel that our partnership with Shell, a leading global energy company, puts us in a position where we will be able to substantially impact the shipping industry’s transition to renewable fuels. We will continue to work diligently on the introduction of renewable fuels to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.”

In “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050: Blue Seas for the Future,*3 we have set a 2030 interim target of improving CO2 emission efficiency by 50% from 2008, surpassing the IMO target of a 40% improvement. Furthermore, we have set our new target for 2050, net-zero GHG emissions. As an action plan, we will continue to work to introduce new low environmental-impact fuels and take on the challenge of achieving the targets we have set.

*1  International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC)-EU of sustainable maritime fuel ensures the sustainability of feedstock production, the full end-to-end traceability of sustainable products through the supply chain, and the verified reduction of life cycle emissions in accordance with the EU’s RED II.

*2 The certified life cycle carbon intensity of less than zero is based on a methodology that includes avoided CO2e emissions from improved agricultural practices in line with RED II. *3 “K” LINE Environmental Vision 205: Blue Seas for the Future
As an action plan for GHG reduction, we are introducing zero-emission fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen fuels, as well as carbon-neutral fuels such as bio-LNG and synthetic fuels. https://www.kline.co.jp/en/sustainability/environment/management.html

DACHSER names new management for European Logistics Germany and European Logistics North Central Europe

DACHSER European Logistics hands over to a new generation

DACHSER has named Claus Wetzel (44) as the new head of its European Logistics Germany business unit, effective January 1, 2026. He succeeds Andreas Fritsch (63), who has overseen DACHSER’s transport and storage business for industrial and consumer goods in Germany since January 1, 2023.


The European Logistics North Central Europe business unit will be headed by Florian Zehetleitner (46) as of January 1, 2026. He succeeds Wolfgang Reinel (62), who has been responsible for the business unit since 2014.

DACHSER has named Claus Wetzel (44, left) as the new head of its European Logistics Germany business unit, effective January 1, 2026. The European Logistics North Central Europe business unit will be headed by Florian Zehetleitner (46, right) as of January 1, 2026

As Managing Director, Claus Wetzel will oversee the business development of European Logistics Germany’s 41 branches. He joined DACHSER in November 2019 as Head of Operations for European Logistics Germany, where he was responsible for the development of uniform productivity and quality standards across all German branches. Before joining DACHSER, Wetzel worked for many years at the Raben Group, where one of his tasks was to establish and develop a dedicated network for groupage logistics in Germany. With a degree in business administration, Wetzel has over 20 years of experience in the logistics and freight forwarding industry, which he acquired in positions at P&O Ferrymasters and the Rhenania Group, among others.

In his new position, Wetzel will report to DACHSER’s COO Road Logistics, Alexander Tonn. “The entrepreneurship of our branches is the foundation of DACHSER’s success. Claus Wetzel knows the strength and full scope of our network, which is designed for sustainable growth. Working closely with Andreas Fritsch, he has spent the last few years acquiring the necessary skills to drive the targeted development of our German business and to continue the value-driven growth in our home market,” Tonn says.

Leadership change in the North Central Europe business unit

Florian Zehetleitner will take over management of the European Logistics North Central Europe (NCE) business unit on January 1, 2026. In the run-up to this change, he has stepped into the newly created position of Deputy Managing Director. There, with support from Wolfgang Reinel, he is preparing to take on responsibility for DACHSER’s European Logistics business in Switzerland, Austria, Poland, and the Czech Republic, as well as in the Benelux, Nordics, Southeast Europe, and UK/Ireland regions. Zehetleitner currently heads the Interlocking Recharged strategic focus program at DACHSER. In this role, he develops and drives forward the synchronization of the Road Logistics and Air & Sea Logistics business fields. This enables the company to offer globally integrated, end-to-end logistics solutions that are optimally tailored to the customer.

Before joining DACHSER in 2021, Zehetleitner gained experience in various functions at different companies, including Panalpina. Most recently, he managed the groupage and contract logistics business at BEXity Group Austria as Managing Director Operations & Sales. A business graduate and native of Allgäu, Germany, Zehetleitner began his professional career in the logistics industry back in 2001 as an apprentice at the DACHSER branch in Memmingen.

“Florian Zehetleitner is an internationally experienced logistics manager who will further develop and deepen cooperation with our Air & Sea Logistics business field at the European level. He will be instrumental in helping us further mine the potential offered by integrated groupage solutions to and from Europe,” Tonn explains.

As part of this generational change in management, Fritsch and Reinel will gradually step back from their operational activities, but they will continue to provide the company with the benefit of their experience in an advisory capacity. “The thoroughly prepared handover at the top of our European Logistics Germany and European Logistics North Central Europe business units reflects the targeted and long-term approach we take to developing managers from within our own ranks,” says Burkhard Eling, DACHSER CEO. “Andreas Fritsch and Wolfgang Reinel both provide a stabilizing influence while at the same time driving growth. They have played key roles in DACHSER’s dynamic and sustainable business development in Germany and Europe. Thanks to their leadership, our domestic market and European overland transport are the main pillars of our business model. In their long careers, both have had a lasting impact on our company and have always been committed to the further development of DACHSER as a whole.”