Shipping Search - Archive

First 900 TEU Box Vessel Due to Arrive Next Month

LIBYA – Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has announced that it will resume container freight services to and from Benghazi, Libya, now that the port has re-opened, following a three-year closure stemming from the 2011 revolution. The port, which restarted operations at the beginning of the month, was forced to close when rivalling armed groups occupied the city in 2014.

Pallet Delivery Group Stumps Up for New Recruits

UK – One of the things which often precludes an active jobseeker from obtaining work in the road haulage sector is the necessity these days to have earned the qualifications required to allow one behind the wheel of a delivery truck. As well as a suitable driving licence applicants must obtain a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) which means several days training at the recruit's own expense, not an easy thing for someone between jobs or on a minimum wage.

Another Sponsor for Logistics Charity Helps Saves Lives

ZAMBIA – UK – A charitable donation from Mentor FLT Training, which specialises in instructing warehouse, distribution and other supply chain companies in safe working practices, is helping international development organisation Transaid to double the size of its bicycle ambulance fleet for a new project in Zambia, a move specifically aimed at saving the lives of sick children.

Crowley and AMI Agree a Cool Reciprocal Deal

US – WORLDWIDE – Crowley Logistics has formed a reciprocal service partnership with Air Menzies International (AMI), the world's leading trade-only airfreight wholesaler, that both feel will enhance the two companies' offerings to their respective customers. At the heart of the deal is one of the key products which is what makes air freight transactions such a viable option - temperature controlled cargo.

DP, Hutchinson, PSA, Port of Rotterdam and Shanghai Work Together Again

WORLDWIDE – With companies in all sectors around the globe looking to improve their environmental performance, with supply chain and logistics groups heading the charge for a cleaner future, for the fourth year in a row, a collaboration of the world's leading container port operators DP World, Hutchison Ports, PSA International, Port of Rotterdam Authority, and Shanghai International Port Group, has completed a week-long global 'Go Green' initiative across their international port and transport facility networks.

A Vast Set of Different Opportunities Working in the Largest Industry Via a Virtual Jobs Fair

UK – Many youngsters (and indeed those who have accrued many more years) have no idea of exactly what logistics entails, let alone that as a career this is an industry which employs arguably more staff than any other. Those who work within the supply chain, particularly in the road haulage freight sector, are aware of the vast array of opportunities set against the dramatic shortage of skilled personnel in the industry, but now this month there is an opportunity to contact media savvy jobseekers via the first ever LIVE Virtual Careers Fair courtesy of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT).

Bristol Investment in Modernising Freight Operation Paying Off

UK – GEFCO UK has grown its staff fourfold at its Portbury site and increased turnover by 100% following the completion of an overhaul project to modernise facilities and enhance the level of technical services provided to customers. The upgrades include expansion to a 40-acre site and the development of a suite of technical services to support increased customer demand. The new facilities have enabled the business to provide a wider range of freight services including increased storage capacity, access to rail services and direct dealer delivery services.

Ethiopian Airlines Leases First of Type for Continent

US – ETHOPIA – Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines have celebrated the delivery of the carrier's first Boeing 787-9, which Ethiopian is leasing through an agreement with AerCap. The aircraft touched down in Addis Ababa following a non-stop 8,354 mile (13,444 km) delivery flight and carrying a precious cargo of donated medical equipment for two Ethiopian hospitals. Ethiopian becomes the first carrier in Africa to operate the 787-9.

Thirty Year Old Essex Outfit Acquired in Tactical Move

UK – Xpediator, the holding company based in Braintree and set up a year ago by fashion freight forwarding and logistics operator Delamode, has continued its expansion policy with the acquisition of near neighbour, Italian and deep sea specialist Benfleet Forwarding. The buyout follows the purchase of Lithuanian based cross-border online delivery service platform PirkAnglijoje.lt in February, and the subsequent acquisition two months later of Easy Managed Transport Limited (EMT), another fashion industry forwarder.

A Contributory Article on How New Legislation Puts the Emphasis on Management

UK – The issue of tax evasion in the transport sector is set to be under greater scrutiny than ever before following the introduction of a new law. Recent controversy over the overnight payments to road haulage drivers and the ever present conflict between 'self-employed' staff and regular employees make this a topic for which all senior freight and logistics personnel should ensure they understand both their, and their company's, liabilities.

Company Wins Environmental Protection Agency Award for Eighth Year

US – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently awarded Schneider, the North American road haulage and logistics group, with its SmartWay Excellence Award for the eighth time. Schneider has also been named to the first EPA SmartWay High Performers list. The SmartWay Excellence Award recognizes Schneider for outstanding leadership in freight supply chain energy and environmental performance.

A Melange of Smaller Stories from Around the Industry

UK – Childs Farm, the award winning British children's toiletries brand, has appointed Berkshire-based Walker Logistics to operate its UK supply chain. Initially, the three-year contract will see Walker pick, pack and dispatch up to 1,000 online orders direct to consumers per day from its 250,000 square foot multi-user store on the outskirts of Reading. Palletised loads of replenishment stock bound for retailers such as Boots, Tesco and Waitrose will also leave the warehouse on a daily basis. William Walker, sales director of Walker Logistics, commented:

BIFA Prizes Up for Grabs in January See Levi Roots Presenting

UK – The British International Freight Association (BIFA) has revealed the finalists of its 29th BIFA Freight Service Awards 2017 with a late flurry of entries resulting in a near record number of entrants. As the most prestigious prize in the world of UK freight forwarding, competition for one of the iconic crystal trophies is always fiercely fought as competitors vie for primacy in their own specialist fields. Those short-listed in the various categories are as follows:

Efforts to Cut Pollution at Port Continue

US – A second Port of Oakland freight handler is joining the effort to clean up the air around the Port. Trucking and warehousing specialist Impact Transportation is spending more than $ 1 million on cleaner cargo-handling equipment. The company is buying nine new forklift trucks, plus a yard tractor to reduce diesel emissions. The equipment will run on either propane or diesel fuel, the latter operating with Tier 4F engines which meet the Environmental Protection Agency's toughest diesel exhaust restrictions.

Supply Chain Specialists Throw Themselves into Cork with Hurling Legend

IRELAND – Freight forwarding and supply chain specialist, Woodland Group, headquartered in Chelmsford, Essex, has announced their expansion into the South West of Ireland, at their new office and warehouse space in Westgate Business Park, Lehanaghmore, Cork, and just to mark the occasion, they were joined by a hurling legend.

German Based Operation Opens New Premises in Italy

ITALY – Having only just opened up new facilities in the UK and Lithuania, Rhenus Logistics, based in Germany's populous North Rhine-Westphalia region, has continued its aggressive expansion policy to extend its freight network announcing another addition to its European facilities with the launch of a new warehouse in the Lazio region of Italy.

As One Prominent ex Siemens Boss Quits at Home so Another Surfaces in the Middle East

GERMANY – Dr. Jürgen Wilder, the CEO of DB Cargo, has decided to withdraw his interest in the position of Board Member for DB Freight Transport and Logistics and to resign his post as CEO of DB Cargo at the end of October. Speaking of his decision to leave, Wilder, who joined the German rail giant in December 2015 from Siemens, said:

500 Billion Dollar Scheme Looks to Revolutionise Global Trade

SAUDI ARABIA – DP World Group Chairman and CEO, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, unveiled plans to develop Saudi Arabia's Jeddah port in support of the Saudi Vision 2030 recently launched by HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The Dubai based port and logistics company boss was speaking at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh during a panel discussion entitled 'Dynamic Economies: What are the new ways to solve diversification?'

Transfer Centre Implemented to Boost Demand in PRC

CHINA – Kuehne + Nagel has partnered with JD.com, China's second largest e-commerce firm, to design a supply chain solution which provides the company with full visibility of their inbound freight before products are imported to China.

Concerns on Future Investment in Roads, Rail and Air Transport

UK – A survey held by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and AECOM has revealed that despite the Government's strong commitment to improving the UK's infrastructure, both British business and the public are concerned about the pace of delivery. The survey, conducted in the five-week period between June 29 and August 3, 2017, gathering responses from a total of 727 companies, also reported that a record number of firms are dissatisfied with the state of infrastructure in their region, particularly in regards to critical transport related developments.

River Commission Should Investigate Possibilities of a Step Back in Time

UK – London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has suggested that London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, should establish a temporary River Commission to explore how to make better use of the River Thames, proposing that such a body could recommend that the waterway be used as a 'highway' to ease congestion on the capital's roads with particular focus on shifting freight and construction vehicles from the roads to the river.

Automotive Fair Tempts Shippers Worldwide

EUROPE – VIETNAM – In 2016 the European Commission published details of a potential free trade agreement between the EU and Vietnam, which is expected to come into effect by the end of this year. The south east Asian country is gearing up for more inward investment as tariff barriers with the EU come down, Vietnam is a net importer of European goods with around €40 billion's worth of high tech trade flowing eastward, much of it automotive related, a tempting morsel for any freight and logistics group worth its salt.

Hands Across the Ocean Effort Sees More than Two Hundred Thousand Euros Donated

IRELAND – US – Redwood Logistics' second annual employee-giving campaign teamed up with international packaging client the Ardagh Group's Dublin based operation in support of The Children's Medical and Research Foundation (CMRF) in Crumlin, Ireland. The Chicago headquartered freight group's employee donation raised an outstanding $35,246.80, which was contributed to the Ardagh Group's efforts, which raised more than €200,000 ($ 236,000) for local Irish charities. John Sadlier, Chief Procurement Officer, Ardagh Group, said:

Port Reports Rising Tonnages as New Development Gets Under Way

SWEDEN – The Ports of Stockholm report that over the first nine months of 2017 freight volumes increased substantially at their facilities, with freight in containers, bulk cargo and via ferries all increasing during the first three quarters of the year in comparison to the same period of 2016. Johan Castwall, Ports of Stockholm Managing Director, said:

Best in Class Achieve Excellence

UK – The best in class came together at the Royal Lancaster Hotel last week to celebrate outstanding achievements in logistics and transport at The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport's (CILT) Annual Awards for Excellence 2017. The event recognised and applauded the highest standards throughout the profession, with 15 high profile awards presented by Robin Proctor FCILT, President of CILT.

New System Hopes to Improve Welfare of Mariners Globally

UK – Maritime welfare charity Sailors' Society is calling for 200 seafaring volunteers to test the pilot version of their online Wellness at Sea coaching programme. In return, the volunteers will benefit from the knowledge of Sailors' Society's widely respected Wellness at Sea training, which until now was only available for classroom based teaching, completely free of charge.

There's a Slow Train Coming

EUROPE – As the UK prepares to leave the EU one of the areas which traditionally has shown just how poorly the cooperative organisation can work looks as if it might finally have begun to get its act together. Freight and passenger carriage by rail has stubbornly resisted any changes to increase efficiency with companies, and indeed governments, reluctant to give access to tracks and infrastructure unless it should be in their own self-interest.

Recovery in World Trade Leads to Increased TEU Globally

WORLDWIDE – DP World Limited reports it has handled 52.3 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) across its global portfolio of container terminals in the first nine months of 2017, with gross container volumes growing by 10.0% year-on-year on a reported basis and 9.6% on a like-for-like basis, with the third quarter growth rates accelerating to 13.5% year-on-year on a reported basis and 13.3% on a like-for-like basis as freight volumes grow.

Could the Humble Wooden Pallet be a Thing of the Past?

UK – WORLDWIDE – One might imagine that with all the concerns surfacing at the moment it is perhaps not the best time to press for even wider use of plastic products. One company however is lobbying hard to promote the benefits of plastic pallets over their wooden forebears. Critics will say that wood is of course a natural product, a well-tested, recyclable product but supporters of the artificial alternative will point to the reusability, stackability and durability of the latest plastic models, plus of course the fact that in many modern markets, the requirement for treated dunnage in freight containers and trailers to avoid an invasion by non-indigenous species, renders the use of plastic as a simple guarantee of sterility.

Successful Trial will see Aramex Extend to Other Countries

JORDAN – MIDDLE EAST – Aramex is beginning a new program to test the viability of using cleaner vehicles in its operations with a trial of ten electric vehicles added to its fleet in Amman, Jordan. It comes as part of a longer term strategic move by the freight forwarding and logistics group to convert their entire fleet to electric vehicles, in order to reduce operational CO₂ emissions and mitigate climate change.

Evergreen, Cosco and YML Combine for Weekly Offering

NORTHERN EUROPE – MEDITERRANEAN – A group of Asian container shipping lines are creating a new joint operation to offer an express freight service between Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. Taiwan based Evergreen is teaming up with Cosco and YML (Yang Ming) to start the venture, to be branded the Europe - Med Express (EMX).

Just How Accurate are the Standards Being Used to Judge Who Pollutes?

UK – With the inception in London today of the first stage of the toxicity or T-Charge there is evidence that the scheme may not be as balanced a measure as one might hope for. With the scheme graduating over the next few years to encompass a growing number of private cars and road haulage vehicles, from delivery vans to the largest freight trucks, how accurate are the standards which are being used as a measure of compliance and are the manufacturers being honest in their appraisal of new equipment or are we going to witness another Volkswagen emission scandal?

News Stories that Didn't Quite Hit the Headlines

UK – International maritime charity Sailors' Society has opened the doors to its new Southampton Seafarers' Centre at 108 East Street. The centre gives seafarers docking in the city's port, which handles around 14 million tonnes of cargo annually, the opportunity to access support services and free Wi-Fi. The charity's CEO, Stuart Rivers, said:

CLA Utilising New 747-8 to the Full

UK – Dedicated freight airline CargoLogicAir (CLA) has launched its second new scheduled cargo service with a new weekly route connecting London and Frankfurt with Dubai and Hong Kong. Departing from London every Saturday, CLA's new Boeing 747-8 Freighter will offer customers 135 tonnes of cargo capacity per week from Europe to the Middle East and Hong Kong, and a direct Hong Kong-London Stansted service which arrives back into the UK every Monday.

From Engineers to Charities and Space Age Transport in the Global Notices

UK – The Society of Engineers (SOE) has announced the death of its Chief Executive, Ian Chisholm IEng FSOE FIRTE, following a short illness. Chisholm joined in 2001 as an Engineering Executive after spending over 20 years at Waltham Forest College, predominantly as a Senior Lecturer. In 2016, Chisholm became Chief Executive, building SOE into the influential organisation it is today.

New Transport Medium Looks to Expand around the World

US – WORLDWIDE – B&H Worldwide has been appointed as the Global Logistics Partner for JetPack Aviation, creator of the world's first turbine powered, backpack style JetPack, which made aviation history in late 2015 when CEO David Mayman flew around the Statue of Liberty to demonstrate the company's design and engineering capabilities. Nelson Tyler, JetPack Aviation's Principal Designer built the world's first civilian RocketBelt which was flown at the opening ceremony of the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984.

US Group is Shipping the Sweet Stuff

US – Redwood Logistics has been selected by World's Finest Chocolate (WFC) as its freight transportation management partner. As part of the partnership, Redwood has implemented a highly customized transportation management system (TMS) across World's Finest Chocolate's warehouse, shipping and tracking operations for increased efficiency and added business intelligence. Todd Berger, president and CEO, Redwood Logistics, said:

Bravery and Contributions to Rescue at Sea Rewarded

UK – WORLDWIDE – Just occasionally, amongst the standard press releases regarding new premises for a freight forwarding group, or revised road haulage regulations, we receive something that, when properly researched, conjures up genuine emotion. Such is the case when we investigated the stories behind the nominations for this year's H.E.R.O. Awards run by the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF), plaudits given to exceptional characters performing even more exceptional acts of selflessness in the field of maritime search and rescue.

Business Needs a Seamless Customs Transition to Avoid a Chaos

EUROPE – Some of the biggest EU business and trade bodies, which cover a whole host of economic activities and include most of the continent's leading representatives for the freight and logistics community have issued an open letter from Brussels strongly urging EU and UK negotiators to put legal certainty and predictability for business and trade at the top of their negotiating agenda.

Nigerian Navy Act Whilst Crew Detained in India Enter Fifth Year of Incarceration

WORLDWIDE – NIGERIA – INDIA – As the International Chamber of Commerce's International Maritime Bureau (ICC IMB) releases it latest piracy figures for the year so far, Intertanko and Bimco recently met with Rear Admiral Osondo, Nigerian Navy's Head of Standards and Transformation, who was directed to brief the Nigerian Chief of Naval Staff on issues related to security in Nigerian waters. In his briefing, the Admiral expanded on the steps taken by the Nigerian Navy to effectively police its waters, stating that they have started to station floating operating bases in the Niger Delta and, coupled with a new monitoring process supplied by the US Navy, are able to interdict pirates at a very early stage.

Application Offers Greater Efficiency for Box Shipping Company

UK – Hapag-Lloyd has become the first ocean carrier in the United Kingdom to utilise the Avantida reUse container management services platform. The application is designed to integrate the re-use of import containers for export shipments, thereby decreasing overall associated logistics costs for carriers and transport companies whilst also reducing emissions and port congestion. Luc De Clerck, CEO at Avantida, said:

Extension of European - Asian Services Making the Most of the One Belt, One Road Policy

EUROPE – ASIA – Six months after launching its Eurasia Express rail service, freight forwarder Kuehne + Nagel is continuing to expand its network. For the first time ever, the logistics company is offering shipments from northern China, Japan, South Korea and South-East Asian countries to locations in Europe utilising track borne cargo units in its multimodal operation.

Four Freighters Utilised for Intercontinental Air Cargo Shipment

CANADA – TURKMENISTAN – Antonov Airlines, the Stansted based heavy lift and project cargo specialist which runs a fleet of freighters ranging up to the AN-225 'Mriya' with its unique 250 tonnes capacity, has completed the transport four compressor skids on behalf of Bolloré Logistics China from Calgary, Canada to Mary, Turkmenistan on one of its seven AN-124-100 aircraft.

Two Lines Both Positive for the Future as Total Trucks Also Increase on Tunnel Shuttle Route

UK – SWEDEN – POLAND – FRANCE – Two European ferry companies continue to do well with reports that existing routes are registering higher volumes and new services are being opened to take up demand for multimodal freight. Meanwhile services on the Channel Tunnel shuttle services saw two record months in succession.

South African Port Sees a Storm of a Different Kind This Week

MADAGASCAR – SOUTH AFRICA – Having seen its port closed last week during inclement weather Durban's maritime community is about to witness a storm of a very different kind as representatives from the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) and other union bodies launch protests tomorrow at the African Ports Evolution conference being held there, against a large container terminal management group.

All Motorists Should Check Vehicle Status Online to Ensure if Liable for Large Penalties

UK – Readers are reminded that as of Monday the 23rd of October, London's new Toxicity Charge (T-Charge) will be in effect. All drivers, including private motorists and those using road haulage vehicles are subject to the new charge which encompasses the existing Central Congestion Charging Zone and will apply to older cars, vans, minibuses, buses, coaches and heavy goods vehicles which do not meet with the EURO 4 standard for emissions.

International Partnership for Oversize Cargo

NETHERLANDS – GERMANY – Heavy lift shippers and project forwarding outfits Jumbo and BBC Chartering have agreed to an exclusive strategic co-operation, the Global Project Alliance, effective immediately. The partners say the new co-operation between the two family-owned freight companies brings together established and reputed heavy-lift expertise and massive fleet capacity. Svend Andersen, CEO of BBC Chartering, said:

Easy Fixes Available for WiFi Hack Threat

WORLDWIDE – The international freight and logistics community has been beset recently with issues concerning security in their computer infrastructure and in hackers exploiting holes in defences to wreak havoc. The costs of these has run into billions of dollars, with Maersk alone estimating that the company took a hit of $200-300 million from a ransomware attack in June of this year. Now experts are warning that a huge hole has been found in the security protocols that protect communications between all devices running on Wi-Fi.

Rhenus Logistics Plans for New Offerings from TriModal Site

UK – Following on from its takeover of Northampton-based RCS Logistics last week, freight forwarder Rhenus Logistics UK has opened its new headquarters and warehouse facility at Peels Ports Salford complex, near Irlam, Manchester. Whilst the £138 million Port Salford scheme is being completed it is being touted as 'Britain's First TriModal Inland Port'. incorporating as it does road haulage, rail freight and waterway connections via the adjacent Manchester Ship Canal.

Public Consultation Will Seek Opinions

UK – The Handy Shipping Guide has written in the past about consultancies in London to work out how bans on vehicles emitting higher levels of harmful gases and particles will affect the use of vehicles of all types. Now Oxford City Council is asking for freight operators and road haulage companies serving the city to have their say in a consultation into proposed plans to ban all vehicles which generate any emissions whatsoever that can be construed as harmful.

Our Weekly Compilation of Items from the Industry

UK – London-based spectacle and sunglasses manufacturer and retailer, Cubitts, has outsourced key parts of its UK supply chain to Berkshire-based Walker Logistics. Walker will initially be handling two parts of the supply chain; after receiving inbound product from the Far East, Walker will replenish cases and accessories to Cubitts' London shops in either component form or as complete kits that have been processed through Walker' s specialist re-work division.specialist re-work division.

Who Has Come and Gone

US – The Greenbrier Companies have announced the death of A. Daniel O’Neal, a long-time member of the Greenbrier family having served the group for more than 30 years. O’Neal died at his home on October 10, at the age of 81.

Battle for Next Gen Fuel Drive Heating Up

US – The Handy Shipping Guide has been tracking the battle between various truck manufacturers and technology developers to create the next generation of drive train and, more especially, what fuel source will be used by the road freight industry in the future. Everything from electric to biofuels and hybrid systems are being developed at break neck speed to try and corner a market that, as concerns on emissions and their effect on the global climate grow, will amount to trillions of dollars. Now one of the competitors is upping the ante by fielding their entry in actual freight haulage work.

Concerns that Future European Customs Requirements May Thwart Trade

UK – Members of the British International Freight Association (BIFA) are being urged to take part in a short survey designed to gain a better understanding of the scale of potential Customs procedure training that will be required post-Brexit within the freight forwarding sector.

Changes in Legislation Will Mean Fines from November

UK – Following the announcement in Westminster Hall that from November 1, 2017, HGV drivers are to be fined by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if they take their full weekly rest break in their cabs, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) is calling for evidence from road users to help highlight the inconsistency in standards of rest facilities available to use across the country.

Stranded Freight Vessels Recovered and Most Channels Now Cleared

SOUTH AFRICA – Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has announced that marine operations at the Port of Durban have partially resumed following disruptions caused by heavy storms on Tuesday, 10 October 2017, that saw several ships break loose from their mooring and run aground.

DP World CEO and Dominican President Hold Talks

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem met with the President of the Dominican Republic, Danilo Medina, recently to discuss the expansion of the global group's Caucedo port operations, including expansion of its logistics park and quay side facilities to improve freight handling.

Round Table Discussions Precede Explanations Over Lunch

UK – The traditional United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA) annual lunch yesterday, held at the House of Lords under the stewardship of the President Lord Brabazon, saw numerous members gather to hear a follow up to the intense round table discussion earlier in the day at which the Brexit debate was a major talking point. Since the Association has evolved to include membership from the wider world of commerce, particularly the retail sector with names such as Homebase and John Lewis signed up, there is a groundswell of opinion amongst those gathered to ensure that trade, and the way export and import commodities are treated with a special interest in the Customs status of freight entering storage facilities, is a priority.

New Handling Facility Leads to Appointment

HUNGARY – Kuehne + Nagel has officially opened its new distribution centre near Budapest. The facility will provide next-day deliveries to Eastern Europe and offer significant lead time reductions to the Middle East and North Africa. In addition, Federal-Mogul Motorparts, a division of Federal-Mogul LLC, has agreed to a multi-year contract with the Swiss headquartered freight forwarding and logistics giant to operate its new automotive replacement parts distribution centre in Hungary.

IATA and WCO Link to Simplify Logistics

WORLDWIDE – The International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Cargo-XML messaging standard has been fully integrated into the World Customs Organization's (WCO) Cargo Targeting System (WCO CTS), a risk assessment tool available to WCO member countries worldwide. Alexandre de Juniac, IATA's Director General and CEO, commented:

TT Club Sponsored Award won by Canadian Competitor

WORLDWIDE – One of the most keenly awaited moments at the FIATA Annual Congress is the announcement of the winner of the Young International Freight Forwarder of the Year (YIFFY) Award, which celebrates the achievements of young freight forwarders in the industry who exemplify the education, skill, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to become outstanding in their field. This year was no exception as over 1,000 attendees at the Kuala Lumpur Congress congratulated Bradley Davis of Canada at the TT Club sponsored event.

Singapore Authorities Query May Trigger Multi-Million Dollar Termination Fee

SINGAPORE – The Competition Commission of Singapore (CCS) has raised its concerns on the proposed acquisition by Wilhelmsen Maritime Services (WMS) of sole control over the technical solutions business from Drew Marine. WMS and Drew Marine Technical Solutions (DMTS) are two of the largest players in the market of supplying chemical, gases, and welding equipment to the maritime industry leading to the anti-competition authority to believe that the merged entity will have a monopoly in the sector.

Russian Controlled Supply Chain Outfit Opens in Liverpool

UK – Automotive freight forwarding specialist GEFCO UK has opened a new purpose-built logistics solutions centre in North West England. The facility, based in South Liverpool, provides storage and sequencing operations for tier one suppliers and OEMs in the region and is expected to create 100 jobs locally. Still perceived widely as French based operation GEFCO, formerly Groupages Express de Franche-Comte, was a subsidiary of Groupe PSA (Peugeot Citroen) which sold 75% of the company to state controlled Russian Railways in 2012.

Torrential Rain and High Winds Bring Problems to South African Coast

SOUTH AFRICA – Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has issued an alert that all vessel movements have been suspended in the Port of Durban due to extreme weather. The conditions are also expected to disrupt freight operations at the Port of Richards Bay. Durban has been hit by torrential rain and high winds that have caused havoc across the city and for the busy harbour. Transnet also states that their marine services team and tugboats are assisting with several emergencies. These include the grounding of three vessels in the Port of Durban.

Appeal to the United Nations to Ratify Trashy Island Nation

PACIFIC OCEAN – Over five years ago we wrote an in depth look at how plastic waste is one of the greatest, and most insidious, threats to our planet. Since that time it seems that very little has been done to curb the vast amounts of rubbish adrift in the world's oceans, forming the giant gyres which, carried by oceanic currents, for a swirling mass of debris, a danger to both shipping and particularly to the life which relies on the clean waters to survive. Now a proposal to register one of these vast areas as an island nation is being lodged with the United Nations.

MSC Announces New Schedules Affecting Asia, Europe, Australia and Middle East Cargoes

AUSTRALIA – ASIA – EUROPE – Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has announced enhancements to its container freight services with the addition of a new line connecting the Far East with the Red Sea, and a revision to its Australia Express Service (AES), which will see transit times to the North West Continent ports of Europe slashed, improving its current service offerings out of Australia and the Indian subcontinent.

12 Weekly Capacity Offering to Attract Key Global Import and Exporter Trade

BELGIUM – Heavy lift air freight specialist AirBridgeCargo Airlines has introduced a new freighter call for Liege airport, one of the main cargo airports in Europe. Starting with its winter schedule, ABC will gradually increase its cargo capacity up to 12 flights per week, which the company says will create more opportunities for its customers in Asia, North America and Europe via its Boeing 747 fleet that provides up to 130 tonnes of capacity. Sergey Lazarev, General Director of AirBridgeCargo Airlines, said:

Canadian Railways and G&W Expand Bulk Load Market Share

US – Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (CPR) has announced a new partnership with Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) and Bluegrass Farms of Ohio that will open up the Ohio Valley to CPR customers and further extend the rail freight giant's reach into key North American markets.

Upcoming Event Will Examine Multiple Unmanned Flight Issues

ITALY – With the increased development of unmanned and autonomous freight modes prompting constant discussions about a technology which seemingly grows on a week to week basis, members of the international logistics Industry and supply chain will no doubt be interested in the upcoming Unmanned Cargo Aircraft (UCA) Conference, which will be taking place at Rivalta di Torino in Italy on November 23.

Freight and Parcel Group Looking for Turn Around with New Team at the Helm

UK – The troubled few months endured by the DX Group seems to be resolving itself after Gatemore Capital Management, its main UK-headquartered investor, agreed to lead a £24 million financing for the logistics company. Details of the merger with John Menzies were published in June this year and Gatemore currently holds a 23.8% stake in DX, an freight delivery outfit which directly competes in the UK market with organisations such as the Royal Mail and DHL with parcel and logistics services. The news has seen DX shares rise by 15% in early trading.

UK Supply Chain Company Takeover

UK – German headquartered supply chain group Rhenus has continued its programme of acquisitions with the takeover of Northamptonshire based third party distribution and storage business RCS Logistics. As a subsidiary of Rhenus UK, RCS Logistics' directors Steve Gray and Richard Robinson will take seats on the Rhenus UK board, while all 135 RCS Logistics employees will remain with the business.

Lucky Competition Winner Gets Free Travel for Life

IRELAND – Anyone with even the most cursory knowledge of Irish literature will be familiar with the name of Irish Ferries latest vessel. The W B Yeats RoPax ferry emanates from the Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft (FSG) yard with 2,800 lane metres for freight plus an additional dedicated car deck for 300 cars. The name arose after a competition to choose a favourite and has left one Leitrim resident particularly happy.

New Jobs and Leavers

UK – Sad news starts this weeks round-up of freight industry appointments, with the announcement from Wincanton of the sudden death of its Chairman, Steve Marshall. Marshall had been chairman of the Chippenham-headquartered logistics company since December 2011 bought a wealth of senior business experience and wisdom to the role. Stewart Oades, Wincanton's Senior Independent Director, will assume the role of Chairman on an interim basis.

Some of the Stories That Have Not Been Covered This Week

UK – GB Railfreight (GBRf) has won a 12-month contract with J Clubb Ltd, the British-based aggregates and concrete company. The contract will see GBRf move ash from Cottam Power Stations in Nottinghamshire to the HH Celcon brick works in Borough Green, near Sevenoaks in Kent. John Smith, Managing Director at GB Railfreight said:

CILT and RSA Hope to Further Influence and Development

UK – The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), has announced the successful merger with the Railway Study Association (RSA), with effect from October 6th. CILT and RSA will be joining forces to create an industry-leading forum for the rail sector, which will allow individuals and organisations to share best practice, knowledge and opinions relating to all aspects of the rail profession. Kevin Richardson FCILT, Chief Executive, CILT, said:

Mercy Ships Continues to Help Worlds Poorest People

WORLDWIDE – Concordia Maritime helped celebrate Mercy Ships Cargo Day on October 4 for the second year. Ship owners, brokers, charterers, port agents and marine transport companies were invited to participate and make a contribution to helping some of the poorest people in the world. Concordia Maritime also contributed last year when Mercy Ships Cargo Day was launched for the first time. Kim Ullman, President of Concordia Maritime, said:

New Facility Aims to Relieve Istanbul Congestion

TURKEY – Ekol Logistics, which last year acquired a majority stake in the Port of Trieste, has begun operations at its new Yalova Ro-Ro Freight Terminal. The opening is the culmination of two-years of legal process and construction work and an investment of 40 million Euros. The official opening ceremony of Yalova will take place in the days ahead.

Concerned Industry Will Suffer Otherwise

WORLDWIDE – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called for greater urgency in the partnership between governments and airlines to keep aviation at the leading edge of industries in managing their climate change impact. The call came on the eve of the first anniversary of the historic global agreement on a Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) a global market-base measure scheme developed to achieve the global aspirational goal of carbon-neutral growth from 2020 onwards. Alexandre de Juniac, IATA's Director General and CEO, explained:

Transformer Taken to Heart of City off Road

UK – Esprit Groups recently re-opened Trafford Docks in Manchester has seen the arrival of a 130 tonne transformer en-route from South Korea to Stalybridge. The transformer travelled 15,400 miles by sea, via Rotterdam, finishing up on the Manchester Ship Canal where it was shipped by barge into the heart of Manchester, leaving only 21 miles to travel by road.

Volga Dnepr Bring Home Somali Siege Boeing

GERMANY – WORLDWIDE – Two Volga-Dnepr Airlines freighters have completed an emotional homecoming to Germany of a Boeing 737-200 which was hijacked by terrorists in 1977. The former Lufthansa aircraft is to be fully restored and placed on permanent display in the Dornier Museum in the town on Friederichshafen.

FTA Says Needs Champion for Industry and Capitals Businesses

UK – The Freight Transport Association (FTA) is renewing its call for a Freight Commissioner for London, to ensure the city can keep trading effectively. The FTA says there is an urgent need for a strong voice to champion freight transport, following the success of the new Commissioner for Walking and Cycling. In its response to the Mayor's Transport Strategy, FTA reiterates its joint call, along with the London Chamber of Commerce & Industry, for the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan make the appointment a priority and help to support London's businesses through the uncertainty of Brexit.

Time Lapse Video Reveals Conversion Process

DENMARK – THE NETHERLANDS – BALTIC STATES – POLAND – Container feeder operation Unifeeder says it has used the first vessel of its kind worldwide that has been converted to an LNG propulsion system. The conversion, undertaken for the ship's owners, Wessels Reederei GmbH can be viewed in a time lapse video made by the German company which illustrates clearly the type and extent of engineering work necessary. The 1,036 TEU vessel can be considered a prototype as she has 16 structurally identical sister ships, all suitable for similar adaptation.

Successful 100 Kilometre Test for Rio Tinto Train

AUSTRALIA – One continuing theme which The Handy Shipping Guide has covered on many occasion are developments in, and the spectacular growth of, unmanned freight delivery methods, from road systems to aircraft and even ships. Now mining giant Rio Tinto has demonstrated the first fully autonomous rail journey at its iron ore operations in the Pilbara region of Western Australia as the company progresses toward full commissioning of their AutoHaul project in late 2018.

Artificial Intelligence Literally Looks to the Horizon

FINLAND – WORLDWIDE – Rolls-Royce has signed a deal with Google to develop further its intelligent awareness systems which are currently making existing vessels safer and are a crucial step in making autonomous cargo ships a reality. The agreement, believed to be the first in the maritime sector, allows Rolls-Royce to use Google's Cloud Machine Learning Engine to further train the company's artificial intelligence (AI) based object classification system for detecting, identifying and tracking the objects a vessel can encounter at sea. Karno Tenovuo, Rolls-Royce, SVP Ship Intelligence said:

Polonez Customers Can Now Use UPS Drop Points

US – POLAND – EUROPE – UPS and Polonez Parcel Service, a consumer-to-consumer consolidated shipping service into Poland and beyond, has announced an agreement that provides Polonez customers in the United States an easy parcel drop-off point at more than 8,700 UPS Access Points, including 5,000 'The UPS Store' locations. Polonez customers can now book their deliveries online and then drop off their pre-paid shipments at any convenient UPS Access Point location throughout the United States. The company's CEO, Tom Nightingale, said:

Debacle of Anti Migrant Mission Prompts Actions from International Unions and Aid Agencies

SPAIN – EUROPE – NORTH AFRICA – The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) tells us it is assisting the crew of the vessel C Star, who have been abandoned unpaid in Barcelona by its charterers. The recent history of the vessel, now moored at Barcelona having rested off the coast there since 26 September is, to say the least, a chequered and interesting one. The charterers, a right wing group called Defend Europe, raised money for the venture via a crowdfunding appeal with the express purpose of sabotaging the vessels attempting to rescue refugees and migrants from sinking boats in the Mediterranean.

Volvo Believes Mixed Power Options are the Answer to Freight Requirements

EUROPE – Following the lead of its car making sister which announced all models will be environmentally friendly from 2019, Volvo Trucks is now introducing Euro 6-compliant heavy duty trucks running on liquefied natural gas or biogas. The new trucks, the Volvo FH LNG and Volvo FM LNG, can run on either biogas, which cuts CO₂ by up to 100%, or natural gas which reduces CO₂ emissions by 20% compared with diesel. This relates to emissions from the vehicle during usage, known as tank-to-wheel.

French Box Carrier Buys Up Local Company

FRANCE – SOUTH PACIFIC – French container shipping line, CMA CGM has reached an agreement to purchase through its Australian subsidiary, ANL, the majority of the shares in New Zealand-based shipper Sofrana Unilines, a player in the Pacific Islands regional maritime freight trade, running feeder vessels from 500 to just over 1,000 TEU.

Oakland Continues to Expand Overseas Trade as Logistics Groups Build Distribution Centre

US – The Port of Oakland says its ability to serve its Far-Eastern markets with American farm produce have taken a great step forward with the confirmation that the Port's Commissioners have cleared the construction of an $11 million rail spur to Cool Port Oakland, a 280,000-square-foot temperature controlled freight distribution centre now under construction on 25 acres of Port property.

How Do You Stop a Cargo Carrying Rival? Simple - Dig Up the Track!

LITHUANIA – EUROPE – Sometimes, a particular case in the seemingly never ending series of revealing tales of corruption, which all too often afflict the freight and logistics industry, fathers the thought that you simply couldn't make it up. In the latest case of unfair practice the European Commission has fined state-owned rail firm Lithuanian Railways (Lietuvos geležinkeliai) a total of €27,873,000 for hindering competition on the rail freight market, in breach of EU antitrust rules, by physically removing a rail track connecting Lithuania to neighbouring Latvia! Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy summed up, saying:

Virgin and Delta Cooperation Deepens with New Logistics Centre

UK – Joint venture partners Virgin Atlantic Cargo and Delta Cargo are introducing a new Pharma Zone at their joint facility at London Heathrow. The new Pharma Zone will support the growing volumes of temperature-controlled healthcare and life science products being carried by both airlines and they say this enhances their ability to meet the strict quality and service requirements of pharmaceutical companies and their freight forwarding partners.

New Port Construction to Start in 2018

SENEGAL – It is two years since we published details of Dubai based DP World's plans to expand the group's activities in the west African country with the development of a logistics 'Free Zone' and a recent visit by the company's chairman and CEO confirmed the firm's intentions to construct 'Port Du Futur', a multi-purpose port with an economic zone and logistics zone adjacent to new Blaise Diagne International Airport.

Industry Bodies Call for Major Changes in European Infrastructure Management

EUROPE – After seven weeks of chaos on the European rail freight network caused by the collapse of a new rail tunnel at Rastatt as it was being excavated, this morning the critical line was reopened. The closure has had a terrible effect on rail freight across the Continent as the line is the key rail freight route between the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands and Germany, Switzerland and Italy. So serious was the back log that Rotterdam's Rail Service Centre had to severely restrict freight containers and semi-trailers from using their holding facilities as they were at capacity.