In September 2026, Kuehne+Nagel signed two large agreements to strengthen its position in sustainable transport and global supply chain management. The logistics provider also announced a strategic partnership with Chinese battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) to promote road transport electrification, and a broader logistics agreement, extending a long-standing relationship with Amazon.

The memorandum of understanding signed with CATL on 24 September 2026, is focused on emissions reduction from transport and solutions for battery logistics. The first stage will concentrate on electrifying CATL’s road transport operations in Europe. The two companies also plan to develop a pilot project in China before the end of 2026 to test battery-swapping technology for trucks using CATL's Qiji system.

That cooperation could eventually extend to other Asian markets where the partners plan to look at further battery-swapping opportunities. The pact also covers a number of complementary areas such as battery recycling, after-sales services, energy storage systems and charging infrastructure for logistics facilities.

Søren Schmidt, Executive Vice President Road Logistics at Kuehne+Nagel, is convinced that battery electric trucks will play a key role in reducing emissions in freight transport. He stressed the importance of solutions that combine high performance with operational practicality to help accelerate the transition. In this sense, the cooperation with CATL offers an opportunity to reduce the environmental footprint of Kuehne+Nagel’s own operations and those of its customers.

This cooperation is also underlined by the growing market for electric commercial vehicles. Kuehne+Nagel said demand for batteries used in electric commercial vehicles surged more than 75% in 2024.

A more extensive strategic relationship with Amazon

The CATL announcement comes after another important development for Kuehne+Nagel. September 21, 2026 - The company announced a long-term agreement with existing customer Amazon to substantially expand their logistics cooperation.

The arrangement includes a wide range of services, including Amazon Web Services (AWS)-related activities. Kuehne+Nagel will support the AWS infrastructure life cycle covering the different stages from construction and equipment installation to maintenance, upgrades and expansion projects.

“Kuehne+Nagel International AG’s global network, digital capabilities and supply chain expertise are key assets to meet Amazon’s operational requirements,” said Stefan Paul, CEO of Kuehne+Nagel International AG. The deal was an opportunity to establish a new level of global customer service and strengthen the relationship between the two companies, he said.

The commercial deal also involves an existing call option on Kuehne+Nagel shares. The deal, which could be settled in cash or, at Amazon's discretion, in shares, has not disclosed any financial value.

The vesting of the option is contingent on the achievement of commercial targets and the services rendered over a period of up to seven years. To support the arrangement, Kuehne+Nagel has engaged an independent financial institution to hedge against its own shares.

The two agreements together underscore Kuehne+Nagel’s dual focus to accelerate the transition towards lower-emission freight transport and to expand its footprint in complex, technology-driven global logistics operations.