Gian Carlo Alessi to Preside over Logistics Cluster Region Basel Starting 2024

The regional logistics industry gathered for the annual forum of the Logistics Cluster Region Basel organized by the Chamber of Commerce of both Basels. Around 150 logistics professionals from companies, associations, politics, and authorities exchanged ideas on sustainability in logistics. Gian Carlo Alessi will lead the association starting in 2024. For the first time, a public award for sustainability was presented for projects from the Basel region. The winner was Felix Transport AG from Arlesheim.

(Basel/Münchenstein) “Logistics in Transition – Sustainability in Practice” was the motto of this year’s Logistics Cluster Forum. Around 150 logistics professionals from companies, associations, politics, and authorities discussed green logistics last night. “Sustainability and decarbonization will play an increasingly important role in the future. We must establish new solutions for a sustainable future in the logistics industry together today,” emphasized Martin Dätwyler, Director of the Chamber of Commerce of both Basels at the outset. Innovative ideas and proven best practice examples illustrated that sustainability is no longer just a buzzword but a constant in daily business operations.

Jürg Meier, Senior Vice President Global Head of Quality & Sustainability at Kühne+Nagel Management AG, provided an impressive insight into the activities of the industry leader to reduce its CO₂ emissions in his keynote speech: “As a pioneer in the industry, we have set two important goals for a carbon-free future: the compensation of direct and unavoidable CO₂ emissions starting in 2020 and the improvement of the CO₂ footprint in the transports of our customers and suppliers.”

Kaspar Sutter, member of the Basel-Stadt government and head of the Department of Economic Affairs, Social Affairs, and Environment (WSU), addresses the participants

10 Sustainability Projects Submitted

“The regional transport and logistics industry is already investing intensively in projects to achieve sustainability goals. However, these measures are still not receiving enough attention outside the direct customer base,” emphasized Gian Alessi, Managing Director of Lamprecht Pharma Logistics AG and designated President of the Logistics Cluster Region Basel. The Logistics Cluster aims to change this and invited leading players in the industry to present their projects aimed at achieving sustainability goals at the forum.

Ten companies responded to the call. They all took the opportunity to present their projects, share their experiences, and initiate new collaborations. The submitted examples cover all three dimensions – ecological, economic, and social goals – of sustainability. “The logistics and transport industry, as a leading sector of our economic location, is taking its responsibility seriously and making a significant contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We are making this commitment visible,” said Deborah Strub, Chair of the Executive Committee of the Logistics Cluster, impressed.

Felix Transport Wins Public Award

Among the submitted examples, the Logistics Cluster awarded a public prize for the first time. The efforts of Felix Transport AG for greater sustainability in the logistics industry convinced the audience. The project focuses on investments in a solar system that produces 60 percent of the site’s electricity needs, as well as investments in an electric truck and a natural gas truck.

The emotions and joy of Felix Transport AG were palpable on stage. Fabian Felix, Managing Director of Felix Transport AG: “We are proud to be the winners of the first public award from the Logistics Cluster Region Basel. It feels good to know that we can produce more than half of the electricity needed on our site in Arlesheim ourselves and that with our electric and two LNG trucks, we are contributing to making our region livable for future generations as well.”

Green Hydrogen: Energy Carrier of the Future

Green hydrogen is becoming increasingly important in decarbonization. A high-profile panel discussion examined the role of this new energy carrier for logistics. Challenges and opportunities arise not only in application but also in logistics.

Discussing the significance of hydrogen (from left to right) Urs Zimmerli, CEO GETEC Plattform Schweiz, Florian Röthlingshöfer, Director of Swiss Rhine Ports, and Lukas Curschellas, COO Rhenus Port Logistics AG

For Urs Zimmerli, CEO GETEC Plattform Schweiz, it was clear: “The region is predestined to become the central Swiss hub for green hydrogen. Therefore, we have established the H₂ Hub Switzerland in the Basel area with partners. This body aims to promote the production and application of green hydrogen in the region.” Regarding the logistics of hydrogen, Lukas Curschellas, COO of Rhenus Port Logistics AG, stated: “The hydrogen produced worldwide is transported and stored in liquid products such as green methanol. Inland shipping is ideally suited for these transports.” Florian Röthlingshöfer, Director of Swiss Rhine Ports, fully supported this and emphasized: “The port industry has the specialists to handle the logistics of energy, namely the transshipment, storage, and redistribution of green hydrogen and its liquid derivatives.”

The Basel Region Must Properly Position Logistics Infrastructures

Martin Dätwyler concluded: “The Basel region must properly position its logistics infrastructures today so that a functioning hydrogen ecosystem can emerge in the near future, making our region not only the H₂ hub of Switzerland but also a pioneer in sustainability.”

Photos: © Robert Altermatt / Caption (from left to right) Fabian Felix (center), CEO of Felix Transport AG, celebrates with Gian Carlo Alessi (left) and Martin Dätwyler (right) the sustainability award won