EU common charger rules

At last, the EU has standardised charging ports for mobile phones and other portable electronic devices with all new devices sold in the EU now required to support USB-C charging. As well as being more convenient for users, it is estimated that it will reduce waste with around 11,000 tonnes of e-waste being attributed to discarded chargers.  It will also …

Houthi attacks to stop in the Red Sea

According to a report in The Loadstar, the Houthis in Yemen have confirmed that they will stop attacking vessels in the Red Sea, other than those owned by Israeli companies or sailing under the Israeli flag.  The report says that the group has extorted over $2bn in ransom payoffs since the attacks began. It would, however, resume attacks on UK …

Possible 100% tax on Spanish homes

The Spanish government is reported to be planning to impose a 100% tax on non-residents, from outside the EU, buying homes in the country.  The country’s prime minister, Pedron Sánchez, has said that this is to prevent non-residents from buying property in Spain to let.  This has caused a shortage of property for sale in the country. It is not …

EU rules to improve Gender Balance on boards

The EU’s Gender Balance on Corporate Boards Directive, intended to create a more balanced gender representation on the boards of listed companies across all EU Member States, is set to come into force on 30 June, 2026.The Directive sets a target for EU large listed companies of 40% of the underrepresented sex among their non-executive directors and 33% among all …

New road tunnel in London

Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed that the new Silvertown Tunnel will open on 7 April, 2025. The new tunnel, close to the existing Blackwall Tunnel, is expected to increase capacity in the area by up to 30,000 vehicles a day. Controversially, TfL is imposing a toll on both tunnels to cover the costs.  HGVs will be charged up to …

Change to the issuing of ECMT Permits

The Department of Transport in the UK has advised that in 2026 the process of issuing ECMT Permits will be going digital.  The ECMT permits travel to or through European Conference of Ministers of Transport member countries.  From 2026, operators will no longer require a paper permit or logbook. Instead, they will receive a QR code and will be able …

Christy Lewis appointed GM at Atlas

Atlas World Group International has announced that it has appointed Christy Lewis to the position of vice president, general manager. Christy joined the Atlas team as director of commercial operations in July 2019. “Christy brings many years of leadership experience to the general manager role both from her prior positions outside of Atlas and her five and a half years overseeing …

Atlas Canada acquires Orbit Brokers

Atlas Canada has announce that it has acquired Orbit Brokers, a family-owned provider of customs brokerage services founded in 1988. This strategic acquisition, effective January 1, 2025, will enhance Atlas Canada’s ability to provide customs clearance for its clients across Canada and the United States. “We are thrilled to announce that Orbit Brokers has been acquired by Atlas Van Lines,” …