Shipping Search - Archive

Irish Manufacturer Delivers Specialist Port Equipment to USA

IRELAND – US – Killarney based Liebherr Container Cranes recently handed over four ship to shore (STS) container cranes to customers in the USA. The cranes are specifically produced to suit the needs of the clients involved, Port Newark Container Terminal, New Jersey (PNCT) and Penn Terminals in Eddystone, Pennsylvania.

Supporting Start Up Companies Leads to Robots in the Distribution Centre

UK – EUROPE – In 2017 Wincanton, best known to most in the trade as a road haulage outfit but lately morphed into third party logistics (3PL) and supply chain solutions, joined up with digital technology specialist L Marks to find new, start-up companies which offered better ways forward for the industry. The latest tranche of those entrepreneurs to receive assistance via the programme, known as W2 Labs, have now revealed exactly what they are targeting, and two shortlisted companies are both working in the same specific area of the transport process.

New Ships Must be Flexible to Beat Harsh Conditions and Achieve Environmental Standards

FINLAND – When any powered technology moves to a new type of fuel there are almost bound to be disadvantages as well as the advantages which prompted the shift in the first place. ESL Shipping made a conscious decision to move much of its fleet to liquefied natural gas (LNG) as opposed to conventional fuel oil and in the latter part of 2018 the company took delivery of two bulk carriers, the HaagaViikki.

A Practical Vision for Bringing the Ocean Borne Freight Sector Up to Date

NORWAY – WORLDWIDE – When a company has survived in one of the most turbulent industries for 157 years then the current boss has a right to expound the corporate view of the future, and explain the steps his organisation is taking to accommodate it. Such is the case for Thomas Wilhelmsen who has been talking on the subjects of autonomous shipping, and how to maintain a prime position in the world of maritime freight.

Record Lows Mean Problems for Supply Chain

US – The ending of the 35 day government shutdown probably came at an opportune time for many in the northern and mid-western United States where the effect of the polar vortex has caused temperatures to plummet. With the Port of Chicago seeing the thermometer plunge as low as -45 degrees Fahrenheit, and five degrees less in some areas, there were bound to be consequences for the supply chain and problems with logistics generally, and for those serving the community it is doubtless all hands to the pumps.

Intercontinental Movement Only the First Leg for Satellites

FRANCE – FRENCH GUIANA – Who among the paid up members of the freight and logistics community can deny that it is the big forwarding projects which engender a frisson of excitement when one stands and sees unfeasibly large pieces of cargo loaded aboard a heavy lift ship using specialist tackle, or into the largest freighter aircraft which look as though any chance of rising from the runway would be against the laws of nature?

Transport Select Committee Chair Says Response 'Cursory and Extraordinary'

UK – Once again Transport Secretary Chris Grayling finds himself at the centre of controversy after letters between himself and the Transport Select Committee, which has been looking at his much maligned agreement to grant £107 million to three cross Channel RoRo ferry companies, one of which is a start-up the has never even owned or run a ship. Now the release of correspondence between Committee Chair, Lilian Greenwood MP, and Mr Grayling again puts the Secretary in an invidious position.

New Control Centre to Manage Global Time Critical Consignments

NETHERLANDS – GEFCO, which provides a range of complex supply chain services particularly in the field of automotive logistics, has announced the launch of its grandly named Mission Control Centre (MCC) in Amsterdam dedicated to managing global time critical delivery solutions supporting its freight forwarding activities.

Second Time in a Year a Box Vessel Incident Has Precipitated GA

BAHAMAS – GERMANY – CANADA – As the Yantian Express inches her way to Freeport under her own power after the fire which devastated the 7,501 TEU container ship as detailed in our previous story, so a General Average has been declared by operators Hapag Lloyd, meaning certain of the losses undoubtedly incurred by some parties will be mitigated by apportioning a percentage of the costs between freight owners and their cargo insurers, and the shipping company alike.

Six Rail Lines to Link Cargo to Facilities at Sines Seaport

PORTUGAL – Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has announced that, through its freight operator Medway in Iberia, the world's second largest container shipping company is to make a significant investment in the construction of Portugal's largest dry port in order to address the growing needs of exporters and shippers in the north of the country.

Hardly a Surprise as Group Lines its Ducks for Post-Brexit Short Sea Conditions

UK – POLAND – London's newest deep water port, DP World's London Gateway is best known for its deep sea connections having the ability to work on the largest of box ships. The latest generation of these vessels however mean even more work for the smaller class TEU feeder vessels and now the Unifeeder fleet is to begin a service running to and from the port to link it with Gydnia, located on Poland's Baltic coast.

Concerted Bid to Reduce UK Highway Mileages

UK – Road haulage outfit, Maritime Transport, and rail freight operator, DB Cargo UK, have entered into an agreement and announced the launch of a new division, dubbed Maritime Intermodal, which will initially contract four dedicated services out of the ports of Felixstowe and Southampton. The long-term agreement is intended to enable each organisation to operate to its strengths, driving up service and efficiency to result in increased intermodal capacity and growth in rail freight. John Williams, Executive Chairman of Maritime Group, said:

Employees Collect Keys to New Houses

PHILIPPINES – International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) is a company which has received many brickbats from international labour organisations over the past few years, but there is one group of employees of the port management company who work on home territory who are currently delighted with their employers, as more than 40 of them have now won houses donated by the company in light of their services.

Meanwhile the Company Sees New Ship Bunker its First LNG

NETHERLANDS – FRANCE – SWITZERLAND – A couple of items from the French shipping and container group CMA CGM this week as it pushes on with its expansion into the wider logistics arena. Today it published the full details of its offer prospectus for all publicly held registered shares of CEVA Logistics AG. Meanwhile subsidiary company Containerships has successfully carried out its first refuelling with liquefied natural gas.

Huge Sectional Bridge Carried Successfully from China

CHINA – NORWAY – Our photograph shows giant bridge sections now safely delivered to the largest regional road construction project, which will see the 580 metre long bridge installed around Easter, crossing the Beitstadfjorden and connecting the municipalities of Steinkjer and Malm. In a mountainous country like Norway, riven as it is by deep fjords, such bridges are an essential part of the transport infrastructure and the Beitstadsundbrua bridge required a project freight forwarding assignment by Hamburg based SAL Heavy Lift to carry its twelve sections by sea from Nantong, China.

Shipping Industry Bits and Pieces This Week

AUSTRALIA – JAPAN – The logistics update this week starts as ocean freight specialist K Line tells us it has transported and successfully discharged the first shipment of LPG from the giant Australian Ichthys LNG Project to Japan aboard its VLGC Grace River. It is slated that 70% of the 8.9 million tonnes of LNG emanating from the site will be supplied to Japanese customers. In addition to LNG, the Project will produce LPG (approx. 1.65 million tonnes per year) as well as approximately 100,000 barrels of condensate per day at peak.

Who is Off to Which Job this Month

EUROPE – We start the weekly job appointment column not with those who carry freight and containers, but the people who pick up the pieces when there are problems, as towage and salvage group Svitzer has announced the appointment of Fred Jeeninga as Cluster Managing Director, Continental Europe (Netherlands, Belgium, Georgia), and Maurice McKeating as Cluster Managing Director, UK South.

Blazes at Sea Cost Several Lives

RUSSIA – CRIMEA – CANADA – BAHAMAS – Two major fires at sea updated as the blaze which struck two Tanzanian registered gas carrying tankers, the Candy and the Maestro on Monday, costing the lives of possibly as many as fourteen people, continues to be shrouded in mystery. Meanwhile a container ship fire earlier in the month has caused the vessel to be diverted under tug escort to the Bahamas.

Cooperation with DFDS to Increase Efficiency for Freight Traffic

UK – It seems the Brexit effect is being felt particularly on the east coast of England where the Port of Felixstowe and Danish ferry operator DFDS have agreed to increase roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) capacity at the UK port by over 40% through investment in a new linkspan, tractor units and additional trailer parking facilities. Commenting on the move, Clemence Cheng, Chief Executive Officer at the Port of Felixstowe and Executive Director, Hutchison Ports, said:

Insurance, Transport Law, Finance and Autonomy Are All Targets for the Future

UK – The government has today launched the long vaunted Maritime 2050 Report, the comprehensive long-term strategy plan intended to maintain Britain's nautical pre-eminence in an increasingly competitive and technologically driven field. After a public consultation last year the authorities say they have striven to develop a close partnership with industry after recognising the increased importance to this British Isle's future success in the context of the UK leaving the EU, with 95% of all UK trade being enabled by the maritime sector.

Differing Definitions of Suitable Vehicles is a Recipe for Confusion

UK – The rush to impose clean air zones on Britain's cities and towns may have laudable intentions, but the patchwork of measures decided on the individual whims of councillors is proving to be a very inefficient and unfair way of handling the problem. This week has seen two updates on clean air zones as the Road Haulage Association (RHA) warned that hauliers and other businesses will be at risk after Leeds City Council announced government approval for its proposals, whilst the Freight Transport Association (FTA) commented on the situation in Oxford.

Is Brexit Being Used as an Excuse to Cut Costs, or are Changes Vital to Comply with EU Tax Law?

UK – Yet another controversy over the manning of ships this week as P&O Ferries announced that more of its vessels plying between Britain and France are to be reflagged from the UK to Cyprus. The flag of convenience status has been said to be necessary to avoid any Brexit controversy but has met with a blistering riposte from union interests, adding to the ever longer list of such arguments.

Two New Facilities Funded in Denmark

DENMARK – DHL Express is to make its largest ever investment in Denmark and the Nordic countries with a new hub at Copenhagen Airport, as the freight and logistics giant looks to significantly improve the speed and quality of its activities in the region. With new state-of-the-art automated systems, DHL says the new facility will be able to handle nearly 37,000 packages per hour, 24 hours a day, in the 26,172 m² warehouse and office complex. The company expects the hub to be ready in 2023 and to add around 100 new jobs. John Pearson, Global CEO of DHL Express, said:

DP World Expanding Geographical and Transport Sector Interests

AUSTRALIA – Having just last week announced that it was taking a controlling interest in two South American ports, Dubai centred DP World has now acquired an additional stake in container port operator DP World Australia (Holding) Pty Ltd (DP World Australia) from Gateway Infrastructure Investments and other financial investors. The new purchase put the transaction for the company at an enterprise value of approximately A$ 1.4 billion (US$ 997 million). The move follows the recent policy to migrate more of the group's operations into the broader logistics field.

Cargo Group Buys 100 Multisystem Units

GERMANY – EUROPE – Rail freight carrier, DB Cargo, have signed a framework agreement with Siemens Mobility for the delivery of 100 multisystem locomotives. At the signing of the contract, the freight transport arm of Deutsche Bahn placed an initial call for 40 Vectron multisystem locomotives to complement the 60 locomotives which DB Cargo ordered in 2017.

Steel Shippers Decision to Cut Costs Has International Unions Riled

AUSTRALIA – The question of who crews merchant ships is one which has become ever more prominent in the past few years. Of course vessels, often flagged far from their regular trading routes, are employed in the ultimate international business and for some countries such as the Philippines, employment on the container ships and bulk tankers which circle the globe, seamanship has long provided a route out of comparative poverty.

No Profit in Breaking the EU Rules on Vessel Dismantling

NETHERLANDS – Dutch ship owner Holland Maas Scheepvaart Beheer II BV (HMSB) has been fined €780,000 and paid a settlement of €2.2 million for having beached a container ship for scrapping in India, the amount that HMSB had earned by selling the ship to the beaching yard. Under the new legal regime, European Union flagged ships must be recycled only in safe and sound facilities included by the EU in the European List of ship recycling facilities. Beaching yards will not be accepted on the EU list as they fall short of the environmental and safety requirements that the Regulation sets.

Maritime Union Again Happy at Outcome

UK – After the tendering process for the passenger only ferry link between Dunoon and Gourock, previously operated by Argyll Ferries, was cancelled when Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands, Paul Wheelhouse MSP, announced last year that he would be directly awarding the contract to CalMac, the move met with criticism from some quarters. Maritime union RMT have however today welcomed the transfer of the contract heralding it as a 'victory for union members and the on-going campaign to end profiteering and uncertainty on Scottish Ferry services'.

Singapore Group Picks Up Established German Rival

SINGAPORE – GERMANY – Two shipping companies, first formed just a year apart almost 150 years ago, have seen a deal in which the bulk shipping business of Hamburg Süd (formed 1871) has been acquired by the China Navigation Company Pte. Ltd (CNCo) which began operations in Shanghai the following year.

Latest Report Shows Ambush and Hijack Hotspots

WORLDWIDE – Our story last week told how piracy incidents in Asia reduced last year but figures released by the International Chamber of Commerce's International Maritime Bureau (IMB) which produces quarterly and annual reports on the state of play clearly indicates that globally pirate and hijack offences against ships actually increased in 2018.

June 2020 is the Month That You Can Pedal the Country and Show You Care

UK – Transaid has published new dates for its Land's End to John O'Groats (LEJOG) cycle challenge, with sole riders and corporate teams from across the transport and logistics industry being invited to saddle up between Tuesday 2nd and Saturday 13th June 2020, to raise funds and help Transaid keep on course for its three year attainment programme which will see more people across Africa get better access to medical and transport facilities and continue its successful fight against malaria.

Appointments and Departures Throughout the Industry

GERMANY – This week we start the freight and logistics staff news with Swiss headquartered Panalpina, currently subject to an unsolicited share bid from Demark's DSV. Christian Stingl joined Panalpina on January 14 as Regional Head of Marketing and Sales for Europe. Stingl will be based in Frankfurt and report directly to the regional CEO Europe with a dotted line to the Chief Commercial Officer.

Some Industry Items You May Have Missed

UK – We start this week's round up of global road, rail, ocean and airfreight news with the announcement that winners of the British FLTA Awards for Excellence 2019 will be revealed at a black-tie dinner gala, held at the International Centre in Telford on Saturday 30 March. Entertainment at the annual Fork Lift Truck Association event will this year by courtesy of truck maker and distributor Linde.

After Theresa May's Plan is Kicked Into Touch What Do the Major Logistics Sector Players Think?

UK – EUROPE – Now the dust has settled somewhat on the scuttling of the Prime Minister's plans to exit the European Union, and subsequent efforts to remove her from office, it is time to hear exactly how the major players in the warehousing, freight and road haulage sectors see the future. The analysis of potential logistics scenario's is a game fraught with danger and, for the most part, those commenting have reinforced the almost universal industry view that a 'no-deal' result would be damaging, but not insurmountable, for shippers.

BIFA Finalists Announced at Yet Another Great Event

UK – Once again the completely sold out British International Freight Association (BIFA) Awards proved to be a memorable event for all who attended. Competition for the awards was as fierce as ever and there was much support for every one of those in the running for all of the eleven categories on offer. The Brewery in the heart of London was again the setting for both an excellent meal and a lively event.

Smart Car Decks Are the Objective of Scientific Collaboration

ESTONIA – RoRo Ferry line Tallink Grupp and the Tallin University of Technology's (TalTech) Estonian Maritime Academy have announced a scientific collaboration with the aim of developing various innovative solutions for Tallink Grupp's vessels over the next two years. The group carries both passenger and freight traffic with Tallink Silja Cargo operating between Estonia, Finland, Sweden and Latvia.

Four Companies Put a Combined 330 Box Vessels on the Water

WORLDWIDE – Beginning in April 2019 the Ocean Alliance, the container line services provided jointly by CMA CGM, COSCO Shipping, Evergreen Line and OOCL, will launch what the partners have termed its Day 3 Product. The quartet claim that their alliance is the largest operational agreement between shipping companies in the world.

European Commission Decision Annulled by European Court of Justice

US – EUROPE – The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has confirmed that the European Commission's (EC) decision to deny the proposed takeover of Dutch parcel carrier TNT, by US freight and logistics giant UPS, must be annulled due to 'procedural irregularity', agreeing with the General Court in finding that the EC infringed UPS's right of the defence.

Security Upgrade Following Spate of Crimes

DENMARK – The Danish Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs has launched a new strategy for the shipping industry aimed at reinforcing and improving cyber and information security activities within the sector. In recent years, the global shipping industry has faced increasing vulnerability to cyber-attacks, as evidenced by the massive breach that affected shipping giant, AP Moller Maersk in 2017, the scale of which was unprecedented, costing as it did hundreds of millions of dollars.

MSC and Maersk Opt for 2M Move

UK – Container shipping alliance 2M has confirmed that the Port of Liverpool will become a permanent call on its TA4 service connecting Europe with several US ports. Apparently the move by members MSC and Maersk move follows the introduction of a temporary call in July 2018 resulting from continued disruption at the Port of Felixstowe.

Annual Report Shows Decline but Concern Over Hotspots

ASIA – The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) has released its annual report which shows a total of 76 reported incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia in 2018, representing a 25% decrease year-on-year, the lowest number since ReCAAP began keeping records in 2007.

DSV Bids Unbidden for Panalpina

DENMARK – SWITZERLAND – From comparatively humble beginnings DSV has evolved in forty years from a collective of ten local road haulage operators to a proclaimed top five global freight forwarding outfit, and now comes the news that the group has made an unsolicited bid for Swiss headquartered Panalpina. Currently Panalpina ranks as the fifth largest ocean freight forwarder with DSV one place back with slightly less share of that market.

Year Long Trial Finds Energy Savings

FRANCE – Eniram, a subsidiary company of the Finnish Wärtsilä group, is dedicated to finding energy savings for the maritime sector and has now utilised its latest in energy management technology to assist French ferry operator La Méridionale maximise savings on one of its fleet, the Ro/Pax ferry Piana, which travels between Marseille and Corsica.

Airlander 10 Aims for Production Despite Early Setbacks

UK – Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV), creators of the Airlander 10, a part-blimp, part-plane hybrid aircraft, have been awarded Production Organisation Approval (POA) from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), as the company looks to set to focus on flying passengers, not freight, following the formal retirement of the prototype Airlander 10 after successful testing. The 92 metre craft stands 26 metres high with a lifting capacity of 10 tonnes and derives from the US Army's original prototype HAV304 airship.

Taiwan Based Carrier Having a Busy Time as Sulphur Cap Approaches

LATIN AMERICA – TAIWAN – SINGAPORE – Evergreen Line has been busy of late in terms of the Latin American trade for which it sees real potential for growth. Having established offices in Peru, Chile and Mexico over the past few months the Taipei headquartered shipping group which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, has now opened its latest agency in Colombia.

Trans-Pennine Rail Route Does not Support Northern Powerhouse

UK – The government's reported decision to upgrade the 76-mile Trans-Pennine route between Leeds and Manchester at a cost of £2.9 billion which was referred to in the Guardian last month, has come under increasing fire from freight interests as there now appears to be no provision to carry any intermodal or bulk cargo whatsoever. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, already a controversial figure over matters such as the invisible Ramsgate to Ostend ferry link, has been shielded somewhat for this statement so far with Brexit taking all the headlines.

British Trade Awards Make Youngsters Nervous but Excited

UK – Whilst anticipation is building for anyone who is a guest at this week's annual celebration which is the 30th BIFA Freight Service Awards luncheon, there are bound to be five youngsters in the audience who will doubtless be particularly excited, if not a little nervous, before the event. These are the candidates for the new Apprentice of the Year category at the British International Freight Association which is the second category aimed at young people within the industry, the Young Freight Forwarder Award having been running since 1999.

Logistics Group Agrees to Take on Two Major Gateways

CHILE – DUBAI – DP World has once again extended its influence in its chosen field with the acquisition of a controlling interest in the port's of Puerto Central (PCE) in San Antonio, in Chile's Central Region V and Puerto Lirquen (PLQ) in Chile's Southern Region VIII. The Dubai headquartered 'logistics enabler' has agreed to acquire 71.3% stake in Puertos y Logistica S.A. from Minera Valparaiso and other shareholders associated with the Matte Group.

Some Stories from Around the Globe This Week

ISRAEL – WORLDWIDE – Maritime security specialist Naval Dome says it has come up with an innovative approach to managing the cyber security status of all protected systems on board ships, allowing shipboard and shoreside staff to monitor and evaluate fleet-wide system data, even when they are offline. The company says its Naval Dome Dashboard is particularly suitable for ships fitted with multiple, complex technologies. It can be tailored to the customers specific needs and can be integrated with existing dashboards.

Death of Veteran Freight Player Leads Appointments and Departures

US – Los Angeles Harbor Commissioner and widely respected community and International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) leader David Arian died on 2 January at the age of 72, after a battle with thyroid cancer. A prominent figure in the Los Angeles Harbor community, Arian joined the Harbor Commission in 2010 after serving decades in various leadership positions within the labour movement.

Three Partners Await Approval for Vessel Share and Slot Exchange

WORLDWIDE – Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and 2M partner Maersk Line have announced a new strategic cooperation with Israeli competitor, ZIM, covering the Asia-US West Coast (USWC) and Asia-Mediterranean trades. The new strategic operational agreement, which will be a combination of Vessel Sharing, Slot exchange and purchase, and the sailings are expected to start in March 2019, subject to regulatory approval.

Port Vows it Will not Allow Brexit to Impact Trade Flows

FRANCE – UK – WORLDWIDE – This week the Port of Dunkirk held its annual Conference which gives an opportunity to gauge not only how the port has performed during the past twelve months, but to hear exactly what is planned for future development. This year however gave anyone from the UK an insight into how their continental cousins are viewing the topic of the moment, namely Brexit, something which has the potential to have a major influence on Northern France in particular.

Multi-Million Dollar Investment in Latest Hub

BAHRAIN – Logistics group, Agility, has announced the opening of a new 28,500 square metre facility in Hidd to expand its warehousing, freight, transport and specialty capabilities and serve as a regional logistics and distribution hub. The new facility, which has storage capacity of 17,000 pallet positions, represents a $10 million investment by Kuwaiti headquartered Agility. It follows expansion of the company's overland fleet in Bahrain to support its regional operations.

IATA Numbers Slowest Since March 2016

WORLDWIDE – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its data for global air freight markets in the run up to Christmas, showing that demand, measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTKs), was flat (0%) in November 2018, compared to the same period the year before. This was the slowest rate of growth recorded since March 2016, following 31 consecutive months of year-on-year increases.

Partners Link Up to Bring Succour to Super Typhoon Victims

SAIPAN – Once again two names which have figured previously when disaster has struck are seen again recently as Ukraine-based air freight carrier Antonov Airlines worked with Air Partner Plc, to transport relief goods and humanitarian aid in aid to the reconstruction of the largest in the Northern Mariana Islands, which was left devastated after it was hit by Super Typhoon Yutu.

Ramsgate Controversy as Government Under Fire Adds to Channel Island Row

UK – It seems the controversy surrounding the award to Brittany Ferries, DFDS and, most noticeably Seaborne Freight, of contracts with a value exceeding £107 million by the government for extra RoRo truck services post Brexit should the negotiations end in stalemate, has engendered even more strife for embattled Transport Secretary Chris Grayling. This just at a time when another row over the pay for lifeline freight and passenger ferry crew working in UK waters reaches the next stage.

France and Germany Line Up Against Italian State Interests

EUROPE – The European Commission is to investigate the planned acquisition of French shipbuilding group, Chantiers de l'Atlantique, by Italian rival, Fincantieri, at the request by France and Germany over fears that the transaction could harm competition at on a European and global level.

A Look at the Various Types of Merchant Ships Likely Cost Prices Over the Next Year

WORLDWIDE – This week the analysts at ship pricing firm VesselsValue (VV) have been taking their New Year look in the crystal ball to predict the best type of vessel class for investors to opt for in 2019/20. The study to arrive at such conclusions involves a plethora of factors when assessing each vessel class and age and subscribers to the VV website can take a close look at the assessment of individual merchant vessel types from tankers and container ships to gas carriers and more.

First Stage Implementation of Cloud Technology Completed in Luxembourg

LUXEMBOURG – Hermes Logistics Technologies (HLT) has successfully completed the first phase of the implementation of its Hermes 5 (H5) Cargo Management System at Luxembourg Airport. The system is a customised version installed for LuxairCARGO, one of the largest ground handlers in the world, which processes a yearly total of one million tonnes of air freight. The upgraded version of H5, which will be fully implemented by mid-2019, also includes features such as a new Customs interface, designed to help speed up cross-border Customs clearance, as well as real-time tracking functionality and data analysis, which reduces delays and backlogs.

Open Loop Scrubbers Not on the Banned List in Emission Control Zones - Yet

CHINA – WORLDWIDE – With the sulphur cap deadline, which will see the percentage of the element allowable in marine fuel cut from the current 3.5% limit reduced to a maximum of 0.5% on 1 January 2020 fast approaching, a rumour that China has banned the use of open-loop scrubbers has been doing the rounds.

Revision of IMO Monitoring Guidance Welcomed

WORLDWIDE – Whilst the 73rd session of the IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee in October last year covered a variety of topics from greenhouse gases to plastic pollution of the oceans, there was one matter which slipped past almost unnoticed, yet makes a literal sea change to the regulation covering the disposal of ballast water from ships.

Challenge to Cook a Meal in Less Time Than Dropping and Collecting a Box

UK – With all the concerns over delays to trucks when the Brexit axe falls, staff at DP World's deep water port and logistics facility on the banks of the River Thames, London Gateway, decided it was about time they proved just how quickly a modern container port can turn round vehicles. To demonstrate the system's efficiency the, not so obvious method chosen, was to compare the time taken to drop-off and collect a container to that of cooking a meal for 20 hungry port workers.

Major Rescue Operation Saves Seven

TURKEY – There was a tragedy 80 nautical miles off the Turkish coast at Samsun yesterday morning (7 January) when a distress call was received from the coal carrier Volgo Balt 214 which subsequently sank after apparently splitting in two when in rough seas. Unfortunately six crew members, including the captain, perished before any help could arrive. The nationalities of the dead are not known at this point.

Tyre Group Backs Fight Against Malaria and Assists Battling Health Crisis in Africa

UK – ZAMBIA – After celebrating the charity's 20th anniversary together with Patron HRH The Princess Royal in London in November, staff at Transaid, which supports transport and logistics initiatives in Africa, had further cause to smile last week when tyre giant Goodyear renewed its corporate membership for a further year after initially becoming involved in 2015.

Sulphur Cap Isn't the Only Rule for Owners to Watch Out For

EUROPE – WORLDWIDE – Whilst all shipping companies must by now be well aware of the inception of the Sulphur Cap which becomes mandatory on 1 January 2020, less well publicised is the fact that all existing ships sailing under the EU-flag and ships flying the flag of a third country calling at an EU port or anchorage, must have on board an inventory of hazardous materials (IHM) verified by the relevant authorities or a recognised organisation by 30 December 2020.

Operation Brock Looks Like 'Window Dressing'

UK – Despite the fact that Operation Brock having been crafted with the aid of the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and the Freight Transport Association (FTA), there was criticism of today's two government trials designed to test it whilst also educating the truck drivers involved. Brock is the system aimed at reducing confusion and congestion on the main route to Dover should post Brexit activity cause delays.

Latest Ships Will Provide 80 Seafaring Jobs Guarding Energy Interests

UK – Offshore support vessel specialist Sentinel Marine says it will create 80 new jobs by adding three multi-role ships to its fast-growing fleet. The Aberdeen-based firm is investing in the region of £36 million in the trio of new builds, which will come into service by the end of 2020. The ships, Cromarty Sentinel, Trafalgar Sentinel and Viking Sentinel, are an enhanced version of the emergency response and rescue vessels (ERRV) which Sentinel Marine has introduced in the North Sea over the past four years.

Some Snippets of the Week's Smaller Items as We Are Taken to Task on Our Piracy Definition

UK – WORLDWIDE – We are grateful to Melbourne based reader Scott McEwan who took us to task over our dismissal of the recent hijack attempt on the RoRo/Container ship Grande Tema pointing out that the stowaways from Nigeria, all four of whom were arrested after an SBS Helicopter operation in the Thames estuary and have now been further remanded in custody until they appear at Southend Magistrates Court on January 18, probably do comply with the term 'pirate' as defined by article 101 of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Homeless in Kent Treated for Christmas

UK – Dover based Priority Freight is doubtless considering how Brexit may result in an upswing in its work load but, just before Christmas, the time-critical logistic specialists made a different type of urgent delivery close to home with a donation to the Dover Outreach Centre which offers hope to the homeless men and women in and around the town. In addition to the financial assistance the company gave an assortment of Christmas gifts and staff have pledged to continue to support the charity.

Pirate Attack Sees Kidnapping as Storm Washes Box Cargo Overboard

WEST AFRICA – NETHERLANDS – WORLDWIDE – 2019 could hardly have got off to a worse start for the world's second largest container shipping outfit, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), which has suffered a 'double whammy' this week with one ship suffering a pirate attack, resulting in the kidnapping of several crew, whilst in Dutch waters a violent storm meant the loss at sea of around 270 shipping containers all loaded with freight.

Work Progressing on Ljubljana Freight Facility

SLOVENIA – Having celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2018 the Slovenian operation of Austrian headquartered logistics provider cargo-partner finished the year off celebrating with its now traditional 'Pre-New-Year's Party' for 250 guests from all around the world in the historic Ljubljana Castle. The occasion also marked the strides taken in the development of the company's iLogistics centre which began construction in June 2018.

Carbon Neutral Status Award Claimed as First on the Continent

ECUADOR – After announcing recently that access to the port is to undergo a major dredging programme to allow container ships and bulk carriers with drafts up to 12.5 metres to utilise the facilities, Contecon Guayaquil SA (CGSA), the Ecuadorian subsidiary of ICTSI, the Philippine port operator, says its facility has become the first port in South America to obtain a carbon-neutral certification.

All Party Parliamentary Group Wants a Watchdog for Motorists

UK – Although the pump price of fuel does not trouble British voters, or indeed politicians, to the extent to be found in the US, there is a definite edge to the latest pronouncements from FairFuel UK, the outfit started by former road haulage operator Howard Cox which dedicates itself to pointing out anomalies in the price paid by both the freight industry and ordinary citizens when it comes to filling their respective tanks.

Chris Grayling Supports Yet Another Under Fire Decision

UK – Unsurprisingly the government, already berated daily over the Brexit controversy, has come under fire once more after pronouncing the latest idea to ease congestion in the face of a hard no-deal exit from the EU. By announcing an investment of £107 million in three ferry companies to provide extra capacity, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has seemingly done little more than infuriate a fresh tranche of voters. Whether laying on extra ferries goes any way to solve a potential congestion problem is of course questionable, traffic levels are not set to increase, merely those delays when goods arrive and are subject to lengthy customs clearance.

Acquisition of 280,000 Square Metres Vastly Increases Potential Freight Throughput

DENMARK – DSV, a freight group originally created from the unification of 10 of the country's road haulage operators, has announced an expansion to its Hedehusene headquarters which sits around 30 kilometres west of Copenhagen. Hedehusene serves as the global HQ for DSV and will shortly see ground broken on the group's 10,000 m² extension to the current premises.