Shipping Search - Archive

Environmental Preservation at the Heart of a Most Gruelling and Dangerous Competition

FRANCE – WORLDWIDE – Whilst shipping companies such as CMA CGM are redoubling efforts to be as environmentally responsible as possible, it seems some of the French container group's investments may also do similar work, even if that was not the original purpose.

Some of the Items You May Have Missed

UK – There are only a few days left to get your nominations in for the Amazon everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards. In a year where the industry has been so instrumental in keeping the country moving (quite literally), now is your opportunity to share your story, or to show someone in your team that you recognise their outstanding contribution to the sector.

Ships Wait to Unload, a Shortage of Chassis Transport and Higher Box Rates

US – CHINA – This week reports continue to come in outlining the parlous state of ports across America which are struggling to manage container traffic during the pandemic.

Who is Heading Where in the Logistics World

GERMANY – Dominic Gaida has been the new Branch Manager at Gebrüder Weiss in Esslingen, southern Germany, since the beginning of the year. He succeeded Jochen Gonser who will in future assume responsibility for managing sales for the economically strong, greater Stuttgart area at the same location.

The Year Video Didn't Kill the (Radio Star) Live Event

UK – The absence this year of the always enjoyable live event which is the annual British International Freight Association (BIFA) Awards was surely missed by many, but the organisation was determined to press ahead in a year when the winners managed to triumph over a hitherto unknown level of adversity.

Industry Big Hitters All on the Same Page

WORLDWIDE – Nobody could accuse the shipping industry to be underrepresented in the ranks of the Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) with members including all the big hitters from the sector.

Hauliers and Exporters Changing Habits

UK – FRANCE – SPAIN – IRELAND – As we have pointed out many times previously concerns over potential border delays have elicited a change of tack for many exporters and hauliers with the expanded use of unaccompanied trailers, rather than those accompanied by a unit and driver.

The Pros and Cons of Maritime Digitalisation

NORWAY – WORLDWIDE – DNV GL (shortly to revert back to the DNV name) has been looking at the whole question of the problem set by the IMO, that of halving vessel greenhouse gas emissions in the next thirty years.

Half a Million Square Foot Centre Has Parking for 150+ Trucks

UK – Safety is of course a top priority for all modern businesses, none more so than within the environment of a busy logistics warehouse where carelessness can cause all manner of accidents. To minimise risk the best systems are essential, and so a Milton Keynes based group was doubtless delighted to be selected by an industry leader for its safety and impact protection equipment fit out.

Rail and River Will Transport Construction Materials

UK – A new deal signed by the Port of Tilbury with Walsh, which moves 3 million tonnes of construction materials each year, is set to ensure the development of London will see its demand for building supplies for the next two decades carried in the most sustainable way.

Kent Gets Lion's Share of Funding

UK – EUROPE – Rightly or wrongly it is fair to say there has always existed a degree of distrust between the farming communities on either side of the channel. Each can point out perceived weaknesses, with the French particularly coming under scrutiny with accusations of tardiness in adopting agreed standards and the UK seen as favouring chemicals such as neonicotinoids, frowned upon elsewhere.

American Citizens Will Still Build, Crew and Service Domestic Shipping Fleet

US – Anyone who hoped that the removal of Donald Trump might open the country to a more amicable regime in terms of global trade will doubtless have been disappointed by one of the latest Executive Orders issued by President Joe Biden.

Name and Shame Needed to Prompt Humanitarian Response

WORLDWIDE – Over 300 maritime industry and human rights leaders have stepped up to sign a new global pledge to resolve the horrific crew change crisis which has bedevilled the maritime sector for months.

Shipping Hopefully Sailing Toward a Cleaner Future

FINLAND – WORLDWIDE – Not so long ago we could not see a day go by without a pirate headline, then it was Brexit, rapidly chased up by Covid, however a theme which has cropped up consistently during that whole time is climate change, with the need to cut maritime emissions playing a major role.

Free Lectures to Include New Safety Technology

UK – The humble van is in fact one of the most important key components in the supply chain, yet its status is often not recognised, and the qualities of both vehicle and driver can vary wildly from one company to the next.

Those Which Could Planned for Political Ineptitude

UK – Brexit has of course seen many twists and turns before settling into the reality of making it work, a task being undertaken by Customs authorities and freight forwarders alike, not to mention some continuing input from the politicians, many of whom were responsible for the whole excruciating process.

Snippets from the News Around the Globe

UK – This week's round up starts in London as, whilst the organisers of many freight and logistics related events are bemoaning the fact that, for them at least, 2021 will be a write off, those who put on London International Shipping Week (LISW) are more hopeful their plans will not be subject to change, particularly as vaccines roll out. The organisers of LISW21 are still seeking sponsors, with details HERE.

Postal Imports May Incur Unforeseen Costs

UK – EUROPE – Confusion reigns over the VAT and Customs duty status of many goods arriving In the UK from the European Union post Brexit.

New Technology for an Ancient System

NETHERLANDS – SWEDEN – WORLDWIDE – Another merchant vessel kitted out to harness the wind has made its maiden voyage after the owners, Boomsma Shipping BV, agreed to equip it with two eConowind VentiFoil wind-assisted propulsion units, having signed a contract Covid-style eight months previously.

All Businesses Should be Aware of Regulations (and Potential Penalties)

EUROPE – Before Covid-19 began to cut a swathe through the population and became the headline grabber of 2020, data protection had been very much an issue concerning most businesses. Now figures released show that it would be unwise for companies still trading in the European Union and beyond to relax their vigilance on adhering to the regulations and the ways they collate, handle and retain personal data.

Industry Cooperation Reaches Fruition

UK – WORLDWIDE – Both having strongly and consistently advocated the need for significant improvements to safety standards in the dry bulk sector, RightShip and INTERCARGO last August combined their expertise to create a single framework for the whole industry.

Containers Converted to Aid Victims Sleeping in Cars in the Snow

CROATIA – AUSTRIA – With it being the Christmas period and pandemic news dominating the headlines the earthquake which struck Croatia on 29 December killing at least seven people and leaving many homeless, occurred with many people outside the country unaware of the tragedy.

Cooperation with Maritime Clean Up Project Extended

DENMARK – NETHERLANDS – Back in 2018 we wrote how Maersk Supply Service A/S had offered to support The Ocean Cleanup project for three years in a bid to help end the scourge of plastic pollution at sea.

Union Gets Claims in Early

UK – Peace only occasionally breaks out when staff relations aboard many of the world's vital island ferry routes are concerned, and the Scottish services from the mainland to the myriad isles of the Hebrides and Shetland groups are certainly no exception.

Not Everybody However Agrees

GREECE – WORLDWIDE – With continued pressures on the airline industry due to the continuing pandemic, the latest initiative from Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to agree a common digital European Covid-19 vaccination certificate, to enable those who are vaccinated to travel freely within Europe without Covid-19 testing, has received the support of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

UK Advice Sites for Covid and Document Checks

UK – EUROPE – For drivers of vehicles headed to the Continent with freight the new rules brought in to accommodate the Brexit protocols are still proving difficult for many. The government has published a list of advice sites at which drivers and crew of HGVs, LGVs, coaches and vans can get free Covid-19 tests and border readiness checks before transporting goods to the EU.

More Demands for Vaccines and Priority Status for Seafarers

WORLDWIDE – Despite all the good intentions and previous promises of action, the problem of crew changes during the pandemic, with all its implications for safety and mental health, is hanging around like a bad smell in a telephone box. Once again the cry to relieve those seafarers trapped far from home has gone up, this time from the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS).

Flexible System to Protect Those HGV Nearside Blind Spots

UK – The proposed revisions to the Highway Code, giving vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians a higher priority, plus the incoming changes to lorry design and functionality, such as the Direct Vision Standard mandatory for trucks in London from 1 March 2021, combine to make a perfect storm for HGV drivers.

Cargo Service Capacity Increased by 60 Percent

UK – WORLDWIDE – There have always been complaints from forwarding agents and road haulage operators that, where freight is shipped alongside passengers, carriers often prioritise travellers during peak seasons, so as to maximise their profits.

The Weekly Industry Staff Announcements

WORLDWIDE – XPO Logistics has announced the senior leadership team for the intended spin-off of the company’s logistics segment. The spin-off will result in separate businesses with clearly delineated service offerings: XPORemainCo, a global provider of less-than-truckload (LTL) and truck brokerage transportation services; and NewCo, a contract logistics provider.

Some Relevant Items That Never Made the Headlines

UK – The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has granted the British Standards Institution (BSI) approval for UKCA product marking. This new marking is required for placing relevant regulated products on the market in England, Scotland and Wales from 1 January 2021. BSI will also continue to be a Notified Body for the Northern Ireland market.

Simultaneous Legislation by the EU Threatens Chaos

UK – EUROPE – Back in November we wrote of the potential problems faced by anyone in the US importing goods, due to the restrictions being imposed by the Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Prevention Act (STOP Act). The legislation was designed to curb the trafficking by post of illicit substances. Now it seems those affected are facing a 'double whammy'.

RoRo Landing Facilities Improved on Key Route

UK – Ferry landing points often throw up a myriad of hitherto unseen problems. As RoRo ships change routes and find themselves in different harbours, so the anomalies can prove both costly and time consuming.

Name Change from March

NORWAY – DNV GL, the assurance and risk management company, will change its name to DNV on 1 March 2021. The move comes after a comprehensive review of the company's strategy as it positions itself for a world in which many of DNV's markets are undergoing fundamental change.

Latest Ship is 'A Swiss Army Knife'

GERMANY – WORLDWIDE – The offshore renewables sector is about to welcome a new contender in the rapidly expanding market for offshore wind. With Harren & Partner's addition of the versatile jack-up vessel Wind Lift I to its fleet, the launch of SAL Renewables confirms a position as a specialised provider for offshore wind services and installation.

Taiwanese Box Carrier Announces Joint Venture

FRANCE – TAIWAN – The Yang Ming Marine Transport group, after a forty year agency agreement with CLB Liner, part of the French NAXCO group, has formed Yang Ming (France) SAS, a joint venture with that group, to expand the Taiwanese line's investment in the French market.

'Pirate' Reportedly Inebriated

US – The US Coast Guard station at Key West has long been at the forefront of the battle to protect the seas around America's shores. From drug cartels to the agents of hostile foreign states, the 'Coasties' in southern Florida need to be ready for anything. As a result, they were the perfect people to deal with a recent vessel hijacking.

Not Everyone is Happy However After Months of Service Issues

UK – The news that the Hutchison Ports managed Port of Felixstowe has been selected as part of the government's 5G Trials and Testbeds Programme met with mixed reactions when it was announced.

Work Ceases as Row Continues to Simmer

AUSTRALIA – It appears the ongoing row between the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) and the A P Moller Maersk group is continuing unabated. According to the union last year Maersk Supply Service sought to have its members paid international rates, something that was dismissed out of hand.

Award Winners to be Announced by Video

UK – Despite the disappointment of not being able to celebrate the event as a live, and always entertaining celebration of industry achievement, for the 2020 British International Freight Association (BIFA) Awards there will still be an opportunity to witness the announcement of the winners.

Available Technology Enables Safer High Racked Storage Options

UK – With pressure growing on warehouse keepers to maximise the use of space the only option for many, to avoid extra rental costs, is to go up, that is to increase racking heights and optimise what they have available.

Latest in Series to Make Maritime Operations Safer

UK – WORLDWIDE – Health and Safety is often sniffed at by cynics but at sea risks are ever present, and good practice is required every step of the way to ensure the safety of ships, crew, dockers and lightermen etc.

Plans To Offer Training Across North America and Europe

US – UK – XPO Logistics has announced it is entering into a new partnership with Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) to further the company's stance against human trafficking. To this end the company is donating $25,000 in corporate sponsorship to help fund TAT's efforts to eradicate trafficking by training commercial drivers to recognize potential traffickers and victims, as well as encouraging their drivers in the United States and Europe to undertake training courses.

Battle to Upgrade Industry's Green Credentials

UK – WORLDWIDE – With the decarbonisation of the maritime sector taking such a major place in the global fight against climate change, Lloyd's Register (LR) has taken a significant step toward the administration and implementation of its Maritime Decarbonisation Hub, launched in October 2020 and dedicated to the cause.

Some Bits and Pieces You May Have Missed During Lockdown

UK – Altrad Services UK, which operates a 1,460 strong vehicle fleet servicing the energy industries has apparently seen drastically improved driver behaviour, slashed incident rates and almost halved costs from fines and repairs following the installation of telematics data technology from Trakm8. Matthew Hammond, Head of Fleet, Plant and Equipment at Altrad Services, said:

Staff Appointments and Departure News This Week

US – The first round-up of appointments for 2021 was meant to start with President-Elect Joe Biden’s nomination of former Mayor of South Bend, Indiana, Pete Buttigieg, to the role of Secretary of the US Department of Transportation, but continuing on from the 2020 trend of astounding events, current Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao has announced her resignation in the wake of Trump’s response over the insurrection of the US Capitol by pro-Trump rioters.

A Double Assassination and Billions of Dollars to Say the Least

PERSIAN GULF – The seizure of a South Korean owned tanker off the coast of Oman on Monday continues to concern and frustrate a variety of stakeholders. When military forces reportedly from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard boarded the 17,500 dwt Hankuk Chemi they apparently issued just a few minutes warning.

UK Freight Transport Lobby Group Release Study

UK – If it has achieved nothing else the Covid-19 pandemic has at least focused attention on the logistics industry and its essential nature to such as politicians and the mainstream press. Now a new report from one of the industry lobby groups takes a look at how the pandemic has affected logistics businesses and the steps they have taken to overcome the panoply of challenges.

History Repeats Itself on River Thames

UK – How history repeats itself. A century or so ago the middle stretches of the River Thames were home to dozens of wharves serviced by a fleet of countless barges carrying commodities of every type. Now with a universal call for sustainability and lower emissions, water borne freight is again making an overdue comeback.

Change of Tack as Acquisitions Become the Aim

US – WORLDWIDE – Changing times for SEKO Logistics which has seen its key shareholder since 2015, New York-based private equity firm Greenbriar Equity Group LP become a minority investor with Charlotte-based middle market buyout and growth equity investor Ridgemont Equity Partners stepping up to add the 3PL and global freight forwarder to its portfolio.

Staff Changes and Upgraded Digital Systems for Major European Freight Hub

NETHERLANDS – Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is restructuring its Cargo Division, bringing it into its new Aviation Business Development Division under the umbrella of business unit Airport Operations and Aviation Partnerships, from the first of March 2021.

Immediate Acceptance of the Importance of the Entire Supply Chain

UK – Peter Ward, CEO of the United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA) must be thinking, along with the rest of the country, if only the government had reacted as decisively and rapidly to the Covid-19 crisis as they appear to have done today.

Meanwhile Freight Rates Also Hold Up

WORLDWIDE – With the pandemic wreaking havoc in the airline industry only the levels of freight carried have maintained anything like normal, and even increased levels.

Meanwhile e-commerce Changes Delivery Status

UK – The head of the United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA), CEO Peter Ward, has called for the government to confirm 'essential worker' status for all those operating in the logistics sector without delay.

Employment Holds the Key to Prosperity

UK – Nobody could accuse the companies behind the bid for a new Freeport on the banks of the River Thames of being slow off the mark or lacking in enthusiasm with regard to the proposed scheme. With Brexit out of the way the hype is building around a development which its supporters say could transform the economy and employment prospects of the region.

Meanwhile Agents Get Advice to Prevent Wildlife Trafficking

UK – WORLDWIDE – Now that the UK has finally left the European Union it has proved necessary for the British International Freight Association (BIFA) to issue an upgraded version of the organisation's Standard Trading Conditions (STC) which every reputable UK freight forwarding agent uses as a basis for their core business.

Professional Mariners Union Sums Up the Mood of the Industry and Raises Some Concerns

UK – EUROPE – Considering the importance of the event many stakeholders have seemed somewhat reticent when it comes to passing comment on the quality of the deal under which Britain finally exited the EU.

New Year Also Welcomes Decarbonisation Initiative

FRANCE – SPAIN – CROATIA – A busy start to 2021 apparently for some European ports, leading off with the news of the development of a major dry bulk terminal at the Port of Le Havre.

Major Sell Off of Logistics Business Completed

UK – It was back in March 2020, just as the country entered its first major lockdown in an attempt to stop the virus in its tracks, we reported that Swiss headquartered freight forwarding giant Kuehne + Nagel was selling off its British contract logistics interests to another industry behemoth.

Jones Act Regulations Now Extend to Offshore Energy Production

US – Any overseas company which had hoped that the centenary year of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the 'Jones Act' might mean a loosening of the regulations which insist upon domestic shipping being carried on US built, crewed and maintained vessels, will have had hopes dashed by the latest legislation.