Shipping Search - Archive

Device Was Powerful Enough to Cause Disaster

UK -YEMEN - US - Much has been written regarding the recent attempt to smuggle an explosive device aboard a US bound aircraft and its successful detection by staff at East Midlands airport. The incident has created a wave of trepidation regarding the carriage of cargo in the holds of passenger aircraft, something which up to now many of the public have apparently been unaware is standard industry practice.

Good Figures From MOL, KKK and NYK Boost Confidence

JAPAN – In the past week both Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (KKK) and Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK), between them responsible for a vast chunk of the country’s container and bulk freight shipping sector, have posted vastly improved figures for the year so far leading to higher than anticipated profit forecasts.

Settled Weather Brings Out Armed Skiffs

EAST AFRICA – Yet another pirate attack yesterday early on the morning of the 30th October completed a miserable week for freight shipping through the Gulf of Aden and surrounding seas. The Liberian owned and Panamanian flagged MV Polar, a 72,000 dwt tanker was taken control of by an armed gang who now appear to be in control of the ship.

Konecranes extends its factory in Lingang

CHINA - In 2007 Finnish owned Konecranes opened its factory in Lingang which assembles empty container handlers, reach stackers and heavy forklift trucks originally exclusively for the home market. This week the company held an opening ceremony to celebrate an extension doubling the production area with a view to increasing lift truck production now the plants products are being shipped to its customers world wide.

All Operations now Under One Brand

SPAIN - The DB Schenker Logistics organization in Spain has a new brand. As from now, “DB Schenker Spain-Tir” will be the sole brand for all of the services and products, provided by the companies Spain-Tir Transportes Internacionales, S.A. and Schenker España, S.A.

ACI Offer a Chance to Review the Growing Threat at Sea

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Dubai is to host a Maritime Piracy and Security Conference organised by Active Communications International (ACI) on the 1st and 2nd February 2011, when maritime industry experts, ship operators, naval forces, senior government figures, coast guards, security services experts and equipment specialists will convene to discuss the latest solutions to counter the ever-present threat of international piracy.

A Quick Look at the Past Weeks Events

AUSTRALIA – The ‘Missing Link’ project, as it has become known to rail freight professionals, was finished this week meaning much improved throughput of intermodal cargo in the Port of Melbourne. The Australian Rail Track Corporation, plus both Federal and Victoria State governments have all invested in projects to upgrade infrastructure with new dual gauge tracks and equipment running into the port.

Danish Group Introduce Heavy Lift Long Reach Models

UK – Danish owned truck mounted crane manufacturer HMF has launched a campaign to take a larger market share with the introduction of two new, state-of-the-art loaders and appointing its first UK dealers. The latest additions to its comprehensive product range are the 38-tonne/metre HMF 3820-K and 47-tonne/metre HMF 4720-K. Simple, efficient and cost-effective to operate, these new models can each be employed with up to eight hydraulic extensions and offer maximum reaches of 8.2-21.4 metres.

Value of Safe Rooms Demonstrated Again Whilst Authorities Sink Suspect Ship

SOMALIA – After our report just three days ago telling of the seizure of two more freight vessels, the York and Beluga Fortune, it seems even more attacks have taken place as the weather improves and pirates range into the Gulf of Aden and beyond but NATO also managed a small victory against the trade.

Labrador Goes Against the Trend

CANADA – At a time when the rest of the world is turning against road haulage and looking for more environmentally acceptable ways to ship freight it is worth remembering that in some communities around the world many people do not have the luxury of treading the ecological path. This week an announcement from the provincial government of Labrador spelled the end of a ferry service that moved into local authority hands in 1997.

CMA CGM Expand One of the French Traditional Markets

VIETNAM – French container shipping line CMA CGM have revised their FAL 3 service to include the new deepwater port of Cai Mep. The route which utilises ten vessels ranging from 8,500 to 9,500 TEU capacity will call Westbound whilst continuing to serve North, South and Central China. The latest direct call will commence with the Asia – Northern Europe service from 9th November.

Partnership Targets Indian and Sri Lankan Market

UK – INDIA – SRI LANKA – TDG, the European freight logistics and supply chain specialists have entered into a strategic agency agreement with John Keells Holdings to cover freight forwarding services between Europe and India and Sri Lanka. The partnership is intended to enable both companies to accelerate growth of ocean and airfreight and activity between the regions.

Black Weekend as Somali Pirates Seize Two Vessels

SOMALIA – Yet more bad news from the troubled region as two more ships, the Greek managed, Singapore flagged York carrying liquefied petroleum gas and the German freighter Beluga Fortune were seized by pirates this weekend.

Captain Lost After Accident

NETHERLANDS – The unfortunate accident on Friday when an inland waterway freight carrier struck and sank a small passenger ferry on the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal canal has claimed the life of the ferry’s skipper a 56 year old Dutch national. The canal had been closed as the authorities searched it for possible victims as initially the ferry was thought to have been carrying passengers.

Sydney to Melbourne Line Closed for Several Days

AUSTRALIA – The only rail track between Sydney and Melbourne has been closed by a serious accident on the line at 7 am Saturday morning when 15 freight wagons derailed following what appears to be a fault in the train’s running gear. Engineers are examining the wreckage but preliminary reports indicate bogey failure causing the cargo wagon to jump off the track taking fourteen more with it.

Internal UK Service from Mezeron

UK – According to Manx Radio reports Isle of Man based Mezeron are to start a new service between their home base and Liverpool as from tomorrow (Monday). The line currently operates routes to Glasson Dock between Heysham and Fleetwood, and Belfast.

UK to See More Adult Apprenticeships

UK – On a day when most people were scanning the financial details of the Governments public spending review and the implication for jobs in all sectors, the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT) has welcomed the announcement of a £250 million a year increase in funding for adult apprenticeships to 2014-15. CILT represent their 18,000 members and lobby for individuals and organisations involved in all disciplines, modes and aspects of logistics and transport.

NOL Turn in Third Quarter Profits

SINGAPORE – Neptune Orient Lines (NOL), container shipping line and global logistics and supply chain operators, have released third quarter figures which demonstrate how fiscal measures taken by the major freight groups, coupled with a return to more usual trade figures as cargo levels rise, have turned losses into profits across the board in the industry.

More Pirate Action For the 'De Grasse'

SOMALIA – Just a week or so ago we wrote of the French warship FS De Grasse showed UN officials how they intended to treat pirates if and when they apprehended any. Today they had the opportunity to try out their techniques after spotting two skiffs full of armed men just off the coast in the early hours of this morning. The ship is currently patrolling these waters to dissuade attacks on container ships and other freight and fishing vessels in the recognised shipping lanes.

DfT Statement Shows Something Was in the Pipeline for Dartford

UK – Last week Transport Minister Mike Penning casually mentioned a number plate recognition system for vehicles passing through the Dartford Tunnel and, presumably, the Queen Elizabeth Bridge, the well known congestion point on the M25, due to be put into place in 18 months time. No one would dispute that toll collection, even using the Dart Tag scheme, slows both private and commercial vehicles, including overseas registered freight trucks, sometimes to unacceptable levels.

Global Scheduled Express Cargo Flights Available

EUROPE – MIDDLE EAST – ASIA – SOUTH AMERICA – Panalpina, the global logistics and freight forwarding group, has launched its new own controlled regular air freight services connecting Luxembourg with the new Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International Airport and Hong Kong. Additionally Panalpina announces the introduction of an express air service from Hong Kong via Huntsville/Alabama to São Paulo in Brazil.

DB Schenker and Stinnes Foundation EUR20,000 Prizes Announced

GERMANY - The DB Schenker Award 2009, which carries a cash prize of €10,000, goes to Dr. Anita Petrick from the Darmstadt University of Technology. The young female scientist beat competition from all over Europe with her dissertation entitled “Multimodal products in revenue management: potential and approaches to achieve capacity control”. A cash prize of €10,000 was also awarded to the Professor of the supervising Chair in Operations Research held by Prof. Wolfgang Domschke at the Darmstadt University of Technology for supporting and supervising Dr. Petrick’s work.

'Fill Up with Gas' Takes on a Whole New Meaning

SWEDEN – Truck manufacturer Volvo have always been proactive when it comes to truck development and many freight companies favour their units. The harsh conditions found in the company’s home country, coupled with a history of heavy haulage pulling timber through all manner of terrain have bred a durable range of vehicles for shipping all manner of goods. Today, Volvo Trucks will initiate public field testing with methane diesel trucks that can run on liquefied methane gas and at the same time, Sweden’s first filling station for liquefied methane gas will open at Stigs Center in Göteborg.

Connections Across Three Continents

WORLDWIDE – DHL have unveiled three new air express routes between Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. The routes are being served by AeroLogic, the joint venture cargo airline of DHL Express and Lufthansa Cargo. Hong Kong will see a next-day express service to Europe through early bird connection to Leipzig, Thailand is now connected into the Europe-to-Asia route, and a Brussels to Bahrain service provides additional capacity from Europe to one of DHL’s key markets in the Middle-East.

CEVA's Italian Logistical Development Books its Place

ITALY – CEVA Logistics, formerly of course TNT, have extended their talent for supply chain management this week with the unveiling of the project the company claims has cost them an investment of €65 million. Entirely devoted to the logistics requirements of the publishing sector the ‘City of Books’ is a freight and publication finishing platform which has taken CEVA eight months to create.

Now That's What I Call Transhipment with a Difference

US – KAZAKHSTAN – Stage one, deliver the cargo from California to the borders of the Caspian Sea, usual hassle, don’t know the weight exactly, cube is probably about 40 m3 looking at that photo, phone a project forwarder and ask the client can it be laid down, there’s bound to be a bridge or two on the way. That however is the easy part.

Maersk Say Seasonal Change Reduces Demand

ASIA – EUROPE – Danish container shipping giant, Maersk Line has confirmed it will adjust its Asia - Europe capacity in line with changing market demand. In mid-November the AE9 service, which accounts for around 10% of the company’s regional network capacity, will be withdrawn but this is a traffic volume adjustment and does not entail any vessel lay-ups or similar.

FTA Body Tackles a Modern Difficulty

UK – Unusually for many Western European countries the Freight Transport Association (FTA)have pointed out that Scotland is a net exporter of goods and its industry depends heavily on empty shipping containers with which to transport these goods to market. Currently however many shippers are finding there are fewer empty boxes available and this is causing problems for the country’s exporters.

Economy Seen as the Biggest Challenge

US – The 2010 Management Conference and Exhibition of the American Trucking Associations (ATA) meeting in Phoenix, Arizona heard the results of the latest American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) survey into the most critical issues facing the nation’s truckers, and, unsurprisingly, the state of the economy was viewed as the most serious.

New Head for German Offices

GERMANY – Regular readers will be aware of the Toll Group’s expansion into new freight markets in the UK and beyond over the past year or so. Now Toll Global Forwarding, the international logistics and forwarding division, has appointed Cédric Faivre (38) as its new MD for Germany to spearhead the company’s planned expansion in the country over the coming months.

First Appearance For Kent Based Shipping Agency

UK – 237th place might not sound much in most races, but when it means you’re one of only two freight forwarders in the 2010 Sunday Times HSBC Top Track 250 list, an annual league table of the top 250 British mid market independent companies in all fields, it is certainly impressive.

Snippets From Around The Globe in Bite Size Pieces

UZBEKISTAN / TAJIKSTAN – Following our report in March it seems the Uzbekistan authorities have finally begun to allow freight rail cars into Tajikistan. The Uzbeki’s have been holding onto rail wagons bound for the Roghun Dam project since that time and one might detect an American hand in the negotiations as we reported in May.

Human Rights Authority Berated for 'Deeply Flawed' Ruling

EUROPE – The tragic case of the oil tanker Prestige, which broke in half and sank in Spanish waters in 2002 has always been a contentious issue but forgotten by many if not by those directly involved. Now the European Court of Human Rights has made a judgement which has been heavily criticised by everybody we have spoken to who has knowledge of the case.

Keep a Beady Eye on the BDI

UK – WORLDWIDE - When it closed on Friday at 2762 the Baltic Dry Index, so valued as a freight thermometer by many analysts and investors alike had maintained its steady rise over the past couple of weeks. Overall the index has maintained this climb since plummeting to a notch above 1700 in mid July having crashed from the respectable 4200+ six weeks previous to that.

Medium Sized UK Hauliers Face a Winter of Discontent

UK – As expected the number of haulage companies struggling in the current climate appear to be rising, the situation however is perhaps a little more complex than many analysts would have us believe. Despite the fact that half a dozen or more well known trucking firms have entered into receivership this month the situation may well be just a reflection of trading conditions some months ago rather than an immediate barometer of cargo levels.

Rail Freight Development Continues in the Region

OMAN – Just a few days ago we told of how Jordan has plans to develop a rail system to extend south into the territory of their neighbours Saudi Arabia within the next decade. Now local press reports are full of how Oman intends to develop its own double track, standard gauge rail network, including a full rail freight component with intermodal depots sited at strategic points on its length.

Panalpina Face Up to Further Fines

US – SWITZERLAND – NIGERIA – SAUDI ARABIA – ALGERIA – KAZAKHSTAN – International freight forwarders Panalpina are apparently ready to pay up around $85 million in fines after negotiations with US prosecutors over bribe allegations in various countries. An in depth and ongoing investigation is said to link Panalpina and several of their oilfield and offshore drilling customers including Royal Dutch Shell, Nabors Industries Ltd., Schlumberger Ltd., Transocean Ltd. and Noble Corp. according to Securities and Exchange Commission filings as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Sea Connect Opens New Service from Rotterdam

LITHUANIA – NETHERLANDS – ESTONIA – RUSSIA - Lithuanian based feeder operator Sea Connect have started to run a new service joining Rotterdam with the Muuga Container Terminal in Tallinn, Estonia. The company has recently invested in new containers purchased in China and just a few weeks ago chartered a new 900 TEU container vessel, the Meera, to support the companies existing services between Rotterdam, Hamburg and St Petersburg on the Neva River at the head of the Gulf of Finland on the Baltic Sea.

Northern Europe to US South Atlantic - Mexico - US Gulf Rotation Varies

FRANCE – US – MEXICO – Premier French container shipping line CMA CGM advise customers that from the 17th October there will be changes to the New Victory Bridge service linking North Europe to the US South Atlantic, Mexico and the US Gulf. Launched in partnership with CSAV, this service previously operated in cooperation with MSC and will deploy five vessels of 3,000 TEU’s.

WSC Say Bill Would 'Destabilize the Industry'

US – Following their initial comments last month on the ‘Shipping Act 2010’ H.R.6167, the World Shipping Council (WSC), whose members operate around 90% of liner shipping capacity including all the major container and bulk freight and tanker carriers, has come out heavily against the proposed changes which the Bill, if passed, would make with regard to the way that the international liner shipping industry is regulated in U.S. foreign trades.

Bank and Finance House Cloud Computing Systems used on New Generation Vehicles

WORLDWIDE – As the new technical and technological innovations in transport unfold, be they in ocean freight, air cargo or road borne truck deliveries, so we all have to learn the new jargon to keep pace with developments as they happen. Cloud computing is a concept which, in simple terms, allows the storage of myriad pieces of data from which selected bits can be extracted as required. Now the complex system of cloud based message queue technology, developed for use in banks and finance houses by Gateshead UK based StormMQ has been picked up by electric vehicle leaders Smiths for use in their in house telemetry system.

Cargo 10 Project Unifies More Than Old Yugoslavian Factions

EASTERN EUROPE – Many of us old stagers still remember the united Yugoslavia with a certain fondness and the Tito era saw the easy passage of freight by rail through the united state from Turkey into the West and vice versa. The conflicts at the end of the last century saw an end to the simplification of import and export procedures but now it seems the Balkan states are awakening to the fact that unity is the key to profitability in the new world order.

Company Becomes Sole Provider to DFID

UK – The Government’s Department for International Development (DFID) have appointed Air Partner, the air charter group who carry the prestigious ‘By Appointment’ logo on their header, as the sole provider of all passenger and freight air charter services following a six month competitive tendering process. DFID is responsible for almost all humanitarian airlifts on behalf of the UK and for addressing the UK’s global relief efforts in times of crisis. Air Partner's responsibilities will include freighting emergency cargo and organising emergency flights for any civilian deployments of response teams and the evacuation of British nationals.

New Zealand Shipping Analysis Looks At the Prospects of Island Ports

NEW ZEALAND – As anyone who lives on an island knows, the shipment of freight both in terms of import and export cargo is of crucial interest to the future well being of the populace. Now a new study released yesterday by the independent economic consulting and forecasting organisation NZIER takes an intensive look at several possible future scenarios with regard to container port development and the potential rise or fall of trade in the country.

MOL Pursue Decrease of Fuel Use and Emissions

JAPAN – Regular readers with an interest in the reduction in emissions from shipping generally, and container lines, bulk carriers and ferries in particular, will be familiar with the work being undertaken by Mitsui OSK Line (MOL) in the course of their ‘ISHIN’ projects from ISHIN l over a year ago through ll and latterly lll. Now the versatile freight group have released the latest results of tests they have conducted to improve vessel performance.

University of St Andrews Need Assistance from the Shipping Industry

UK – ZAMBIA – The University of St Andrews in Fife, Scotland are desperately seeking assistance from a freight forwarder, container line or anyone who has the wherewithal to help them transport a twenty foot container load to Lusaka – but there is bad news….

Now Deutsche Post DHL Outline Their Position

WORLDWIDE – Nobody connected to the freight and shipping industry can be unaware of the persistent pressures for all companies, large and small, to demonstrate their green credentials to customers and the wider world alike. Today Deutsche Post DHL have released a study "Delivering Tomorrow: Towards Sustainable Logistics," as a follow-up to the 2009 Delphi Study on ten top future trends. The new 150-page report concentrates on green logistics and the future of the cargo industry and identifies key developments for the years to come. The study is based on in-depth research and contributions from international experts as well as a representative survey of 3,600 business customers and consumers worldwide.

CILT Offer Sensible and Timely Advice

UK – It’s that time of year again (our Australian readers can switch off now), the first autumn chills are a reminder to get the boiler serviced or the chimney swept and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)has come forward with some sensible and seasonal advice for all hauliers and freight movers – get your salt orders in now! CILT remind all transport operators and highways authorities of the need for adequate preparation in order to minimise any possible repeat of the difficulties which arose during the very heavy snowfalls and icy conditions of 2010, following similar problems the previous winter.

System Logistics show off a Cornucopia of Order Management Materials

US – Lewiston, Maine based automated materials handling supply specialists System Logistics have announced the launch of their new website. Visitors to the newly redesigned site will discover an online resource where they can find many of the solutions the company offer for full case and split case picking, buffering, sequencing, order management and consolidation before freight is despatched.

Unions And Employers In One Mind Over Security of Staff

WORLDWIDE –APM Terminals Global Port and Terminal Network, which is currently comprised of over 50 freight facilities around the world, employing more than 22,000 people, today will again observe their ‘World Safety Day’ initiative. Annual safety benchmarking data recently released by the UK‐based International Cargo Handling Association (ICHCA), representing more than 150 million twenty foot equivalent units (TEU) handled, has revealed that APM Terminals consistently outperforms the industry averages.

French Warship Shadows Captured Japanese Vessel

SOMALIA – Once again confusion surrounds the capture of a vessel in the waters off the coast as news comes in that that the MV Izumi, a Japanese bulk freight carrier of the NYK-Hinode Line has definitely been seized by pirates. There have been conflicting reports over the situation and location of the 20,000 dwt Panama flagged ship which was apparently en route from Singapore to Mombasa, probably with motor industry spares.

Once again the Science of War may lead to Peacetime Solutions

US –AFGHANISTAN - It is an unfortunate historical fact that some of the greatest advances in technology and science are often achieved because of the pressures induced by war and conflict. In the rush to stay one step ahead of the enemy, investment restrictions are abandoned and inventors given their heads to pursue all manner of outrageous projects that would not see the light of day in peacetime. Now it seems the freight world may benefit from yet another futuristic development project spawned in the heat of battle.

February 2011 Meeting will Study Future Policies and Alternative Fuels

UAE – A two day conference scheduled for the 1st and 2nd February next year will convene in Dubai to provide a commercial platform for ship owners, fuel suppliers and other key stakeholders to share ideas and actively discuss the most prominent issues of the industry.

Special Adviser Tours French Destroyer

SOMALIA – KENYA - In a demonstration that the powers that be within the United Nations are taking the continuing threat seriously UN General Special Adviser on legal issues related to piracy off the coast of Somalia, Mr. Jack Lang, met EU NAVFOR Force Commander Rear-Admiral Philippe Coindreau on 9th October on board FS De Grasse in Mombasa. Special Adviser Lang and his team were given a tour of the French destroyer and were presented the process of handling suspected pirates on board.

Beluga make a Vessel Fly

GERMANY – UKRAINE – In the words of Beluga Shipping, the Bremen based freight project and logistics specialists, they had their latest challenge, a near 1000 tonne port construction barge nicknamed ‘Kurt’ master the art of flying last month. Kurt (shouldn’t that be Courtney) could already dig, pile, vibrate and swim according to Beluga but with their help, and as the photograph shows, Kurt got his first flying lesson above the waters of Brake Harbour when being loaded aboard the heavy lift vessel MV Beluga Stavanger for his trip to Odessa to assist in building the port there.

Taiwanese Fishing Boat Safe

SOMALIA – The reported seizure of the Taiwanese fishing vessel Fen Guo which we covered on Friday it seems was not in fact accurate. Despite confirmation from no less a source than EU NAVFOR themselves, the security force charged with policing the region, the ship was in fact merely out of contact with her home base for a couple of days which appears to have caused the owners to assume the worst and record it as fact.

Duisburg Expansion Continues

GERMANY – The Duisburg Logport, a project of the Duisport Group, welcomed the expansion of freight forwarder Kuehne and Nagel this week when the company commenced construction of a new logistics distribution centre in the harbour area. K & N will commence freight operations for one of their large healthcare supply customers in May next year.

Drilling Continues to Make Final Breakthrough Imminent

SWITZERLAND – Whilst the world watched with bated breath the unfolding drama of the Chilean mine rescue there was a collective sigh of relief as the drill ‘bucket’ finally broke through into the chamber holding the thirty three trapped miners. But on the other side of the earth drilling continues to enlarge a small hole which, when completed this week, should see the final breakthrough for the longest rail tunnel anywhere on the globe and issue in a newer, faster future for freight in one part of Europe.

Lloyds Register Ready On Ballast Water even as Politicians Drag their Feet

UK – After the utter disgrace that all within the industry should feel as international politicians prevaricate over the general question of marine pollution from freight and passenger ships alike, one part of the problem has been studied and acted on by London based Lloyds Register which has issued guidance notes to help ship-owners and operators who are preparing to install ballast-water treatment systems on their vessels.

Most Southerly Incident Yet Sees 14 Fishermen Kidnapped

SOMALIA – The confirmed seizure of the Taiwanese fishing vessel Feng Guo no. 168 today meant that the country’s pirate gangs are now holding three hundred and eighty three souls for ransom, the crews of the eighteen freight, container and private vessels they currently have under their control.

North American Carrier Ties Up with AT & T

US – Less than truckload (LTL) specialists Con-way Freight has rolled out an advanced technology platform utilizing mobile applications for its daily pickup and delivery and freight management operations, and is utilizing AT&T as the wireless network services provider supporting its operations. By using more than 11,000 hand-held devices supported by dock automation software applications, Con-way Freight can gain and interpret real-time information on shipment pickups and deliveries from its driver workforce in the field.

Half of the World's Food is Lost en route to the Table

GERMANY – Last month over 160 participants from 24 different countries representing the complete cold chain met at the Cool Logistics 2010 conference in Hamburg to discuss ways to improve efficiencies between all parties involved. Worldwide, half of all food production is lost between harvest/production and consumption was the shocking statement made by Derk van Mackelenbergh, Managing Director of European cold storage and distribution specialist Eurofrigo.

'Open Skies' Policy will Aid Japanese Cargo Carrier

JAPAN – INDONESIA – PHILIPPINES – US – All Nippon Airways (ANA) the country’s second largest airfreight carrier has had an encouraging week. Firstly, after suspending services for three years in difficult trading conditions, the airline is to restart daily cargo services into Jakarta next March. In January the company will commence a new daily freight schedule to Manila, both these routes will commence at the company’s Tokyo (Narita) hub.

Atlanta Based Carriers Move Away from Their Comfort Zone

US – It’s all happening at Delta Airlines this week with the announcement that the air carrier has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Deutsche Post DHL to form a ‘Strategic Air Cargo Security Partnership’. This is a DHL initiative which involves a union aimed at stepping up supply chain security. It is based on a common understanding of standard operating procedures for high-value and high-risk cargo and an exchange of best practices on security issues and information on crime trends. Delta Cargo now joins other major airlines as a partner to this initiative.

Snippets of Industry Information from Around the World this Week

DENMARK – The rules governing freight deliveries to the country’s largest cities (Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense and Aalborg) are being reviewed by the Government. Whereas most other European countries embrace night time deliveries, and drivers welcome the chance work in quieter streets with easier parking, the Danes have up to now banned collections and deliveries between 2200 and 0600 hours because of noise regulations. Now the chance to reduce congestion and emissions see the regulations liable to be changed with designated cargo routes for the truckers.

DB Schenker Keep Rolling On

AUSTRIA – HUNGARY – News from DB Schenker as the company celebrated the inauguration of truly intermodal services from their €26 million multi modal terminal at Salzburg for which we gave full details in our April article. Local dignitaries and representatives from DB Schenker and the rail company Salzburger Lokalbahn witnessed the official launch with the opening of the 414 metre rail siding which will connect the freight depot to the main Aupoint industrial area and thus to the European rail network.

Name Your Vessel Time Again

SCOTLAND – Last December we told how North Link Ferries wanted suggestions from Shetland Islanders for names for their latest RoRo freight ferry, offering four free return trips to the winner. That time the successful entry came from young Sophie Wishart, aged 12, when she came up with the name of a local island, Hildasay, which fitted the bill due to its local connection and the initial H, which all the company’s recent vessels bear.

The Developing State Rail Carrier

RUSSIA – Since its founding seven years ago this week, RZD, the Russian rail company, has moved an astonishing 10.4 billion tons of cargo. Despite the demise of communism the firm is fully nationalised with the state owning 100% of the company. Operating independently the company has gradually seen its market share grow, standing at 42.4% of all rail freight shipped in the country so far this year.

But Will Funds be Available for Ambitious Plans?

JORDAN – The Ministry of Transport are apparently almost ready to seek expressions of interest from companies wishing to tender for the construction of the rail system they have been planning for over a decade. The plan includes shipping freight trains from Port Aqaba through to Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia with the possibility of subsequently starting passenger services, if feasible, at a later stage.

Safmarine Finally Segregate the Subcontinent

INDIA – When Safmarine Container Lines last month announced their new Chennai Express service linking the country with the Far East it showed the company were taking the market seriously. Now Safmarine have underlined their determination to consolidate their freight services in the area by designating it a new region in its global organisation.

US Government Called on for Unilateral Action

UK – US – WORLDWIDE - The not for profit, environmental law firm Earthjustice has called on the American government to unilaterally strengthen regulations governing climate change pollution from ships. After attending the recent International Maritime Organization (IMO) meeting to discuss the situation the organization is convinced the IMO is failing to make significant progress in its attempts to agree upon climate protection measures.

Share Price Falls with LTL and General Rate Rise

US – UPS Freight, part of the United Parcel Service (UPS) group have followed the example of FedEx who last week raised freight rates, with their own set of increases. From the 18th October the ‘over the road’ heavy freight division will increase its North American, Canadian and Mexican tariff by an average 5.9% and applies to minimum charge, less than truckload (LTL) services and accessorial charges. Stocks in the group fell 25 cents upon release of the news.

Aid Needed for Truckers Who Suffer from the 'Terrible to the Tragic'

UK – As the only charity in Britain which supports truck drivers when they hit difficult times, the Professional Drivers Association are seeking prize sponsors for their annual Foundation Christmas Raffle and have issued an appeal for companies in the freight and haulage fields to put something back to assist truckers who are suffering from a variety of hardships. The Handy Shipping Guide will sponsor the most generous prize donor with a prize of our own – a year’s free advertising.

1 million Pound Mark Passed in Just 3 Months

UK – Back in June we told the fascinating story of how specialist shipping and transport insurers Thomas Miller, decided to celebrate their 125th anniversary by attempting to raise around £2 million to renovate the neglected vessel ‘Chauncy Maples’ so she could act as a medical centre for the villagers living around Lake Malawi.

ATA Back Legislation - Despite Increased Fuel Costs

US - The Freight is the Future of Commerce in the United States Act, commonly known as Freight FOCUS is legislation proposed by the Californian Democratic congressional representative Laura Richardson intended to introduce a new regime aiming to upgrade the most important freight corridors in the country. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) have this week thrown their weight behind the proposal despite the threat of increased fuel costs.

Latest Addition to CMA CGM Fleet Continues Trend

MALTA – Today saw French giants CMA CGM christen the latest edition to their fleet, the largest containership ever to sail under the Maltese flag, a European flag which is one of the safest in the world (according to the “Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control” criteria). The 11,400 TEU CMA CGM Pegasus was named today at a ceremony in Malta Freeport in the presence of the Hon Lawrence Gonzi, Prime Minister of Malta,and his wife and godmother of the vessel, Catherine.

Six Major Groups Agree to Take Their Expensive Medicine

US – After Kuehne and Nagel admitted colluding with others in a surcharge price fixing scandal yesterday it transpires five of the other freight forwarders accused by the US Department of Justice have also admitted their part in the affair and agreed to fines being imposed relating to the air cargo illegal shipping surcharge affair.