All Insight articles
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ArticleThe Internationalist: Riccardo Tippmann
Justin Archard sits down with Riccardo Tippmann in Dubai to reflect on a 50-year career in heavy lift and transport – from Cold War convoys and oil booms to the parbuckling of Costa Concordia – and why, at 68, he’s still not ready to stop.
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ArticleContainer lines build on niche opportunities
As global trade routes shift and container markets face oversupply and uncertainty, leading shipping lines are turning to project cargo, breakbulk, and out-of-gauge (OOG) shipments as a strategic growth area—investing in specialised equipment, sustainability, and service expertise to support complex logistics demands. Mike Bryant reports.
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ArticleRo-ro shipping lines face up to challenges
After years of tight capacity and high rates, the global ro-ro shipping market is entering a new phase marked by rising vessel deliveries, growing competition and weakening demand – particularly for electric vehicles. Mike Bryant reports.
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ArticleTrump’s trade agenda hits headwinds
A battle over tariffs and a legislative push to dismantle clean energy incentives have set the stage for a turbulent summer in Washington. While a US trade court initially struck down president Donald Trump’s sweeping import tariffs, an appeals court swiftly issued a temporary reprieve. At the same time, Congress narrowly passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which could unravel the very tax credits underpinning America’s renewable energy boom – with far-reaching implications for global supply chains and infrastructure investment.
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ArticleSpace race: responding to the surge
With the surge in oversized cargo driven by Spain and Portugal’s accelerating investment in offshore wind, green hydrogen and industrial projects, ports across the Iberian Peninsula are racing to expand capacity and unlock new logistics potential. Daniel Searle reports on how the region is preparing to move the energy transition, piece by piece.
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ArticleUS offshore wind determined despite federal opposition
A resolute sense of determination was very much in the air at the Oceanic Network IPF25 offshore wind (OSW) conference in Virginia on April 28 to May 1. To be sure the hot topic of conversation was several directives out of the White House in previous weeks and months targeting offshore wind development in general and one project off New York in particular. Nevertheless, there was confidence that offshore wind has already become essential if the USA is to meet its soaring demand for power.
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ArticleGeopolitics casts a shadow over buoyant civil sector
Worldwide requirements for upgraded basic infrastructure, notably transport systems and public utilities, will continue driving long-term demand for new civil engineering projects. Shorter-term, though, geopolitical issues, notably repercussions from new USA-led international trade tariffs and the war in Ukraine, are likely to harm the sector. Phil Hastings reports.
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ArticlePDB approach reshapes project logistics involvement in civil sector
One of the more significant long-term trends in the global civil engineering sector, particularly relevant to project logistics providers, is the growing adoption of progressive design-build (PDB). This project delivery method promotes early collaboration between the design and construction phases to help mitigate delays and cost overruns. The shift is broadly welcomed by logisticians, who have long advocated for earlier and closer coordination across project stakeholders, writes Phil Hastings.
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ArticleNavigating the heights of Austria and Switzerland
The mountainous terrain of Austria and Switzerland presents both opportunities and challenges for project logistics. Hydropower remains a cornerstone of the energy landscape, with companies specialising in the transport of oversized components for domestic and international projects. However, the management of complex multimodal transport solutions to stringent regulatory requirements and evolving economic landscapes are posing questions of project forwarders. Daniel Searle reports.
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ArticleA brief reprieve
On April 9, just hours after announcing reciprocal tariffs on all countries, US president Donald Trump abruptly backtracked, suspending their implementation for 90 days. However, China was not spared: its tariff was increased to 125 percent. The baseline 10 percent tariffs on all countries, introduced on April 5 – dubbed ‘Liberation Day’ – remain in effect. Additionally, 25 percent duties on autos and steel are still in place.
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ArticleFair winds and following seas…
As Shipping Days 2025 approaches, industry leaders are set to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in maritime and logistics, from the energy transition and digitalisation to the future of shortsea shipping. With a focus on France’s renewable marine energies and port infrastructure, Atlantic Port La Rochelle is positioning itself at the heart of the country’s offshore wind ambitions. Meanwhile, shifting market dynamics in project logistics are creating fresh opportunities both at home and abroad.
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ArticleModularisation raises the bar for project logistics
With rapid development of export terminals and the new US administration keen to boost oil and gas exploration, the immediate future is looking bright for LNG. But how long can the boom last? Ian Putzger reports.
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ArticleNigeria rises as a powerhouse for project logistics
With a surge of infrastructure and energy projects under way, Nigeria is emerging as a powerhouse for project logistics in Africa. As currency stability improves and foreign investment returns, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of rising volumes and fresh opportunities, writes Megan Ramsay.
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ArticleAfrican logisticians prepare for continental boom
Africa is a key frontier market for the project logistics sector with major investments across energy, mining, infrastructure and manufacturing. From oil and gas expansion in the west to renewable energy growth in the north and east, the continent presents vast – albeit complex – opportunities for the sector.
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ArticleJoint ventures and big ambitions
Breakbulk Middle East 2025 wrapped up in mid-February, with much of the discussion centred on navigating regional tensions while capitalising on the significant opportunities available in the Middle East for the heavy lift and project forwarding sector. In recent years, joint ventures (JVs) have become a key strategy for companies looking to establish or expand their foothold in the market.
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ArticleUpstream demands stretch heavy lift capacity
Recent capital expenditure figures and projected investment levels suggest that demand for new upstream oil and gas projects will remain strong through 2030 and beyond. The uptick is driving demand for sophisticated project logistics solutions across multiple markets.
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ArticleKokkola reinvents as Finnish renewable energy hub
Once reliant on Russian transit traffic, the Finnish port of Kokkola has transformed into a key logistics hub for wind, solar, and battery industries. By expanding storage space and upgrading infrastructure, the port is positioning itself at the heart of Finland’s renewable energy market.
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ArticleThe logistics challenges behind SuedOstLink
One of Europe’s largest infrastructure projects, SuedOstLink, is reshaping Germany’s power grid, transporting renewable energy across the country. But behind the cables and substations lies a complex web of project logistics, requiring dynamic route planning, bespoke infrastructure, and strategic staging to keep the energy flowing.
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ArticleCombi Lift completes transport of Miami cruise port boarding bridges
In September and October 2024, Combi Lift successfully transported four fully assembled cruiseship passenger boarding bridges from Barcelona to Miami, overcoming multiple challenges. Megan Ramsay spoke with the teams involved to learn more on what was a vastly challenging project.
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ArticleWind propulsion gains foothold in project market
Wind-assisted propulsion technologies are having a moment in the spotlight and are an increasingly viable means of addressing the ever-tightening regulatory net that surrounds the marine transport sector.