## Czech Entrepreneur Eyes Stake in Major Polish Port Operator OT Logistics
Jaroslav Strnad Sr. is poised to possibly expand his presence in port logistics, following an earlier investment in the Croatian port of Luka Rijeka. He is now targeting a minority stake in OT Logistics (OTL), the largest adn most complex port operator in Poland and a key player in the Baltic Sea region. If approved by regulatory authorities, Strnad and his partners will become shareholders in the newly restructured company.
OTL has been providing transport, forwarding, and logistics services for over 70 years, operating not only within Polish ports but also across the European railway network. Currently, the company is majority-owned by the Polish family foundations Cres Family Foundation, Marsel Family Foundation, and Neuvic Family Foundation, holding almost 70 percent of the shares. Thes foundations have reportedly reached a non-binding agreement with the Czech side regarding a potential capital injection.
The prospective shareholder is DD Rail Properties, an Ostrava-based company owned 50 percent by Jaroslav Strnad’s SPV Second and 50 percent by Auctor holding group. auctor Holding is itself half-controlled by J&T Private Equity Group,alongside managers from J&T Group and Croatian lawyer Oleg Uskokovič. This arrangement could result in the Czech group acquiring between 25 and almost 50 percent of OTL’s shares.OTL is already familiar with Strnad, having sold him a stake in Luka Rijeka in 2023.In 2023,OTL handled 7.1 million tons of cargo, while Luka Rijeka processed approximately one million tons less.
OTL has issued a regulatory notice and a press release detailing the potential change in shareholder structure.
Strnad will extract slag from the Lihovarská dump in the Libertov area
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Jaroslav Strnad, the owner of the CE Industries group, intends to extract slag from the Lihovarská dump in the Libertov area near Česká Lípa. The project, which has been ongoing for some time, is now gaining momentum. The slag, a byproduct of coal mining, will be processed and used as a raw material in construction, specifically for road construction.
The extraction is expected to last for several years and will involve notable earthworks. According to strnad, the project is environmentally sound as it will remediate the existing dump, which poses an environmental burden. The processed slag will replace traditional materials like gravel, reducing the need for new quarrying.
Local authorities have approved the project, citing its positive impact on the environment and the local economy.Concerns raised by some residents regarding noise and dust pollution during the extraction process have been addressed with mitigation measures, including noise barriers and regular dust suppression.
CE Industries plans to invest millions of crowns into the project, creating new jobs in the region. The company already operates several similar facilities across the Czech republic, successfully utilizing slag as a lasting construction material. The Libertov project represents a further step in CE Industries’ commitment to circular economy principles and responsible resource management.
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European Rail: Your Guide to Train Travel
Europe and trains go together like wine and cheese.seriously. It’s the most efficient, scenic, and frequently enough comfortable way to explore the continent. Forget cramped flights and endless airport security lines. Train travel lets you soak in the landscape and arrive right in the heart of cities. But navigating the system can seem daunting. This guide breaks down everything you need to know.
Why Choose Rail?
Let’s be real: flying is often faster, but it misses the point. Trains offer a travel experience. You’ll see rolling hills, charming villages, and dramatic coastlines you’d never glimpse from 30,000 feet. Plus, train stations are usually centrally located, saving you time and money on airport transfers. It’s also generally more environmentally friendly than flying.
Understanding the Different Passes
The Eurail pass is the big one, but it’s not always the best option. Here’s a swift rundown:
- Eurail Global Pass: Unlimited travel in 33 European countries. Great if you’re planning an extensive,multi-country trip.
- Eurail Select Pass: Choose 2-5 bordering countries for unlimited travel. A good choice if you’re focusing on a specific region.
- Eurail One Country pass: unlimited travel within a single country. Ideal for in-depth exploration of a single destination.
- Point-to-Point Tickets: If you know your exact routes and dates, buying individual tickets can be cheaper, especially if booked in advance.
Don’t automatically assume a pass is the way to go. Seat61.com is an invaluable resource for comparing pass costs with individual ticket prices.
Booking Your Tickets & Reservations
This is where things get a little tricky. A Eurail pass doesn’t guarantee you a seat! Many high-speed and popular trains require reservations, and these often come with an extra fee.
Here’s how to book:
- Online: Most national railway websites allow online booking. Be prepared to create an account.
- At the Station: You can book at train station ticket counters, but lines can be long, especially during peak season.
- Through Rail Europe: Rail europe is a convenient option, but they often charge a booking fee.
Pro Tip: Book reservations as far in advance as possible,especially for popular routes like Paris to Rome or London to Amsterdam. Some reservations open months ahead of time.
Europe’s rail network is a patchwork of different systems. Each country has its own rules and quirks. Don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it.Here are a few key differences:
- Germany (Deutsche Bahn – DB): Known for its efficiency and extensive network.
- France (SNCF): High-speed TGV trains are fantastic, but reservations are essential.
- Italy (Trenitalia & Italo): Both state-owned Trenitalia and private Italo offer high-speed services.
- Spain (Renfe): Reservations are generally required for long-distance trains.
- Switzerland (SBB): Punctuality is legendary.
Essential Apps & Resources
These apps will become your best friends:
- Rail Planner: The official Eurail app for schedules and reservations.
- DB Navigator: Excellent for German train schedules and real-time data.
- Trainline: A comprehensive app for booking tickets across Europe.