The County Administrative Board in Stockholm has put a stop to the city's plans to implement Environmental Zone 3, a move that would have made Stockholm the first city in the world to introduce such a stringent environmental zone. The decision comes after the board reviewed the city's proposal and found it lacking in thorough research and consideration of the potential impacts on businesses, residents, and the environment.

Environmental Zone 3 was designed to significantly reduce air pollution in the city center by banning gasoline and diesel vehicles from certain streets within the area bounded by Kungsgatan, Birger Jarlsgatan, Hamngatan, and Sveavägen. Only electric vehicles or those running on alternative, low-emission fuels would have been permitted. However, the plan faced criticism from various quarters, including the city's opposition and local business owners, who argued it would deter people from visiting the area and harm commerce.

The County Administrative Board's rejection is based on the city's failure to meet its obligation to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the zone's effects. The board highlighted that Stockholm did not follow the Transport Agency's recommendations for impact analysis, particularly regarding the zone's effects on the local economy, residents, and its environmental sensitivity compared to other areas. The city now has the option to appeal the decision to the Transport Agency or submit a new, more detailed proposal.

This setback for Stockholm's environmental ambitions underscores the challenges cities face in balancing environmental goals with economic and social considerations. The city's political leadership, led by the Green Party, remains committed to reducing air pollution and may revisit the plan with a more robust analysis. Meanwhile, opponents of the zone, including the Moderate Party, have welcomed the board's decision, viewing it as a victory for businesses and residents who voiced concerns over the plan's feasibility and impact.

Kalmar, a leading provider of cargo-handling solutions, has successfully completed a significant refurbishment project in collaboration with Africa Global Logistics (AGL) at the Port of Abidjan in Ivory Coast. The project focused on the overhaul of two ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, a critical component of the terminal's operations. This initiative is part of Kalmar's Modernisation Services program, aimed at extending the lifespan and enhancing the performance of port equipment.

The scope of the project included the replacement of key components such as the forestay and pivot point bearings, trolley rails, short rails, and trolley and guide wheels. These upgrades are expected to significantly improve the cranes' efficiency and reliability, ensuring smoother operations at one of West Africa's busiest ports. The project, which was booked in Kalmar's Q4 2024 order intake, was completed in Q1 2025, demonstrating the company's ability to deliver complex projects on schedule.

In addition to the physical refurbishment, Kalmar also provided a comprehensive maintenance training program for the port technicians in Abidjan. This initiative is designed to empower the local team with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain the cranes in optimal condition, thereby maximizing their operational lifespan. Peter Bos, Project Manager at Kalmar, highlighted the importance of this training, noting its role in sustaining the long-term performance of the equipment.

This project marks another milestone in the ongoing partnership between Kalmar and AGL, which spans several years and includes similar refurbishment projects in other African countries such as Congo and Benin. AGL, a subsidiary of MSC, is a major player in Africa's port logistics sector, operating 17 container terminals across the continent. The successful completion of the Abidjan project underscores the mutual trust and collaboration between the two companies, setting a positive precedent for future endeavors.