Shipping Search - Archive

Superyachts Supplied as They Travel the Globe

SUEZ CANAL – UK – WORLDWIDE – The term ‘bunker fuel’ usually conjures up an image of merchant vessels and oily discharges but sometimes the business can be a little more glamorous. Such was the case when GAC Bunker Fuels specialised ‘Superyacht’ department based in Southampton, England was asked to provide an integrated package of support services at multiple ports for the 93-metre long three-masted Bermuda rigged schooner Eos to smooth the passage of this, the world’s largest sailing yacht, through the Suez Canal.

Measures Needed to Protect the Orang-utan From Devastation of Habitat

UK – BORNEO – INDONESIA – The BiS Henderson Academy, which makes opportunities for talented youngsters looking to enter the world of supply chain services, has joined with the Logistics Guild, funded by the UK government to improve skills in the industry, to support the charity, Orang-utan Appeal UK (OAUK), in its 2015 appeal to raise £300,000 for the rehabilitation and preservation of the endangered orang-utan and the conservation of their habitat.

Channel Tunnel Group Point Out Five Reasons Which Stymie Cargo Carriage on the Tracks

EUROPE – In these days over press releases littered with surplus adjectives it is nice to see that the latest missive from Eurotunnel, the cross Channel link group is both short and very much to the point. The company points out that, following double digit growth in cross Channel rail freight in the third quarter of 2014, it perceives five major obstacles to the development of rail cargo services on the route.

At Last a Court Verdict Which Sees Two Major Airlines Cleared of Wrongdoing

AUSTRALIA – WORLDWIDE – One can only imagine the celebrations in certain air freight offices in the Southern Hemisphere at the news that the Australian Federal Court has dismissed antitrust proceedings bought by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) against Air New Zealand and PT Garuda Indonesia over allegations that the two companies colluded with other international air cargo carriers to fix fuel and security surcharges on air cargo services around the world.

Tax Credits for Australian Hauliers Increase the Disparity in Costs with their UK Cousins

AUSTRALIA – UK – The introduction of legislation into the Australian Parliament will mean, assuming it is passed into law, that road haulage operators in the country will be shielded from the forthcoming fuel tax hike due to come into force on 10 November 2014. The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) reports that the tax on fuel will increase 0.457 cents per litre from 38.143 cents per litre to 38.6 cents per litre. It will then increase every February and August in line with inflation.

Youngsters Have the Chance to Join the World's Biggest Industry

UK – Having conducted a successful project to handle the complex logistics required to help make the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games the triumph they undoubtedly were, Schenker Limited, the UK arm of the global freight forwarding and transport services provider DB Schenker, has officially welcomed sixteen more young people to its UK National Apprenticeship Programme to start a career within the logistics industry. Projects such as the Games have the power to explain how logistics are an essential part of everybody’s life and enthuse youngsters to forge their own link within the supply chain and join the biggest industry in the world.

Helicopter Disassembled and Flown to Africa

UK – AFRICA - Ruslan International, the UK based joint-venture company that manages and markets the seventeen giant AN-124 freighters belonging to its owners, Antonov Airlines and Volga Dnepr Airlines, has partnered with leading German charter broker Karpeles Flight Services, part of freight forwarding and logistics group DB Schenker, to move a brand new AgustaWestland AW101 helicopter from the UK to Africa by air. The name of the consignee and the specific country of destination have not been released.

Bulbous Bows Redesigned to Suit Current Conditions

FRANCE – WORLDWIDE – As every shipping line and member of the logistics supply chain strives to reduce costs and emissions CMA CGM, the world’s third largest container carrier, obviously has no desire to be left behind in the race for efficiency. The French outfit has continued to optimise its fleet’s fuel consumption and reduce emissions by retrofitting ten of its vessels with bulbous bows.

Amsterdam Hosts a Truly International Exhibition & Conference

NETHERLANDS – WORLDWIDE – The mark of an industry exhibition is often judged by the amount of international exhibitors it attracts and at the 7th annual Offshore Energy Exhibition & Conference (OEEC) held on 28 & 29 October at Amsterdam RAI, 124 of the 630 companies showcasing their solutions and services for the offshore oil, gas and renewables industry were from overseas.

Criminals Charge 'Postage and Packing' for Return of Hostages from Bitumen Tanker after Four Year Ordeal

INDIA – SOMALIA – Following the recent release of journalist Michael Scott Moore by Somali pirates, the seven remaining Indian crew members from the bitumen tanker Asphalt Venture have now been released, after being held for over four years. A further payment has been made to secure the hostages’ release, in addition to the $3.5 million ransom that was paid in April 2012 which saw both the vessel and part of her crew freed. The latest events mean no hostages from container ships, bulk freight vessels or tankers remain in captivity, with still imprisoned fishing boat crews rarely attracting the same calibre of ransom or publicity.

Huge Lock Gate Delivered - Increased Capacity Will Reward Gigantic Civil Engineering Project

PANAMA – The ongoing Panama Canal expansion project has reached yet another important milestone in its aim to meet the expected demand in traffic growth and keep up with the requirements of the international freight and shipping community. Crowley Maritime’s heavy lift barge, 455 4, has delivered the first in a series of eight huge lock gates for the Pacific side of the project. This first gate is the smallest on the Pacific side, nevertheless standing at a towering 22 metres tall and weighing no less than 2,300 tonnes.

Infrastructure Bill Leads to Complete Reform of Highways Agency Duties Which Impacts on Road Haulage Interests

UK – The UK government has outlined its plans to reform the Highways Agency and introduce a long term vision for improving the UK road network by creating new ‘watchdog’ and ‘monitor’ bodies that will together aim to better the performance of England’s motorways and major roads, something which will impact on road haulage interests. The move has been welcomed the Freight Transport Association (FTA) which also calls for all party support of these road reform proposals.

Online Service Comes with Money Back Guarantee

UK – EUROPE – Lichfield based road haulage and freight forwarding outfit Espace Express is launching what it claims to be a unique product in the form of its European Express Transport Calculator. A short registration process will give customers the opportunity to access the Espace database and armed with a collection and delivery postcode, customers with time-critical European freight will be able to generate their own rates and transit times for Express van deliveries to or from Europe.

Whilst One Port Celebrates Record Cargo Throughput Others SImply Cannot Cope

UK – US – Stories about ports from the two countries this week illustrate two completely different sides of the world of shipping. Whilst Teeside’s recent investments in ferry and container terminals have made a record week for freight throughput possible, Californian ports are still apparently in chaos, not from a lack of business but simply the inability to manage the volume of cargo they are witnessing.

'I Am AFRICA Hear Me!' Message takes Coveted Title

TURKEY – SOUTH AFRICA – WORLDWIDE – One of the most keenly awaited moments at any FIATA Annual Congress is the announcement of the winner of the Young International Freight Forwarder of the Year (YIFFY) Award and this year provided an even more spectacular result than any of the delegates present for the recent 2014 event in Istanbul could have expected.

Busy Time Sees Lots of Current Top Level Appointments

SWITZERLAND – The Board of Directors of freight forwarding group Kuehne + Nagel has appointed Gianfranco Sgro as a new member of the Management Board effective February 1, 2015. He will assume global responsibility for the business unit Contract Logistics. Dr. Detlef Trefzger will continue to head the business unit in addition to his CEO responsibilities until Gianfranco Sgro joins Kuehne + Nagel.

DKT and Allseas Tie Up and Secure New Business

UK – INDIA – DKT Allseas Shipping has been appointed as the UK liner agent and representative for the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI). Taking over the agency with effect from November 1, DKT Allseas Shipping will be based in Tilbury, Essex. DKT, otherwise known as the De Keyser Thornton Group, was founded in Antwerp in 1853, and has many years of experience in ship agency and freight forwarding activities and earlier this month seemingly tied up in the UK with the Nottingham based Allseas Group, with Allseas Global Logistics Managing Director Darren Wright also heading up the new company.

Two Railroads 'See the World Differently'

US – CANADA – Last week merger talks between Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) and CSX for an integrated coast-to-coast combination ended, with CP’s CEO Hunter Harrison saying that the two companies ‘saw the world a little differently’. Not to be deterred by this recent failure, Harrison, a long advocate for mergers in the rail freight industry, says he remains open to talks with other railroads.

Sinking Killed Around Three Hundred Whilst Crew Accused of Abandoning Ship

SOUTH KOREA – We have often reflected on the countless deaths which occur as a result of ferries being mismanaged and the efforts made by some to avert such needless slaughter in the future. Following the sinking of the MV Sewol earlier this year it seems that the Korean authorities, which have come under harsh criticism over the matter, have decided to take the severest action against the Captain, Lee Joon-seok, with prosecutors asking the Court to sentence him to the death penalty.

Second Call Added to Portugal - UK Port Rotation

UK – PORTUGAL – Last week WEC Lines announced today enhancement to its current Portugal - UK scheduled services with a second call at Leixões in Portugal, before calling at the Port of Tilbury as part of their ‘SPM2’ rotation. This schedule change to the ‘SPM2’ service began on Monday 27 October and will reduce the current eight day transit time by half, calling at the Ports of Tilbury, Antwerp, Vigo, Leixões, Sines and Lisbon, followed by a second loading call at Leixões, and further strengthening the carrier’s presence in the Portuguese markets.

Warning to Government However not to Neglect Track Borne and Multimodal Cargo

UK – The Rail Freight Group (RFG), which has as its sole raison d’être the development of cargo carried by rail and associated multimodal traffic, has welcomed the publication of Sir David Higgin’s report ‘Rebalancing Britain: from HS2 towards a national transport strategy’, but cautioned that emerging plans need to take full consideration of the significant benefits delivered by rail freight.

CIS Clients in Particular to Benefit from Frankfurt Facility

GERMANY – French headquartered logistics group Gefco has added to its network of more than eighty global supply chain hubs with a new air cargo facility which backs onto Frankfurt Airport. The company says the new hub extends its multimodal offering and strengthens its services for industrial clients. Frankfurt is of course a major player benefitting from multiple air routes with good air, rail and road connections.

New Trailer Design and Telematics Enhance Supply Chain Operations

UK – Having recently officially opened its first European Centre of Excellence, freight forwarding and logistics outfit Ceva has announced a further major investment to the road haulage element of its UK operations. The supply chain management group is spending $20 million to add 120 tractor units, 40 rigid vehicles and 180 new trailers to Ceva’s already extensive UK ground transport fleet before the end of 2014. All of the vehicles will be fitted with telematics whilst the rigid vehicles will also have an innovative load restraint system.

Sixteen of the World's Largest Carriers Now Bound Up in Vessel Sharing Deals

US – WORLDWIDE – The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has cleared the recently announced Ocean Three alliance between freight carriers CMA CGM, UASC and China Shipping without the 45-day review period that both the 2M and the failed P3 networks had imposed on them. The reason given is that as the three container shipping lines would have a combined market share of under 30%, the new arrangement became legally eligible for exemption of the review period. The fast-tracking of Ocean Three has angered FMC Commissioner Richard Lidinsky, who, having been the lone dissenter by voting against 2M and P3, is now calling for an internal investigation into the handling of this Vessel Sharing Agreement.

Repeat Orders for Liebherr Box Handling Equipment Around the Globe

IRELAND – SWITZERLAND – PHILIPPINES – MAYOTTE – BRAZIL – It seems the Rubber Tyred Gantry cranes (RTGs) are proving the flavour of the month for customers of port equipment manufacturer Liebherr. The Swiss headquartered manufacturer produces container handling equipment at its Killarney plant and DP World Asian Terminals Inc. has placed an order for five RTGs follow on from an order of two units that were commissioned earlier in 2014 at the port.

Meanwhile in the US, Air Freight Will Be Delivered Despite an Absence of Goodwill

UK – US – The portents of doom are out in force again this year with the Road Haulage Association (RHA) issuing a dire warning this week that Christmas orders may not be filled due to a ‘massive driver shortage’ whilst across the pond the staff who fly air freight for parcel carrier and logistics outfit United Parcel Service (UPS) want everyone to know they will be working hard right up to the holiday season.

Expert Speakers Will Initiate Debate as Organisation Introduces Changes

UK – Supply Chain Sustainability will be the main topic when an event on the subject is held by Women in Logistics UK on the 20 November 2014. A team of three expert speakers have been lined up to pass on their insights when the debate precedes the WiL AGM in the afternoon. Following their membership survey at the beginning of this year, the WiL management team have worked hard behind the scenes and will be unveiling their new logo, new legal entity and new streamlined and improved organisational structure whilst attendees will be able to have their say on the calendar of upcoming events for 2015.

One Acronym That Proved Worthwhile for Vessel Management Company

TURKEY – UK – WORLDWIDE – It is hard for anyone to keep abreast of the dozens of acronyms which seem to appear on a daily basis, and in the world of shipping we are probably more adept at producing and using these than most industries. Whilst all freight forwarders and other supply chain professionals are well versed in some of these; FOB, ISO, TEU etc. we now have a host of others, both giving a short form version of the names of companies and professional logistics organisations, plus abbreviated terms creeping in from sectors other than shipping.

Two Leading Players in Interline Agreement

ABU DHABI – ITALY – COLOMBIA – Etihad Cargo, a division of Etihad Airways, has made an air freight alliance with Avianca Cargo, the freight carrying division of Avianca, the leading airline in Latin America based in Colombia, to operate a twice weekly service from 11 November 2014 between the airports of Malpensa in Milan, Italy and Bogotá, Colombia.

Lack of Joint Coverage Negated as MSC Opts for its Own Routings

EUROPE - US - Whilst the new 2M vessel sharing agreement (VSA) with Maersk Line will give Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. (MSC) customers a comprehensive list of services which the Swiss based container carrier says will deliver outstanding operational benefits for MSC clients, the proposed schedule did not include direct services to Boston or Philadelphia. With this in mind MSC has confirmed its continued direct shipping services from Northern Europe to the key US ports of Boston and Philadelphia with a revised service due to come into effect in early 2015.

Joint Ventures Awarded the Cash Needed to Increase Capacity

EGYPT – WORLDWIDE – As part of Egypt’s $8.4 billion plan to increase the freight capacity of the Suez Canal, the country’s Government and the Suez Canal Authority has awarded over $2 billion worth of contracts to two consortia, to dredge the vital shipping link between Europe and Asia. The expansion plans will see a new Suez Canal constructed next to the existing one, measuring 240 metres wide, 24 metres deep, and a third of the length of the current Canal, as well as the dredging of parts of the existing Canal.

G6 Announces Variations to Service Schedules

ASIA – US – The members of the container shipping network, the G6 Alliance has announced a temporary suspension of the Central China (CC2) service between Asia and the US West Coast until further notice, as a response to seasonal changes in market demand. The last sailing for CC2 will be OOCL Italy departing from Shanghai on October 31. All ports called by CC2 will be covered by other G6 Alliance services.

FIATA Congress Shows Undue Generosity

TURKEY – WORLDWIDE – Last week saw FIATA, the international body which represents freight forwarding and logistics interest, hold its yearly World Congress in Istanbul, and by all accounts a very successful Congress indeed from many points of view, but surprises were not confined the normal matters covered by such an event. Before issuing the usual flurry of press releases about happenings at the event FIATA has been moved to make a comment about the tragedy of the current Ebola virus outbreak, and how its members have responded.

Reefer Option for Moroccan Customers

UK – MOROCCO – This week saw the London Container Terminal (LCT) in Tilbury announce an extension to the agreement it has with Hamburg headquartered short-sea shipping and logistics specialists Oldenburg-Portugiesische Dampfschiffs-Rhederei (OPDR) to handle cargo on the German group’s new liner service from Agadir, Morocco. Forth Ports acquired LCT (formerly Tilbury Container Terminal) nearly three years ago from joint owners DP World and Associated British Ports and now handles over 200 calls per annum for OPDR services.

Three Regional Hubs Sold Off to Overseas Interests

UK – Heathrow Airport Holdings has agreed to sell its 100% interest in Aberdeen International Airport, Glasgow Airport and Southampton International Airport, to a consortium formed by Spanish infrastructure company Ferrovial, already the largest single shareholder in Heathrow, and Australian financial services group Macquarie, for £1,048 million in cash and assumed debt, payable in full at closing, subject to EU merger regulation clearance. The three airports were the last of the airports formerly owned by BAA following the regulators insistence that the company sold off Stansted, Gatwick and Edinburgh.

A Major Step in Amalgamation for Two Airlines Achieved Following Merger

US – WORLDWIDE – Almost two years since the announcement of the merger between American Airlines and US Airways the two previously separate groups have reached ‘a significant milestone’ with the two cargo divisions combining under a single air waybill. The new entity is claimed to bring in more than $800 million each year and move more than one billion pounds (453,000 tonnes) of freight and mail annually.

Once Again Industry Provides Aid to Those in Need

US – BELGIUM – LIBERIA – KENYA – With an ever worsening situation in West Africa as the Ebola virus continues its deadly expansion Ceva Logistics has airlifted more than 70 tonnes of urgent supplies to Monrovia, Liberia to help combat the spread of the outbreak. The airlift was chartered by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the lead government agency coordinating the country’s efforts and which has been working to expand the pipeline of medical equipment and supplies to the region. Included in the shipment were infrared thermometers, disinfectant backpack sprayers, tents, and plastic fencing to be used in the construction of Ebola treatment units.

CPC Requirement Has Added to Problem says BIFA

UK – In a piece earlier this month we mentioned the fact that the average age of an HGV driver in Britain had risen to fifty three, and, according to most informed sources, there is a paucity of younger people willing to enter the profession which could spell problems for the entire road haulage industry in coming years. Now the British International Freight Association (BIFA) has pointed out that the threat to deliveries and collections may be much more immediate than that.

Historic Marker for a Waterway Itself Steeped in History

UK – Large merchant vessels have passed between the Essex and Kent coasts for millennia, from Roman muriophorio to super tankers, yet the new Thames side deep water port of London Gateway was able to put down an historic marker this month as the DP World funded project saw the arrival of the 397 metre long Edith Maersk, the largest ship ever to enter the capital’s river. The container carrier, with a draft of 16 metres, is capable of carrying up to 15,500 TEU and even the ship’s huge beam of 56 metres could be comfortably managed by Gateway’s towering quay cranes with their enormous overreach capability.

A Good Quarter Doesn't Mask a Bad Year as Attacks Overall Increase

ASIA – The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) has released a report detailing a surprising but significant change in the trend of pirate incidents in Asian waters for the nine month period from January to September 2014. ReCAAP found that in the third quarter of 2014, there was a 33% drop in the number of incidents of piracy and armed robbery against merchant shipping as compared to Q2. Unfortunately that’s where the good news ends, with a total of 129 attacks reported for the year so far (both attempted and successful) pirate attacks in the region are at their highest level since before ReCAAP’s formation.

Diversification Pays Off for One of the UK's Most Established Maritime Businesses

UK – One of the best known, and longest established names on the British shipping and freight forwarding scene continues to develop as the John Good Group, gearing up for the company’s imminent move to a brand new head office in December, announces it has seen a strong and robust period of growth which has culminated with inclusion in the 2014 Yorkshire Insider’s Growth Top 100 list. John Good is one of the longest serving businesses in the region with roots stretching back to 1833 as a ships chandler, agent and broker.

Six Thousand Swap Body Trailers Ordered for European Operations

GERMANY – EUROPE – DB Schenker has announced it has invested in 6,000 new swap bodies to partly replace its current stock so that in future only consistent double-stack loading of cargo will be carried out. The freight forwarder will be supplied with the new intermodal equipment by Krone, with whom Schenker has been developing new trailer designs for some years. A year or so ago, after two years of planning, the two companies came up with a new mega swap body and ‘low liner’ chassis combination aimed mainly at automotive components logistics whilst working with other interested parties such as Brüggen and MAN.

One Penalty Settled but There May be More to Come

US – We have written before about cargo vessels which transgressed pollution regulations by discharging oil into the ocean whilst concealing the fact, and foretold more and tougher penalties for such offences and this week, in a first joint judicial enforcement action involving both the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), a claim alleging violations to the Clean Water Act and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), saw the operators of an oil and gas production platform, ATP Infrastructure Partners, LP (ATP-IP), receive a $1 million civil penalty.

Meanwhile Russian Cargo Carrying Group Expands Operations

RUSSIA – SIERRA LEONE – UAE – Earlier this week, heavy lift air freight specialist Volga-Dnepr Airlines transported three Mi-8 helicopters from Moscow, Russia to Freetown, Sierra Leone, which will be used to support the UN Mission for Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER), which was established in late September to help fight the outbreak of the Ebola virus in western Africa.

Is the Government Guilty of Double Standards on Environmental and Social Issues?

MYANMAR – As more freight forwarders and other logistics interests rush to enter the local market, it seems strange to an outsider to hear environmental pronouncements this month from a government official working for the military junta which still effectively controls the country formerly known, and often still referred to, as Burma. U Ye Myint, a Director in the Ministry of Transport’s department for setting laws and technological standards, has commented on the rules which the government wishes to put in place regarding pollution from merchant shipping. According to the Myanmar Times an update to the Merchant Shipping Act with clauses to tackle pollution from cargo ships has been sent to the Attorney-General ahead of its formal submission to parliament.

Supply Chain Groups Recognised for Safety, Green Credentials and Efficiency

UK – Lots of groups in the freight and logistics sectors of the supply chain telling of a variety of awards and honours they have won recently. Having collected a Business of the Year Award last month from the Rail Freight Group, DP World has again triumphed with its London Gateway deep water container port project picking up the Construction and Engineering Project of the Year award at the National Transport Awards 2014, and this after DP World Southampton clinched the Global Port Operator of the Year 2014 title at the Lloyd’s List Global Awards at the end of last month.

Maiden Voyage Begins in China

FRANCE – CHINA – WORLDWIDE – The world’s third largest container shipping company, CMA CGM, celebrated the maiden voyage this week of the 9,400 TEU CMA CGM Elbe, launched under the Maltese flag and the second chartered ship of this class built at the Chinese construction site DSIC (Dalian PRC). The French group are keen to point out that the vessel has been fitted out with a series of technologies designed to reduce the ships environmental impact.

Multi Million Dollar Deal by Asian Airline as Class Action by Forwarders Bites

US – WORLDWIDE – The seemingly never ending cases against cartel behaviour by the world’s freight carriers continues as Asiana Airlines becomes the latest air cargo operation to enter into a settlement agreement as part of the ongoing multidistrict antitrust litigation currently underway in New York. The South Korean airline has agreed to pay $55 million, subject to court approval, to settle allegations that it and several other air cargo carriers colluded in fixing inflated surcharges on air freight shipping services to and from the US.

Federal Maritime Commission Collects More Cash - Again from Firms Which Admit No Guilt

US – WORLDWIDE – The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) had a bit of a busy week last week, recovering a total of $503,000 in civil penalties after completing several separate compromise agreements with various ocean freight companies. The agreed penalties resulted from investigations conducted by the Commission’s Area Representatives from around the country. The parties, five non-vessel-operating common carriers (NVOCCs), two unlicensed transport businesses and one vessel-operating common carrier, settled and agreed to penalties, but did not admit to violations of the Shipping Act or the Commission’s regulations. Chairman Mario Cordero said:

Account of the Hardships of Seafarers in Race for Award

UK – WORLDWIDE – The book which Professor Helen Sampson set out to write seemingly proved a little more time consuming than she had first anticipated, involving her in a series of sea voyages as opposed to the single trip on a cargo vessel she had envisaged would be necessary. The result of her labours however has already gained her an inaugural BBC Radio Four ‘Thinking Allowed’ Award, and now her work, illustrating the hardships and social pressures which accompany the life of many seafarers on ocean going freighters, has been shortlisted for the Mountbatten Maritime Award, to be announced on 5 November.

New Boss at Intercargo Heads This Weeks Appointments

WORLDWIDE – Starting this week’s short round-up of staff changes in the world of shipping and logistics, is the appointment of David Tongue as the new Secretary General of the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (Intercargo). Effective immediately, Tongue joins the network from the International Chamber of Shipping where he most recently held the position of Director of Regulatory Affairs.

Some Cargo Provides Particular Problems When Handling

UK – Experienced fork lift drivers understand that all freight needs handling in a particular way to ensure safety and secure transfer without damage. Reels of paper are an excellent case in point, to the untrained eye these are simply sturdy rolls, usually weighing in excess of a tonne. In fact the slightest knock to the edge of a reel will generally render it useless. When speciality card, paper and board makers, Slater Harrison & Co needed another truck to add to their 30 strong fleet they therefore opted for a machine with a bespoke clamp attachment to handle incoming rolls of raw materials as well as finished products.

Situation at US Box and Bulk Cargo Ports Needs Solution Now

US – The sudden rush of alliances, 2M, Ocean Three etc. between the world’s various container shipping lines may cause further problems for US ports which are already struggling to handle current freight levels, particularly at peak times. The situation at the Port of Long Beach, whilst probably the most extreme example, illustrates just how bad things have become with a 5% rate hike this week on bulk and general cargo which provides half the port’s tonnage throughput but only about a quarter of revenue.

RTG's Headed for Central America

FINLAND – SPAIN – GUATEMALA – As anyone in business knows the secret to success is maintaining a happy customer base and it seems that Helsinki based crane manufacturer Konecranes has been keeping the Spanish container terminal operator Grup TCB satisfied, with the Finnish group due to deliver its sixth order to the client, this the first such order to Guatemala.

Analysis Shows Top Five Box Carriers for INTTRA

WORLDWIDE – INTTRA, the world’s largest, multi-carrier e-commerce network for the ocean shipping industry, has conducted an analysis to discover the container shipping companies which achieve the fastest times for booking a container electronically. INTTRA technology accounts for around 22% of all the box bookings taken globally in an average week, working with fifty four leading shipping lines and NVOCC’s. Sandra Moran, Chief Marketing Officer at INTTRA commented:

As Outbreak Continues All Must Ensure the Spread of Disease is Minimised

AFRICA – WORLDWIDE – With the current outbreak of the Ebola virus (Viral Haemorrhagic Fever) showing no signs of slowing down, all operators of merchant shipping should be fully aware of their responsibilities and the precautions they need to be taking to limit the spread of the disease. As ocean vessels arrive at countries currently unaffected by the disease they will regularly be contacted by local authorities to confirm their health status.

ICS Calls on IMO for Unilateral Action on Greenhouse Gases

WORLDWIDE – The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the organisation which represents the ships owners responsible for over 80% of the world’s merchant fleet, has recently produced a report demonstrating the improvements the industry has made recently with regard to the emissions produced by a form of transport responsible for carrying about 90% of freight around the globe.

Innocents Abroad are Paying the Price for Others Incompetence as Mission to Seafarers Repeats Appeal

INDIA – US – UK – Those who read our various articles regarding the detention of anti-piracy vessel Seaman Guard Ohio together with her crew after she entered Indian coastal waters a year ago, will no doubt have thought that the case would have been done and dusted by now. In March we noted how the crew had been freed with just two senior staff detained to await the judgement of the Court. It seems however that, despite a verdict of not guilty it has been left to others to appeal the fate of those who shipped out with the intent of saving the crews of freight and passenger vessels from the ravages of pirates.

New Owners Reported as Delivery of New Vessels Delayed Whilst Contractors Allegedly Awaiting Payment

GERMANY – UK – NORWAY – WORLDWIDE – With comment last week from Deutsche Bank that the German economy, for so long held up as the bulwark of the Euro, was facing troubles, it seems that the competition from foreign yards which has sounded the death knell for ship builders across Europe has come home to roost for Flensburger Schiffbau Gesellschaft (FSG). The situation is causing problems for two British companies, seismic data acquisition group WesternGeco and RoRo freight and passenger ferry outfit Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac), however hope is seemingly at hand with news of a new owner for the North German yard.

Additional 10 mph for HGV's Welcomed

UK –The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has given its support to the HGV speed limit trial which commences on the A9 in Scotland on October 28. The pilot project was announced last year and will see the speed limit on the single carriageway sections between Perth and Inverness increased from 40 to 50mph for heavy goods vehicles exceeding 7.5 tonnes. The trial, which will last 36 months and is to be introduced at the same time as a new average speed camera system, is aimed at improving the operational performance of the route. Malcolm Bingham, FTA’s Head of Road Network Management Policy, said:

Each Road Freight Carrier and Driver Bears Responsibility for Reducing Appalling Accident Toll

US – UK – WORLDWIDE – One subject which comes to the attention of the freight community at regular intervals is the security of loads carried by road haulage outfits. Unfortunately this normally occurs because of some horrific incident or near miss when cargo has fallen from a moving vehicle causing a serious accident. In the past week the ‘Fast Lane’ blog, which United States Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx and his staff use to keep the public informed of current events, has an excellent piece by David Friedman highlighting the issue.

MSC Confirm Officially That Box Carriers Will Operate Tandem Services

SWITZERLAND – WORLDWIDE – As detailed in our story yesterday as news broke, the container shipping alliance between the world’s two largest box carriers, Maersk Line and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is to proceed now that tacit approval has been received from the US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). Full details of the affected routes and services can be seen in earlier pieces simply by typing 2M into the search box at the head of the page.

Award for Dutch Warehouse of Danish Group

NETHERLANDS – With staff at the DSV Solutions distribution centre in Venlo justifiably proud at being awarded the title of one of the safest warehouses in the country, the company has launched a very stylish video of the depot utilising modern technology to allow a virtual tour. The Venlo depot made the top three in a contest, the results of which were announced on 1 October during the ‘Dag van het Magazijn’ congress for safe and healthy working held in the training warehouse of Dutch shippers’ organisation EVO. The freight and logistics group were quick to point out however that this was a contest in which everybody who featured could be happy with their efforts. Danny Hendrix, operations manager, commented:

First Ecotaxe Dumped Now Replacement Duty Joins it in the Bin

FRANCE – The French Ministry of Transport has announced that it will suspend indefinitely the planned HGV Transit Tax, after the country’s road freight associations threatened industrial action. The Transit Tax, which would have been implemented in the first few months of 2015, applied to any HGV's, French or foreign, exceeding 3.5 tonnes using the 4000 kilometre network designated by the State. It was meant to replace the ill-fated ‘Ecotaxe’ aimed at haulage groups which, after being postponed twice, eventually met its demise last year when peaceful protest turned violent in the town square in Quimper.

2M Shipping Deal May Simply Happen as Deadline for Objections Draws Close

US – WORLDWIDE – Although nothing official has appeared on its website at the time of writing it seems that the US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is minded to approve the 2M Alliance, the agreement to combine routes and services put together by the world’s two biggest container shipping lines Maersk and Mediterranean Shipping (MSC). If it goes ahead it is estimated that 2M will carry up to 35% of box freight between Asia and Europe plus around 37% of Trans-Atlantic trade and up to 15% of Trans-Pacific containerised cargo.

Another Installation on Home Territory for French Group

FRANCE – Marseille Gyptis International (MGI) has announced that its AP+ Cargo Community System (CCS), which houses the details of both import and export cargo to smooth the transition of freight throughout a port, is to be installed at Sète Port before the end of the year, providing the site with a cargo tracking and management system. AP+ is described as a ‘Trimodal CCS’ as it covers all relevant multimodal facets including the land, sea and even where necessary, air, transport processes.

Data Must be Global Not Just EU Based says GSF

UK – WORLDWIDE – The eyes of many in the shipping sector will be turned next week to the offices on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as members of the Marine Environment Protection Committee meet at MEPC67 to discuss emissions from ocean going vessels. The forthcoming meeting has prompted the Global Shippers’ Forum (GSF) to ask questions of the IMO as the ocean freight carriers come under pressure from shippers to publicise Scope 3 (indirect carbon emissions) data.

DHL Express the Target with a New Take on what is now an Old Crime

WORLDWIDE – Yet another email scam is doing the rounds, and again the subtle way it is worded is almost bound to catch out the unsuspecting target. This time it’s poor old DHL Express again (note our September article) who purport to be sending a notification, not for once directly regarding a potential delivery but instead saying that an invoice has to be downloaded to enable the ‘customer’ to confirm they are the consignee when the freight arrives.

Draft Report Suggests Dropping Key Clause Which Protects Carriers from Anti-Trust Actions

AUSTRALIA – WORLDWIDE – As foretold in our July article on the subject, the Australian Competition Policy Review Panel has published a draft report on the review of country’s competition policies and practices, which recommends that ‘Part X’ in the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (CCA), which provides immunity to liner shipping operators to cooperate with each other, be repealed, which could see a whole host of conference agreements for container and other freight shipping lines exposed to the full rigour of Australia's competition laws.

Government and Private Partnership Scheme Celebrates a Decade of Environmental Improvements

US – This week saw the announcement of the forty four top road haulage and multimodal carriers named by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy as industry leaders in supply chain environmental and energy efficiency with the 2014 SmartWay® Excellence Awards. This year, the SmartWay Program, a public-private partnership between EPA and transportation-related companies, celebrates 10 years as a market-driven initiative that empowers businesses to move goods in the cleanest, most energy-efficient way possible, while protecting public health and reducing the impacts of climate change.

Hundreds Gather to Hear Result of Annual CILT Best Practice Accolades

UK – Last week saw over 500 of the UK’s leading professionals from across the freight and supply chain industry gather in London once again for the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport’s (CILT) Annual Awards Dinner, raising over £9,500 for road haulage charity, Transaid. Held this year at one of London’s premier venues, the Lancaster London Hotel, the prestigious CILT’s Annual Awards are designed to promote and encourage best practice within the logistics and transport sectors and are supported by organisations and individuals from throughout the industry.

London's Newest Development Names Common User Facility Tenant as Older Rivals have Plans, and Successes, of Their Own

UK – DP World’s London Gateway deep water container facility has named retail supply chain logistics firm, Import Services, as the operator and manager of the 386,102 square foot Common User Facility (CUF) currently under construction. Situated in the logistics park directly behind the container berths at London Gateway, Southampton-based Import Services will initially take on a significant portion of the new development and provide a range of freight and logistics services and activities on a ‘pay-as-you-go’ basis. With plans to open the CUF by Q2 2015, Peter Ward, DP World London Gateway’s Head of Supply Chain, said:

Anchors Survive the Ravages of Storms Above the Waterline

UK – HAWAII – Project freight forwarding outfit Tuscor Lloyds found itself in a race against time recently when shipping some particularly awkward shaped anchors and shackles for a client in the naval construction industry. The out of gauge cargo required the use of three flat rack containers for the ocean carriage but it was the weather, in the form of two major hurricanes, which were to prove the biggest headache for the Manchester based agent.

Open Letter from Lord Tony Berkeley Encourages Newcomers to the Market

UK – EUROPE – One thing you can guarantee about Lord Tony Berkeley, head of the Rail Freight Group (RFG), is his passion to reinforce rail as a main carrier of cargo for the future and, with this in mind, he has written an open letter to the EU member states on behalf of the European Rail Freight Association (ERFA) ahead of the EU meeting on October 8, pressing those present to ‘remove the discrimination potential that incumbents have at their disposal and use against newcomers, and to create the preconditions for more private investments and growth in the rail sector.’ He continues:

International Cooperation Again Widens Competition in the Space Industry

ARGENTINA – FRENCH GUIANA – Once again Russian heavy lift air freight specialist Volga-Dnepr Airlines has tied up with UK based Chapman Freeborn Airchartering to deliver a piece of history by transporting the first-ever space satellite manufactured in Argentina from San Carlos de Bariloche Airport to its launch site in French Guiana. The ARSAT-1 satellite and its special transport container, weighing about 40 tonnes, were carried on board an An-124-100 freighter by the Ruslan International joint venture.

Immingham Invests in Smaller More Mobile Unit

UK – Associated British Ports’ (ABP) has continued to invest in the Port of Immingham with the acquisition of a new Terex / Gottwald HMK 170 EG general purpose cargo crane costing around £2 million. The crane is capable of handling a variety of freight and was shipped over to Immingham direct from the Gottwald factory in Dusseldorf, Germany. The new crane is 50 metres high and weighs approximately 280 tonnes. It took four days to reach Immingham by sea and has now joined the rest of the Immingham fleet of 18 machines which now have a combined worth of around £50 million. ABP Port Manager Grimsby & Immingham Mike Sellers, commented:

Another Busy Week for Human Resources in the Logistics Sector

UK – Starting this week’s staff changes in the world of freight and shipping, Pentalver, the container supply, transport and redesign group, has appointed former Roadways Container Logistics Managing Director, Nick Matthews as its new General Manager of its Cannock Operations. He will be responsible for the 260 strong team as well as the site’s rail, storage and container refurbishment activities.

Attacks May be Down but There is Still a Place for the Combined Naval Task Forces

GULF OF ADEN – SOMALIA – It seems like only yesterday that almost every other story in the Handy Shipping Guide referred to yet another atrocity or failed attack by pirates off the Somali coastline. As the years passed so the intensity of hijacks increased with container ships and bulk carriers constantly harassed by skiffs manned by crews armed with rocket propelled grenades and boarding ladders.

Another Cargo Airline Accepts Defeat in Antitrust Cases

US – SOUTH KOREA – JAPAN – Yet another air freight carrier, Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA), will soon end its involvement in the large multidistrict class action raised against cargo carriers currently underway in New York. The company is now entering the early stages of a settlement agreement with the plaintiffs, just as it also accepts a fine imposed by the Korean Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) in a separate case. The Korean fine should then settle this long running lawsuit, the company having appealed the court’s decision on a number of occasions. Both the US and South Korea were among many Antitrust Commissions around the world to prosecute a large group of airlines over inflated surcharges and NCA, a subsidiary of Japanese container shipping and logistics group, NYK, is no exception, setting aside more than $37 million to settle the charges in both countries.

President and CEO for Mediterranean Shipping Company Keeps it in the Family

SWITZERLAND – WORLDWIDE – MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A, the second largest container shipping line in the world, has announced the appointment of Mr. Diego Aponte as President and CEO. Mr. Gianluigi Aponte, father of Diego, founder of MSC and previously President, will assume a new role as Group Executive Chairman. Mr. Aponte senior will continue to oversee all group related activities as well as supporting Diego in shaping the future of MSC.

News on Development and Acquisition for Global Players

SINGAPORE – UAE – US – WORLDWIDE – News from freight forwarding and logistics related outfits this week include the ground breaking ceremony (see photo) for Kuehne + Nagel’s new build-to-suit (BTS) logistics centre in the west of Singapore. The multi-user facility is designed to have 55 loading bays and five floors dedicated to storage, with a total warehouse floor area of over 46,000 m³. Of this, 20,000 m³ will be used as a cold storage zone to manage temperature-sensitive goods for pharmaceutical and healthcare customers. The remaining space will cater predominately for aerospace, spare parts and hi-tech products, and a further 4,000 m³ will be allocated to offices.

Investment in Social Change Essential to Stem the Lure of Crime but Dock Workers Protest at Port of Mogadishu

WORLDWIDE – SOMALIA – A Joint Shipping Initiative put together by Shell, BP, Maersk, Stena, NYK, MOL and K Line, have announced it has given $1.5 million of additional funds to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Alternative Livelihoods to Piracy in Puntland and Central Regions of Somalia Project, to improve both the lives of native Somalis and security for seafarers. Though piracy off the coast of Somalia is at the lowest it’s been since before 2008, the UNDP’s project aims to reduce attacks through local economic development, job creation, training, and business development grants on-shore, in one of the world’s poorest countries. Dr Grahaeme Henderson, Vice President of Shell Shipping & Maritime, said:

Tonnages Up Across the Globe but Notes of Caution Sounded Against Overconfidence

WORLDWIDE – Lies, damned lies and statistics. As we all know the figures for freight tonnages thrown up monthly can vary according to who you talk to. Unsurprising, as the data which different organisations use to extrapolate the figures tends to vary fairly dramatically. With air cargo transport statistics for August 2014 just released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) it is encouraging to note that another group, using information gained from somewhat different sources, also has published tonnage figures which also show a similar healthy increase in global air trade.