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DHL Supply Chain has begun construction on a new European Battery Logistics Hub in Holtum, Limburg, to enhance battery and energy storage logistics across Europe. The facility will provide 17,000 square meters of dedicated space for the storage and handling of high-voltage batteries and will be adjacent to DHL Supply Chain’s existing automotive logistics site in Holtum. Together, these facilities will create an integrated logistics campus that supports electric mobility and energy systems throughout Europe. The hub is set to open in early 2027. This new facility will manage batteries for electric vehicles as well as battery energy storage systems, including applications for home energy storage and solar solutions.
With increasing demand for electric mobility and decentralized energy systems in Europe, DHL Supply Chain is seeing heightened interest from automotive, industrial, and energy customers seeking safe and scalable battery logistics solutions.
Located in the Netherlands, Holtum is expected to become a key gateway for EV and energy storage logistics, serving markets in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and neighboring areas. Rainer Haag, CEO of DHL Supply Chain Europe, said, “By expanding our battery logistics in Holtum and closely linking it with our existing automotive expertise, we’re creating a one-stop shop solution for the EV sector. This investment supports DHL Group Strategy 2030, where New Energy is a major growth driver for our business across Europe.” The Holtum campus is well-located with easy access to major European transport routes, including direct connections to key motorways linking the Benelux region and Germany. The site is also near a container and barge terminal on the Juliana Canal, offering more transport options that enhance supply chain efficiency, resilience, and sustainability for customers in Europe. This initiative is part of DHL Group’s Strategy 2030, aimed at supporting customers in rapidly growing sectors, including electric mobility, renewable energy, and circular supply chains.
As New Energy emerges as a key growth area, DHL Supply Chain continues to invest in specialized infrastructure and services to help customers grow sustainably across Europe. John Scherders, CEO of DHL Supply Chain Benelux, commented, “By connecting the new battery operation with our existing automotive and spare parts facility, we are establishing a center of excellence that allows us to provide seamless logistics and technical services for electric mobility and energy storage customers throughout Europe.”
The Holtum campus benefits from excellent connectivity to European transport corridors, with direct access to major motorways linking the Benelux and Germany, as well as proximity to a nearby container and barge terminal on the Juliana Canal. This waterborne connection further enhances the site's ability to support efficient and resilient supply chains, offering customers additional options for sustainable European distribution.
The project forms part of DHL Group Strategy 2030, which focuses on supporting customers in growth sectors such as electric mobility, renewable energy and circular supply chains. With New Energy identified as a key driver of future growth, DHL Supply Chain continues to invest in specialized infrastructure and services that enable customers to scale sustainably across Europe.
For more such news and updates, visit:- CARGOCONNECT.
DHL Supply Chain has begun construction on a new European Battery Logistics Hub in Holtum, Limburg, to enhance battery and energy storage logistics across Europe. The facility will provide 17,000 square meters of dedicated space for the storage and handling of high-voltage batteries and will be adjacent to DHL Supply Chain’s existing automotive logistics site in Holtum. Together, these facilities will create an integrated logistics campus that supports electric mobility and energy systems throughout Europe. The hub is set to open in early 2027. This new facility will manage batteries for electric vehicles as well as battery energy storage systems, including applications for home energy storage and solar solutions. With increasing demand for electric mobility and decentralized energy systems in Europe, DHL Supply Chain is seeing heightened interest from automotive, industrial, and energy customers seeking safe and scalable battery logistics solutions. Located in the Netherlands, Holtum is expected to become a key gateway for EV and energy storage logistics, serving markets in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and neighboring areas. Rainer Haag, CEO of DHL Supply Chain Europe, said, “By expanding our battery logistics in Holtum and closely linking it with our existing automotive expertise, we’re creating a one-stop shop solution for the EV sector. This investment supports DHL Group Strategy 2030, where New Energy is a major growth driver for our business across Europe.” The Holtum campus is well-located with easy access to major European transport routes, including direct connections to key motorways linking the Benelux region and Germany. The site is also near a container and barge terminal on the Juliana Canal, offering more transport options that enhance supply chain efficiency, resilience, and sustainability for customers in Europe. This initiative is part of DHL Group’s Strategy 2030, aimed at supporting customers in rapidly growing sectors, including electric mobility, renewable energy, and circular supply chains. As New Energy emerges as a key growth area, DHL Supply Chain continues to invest in specialized infrastructure and services to help customers grow sustainably across Europe. John Scherders, CEO of DHL Supply Chain Benelux, commented, “By connecting the new battery operation with our existing automotive and spare parts facility, we are establishing a center of excellence that allows us to provide seamless logistics and technical services for electric mobility and energy storage customers throughout Europe.” The Holtum campus benefits from excellent connectivity to European transport corridors, with direct access to major motorways linking the Benelux and Germany, as well as proximity to a nearby container and barge terminal on the Juliana Canal. This waterborne connection further enhances the site's ability to support efficient and resilient supply chains, offering customers additional options for sustainable European distribution. The project forms part of DHL Group Strategy 2030, which focuses on supporting customers in growth sectors such as electric mobility, renewable energy and circular supply chains. With New Energy identified as a key driver of future growth, DHL Supply Chain continues to invest in specialized infrastructure and services that enable customers to scale sustainably across Europe. For more such news and updates, visit:- CARGOCONNECT.
India’s maritime trade is poised for a significant boost as roadway cargo traffic from the Vizhinjam International Seaport is set to commence in January. According to project officials, trial runs involving 40-foot equivalent container trailers carrying dummy cargo have already started, aiming to evaluate the interim road network connecting the port site to NH 66. The temporary route employs a service road and a vehicular underpass, facilitating the movement of cargo until the primary approach road is fully constructed. Round-the-clock construction efforts are on track to complete the necessary infrastructure by December. Global Shipping Giant MSC Elevates Port's Status Vizhinjam port has gained considerable attention from manufacturers and traders, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, following its inclusion in MSC's Jade and Dragon services. This makes Vizhinjam India’s only port with direct trade links to Europe and Southeast Asia, significantly enhancing the country’s maritime connectivity. “There is massive demand from regional manufacturers to use Vizhinjam for import and export operations,” stated an official from Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL). “We are working closely with the Adani Group to ensure roadway cargo traffic and customs facilities are operational by next month.” Industry Concerns Over Infrastructure Despite these developments, stakeholders have raised concerns about the sufficiency of road connectivity for large-scale logistics. Calls are mounting for a temporary container rail terminal at Nemom or Balaramapuram. In response, the state government has allocated ₹206 crore for the construction of a permanent container yard near Balaramapuram railway station. Meetings with the Railways and NHAI are planned to address these infrastructure demands, including a cloverleaf intersection at Thalakode for seamless highway connectivity. Inaugural Preparations Underway Currently handling transshipment operations, Vizhinjam International Seaport is gearing up for its official inauguration. The state government has asked VISL to prepare a draft invitation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to grace the event early next year. The developments at Vizhinjam underline Kerala's growing role in India's maritime trade and the strategic importance of aligning infrastructure and policy to meet the rising demands of global logistics. Source: The Times of India (TOI)
Dubai’s Sharaf Group has announced ambitious plans to expand its investments in India’s logistics, infrastructure, and food segments, capitalising on the country’s evolving business-friendly climate. Speaking at the UAE-India Economic Forum, Salah Sharaf, Group Executive Director of Sharaf Group, highlighted the company’s long-term strategy to enhance its presence in these key sectors over the next few years. Sharaf Group has been actively involved in India’s logistics and railway sectors for several years, with operations in five logistics parks across the country. According to Salah Sharaf, the company is now looking to diversify and expand its logistics operations to ten more cities, seeing vast potential in India’s infrastructure landscape. “The two infrastructure-related fields will be the next areas of focus for the group,” he said, noting the significant room for development within the country’s logistics and infrastructure sectors. Sharaf emphasised the need for enhanced infrastructure in India, pointing out existing inefficiencies that present opportunities for growth. “Although the country has evolved, it still has insufficient means,” Sharaf noted, adding that these challenges are precisely where Sharaf Group sees the greatest potential for expansion. Beyond logistics and infrastructure, the Sharaf Group is setting its sights on the food industry, particularly in light of the growing UAE-India partnership on food security. This sector is seen as a strategic investment opportunity aligning with food security commitments made by both nations. Salah Sharaf announced that the company has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to participate in the World Food India exhibition, an event that aims to foster partnerships within the food sector. The strengthened UAE-India relations have been a driving factor behind Sharaf Group’s investment plans, bolstered by high-level diplomatic exchanges between the two countries. Sharaf praised the Indian government for its recent reforms, which have significantly reduced bureaucratic barriers that once deterred foreign direct investment (FDI). “The Indian government’s stance on foreign investment has changed 180 degrees from what it was nearly a decade ago,” he said, expressing optimism about the more favorable investment climate. Sharaf Group’s focus on food security also aligns with the UAE’s growing interest in securing its food supply chain. Vice-Chairman Sharafuddin Sharaf noted the importance of the World Food India exhibition in enhancing cooperation between the two nations. “Being a partner in the World Food India exhibition shows how vital the food sector is in the relationship between the two countries,” he stated, adding that India’s positive stance toward FDI has been a significant factor in attracting foreign investors. The Group’s expansion plans are a testament to the Indian government’s efforts to make the country an attractive destination for foreign investment, particularly in logistics, infrastructure, and food security. Both Salah and Sharafuddin Sharaf expressed optimism about their investments in India, crediting recent policy reforms for creating a more conducive environment for foreign investors.
