Shipping Search - Archive

Jungheinrich Completed Outfit of New RDC Warehouse

UK – When you run the world’s largest IT disposal and recycling company then it’s essential that you maximise every inch of space and when RDC decided to move from the four separate buildings in Witham, Essex and consolidate the business in one purpose-built 340,000 sq ft facility set on a 22 acre site in nearby Braintree they turned to a company better known for its fork lift and pallet trucks to double the effective useable space within the new building with the most efficient use of racking.

Modernisation of Piggyback System Can Reduce Haulage Costs and Pollution

EUROPE – The idea of shipping road trucks or trailers via rail freight is hardly a new one, by 1970 France alone had around 2,500 Kangorou trailers registered and the dome shaped profiles, angled to fit through the numerous rail tunnels when loaded aboard a flat car were soon to be seen throughout Italy, the Benelux and beyond. Over a million tonnes of freight moved by the method in 1972 but the ‘piggybacking’ of trailers on rail cars has not seen much in the way of refinement since those early days but now, with the rapid rise in multimodal business, new techniques and technologies are emerging.

New Concept MOL and Mitsubishi Design Unit Requires Less Complex Fitting Process

WORLDWIDE – As the clock ticks down toward the imposition of proper legislation to eliminate ballast water pollution many of the larger shipping lines are at last ensuring that all their vessels are kitted out with technology suitable for the proper sterilisation of discharged water, sometimes taken aboard thousands of miles distant. Latest to release their progress in this matter is container line and multimodal transport group Mitsui OSK (MOL) which has recently unveiled details of a complete yet accessible treatment system packaged within a standard forty foot container.

London Gateway May Prove a Game Changer for Major Suppliers

UK- London Gateway, the new container port under construction on the banks of the River Thames got a huge vote of confidence this week from an important source. The DP World funded operation is already in talks with several leading shipping lines but the scheme is two tiered and eventually plans to couple the dockside activities directly with a giant logistics park situated immediately behind the wharves.

Truly Global Study Shows Trade Flows Changing as Power Moves to Less Developed Economies

NETHERLANDS – WORLDWIDE – DHL Express has just released the results of a study by global analyst IHS demonstrating that for small and medium enterprises (SME’s) international trade is a key driver of business success. The study was truly global with a macro-economic analysis and survey of 410 SME directors in G7 and BRICM economies revealing that those smaller business units which traded overseas were on average twice as successful as their domestic business only counterparts. This week the freight and logistics group also renewed its tenancy agreement at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol for a further decade long term.

Secretary for Transport Steps Down after Four Years

US – The likeable and effective Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, announced this week that he would remain in the job only long enough to settle his replacement in the position. Drivers of freight trucks and passenger cars alike will miss the Fast Lane twice daily blog in which LaHood unflinchingly warned of the dangers of distracted driving and other safety bête noirs. Lahood supported both the road haulage and rail cargo industries during his tenure and wrote an emotional e mail to all DoT employees this week telling of his decision.

(and on, and on....... )

UK – Following the decision by Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles, stating that he was ‘minded to approve’ planning permission to allow developers Helioslough to build the Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) at the site of the former Radlett Aerodrome on Park Street, St. Albans City & District Council has threatened Mr. Pickles with action in the High Court if he does not meet the Council’s request that the Secretary of State reconsider his decision not to re-open the Radlett inquiry and conjoin it with an inquiry into an alternative site at Colnbrook, Slough.

Product Conformity Issues Dog Those Unprepared for Changing Arabian Import Regulations

UK – MIDDLE EAST – WORLDWIDE – For the inexperienced manufacturer or trader the thought of exporting to certain areas of the globe, such as the Middle East, can seem a daunting, if not insurmountable task. The supply of a new product into such markets can be fraught with regulatory pitfalls and mountains of red tape, not to mention hidden financial penalties which sometimes catch out even the most experienced of freight forwarders. Many governments within the Middle East have put stringent requirements in place to ensure their consumers are protected from sub-standard products and goods including Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Conformity Assessment Programmes have been implemented not only to verify safety and performance of goods but also to ensure that correct import duty revenues are paid.

Fishermen Salvage Stricken Vessel to Resolve Mystery

VIETNAM – In a scene which must have been reminiscent of the ‘Marie Celeste’ Le Van Trinh, captain of a local fishing boat was amongst the first to sight a cargo vessel, M/V Hai Dong 27, drifting apparently rudderless in the coastal waters off Quang Binh province. The ship didn’t respond to signals and appeared to be down in the water prompting the fishermen to come alongside to see the deck awash and freight and documents drifting across it.

You Have Time to Make a Difference to Ocean Security

UK – In an innovative move the Ministry of Defence has launched an appeal to the freight industry and others to come up with new ideas to help combat illegal activities such as gun-running, people-smuggling and piracy. This is no sop to the shipping sector which has suffered so grievously from the scourge of pirates in the past few years but rather a genuine request for assistance in several areas.

Election Required for First Time at Nautilus to Choose General Secretary

UK – NETHERLANDS - For the first time in the history of Nautilus International (previously NUMAST) the union for maritime professionals is holding an election for the position of General Secretary. The union represents the interests of 23,000 captains and officers aboard all manner of freight and passenger vessels plus marine pilots, oil and gas vessel staff, harbourmasters and a host of other seafaring trades. A former Merchant Navy Officer and Nautilus Official, Gavin Williams is challenging the incumbent, Mark Dickinson, for the position of General Secretary. The change comes following a campaign by some members to oust the current hierarchy.

See Amendment to this story...............

The latest FTA Everywoman Award Nominations Close Soon

UK – Once again the FTA Everywoman Transport and Logistics Awards are approaching and so you have only until the 11th February 2013 to nominate those special women who deserve to be recognised for their services to the freight industry. Supported by key industry names such as title sponsor the Freight Transport Association (FTA), DHL Supply Chain, TNT,Asda Stores and the Road Haulage Association (RHA) this glittering awards ceremony not only offers year long industry and media exposure for the finalists and their organisations; it’s going to be a fantastic place to network with key figures in your sector.

New Office Provides for 24/7 Cover from Maritime Intelligence and Anti Piracy Group

UK – Dryad Maritime, a specialist maritime intelligence company which aims to assist ocean going shipping groups in their fight against the threat of crime in general and piracy in particular, has recently opened its new office in Hastings, Sussex. Dryad works to protect freight and passenger interests alike by building a comprehensive picture of threats to the maritime community through its custom built intelligence handling technology, a system designed to improve the of Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) through improved maritime domain awareness.

Cable Car Moves as Air Cargo and Helicopter via Road Haulage!

EUROPE – MEXICO – The specialist project freight forwarding team at Austrian headquartered Gebrüder Weiss has had a busy month. The company has recently completed two interesting moves carrying an entire cable car from Switzerland and the Netherlands via Frankfurt-Hahn (Germany) to Puebla, Mexico and shipping a helicopter by truck through six countries to the Georgian capital to be available for the exciting sport known as Heliskiing.

Three ISO Re-certifications for German Operato

GERMANY – Keen to ensure it remains ahead of the game in quality and safety fields Hamburg headquartered Rickmers-Linie GmbH & Cie KG, specialist in the breakbulk, heavy lift and projects shipping sectors and which runs a fleet of multipurpose vessels to enable the simultaneous carriage of containers, has just recertified the company in accordance with current ISO standards. The move underlines the confidence the company has in its future and follows the announcement of an order for two new vessels made last month.

Shipping Safer but Somaliland More Dangerous than ever says Foreign Office

SOMALIA – The twelve suspected pirates arrested in a combined assault by the forces of NATO and EU Navfor which we reported in detail earlier this month have been retained in custody despite fears from shipping stakeholders that they would merely be returned to their native shores as have so many before them. Following an attack on a Panamanian freighter on the 5th January the twelve were apprehended and aboard the EU Naval Force warship FS Surcouf until Friday (25th January).

Paperless Shipments are a Worthy Goal

WORLDWIDE - The Global Air Cargo Advisory Group (GACAG) the joint mission by FIATA, GSF, IATA and TIACA to present a unified voice and method for the air freight industry has turned up the pressure in the past few weeks to ensure the air cargo sector achieves its one hundred percent target for electronic airway bills by the end of 2015. GACAG, representing as it does freight forwarders, shippers, carriers and policymakers, means it offers a rarely seen intent by an entire supply chain to a achieve mutual target and to this end the organisation has laid out a ‘roadmap’ for reaching its goal consisting of a three part scheme to try and ensure complete success.

World War Two Generated Location Finder has a Place in the Modern World Again

UK – FRANCE – BENELUX – It is often stated that the English Channel is the busiest waterway in the world with literally hundreds of vessels of every type and class passing through at any given hour. With wind farms springing up like fields of giant metallic daffodils the more aids to navigation to freight and passenger shipping alike the better. This month a new system available to cargo and cruise ships alike became operational and it was particularly welcome news to the RoRo ferries which ply their trade on the narrow waterway.

(and the money to fund it has already been collected)

US – CANADA -Dredging is a subject that often provokes heated debate and indeed sometimes fury anywhere from the Thames Estuary to the Indian subcontinent as the need for deeper navigable waters can have deleterious effects on both the environment and the pocket. Whilst usually we hear of projects to allow vessels with greater draft the latest case involves simply ensuring the current fleets can continue to navigate. Controversy has arisen over the neglect of the waters of the Great Lakes, the greatest grouping of freshwater lakes on earth and a vital shipping route for over a million tonnes of cargo with a level of freight movement which according to the Lake Carriers Association (LCA) supports over 100,000 jobs.

Dubai Group Plans for Expansion Offering Full Suite of Services

AFRICA – Move One, the Dubai headquartered logistics and relocation specialist, has announced its intention to expand further into Africa following the successful registration of the company’s first office in Kampala, Uganda. A company statement says its latest move is in response to the increased humanitarian, military, and energy presence in the region. Through its relocation and immigration services Move One has a history of transferring military personnel and their effects throughout the world since its establishment two decades ago.

One of the Oldest Marine Mainstays Found to Destroy Bugs Such as MRSA and Norovirus

UK – WORLDWIDE – A point we often make about the world of freight and logistics is that everything we use has been transported at some stage making the shipping industry the biggest in the world. Now, following a recent Marine Corrosion Forum Conference we can see that sometimes an everyday thing used in a maritime environment can have colossal potential in the world at large, far beyond its original purpose and with the potential to save thousands of lives.

CSCMP Announces Programme for Amsterdam Event

NETHERLANDS - The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) has announced the programme and speaker line-up for its 2013 Europe Conference, How to Cut Supply Chain Costs without Paying the Price (Park Plaza Hotel, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, May 15-17) and the talks will be given by various influential characters from the worlds of logistics and production.

UK at Forefront of Work Which May Fundamentally Change Communications as Money Becomes Available

UK – WORLDWIDE – News in today of a four year programme being funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) which could well revolutionise the ways we communicate, with repercussions not only for the freight and logistics industries but far beyond. Over the next four years a consortium of UK universities led by the University of Strathclyde will be developing innovative technology to help unleash the full potential of ‘Li-Fi’ (Light Fidelity), the transmission of internet communications using visible light rather than the radio waves and microwaves currently in use. The research has the potential to enable trucks and cars to communicate with traffic furniture and each other.

Successful Intercontinental Movement for New Alliance

US – NEW ZEALAND – GAC Pindar is a somewhat unusual strategic partnership between Team Pindar, the professional yacht racing team which was engendered by the sponsorship of Scarborough print company GA Pindar (now part of York Mailing) and Dubai based logistics giant GAC, which in turn last year made an alliance with global freight forwarder TNL International, a company with a presence in both of New Zealand’s main islands, with the intention of developing specialist marine leisure services in the region.

Mundane Perhaps but Literally a Key Link in the Supply Chain

UK - WORLDWIDE – When it comes to safety we all know the days of making good, hoping for the best and getting by are well and truly over. Those charged with the responsibility for ensuring the health and safety of staff and visitors can be held personally responsible if a preventable incident occurs on their watch, and there are none so vulnerable as the management of freight facilities, shipping container terminals and the like. Here guest writer Peter Church, admittedly a man with a vested interest, discourses on the subject of fork lift chain safety, with five tips to literally ensure a safer supply chain.

New Maritime Convention from International Labour Organization Mandatory This Year

GREECE – ITALY – MARSHALL ISLANDS – The 4,714 TEU container vessel Maersk Malacca has become the first Greek owned vessel to be issued with Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) certification by Lloyd's Register. The convention comes into force later this year having been ratified by more than the minimum sovereign states required to make it mandatory. The ship is operated by Diana Containerships Inc. a sister company of Diana Shipping Services S.A. Director and President of both companies is Simeon Palios, who said:

Schenker Opens New Facility for Fiat Suppliers

SERBIA - Freight group DB Schenker Logistics has recently been keen to be more involved in the automotive sector and has now has opened a new warehouse in Kragujevac in Serbia, specializing in logistics and supply chain services for suppliers of the nearby Fiat plant. The first customer has become AGC Automotive Europe, a supplier of glass components, which is working with DB Schenker also in Slovakia with deliveries for the Hyundai / Kia Automotive Group and in Bremen on deliveries for Daimler.

Drivewyze PreClear is now an ATA Featured Product

US – The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has today accepted the use of a weigh station pre-advice service for freight vehicles and added Drivewyze PreClear to its group of Featured Products for the trucking industry. Road haulage operators can sign up to the service in the knowledge that they will have the opportunity to bypass over 180 fixed weigh stations and mobile inspection sites using the GPS technology of tablets, smartphones, and other devices without leaving their truck.

Another Successful Sale for Freight Handling Specialist Whilst Thousand Tonne Crane Test Successful

IRELAND – NEW ZEALAND - Liebherr, the materials handling specialist, tells us that it has received an order from Lyttelton, Port of Christchurch for four of the company’s straddle carriers capable of lifting shipping containers one over two high to enhance the South Island port’s freight handling capability as box throughput increased by 16.8% at the port to the end of June 2012.

DHL Win Panasonic Contract but Video Scrutinises Shipping Company Behaviour Worldwide

GERMANY – UK – TURKEY – WORLDWIDE – Yet again it's good news - bad news for Deutsche Post DHL as, on the back of news that the freight and logistics group has signed a major supply chain deal with electronics group Panasonic, comes a scathing report on German television on the shipping giant's employment practices outside of its home country. Here you can see a video with English subtitles of an investigation carried out by German television into DHL employment practices worldwide.

US I-90 River Line Expansion to Allow for Growth in the Future

US –Rail freight and intermodal group, CSX this week announced a major track capacity expansion on its premier River Line between northern New Jersey and the Albany, New York, region. The $26 million project, with plans for additional River Line capacity expansion in future years, will enable CSX to handle more trains and support the growth of crude oil moving by rail, intermodal shipments, automobiles and other businesses while maintaining strong service performance.

Freight Group's Fairs and Events Sector Wins Contract

UK –Agility has been named ‘preferred logistics provider’ at the ExCeL London International Exhibition and Convention Centre. As part of the contract, Agility Fairs & Events (F&E) will be responsible for transportation to and from the venue, site receiving and handling services. Agility F&E will also be responsible for the provision of mechanical handling equipment and personnel. David Richards, Managing Director, Agility Fairs & Events UK said:

California Warehouse Recognised for Overall Green Credentials

US – Menlo Worldwide Logistics, the global logistics subsidiary of Con-way Inc., the road haulage and less than truckload freight operator has announced that its Livermore, California, warehouse facility recently earned Green Business Certification from the California Green Business Program, a government program working to recognise and assist those that operate in an environmentally friendly manner.

Who Has Moved This Month and Where To in the Multimodal World of Logistics

EUROPE – INDIAN OCEAN - On Wednesday 16 January 2013 Rear Admiral Duncan Potts handed over operational command of the European Union Naval Force (EU Navfor) to Rear Admiral Robert Tarrant. Rear Admiral Potts has commanded EU Navfor, the European Union’s counter piracy mission off Somalia, since August 2011. Admiral Potts, whose leadership whilst the combined navies have been guarding food convoys and shipping in general against piracy has been praised by many in the international freight community, leaves EU Navfor to take up a new role with the Royal Navy.

Stobart See Poor Figures Prompt a Change at the Top

UK – Following a profit warning the Stobart Group, better known as Eddie Stobart, the former road haulage operator which now operates logistics, property and various diverse businesses from biomass to airports, has dismissed its non executive chairman Rodney Baker-Bates following a move by shareholders. Stobart moved away from its traditional road freight base following its amalgamation with the Westbury Property Fund and now it appears major stockholders have insisted on a rationalisation of the business.

Forth Look to Partnership with Developer to Establish Tilbury Investment

UK - In a move which can either be viewed as a challenge to, or more likely a benefit from, the huge London Gateway container port being developed literally just down the road at Stanford le Hope by DP World, Forth Ports announced recently that it has teamed up with Roxhill Developments to undertake a new joint venture to develop the London Distribution Park (LDP) at the Port of Tilbury. Roxhill, the specialist industrial development company, has purchased a 50% share in the development scheme from Forth Ports, and the two companies will work closely together in the delivery of the logistics park to encourage shipping groups and others in the freight supply chain to take up residence in the area.

New Port looks to the Future and Reflects on its Past

UK – The news that the first three giant quay cranes are en route from China has delighted staff at London Gateway, DP World’s new deep-water container port on the Thames. Towering at a height of 138 metres (taller than the London Eye) the colossal cranes are each able to span the width of the world’s largest box vessels, plucking up containers situated twenty five rows away. Whilst the cranes represent the future, DP World is aware it is merely caretaker of an area which has a history as a port stretching back millennia and the company is also striving to preserve the past in word and deed.

Unions Disgruntled as Little Progress in Grain Handling Dispute Lingers On

US – It seems despite solutions, at least in part, being found to the strikes and difficult labour relations which recently afflicted both the West and East coast ports of the country shipping groups may still find themselves affected due to another dispute between dock workers and employers in the business of exporting grain through the ports of Seattle, Tacoma, and Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon as talk begins of a lockout.

Australian Government Launches Public Consultation on Bomb Making Materials

AUSTRALIA – The growing trend for terrorists to manufacture makeshift explosives and noxious weapons using household and industrial chemicals which can be reasonably easily obtained has prompted the Government to launch a ‘Chemical Security Consultation’ and members of the road haulage community and freight sector members at large are being asked to give their views as an industry inevitably involved in the transport of such materials with the potential for bomb making.

Many Strangers Owe a Debt to Deceased Maritime Industrial Relations Expert

UK – WORLDWIDE - One of the stalwarts of maritime industrial relations has departed with the passing of Ian Sherwood, who served for many years as Chairman of the International Maritime Employers' Council (IMEC) and as a member of the IMEC Executive Committee. IMEC is the only international employers’ organisation dedicated to maritime industrial relations and works closely within shipping in partnership with other industry associations including the International Chamber of Shipping, Intertanko and Intercargo.

Dachser Continues Growth Strategy

GERMANY - SPAIN – TURKEY – SOUTH AMERICA - Effective retroactively from the beginning of the year, German headquartered logistics provider Dachser, has acquired the Spanish air and sea freight forwarder Transunion (TU) S. A. subject to approval by the antitrust authorities. In addition to nine offices in Spain the company is also represented in Turkey, Argentina, Peru and Mexico. Dachser Managing Director Thomas Reuter, responsible for the Air & Sea Logistics business field, explained:

Provisional Tonnage Figures Released

NETHERLANDS – Amsterdam Airport Schiphol finished 2012 with its strongest quarter of the year for cargo and resilience in most markets largely overcame the continuing downturn in traffic to and from Asia and the USA. The last quarter was the best of 2012 for both exports and imports, reaching a total of 380,284 tonnes but freight overall was down against the 2011 figures.

Unions Demand Panama Accept Legislated Responsibilities

PANAMA – The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is calling on Panama to join the effort to help the recently released crew of the RoRo cargo vessel Iceberg 1 to recover from their hostage ordeal. The crew of the Panama-flagged ship were held for nearly three years by Somali pirates, who subjected them to torture, starvation and even mutilation, before being released last month.

Wista Personality of the Year Officially Awarded at IMO Headquarters

UK – WORLDWIDE – At a prestigious ceremony in London on Thursday Katharina Stanzel was formally awarded WISTA Personality of the Year 2012, both for the UK and internationally, a title she actually won back in October. The importance of the occasion could be evidenced by the location, the offices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the substance of the speakers. WISTA is the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association, a body devoted to the furtherance of women particularly in the world of ocean freight and speeches were forthcoming from both the Secretary General of IMO, HE Koji Sekimizu and the UK‘s Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport Stephen Hammond MP.

World Champion Addresses Largest Ever Gathering of British Forwarders

UK – The BIFA Freight Services Awards 2012 will long be remembered after a record-breaking 520 guests, including finalists, sponsors and industry figures from the shipping and forwarding community gathered at the Brewery in London on the 17th January 2013 to celebrate the very best achievements of the industry. Appropriately after the most successful year ever for British sport BIFA chose former Olympian and world champion Derek Redmond to host and announce the winners at the trade association’s Annual Lunch and Awards Ceremony.

Suppliers and Associated Trades Building Up to IMHX 2013

UK – The International Materials Handling Exhibition (IMHX) 2013 which is to be held at the NEC Birmingham in March will be of interest to many in the freight industry as the intralogistics event showcases the latest innovations, products and services to key warehouse, logistics and supply chain professionals. Many of the world’s leading manufacturers of cargo handling equipment will once again be setting their stalls out at the show for the usual audience of supply chain stakeholders.

BOB Says Fly from Europe via Low Cost Carriers and Meet Your Bike in Dublin

IRELAND – EUROPE - The old road system throughout Ireland provides exciting challenges to motorcyclists coupled with some of the most stunning scenery available in Europe and for those who wish to explore Ireland’s landscapes on their own two wheels, they can now take advantage of a new logistics service created by freight forwarder EFL International Distribution, the Irish partner of the U-Freight Group with a return service for touring motor cycles.

Hartlepool Welcomes a New Generation of Shipping

UK – Freight vessels come in all shapes and configurations from containerships to LNG carriers and last week saw PD Ports welcome the world’s first purpose built wind turbine installation vessel into the Port of Hartlepool this being the first time the port operator has handled a vessel of such size at the dock. The MPI Adventure arrived at Hartlepool in late December to commence work on the Teesside Offshore Windfarm Project, for which the Port has been appointed as the main construction logistics hub.

Five Distinct Business Areas Separated as Trelleborg Tests Laser Berthing Technology

SWEDEN – NETHERLANDS – At its recent Capital Markets Day, port furniture and shipping management group Trelleborg announced its new financial targets and launched a more focused organisational structure. From 1st January 2013, the Trelleborg Group has been divided into five business areas; Trelleborg Coated Systems, Trelleborg Industrial Solutions, Trelleborg Offshore & Construction, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions and Trelleborg Wheel Systems. Peter Nilsson, President and CEO of Trelleborg Group said:

Auto Shippers Argue That for Economy and Visibility Drive On/Off Choice Can be Best

WORLDWIDE - For millions of people all over the world, their cars are one of their most treasured possessions; more like a member of the family than an inanimate object. Many vehicles are transported annually, often loaded as freight in trailers or containers, securely strapped down with air bled from the tyres to reduce movement. Some exporters save money with the use of special ramps so that two vehicles can be fitted in one twenty foot box one overlapping the other. With this in mind, it is unsurprising that the thought of shipping their pride and joy across the ocean can be so terrifying.

NASA Site Allows Anyone to view the ISS from Home

OUT OF THIS WORLD – OK it’s not strictly a freight or shipping story but as regular readers might know outer space logistics is a subject we like to cover as it develops and NASA recently added something to their website which will allow anyone to spot the International Space Station as it passes across the sky provided conditions are clement.

Ground Handling Teams Hone their Skills at Hactl Awards

HONG KONG – Sunday witnessed the seventh year in which Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl), the major air cargo handler at the world’s largest air freight hub, hosted its annual International Forklift and Pallet Building Competition and once again it was well attended and closely contested. Teams from international airlines and ground handlers, as well as the usual team from Hactl vied for an assortment of awards in a contest which, despite the festive nature, has a serious edge.

UPS Acquisition of TNT is Decreed Anti Competitive

EUROPE – US- UPS announced yesterday that it had failed to obtain permission from the European Commission (EC) in its bid to acquire TNT Express. The two express freight and logistics giants have been trying to complete the deal since they announced in a joint statement last March that terms had been agreed for an all cash offer of €9.50 per ordinary share which at that time represented a premium of 53.7% on the TNT stock price of €6.18, the rate which existed when the talks were first announced in February 2012.

Environmental Improvements Possible with New Konecranes Import

UK – Container terminal operators with an eye on economy and the environment will wish to know that the world's first hybrid reach stacker, developed by Konecranes, is soon to be available in the UK through Cooper Specialised Handling, the independently owned materials handling specialist. The company targets the freight and shipping sectors with a range of fork lifts and port cranes and is Konecranes sole UK distributor.

New Acquisition Boost Marine Specialists Portfolio at a Stroke

SCANDINAVIA – UK – KOREA – SINGAPORE – The three empty triangles which made up the logo of Trelleborg group interests from 1994 were to symbolise the intent to expand following one of the most harrowing periods in the Scandinavian company’s history Now Trelleborg Marine Systems, part of Trelleborg business area Offshore and Construction, has signalled its intent to stay abreast of new LNG technology in what may be a shrewd purchase for a company which aims to support many facets of port and vessel management, from fenders for the hull protection of cargo ships to complex mooring solutions.

GSSA's Join to Expand Freight Options

SCANDINAVIA – NORDIC REGION - NEO Air Charter, airline general sales and service agency (GSSA), has entered into a strategic partnership with Nordic-based GSSA, Cargo Care International, in which the latter will provide sales coverage throughout Denmark, Sweden and Finland with the agreement also covering the Faroe Islands and Iceland. NEO is one of the founder members of the Global Charter Alliance whilst Cargo Care, whose primary activity is within sales, was founded only in 2007 and has become one of the largest cargo GSSA’s in Scandinavia and the Nordics.

Some Praise for ORR Rethink but Criticism of France and Germany as EU Castigates Them Both

EUROPE – Pronouncements from the EU hierarchy are often criticised for their wordiness yet the public document issued regarding rail integration in 2008 was a model of concise language. Now Lord Tony Berkeley, Chairman of the UK Rail Freight Group and a Board Member of the European Rail Freight Association, has written a New Year letter to the European Commissioners charging that they maintain the avowed intent to build a more integrated and efficient network in the face of what he terms ‘massive lobbying by France and Germany against change to their monopolistic rail sectors’ at a time when road haulage still holds sway over track bound cargo.

MSC and Zim Collaborate Again on New Service

US – WORLDWIDE - Delight this week in Tampa after the world’s second biggest container shipping group, the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), announced it is to commence imports and exports through the port. The Tampa Port Authority reports services will be in conjunction with Zim Integrated Shipping with whom MSC already has several route agreements and initially include direct calls on a Caribbean – South American loop at Caucedo, Kingston, Veracruz and Altamira.

BNSF Plots What it Actually Owns

US – Echoing Warren Buffett's sentiments when he took over the assets of the rail freight company, Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) has embarked on a project to streamline one particular part of its operation. It may seem incredible to onlookers but at this point in time BNSF, the world's second largest rail cargo carrier does not actually know precisely what it owns in terms of real estate. Actually this is a situation which is familiar to rail transport operators, freight and passenger alike, worldwide as their property portfolios expand and contract over time and written records in diverse locations have to be continually updated.

Despite Investing Elsewhere Danish Group Still Market Leader

WORLDWIDE – Despite confirming its intentions to drastically cut its investment in container shipping as reported here in November the AP Moller Maersk group has not shed its identity as the world’s biggest box carrier. Last month the company confirmed its involvement at the very core of the business by releasing another selected video (viewable HERE) from the hundreds of hours of footage taken during the filming of its award winning publicity project, which was revealed last February.

Three Cargo Industry Bodies Publish Minimum Requirements

WORLDWIDE – When the economy is at a low point sometimes health and safety standards take a lower priority than they should and the shipping industry is a sector where such a policy can result in tragic consequences. Recently three bodies concerned with improved risk management in ports and freight handling facilities published the second edition of their recommended safety standards for container yard equipment. TT Club, Port Equipment Manufacturers Association (PEMA) and the International Cargo Handling Co-ordination Association (ICHCA) have identified additional safety devices that can be implemented on yard equipment, along with other operational changes in order to reduce injuries and fatalities as well as cargo, property and equipment damage.

K+N Sign Up AGCO

SOUTH AFRICA – Kuehne + Nagel has been awarded a contract by agricultural equipment manufacturer AGCO, to manage its aftermarket Parts Distribution Centre (PDC) in Johannesburg, South Africa. From the facility, parts are distributed within South Africa as well as to several neighbouring countries in Africa. The contract strengthens the freight forwarding and logistics operative’s position in one of the most significant sectors for the continent as a whole.

First Such Arrangement for Daedalus

NETHERLANDS – Freight forwarding and logistics service provider, IJS Global has signed a Teaming Agreement with Daedalus Aviation Group, the Dutch headquartered specialist ‘one-stop-shop’ support provider for military aviation customers worldwide. Under the terms of the agreement IJS Global, which has a network covering seventy seven countries, becomes global logistics provider for delivering fully integrated solutions to Daedalus’ customers around the world.

US Group Consolidates and Rebrands

US – Radiant Logistics, Inc., a non-asset based third party logistics (3PL) provider, has recently announced the acquisition of operating partner International Freight Systems (IFS) of Oregon, a privately-held air and ocean freight forwarding firm that has operated its airfreight division under Radiant Logistics’ freight forwarding and logistics services subsidiary, Airgroup brand since January of 2007.

Rocket Propelled Grenade Raiders Thwarted then Arrested

SOMALIA – This week saw another success for the forces of law and order when EU Naval Force (EU Navfor) French Frigate Surcouf, operating as part of the EU’s counter piracy mission - Operation Atalanta, collaborated with NATO Warship USS Halyburton following a distress call from a so far unnamed Panamanian flagged merchant ship which was under attack by a another vessel some 260 miles from the Somali coast. As reported previously increased security measures have greatly reduced the amount of successful attacks on freight shipping in the past few months.

Unusual Portfolio Proves Attractive to Private Fund

US – The Resolute Fund II, L.P, an investment fund managed by private equity firm, The Jordan Company, has announced the acquisition of transport and logistics company American Fast Freight (AFF). Headquartered in Renton, Washington, AFF’s core business is ocean freight forwarding, particularly shipping less than container load (LCL) consolidations and specialising in the far flung domestic Jones Act markets of Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Guam. Brian Higgins, Principal, The Jordan Company said:

100 Million TEU Turnaround for Natural Deep Water Facility

CHINA – When it comes to container handling records one cannot fail to be impressed by the statistic released this week by Yantian International Container Terminals (YICT), a subsidiary of Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH) Trust. Yantian has only been shipping boxes for eighteen and a half years yet has now seen an astonishing 100 million TEU handled by its nineteen terminal berths. Yantian Port has developed from a small fishing village into one of the world’s busiest freight handling facilities.

US Proposal for Minimum Standards put forward for Federal Approval

US – WORLDWIDE – Whilst we have done all we can to promote the cause of more environmentally friendly forms of transport, particularly the new generation of electric and hybrid trucks, there remains one central problem which applies to both freight and passenger carrying vehicles. The latest generation of vehicles are simply too quiet for safe operation and now the US Department of Transport has moved to ensure needless accidents with pedestrians unaware of the danger are a thing of the past.

Legal Controversy at One End of Year Move

NETHERLANDS – FRANCE – One appointment in our list of staff movements in the freight forwarding, logistics and shipping sectors this month has caused controversy as TNT Express is to take legal action against its former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Marie-Christine Lombard in order to prevent her working at Geodis as its CEO. Lombard left TNT at the end of September and as of the October 24, she was named CEO of Geodis. TNT tried to take out an injunction to ‘force Lombard to stop working and pay a fine for infringing the competition clause in her contract’. The court ruled against TNT Express as the matter should be dealt with in the French courts, where Geodis is headquartered. A spokesman for TNT has stated that the company has lodged an appeal against the ruling.

Vietnam Becoming a Key market for Shippers and Agents

VIETNAM – Asian head-quartered freight group Kerry Logistics has continued its programme of expansion in the region with a new joint venture by securing a majority stake in Tin Thanh Express whilst Ceva Logistics has taken a similar line with long time partner, Indo Trans Logistics (ITL) Group. Meanwhile in other Vietnam news, Geodis Wilson, the freight forwarding and heavy lift division of the Geodis Group has once again won a prestigious supply chain award.

Two State Owned Groups Consider Combining

EUROPE – When the communist bloc started to break up there were many unfortunate consequences, particularly with regard to the former territories of Yugoslavia. One country which seemed to separate in an amicable fashion was Czechoslovakia which, despite being a founding member of the UN, formed two socialist republics (Czech and Slovak) in 1969 after the events of the Prague Spring. The settled relations between the two may now be the key to the recovery of the rail freight industry in both countries which is currently in a parlous state.

Commercial Truckers Who Transgress Should Face Most Severe Penalties

US – UK – Anyone who reads the Fastlane blog written by Ray LaHood will know that time and again the US Secretary of Transport turns back to the dangers of texting, phoning or undertaking other avoidable distractions whilst driving. Mr LaHood has used every possible form of persuasion open to him to get the message across including publishing the insignificant text messages before a serious crash and the voice of a mother introducing the last message phoned though from her late son before the accident which killed him to encouragement from beauty queens. Now the Road Haulage Association (RHA) has sent its own stall out for truck drivers in the UK following the publication of a new report.

Industry Labour Relations Across the Globe Present a Mixed Picture

US – TURKEY – Two entirely different moods seem to be in place this week as industrial relations problems on opposite sides of the globe develop. Whereas in September it seemed an impasse had been reached between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), representing the dock workers, and the U. S. Maritime Alliance (USMX), whose principals include representatives of just about all the major container shipping lines, the two sides are currently said to be involved in useful dialogue which has averted the immediate threat of a US East coast freight strike whilst in Turkey the tone is distinctly more pessimistic.

Lloyds Register Sponsors Special London Celebration

UK – You still have time to apply for tickets to a very special occasion taking place in London on the 24th January. Just after Christmas may not be the ideal time to advertise a sumptuous dinner but when the cause is as important as the Sailors’ Society and offers a chance to support the needy from the merchant shipping industry it should not be taken lightly – particularly when coming with a ticket is the chance to take an exclusive look at a particularly interesting and important venue.

Twenty Two More Box carriers on Order

TAIWAN – Today saw the christening of the Ever Leader, the eighth L-type container ship of Evergreen Line, the world’s fourth largest box shipping company, and one in a series of thirty such 8,452-TEU vessels which the ocean carrier has on order. The ceremonial rope cutting for the new ship was performed by Mrs. Sook-Je Lee in a ceremony attended by dignitaries from Taiwan and abroad at the Samsung Heavy Industries shipyard.

Government U Turn on Green Belt Development at St Albans

UK – Many local residents are both disgusted and disappointed at the decision of Communities Secretary Eric Pickles who performed a spectacular U turn to grant permission for an intermodal rail freight terminal to be developed on the former airfield at Radlett, Hertfordshire. The move came despite Mr Pickles refusal to compromise the areas Green Belt in 2010 by going against the local planning authorities initial approval following a second public enquiry. In what local protestors say was a classic ‘week to bury bad news’ announcement the decision was made public in the run up to Christmas when legal advice was unavailable to the STRiFE (Stop the Rail Freight Exchange) group which has campaigned vigorously against the scheme.

Swiss 3PL Operator Hit with Double Whammy in December

SWITZERLAND – NORWAY – Not a good end to the year for Swiss 3PL group Panalpina which has not only had to write off some of the assets it thought it held in Grieg Logistics, the Norwegian agency it partially acquired in 2011 from the Grieg Group, but also found itself at the wrong end of a 3.12 million Swiss franc fine from its home country’s Competition Commission along with substantial penalties imposed on other major freight forwarding groups.

Crane Movements at Record Levels per Hour

SOUTH AFRICA - Transnet Port Terminals’ Eastern Cape Container Terminals saw out the old year in style when two of the group’s cargo handling facilities achieved new performance records during December with the highest number of freight boxes moved hourly via both the Ngqura and Port Elizabeth shipping terminals.

Suspects Again Released on Somali Beach for Lack of Evidence

SOMALIA – HORN OF AFRICA – Having achieved the liberation of the crew of the Ro/Ro freighter Iceberg 1 before Christmas the forces for good achieved yet another victory in the fight against pirates before the old year passed although somewhat tempered by the not unusual outcome. What is certain is that the waters in and around parts of the Indian Ocean are far safer than they were a year or so ago.