Shipping Search - Archive

Staff Moves in the World of Shipping and Transport

US – XPO Logistics has announced that Alex Santoro, who joined the company earlier this year, has been appointed Chief Commercial Officer, effective immediately, in addition to serving as Executive Vice President, Operations.

Logistics Tales from Around the Globe

UK – Intermodal routes saw another cargo option open this week as Maritime Transport introduced its tenth rail freight service to date when it commenced operations between DP World London Gateway on the banks of the River Thames, and its terminal at East Midlands Gateway, Derby. The service operates 5 days per week with a weekly capacity of up to 320 containers.

Crane and Plant Maker Turns to Fork Lift and Racking System Experts

GERMANY – Two of the biggest names in the realm of materials handling are cooperating to outfit a new central spare parts warehouse in central southern Germany. Jungheinrich, best known for its fork lift range, is providing crane and mechanical plant maker Liebherr's subsidiary Liebherr-Werke Ehingen GmbH with all the requirements for the facility.

Like Electric Trucks Century Old Technology Awakens to Harness Natural Forces

UK – FINLAND – For the past few years we have written occasionally about rotor sails, the large tubular contraptions invented a century ago by Anton Flettner which harness the power of the prevailing winds to assist in the propulsion of any vessel to which they are fitted.

War, Virus and Arrests Bring Misery to Seafarers

ITALY – AZERBAIJAN – Bad enough to be stranded far from home on a ship in the middle of a pandemic, as so many of the world's seafarers have been, let alone to have the vessel arrested by the authorities, unable to reach your family when your own country was under threat of war. That was the scene for 24 crew stranded in the Port of Ravenna.

Arbitration Judge Discounts Previous Decisions

UK – WORLDWIDE – In a landmark case the English Commercial Court has recently resolved a much-debated question, choosing to disagree with two previous cases and bringing welcome news to ship owners confirming they are not limited to claiming demurrage for delay to a ship should they be held liable to a claim for damage to cargo caused by such a delay.

US Firm In Group Corporate Link Together with its UK Based IT Technology Subsidiary

US – UK – WORLDWIDE – The National Cargo Bureau (NCB), the New York based cargo inspection company tasked with its mission of 'the Safety of Life and Cargo at Sea' and its associated concern, IT solutions group Exis Technologies, have joined the International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA) under a group corporate membership.

After Last Year's Big Merger Transport Giant Goes Shopping Again

DENMARK – JAPAN – POLAND – CHINA – It seems the acquisition of freight forwarder Panalpina in 2019 by DSV has not quenched the thirst for more by the logistics outfit. The boss of the Hedehusene headquartered company, Chairman Thomas Plenborg said this time last year that, when the dust settled on the Panalpina deal, more of the same would be considered in '12 to 18 months', and so it has come to pass.

Horrific Numbers from IATA

WORLDWIDE – The latest analysis by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) refers mainly to the slump in the passenger sector. Such flights are however the principal method of carrying freight, the cargo tucked away in the belly holds along with the luggage. The disastrous outlook that IATA presents is therefore as relevant to the air freight community.

Despite the Pandemic It Seems Some Middle Eastern Sectors Continue to Operate

UAE – Despite the prevailing economic headwinds, and one of the most challenging periods in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) 's recent history, with oil price instability and Covid-19 putting economic pressure on local economies, heavy lift group AAL says it is seeing tentative growth in cargo demand and has made a long-term commitment to its Dubai based hub, which officially opened five years ago this month.

Time to Contact a Freight Forwarder Says HMRC

UK – EUROPE – It has taken the UK Government over four years to wake up to what may be needed after the country exits the European Union and now, just a couple of months away from the big Brexit day, it has finally turned to logistics experts to help explain what exactly exporters and importers need to know.

Traditional Docking Undergoes a Rethink and Cuts Port Emissions

SWITZERLAND – NORWAY – WORLDWIDE – Cavotec, a manufacturer of connection and electrification solutions for the maritime industry, has revealed the latest edition of its automated vacuum mooring solution which it claims will revolutionise the way ships enter and leave ports, mooring in as little as 30 seconds to drastically reduce docking times. The system is to be used to moor the latest generation of autonomous electric vessels in Norway.

Online Shopping and an Uncertain Future Prompts Logistics Evolution

UK – With Brexit fast approaching, coupled with the continuing pandemic the factors which affect the need for storage capacity are currently in a fluid state, and around the country plans to provide extra space are being formulated amongst the logistics community.

Senior Crew Granted Union Recognition by Arbitration Committee

UK – CHANNEL ISLES – The relations between ferry group Condor which operates services between the mainland UK, and the Channel Islands of Guernsey, Jersey and France, and maritime unions has not been a happy one of late.

Multi-Million Dollar Deal Sees Three Specialist Vessels Deployed

TAIWAN – P & O Maritime Logistics, with headquarters situated alongside parent company DP World in Dubai, has recently secured a series of contracts with leading marine contractors to deploy three vessels to operate in Taiwan's emerging wind energy market.

One Incident Ends Successfully Whilst Another Tragically

UK – NIGERIA – RUSSIA – Oil tankers taking the headlines over the weekend with an explosion in Russian waters apparently killing three from a crew of thirteen, whilst the in the UK a dramatic rescue by special forces defeated an attempt to wrest control of a vessel by seven stowaways attempting to hijack the ship.

Bits and Pieces of Trade News You Might Have Missed So Far

ARABIAN GULF – RED SEA – GULFS' OF ADEN and OMAN – INDIAN OCEAN – It is strangely comforting to know, even on the high seas and when speaking of elite naval forces, Covid-19 is ensuring conferences are being held virtually. Such was the case when Rear Admiral Nejat Inanir of the Turkish Navy, the Commander of the Combined Maritime Forces' CTF 151, discussed handing over command to the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Ops) of the Pakistan Navy.

Australia is Not a Happy Place for Car Carrying Outfit

AUSTRALIA – Car carriers seem to be a troubled mode of transport in the world of deep sea shipping, think back to the millions of dollars in fines levied on the lines for antitrust and cartel practices plus their ungainly stance which has led to vessels overturning, such as the Golden Ray in 2019 and the Tricolor and Baltic Ace in previous years. Now an NYK operated ship is in the news for very different reasons.

US Treasures the Jones Act Despite Deterring a Free Market

US – Lots of backslapping, admiration and self-congratulation this week as the US maritime industry relishes the latest report from the Navy League. The title of the report 'China's Use of Maritime for Global Power Demands a Strong Commitment to American Maritime', sets out pretty clearly the view of the League on the Jones Act and all its ramifications.

Virus Slowed, but Didn't Prevent, Negotiations

UK – BELGIUM – EUROPE – GB Railfreight (GBRf) has announced an extension to its European freight cooperation in partnership with Lineas, the largest private rail freight operator in Europe, which has already been in operation for almost four years.

Consultation on Vulnerable Road Users Closes Soon as Proposed Policy Described as 'Insane'

UK – The Department for Transport consultation on a review of the Highway Code with a view to upgrading the status of vulnerable road users which was launched by the government in March, closes for submissions on 27 October and the results of changes likely to be imposed will have ramifications for lorry and van drivers which have generated an angry response from some quarters of the logistics community.

New Video Links to Port to Explain the Benefits to Cargo Community and Environment

UK – The HS2 project has come under fire lately from all sides. The gigantic scheme has seen everyone from environmentalists to rail experts, and indeed even the Public Accounts Committee, criticise the damage to habitat and burgeoning costs. From the logistics point of view the line, being high speed, will not be particularly suitable for the carriage of freight, however now the arguments to support the project are taking shape.

Bid to Accommodate Greenhouse Gas Targets

JAPAN – The joint venture company formed by the likes of K Line, NYK, Toyota Tsusho and the Jera company to supply bunkering services in the Chubu region which we reported on in May this year, has undertaken its first ship to ship LNG fuel supply on 20 October to the car carrier Sakura Leader.

Union Also Criticises Ineffective Maritime Covid-19 Protocols as Hard Border Inland Persists

AUSTRALIA – The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA), whose 'wharfies', or dockers, were being blamed by Patrick Terminals, which operates the Port Botany freight facility, for the delays incurred there by shipping companies, says it has been vindicated after a recent meeting between the Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) / Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack.

Banana Ripening Facility to Open Next Year

UK – In another win for DP World's London Gateway facility Compagnie Fruitière UK, a leading supplier of bananas to the British marketplace, has taken occupation of a 69,718 square foot ripening facility on practical completion of the building within the deep water port's logistics park.

The Logistics of Shopping is Changing

ESTONIA – DENMARK – WORLDWIDE – Citizens in twenty six countries around the globe have been seeing some strange boxes appearing in their city streets of late, like some modern day version of the Tardis evolved from its traditional Police box form. These are in fact however part of a growing logistics trend which we are likely to witness more often henceforth.

Pandemic Has Encouraged Changes in Logistics Outlook

CHINA – WORLDWIDE – The race to secure more of the ever growing eCommerce sector has hotted up with the latest move from AliExpress, a global retail online marketplace and part of the Alibaba Group. Launched in 2010, AliExpress is a global retail marketplace that enables consumers from around the world to buy directly from manufacturers and distributors in China. Top consumer markets where AliExpress is popular are Russia, the United States, Brazil, Spain, France and Poland.

Oil Treatment Specialist Highlights Problems

WORLDWIDE – According to Aderco, which as a producer of fuel treatment solutions must declare an interest, the quality of some new low sulphur fuel oils being supplied today, still remains of significant concern to ship owners, ship managers and operators. With a raft of new fuels coming to market since the sulphur cap was introduced, and when a vessel worth millions of dollars might suffer from an engine problem through bad fuel, such concerns can be well understood.

Minister Says Carbon Emissions Are Priority as Infrastructure Manager Invests

UK – At the 28th Annual Rail Freight Group Conference, held virtually earlier this month, rail minister Chris Heaton-Harris MP reaffirmed the government's commitment toward rail freight and outlined the crucial role it will play in decarbonising the future UK economy.

Established Freight and Logistics Firm Consolidates Under One Roof

UK – AV Dawson, which rebranded itself from a freight and logistics outfit to a port operating company with the re-establishment of the historic Port of Middlesbrough last month, has announced it will build a new state-of-the-art head office facility on the site as part of its £10 million, three year master-plan.

Another Weapon Will be Available If Underwater Radar Can Live up to its Promise

WORLDWIDE – There must be few people in the civilised world by now who do not understand the threat to the environment poses by the casual discarding of plastic items of all sorts. From everything from cattle to whales swallowing plastic bags and estimates that 52% of all turtles have eaten the stuff often resulting in death, to the trillions of microscopic fibres poured into the waste system by washing machines daily, any attempt to reduce the danger is to be welcomed.

Who is Headed Where in a Variety of Modal Sectors

WORLDWIDE – NORWAY – The World Shipping Council (WSC) has announced that Anna Larsson has joined WSC as its new Communications Director, based in Europe. Larsson served most recently as Head of Corporate Communications for Wallenius Wilhelmsen.

A Cure for Smartphone Zombies, Plus Other Stories Which Didn't Quite Make the Headlines This Week

SINGAPORE – FRANCE – Worldwide – Much is claimed regarding the environmental benefits gained by using the new breed of ultra large container ships, however the improved performance figures claimed usually rely on estimates based on the vessels being fully freighted. Now the CMA CGM Jacques Saade, the world's first LNG-powered containership with a capacity of 23,000 TEU has set a world record for the number of full containers loaded on a single vessel.

Potential Split on the Decarbonisation of the Ocean Shipping Industry

UK – WORLDWIDE – Lloyd's Register (LR) says it is aware that there have been calls for greater regional regulation of the global shipping industry at this year's virtual Global Maritime Forum (GMF) event and has been quick to disassociate itself from the sentiments expressed.

The Geographical Locations May Change but the Threat Always Exists

WORLDWIDE – In the race to be the holder of the unwanted title of the 'World's Worst Piracy Hotspot' it seems the Gulf of Guinea remains currently unchallenged. With approximately 95% of global kidnappings reported from within Gulf of Guinea waters, the latest ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) report this week confirms the grave situation for merchant vessels trading in the region.

No More Needless Deaths and Injuries from an Avoidable Cause Please

UK – WORLDWIDE – In 1998, Larry Mahoney killed 24 youths and 3 adults when the bus he was driving crashed on the way back from a day out at an Ohio amusement park. Earlier this year a Chinese bus driver crashed his vehicle into Honghsan Lake in southwest China's Guizhou province, killing all 21 aboard. Last year, in Southend on Sea, Andrew Aldridge drove his fully laden school bus into a teenage boy and drove away. The lad miraculously survived after surgery. The connection? All the drivers were drunk.

Technology Oversees Flood Danger, Damage Detection and Escape Routes

FINLAND – WORLDWIDE – In a first for its kind the latest loading computer from maritime software, services, and data analysis provider NAPA, has been awarded type approval by DNV GL. This is significant in that it enables the further adoption of a new generation of loading computers, which assess damage in real time with increased accuracy, allowing crew to make essential decisions on ship stability.

Emissions Controls Are Essential Part of IMO Plans

NORWAY – WORLDWIDE – The International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) which has hundreds of global ports and associated businesses amongst its members, has joined the IMO-Norway GreenVoyage2050 Project as a strategic partner. The GreenVoyage2050 Project is a partnership project between the Government of Norway and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) which aims to transform the shipping industry and create a lower carbon future.

Middleware Solution Integrates with Retailers and Popular Trading Platforms

UK – A new cloud-hosted, multi-channel order management solution has been developed which its suppliers claim enables third party logistics (3PL) service companies to fulfil B2C orders on behalf of e-commerce retailers quickly, accurately and cost-effectively.

Established Global Operator Extends North German Portfolio

GERMANY – Global towage operator Svitzer Europe, these days part of the A.P. Moller-Maersk empire, is to start a new towage operation in the seaport of Emden, Germany's third-largest North Sea port, from the beginning of January 2021.

Californian Port Believes Fear of Covid Second Wave is Driving Up Imports

US – It seems this is a good time for Oakland at the moment with the west coast port reporting record import levels of freight whilst it also receives an honour this week for being such an effective driver of the economy in the local region.

New Report Looks at Mitigation to Avoid Freight Theft

SOUTH AFRICA – UK – The latest report from insurance experts TT Club, in combination with collaborators BSI, highlights South Africa as a major hotspot for cargo crime, with a range of offences contributing to make moving and storing freight in the region a particularly hazardous affair compared with most other countries.

Businesses Accused of 'Heads in the Sand' Sparking Counter Accusations

UK – EUROPE – With the British Prime Minister saying that a Brexit deal must be done by tomorrow (October 15) or he is ready to walk away, the latest comments from Treasury and Cabinet Office Minister Lord Agnew saw him take a storm of criticism from industry and logistics groups after he accused the country's businesses of having a 'head in the sand' approach to the split from Europe.

Plans for Thousands to Gather at Major Shipping Events Regardless of Covid-19

UK – It may seem a little incongruous at this time to be talking about an event which normally sees participants from all over the world flocking to London but the organisers of London International Shipping Week 2021 say that next year's gathering promises to be the largest and most important so far. Judging by the fact the virtual launch attracted around 1,000 delegates it seems they may well be right.

Optimising Trim, Speed and Other Variables Now Possible with Data Analysis

DENMARK – Last month ferry group DFDS set out its long term plans for the reduction of its environmental footprint, principally cutting carbon emissions. Now the company has upscaled its existing partnership with vessel performance specialist GreenSteam to co-develop and supply an enhanced performance platform to reduce the shipping firm's greenhouse gas emissions by 25-35% over the next decade.

Careful Restriction of Capacity by Alliances Sees Profits Steady

WORLDWIDE – The tightrope which the world's largest container shipping companies have been balancing on of late seems to be a successful way to manage their share of what has been a particularly volatile time for the freight industry. So far that is.

As the Pandemic Affects All Aspects of Logistics Do We Need a Changing Approach to Storage?

UK – With the Covid-19 pandemic infecting every part of business life companies are having to estimate and recalculate their needs for the future, often with no clear idea of exactly what will be required to maintain a functioning, profitable operation. Now one leading organisation in the sphere of warehousing has published a white paper giving its view of how to minimise such uncertainty to aid logistics groups to maintain reliable supply chains.

Figures Taken Before Major Effect of Covid-19 Set In Show Reluctance to Discuss Matters

UK – A new white paper from not-for-profit, private healthcare group Benenden Health has revealed the transport and travel sector has been adversely affected by mental health issues of late causing more than a third of staff to take time off in the course of the previous year.

New Tenant for Multiuser Logistics Facility

UK – Another win has been announced for the DP World deep water port of London Gateway as Britannia Bureau, an independent supply chain logistics and customs processes improvement consultancy, takes occupation of a high-tech office facility at the Thames side, common user Logistics Centre.

Things the Freight and Logistics Community Have Been Up to This Week

UK – FRANCE – It seems the pandemic which has had such a serious effect on passenger numbers travelling between the two countries has not been a problem for freight vehicles using the Channel Tunnel. In September 2020, Le Shuttle Freight carried 131,985 trucks, up 2% compared to September 2019, a strong performance and meaning since 1 January 2020, more than 1.03 million trucks have crossed the Channel using the service.

Freight and Logistics Lobby Warn Traders to Prepare as Additional Details Revealed

UK – Whilst the Covid-19 pandemic (and somewhat bizarrely the forthcoming US election) continue to dominate the headlines in the British press, the spectre of Brexit approaches like Marley's ghost of Christmas yet to come. Whether the future can be changed at this late stage as in Dicken's novel however remains to be seen, especially considering the latest pronouncements coming from parts of the EU negotiating team.

Freight Statistics Show Signs of Better Health

WORLDWIDE – Amongst all the doom and gloom engulfing the air transport industry two companies which analyse the sector have a positive spin to add to the dialogue. Analysts CLIVE Data Services and TAC Index say the signs are the global air cargo market has been edging towards a sustainable recovery at the start of this, the traditional peak season.

Standard Set to Ensure Effective Assistance for Mariners

UK – WORLDWIDE – With the focus very much on mental health this week the Maritime Charities Group (MCG) and the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) are calling on shipping companies and training providers to make sure that any training they offer on mental health and wellbeing awareness meets the standards set out in their good practice guide.

Hull Headquartered Group Opens Logistics Office in New York

UK – US – One of the oldest names associated with shipping and freight forwarding in Britain, Hull headquartered John Good, has opened its first ever office in the US. Formed in 1833 (a year in which 350 settlers set about creating the City of Chicago) the company has chosen the New York Metropolitan Area of New Jersey as the first site for a John Good Logistics presence in the country.

New Target After Battling Malaria and Logistics Issues

EAST AFRICA – UK – We are used to the innovative work carried out by transport charity Transaid covering a variety of good causes, all logistics related, with projects ranging from bicycle ambulances and truck driver instruction to the highly important, and successful MAMaZ Against Malaria (MAM) at Scale programme, which has saved children's lives, and recently been adapted to also fight Covid-19. Now however the battle has been extended to fight human trafficking.

Four Stakeholders Tackle What Comes Next for Deep Sea Maritime Operations

NORWAY – SCANDINAVIA – WORLDWIDE – The protagonists involved in the latest programme to attack the problems of cleaning up marine fuels say they have high hopes of reducing emissions from shipping by 40 to 100%. The partners, from the worlds of maritime, research and development and oil and gas energy are now constructing a pilot system that can use different types of fuel.

Operators Say Track Borne Cargo and its Intermodal Options Can Cut Costs and Delays

AUSTRIA – CHINA – UK – Rail freight continues to make strides as the requirement for what are seen as more environmental transport methods continues to occupy the minds of shippers. Additionally the speed of long distance multimodal offerings attract those looking to beat sea freight services in terms of time, if not price.

Ports Want Reprieve and Assistance but Suppliers Seek Change

UK – The latest proposals regarding the use of red diesel have rung the bell for the start of the latest round in the seemingly endless boxing match of economy versus environment. The battle to make the world a greener place comes at a cost, and it is clear that the chancellor wants to remove the tax rebate on the fuel for all uses except agriculture, forestry, commercial marine, fishing, and rail industries.

Well Known Firm to Concentrate on Core Business

UK – A new deal involving two of the best known names in the field of British road transport has been struck with Maritime Transport Ltd, (Maritime) agreeing terms to acquire the container transport business of Wincanton plc, Wincanton Container Logistics.

Project Freight Teams to Gain from Access to Two Fleets of Multi-Purpose Ships

THE AMERICAS – After announcing at the end of last year that it would be expanding its fleet, SAL Heavy Lift, these days a part of the Harren & Partner Group, has now acquired Intermarine, a long time player in the market with a fleet of multi-purpose heavy lift vessels that are IMO and Lakes fitted and with lifting capacities up to 400 tonnes SWL.

Feasibility Study to Optimise Handling of Freight

SWEDEN – This autumn will see a new feasibility study on behalf of Turkish headquartered Yilport to investigate and understand how autonomous systems can improve transport flows throughout the Port of Gävle. The work will be undertaken by international technology company Semcon.

Who is Heading Where

WORLDWIDE – The BIMCO Board of Directors has approved the nomination of Nikolaus Schües, CEO of Reederei F. Laeisz (Germany) to stand for election as the next President Designate of BIMCO in the summer of 2021, succeeding Sabrina Chao, Chair of Wah Kwong Shipping Holdings Limited (Hong Kong).

Heads Up on Some of the Smaller Stories This Week

SPAIN – Pall-Ex Iberia has opened a new central hub in San Fernando de Henares, in the province of Madrid, to further develop domestic and international services. The new purpose-built 12,000 m² hub will also provide space to launch its new temperature-controlled service.

Suddenly it Seems a Sense of Urgency Has Awoken the Whitehall Dormice

UK – With the government receiving criticism from all players in parts of the logistics industry on the subject of Brexit preparedness, it has today announced it is ramping up its preparations for the end of the transition period with the launch of a £200 million fund for ports to build new facilities.

Company Headquarters to See Significant Expansion

GERMANY – Materials handling equipment specialist Jungheinrich is building a new logistics centre for WEGMANN automotive, the exclusive supplier to Formula 1, in Veitshöchheim, Lower Franconia. This major project at the company's headquarters is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2021.

Call for Mandatory Fuel Surcharge to Fund Innovative Research

EUROPE – WORLDWIDE – As the world's largest shipping association containing a comprehensive mix of members from insurers to vessel owners and operators, any comment from BIMCO is always worthy of consideration. Now the Danish headquartered group has uttered concerns over the European Union Emission Trading System (ETS).

When Will Promised Government Systems be Operational?

UK – In a quite remarkable exchange in the House of Commons this afternoon, in response to a question from Labour party MP Hilary Benn, Michael Gove referred to the Road Haulage Association (RHA) as 'perhaps not the most constructive partner' in the current Brexit negotiations.

Pandemic May Have Concentrated Politicians Minds on Native Jobs

UK – It seems finally maritime unions have some good news issuing forth from government offices. The National Minimum Wage (Offshore Employment) (Amendment) Order 2020 comes into force 1 October 2020. It will extend NMW rates to all seafarers working on merchant ships between UK ports and from UK ports to installations on the UK Continental Shelf, something they have been lobbying vigorously for.

High Standards as Ever for London Exhibition

UK – Strange times indeed, however the presence of the virus which is permeating every level in the fabric of society has not deterred the artistic urges of those who entered this year's Royal Society of Marine Artists (RSMA) annual exhibition, which has now seen the winners announced by the RSMA and partners the Mall Galleries.