Shipping Search - Archive

Some of the Smaller Transport and Logistics News This Week

SOUTH AFRICA – Expansion of the Port of Richards Bay needed a complete geotechnical survey of the seabed which meant the very soft soils encountered at depths of more than 40 metres below seafloor required an innovative solution for positioning the two geotechnical drill rigs safely. This in turn meant shipping the required kit from Bangladesh and the UAE in challenging ground conditions and ongoing Covid-19 restrictions.

Courses Now Offered Countrywide

UK – A new apprenticeship from training provider Seetec Outsource is aimed at easing the shortage of heavy goods vehicles (HGV) drivers across the UK by making the profession more attractive to a new generation of drivers. The scheme is open to those of 18 years or older who hold a Category B (car) driving licence.

Not Content with Soaring Rates Some Box Carriers Tread on Agency Toes

NORWAY – WORLDWIDE – Oslo headquartered air and freight rate benchmarking platform Xeneta has published its long term ocean container rates for October, and it's not good news for shippers.

And Nothing for the Environmentalists as COP26 Opens

UK – It seems politicians have given up the secrecy regarding important national announcements and switched from leaking information to simply announcing various policies before they become officially in place. And so it was with the Autumn Budget with many of the big issues already known to the press and public.

But How Many Crew Will Leave the Ocean After Covid?

WORLDWIDE – Published every quarter the Mission to Seafarers Happiness Index aims to give some insight into the mental health of those working at the coal face and, at last after the ravages of the pandemic, the latest iteration appears to show strains on those crews involved are beginning to ease.

Insurers Offer Simple Visual Guidance on Avoidance of Cargo Crime

UK – WORLDWIDE – Ever desirous of finding ways to reduce cargo crime the TT Club has published a series of seven animations to illustrate in graphic form a variety of theft techniques ranging from driver attacks, false authority personnel and inadequate perimeter fencing to theft from moving vehicles.

Russian Navy Saves Container Vessel Crew but OSV Safety in Doubt

GULF OF GUINEA – The waters off the West African coast maintained their unwanted title this week as the most pirated region after two reported attacks in as many days. Seafarers aboard the Panamanian flagged container vessel MSC Lucia avoided capture, or worse, due to the prompt action of Russian naval forces on Monday (25 October).

New Partnership Will Reinforce Work Already in Progress

UK – There was a time, back in the Dark Ages before the Institute of Freight Forwarders transitioned into the British International Freight Association (BIFA), when it was seen by many as a very formal institution, conjuring up images of ageing Dickensian scribes with quill pens bent over dusty desks in their garret room offices.

Industry Collaboration is the Key to Success in Ending Pollution at Sea

UK – WORLDWIDE – As the good, the bad and the ugly travel to Glasgow, or not as the case may be, be prepared for enough hot air emanating from the politicians attending the COP26 meeting to knock that global temperature up a notch or two on its own.

With Electrification Policy so Road Charging is Likely to Follow

UK – Today heralded a major shift for motorists on the roads of the capital as London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expanded to eighteen times its former size. The zone now includes the areas inside the North and South Circular roads whereas previously it had the same boundary as the Congestion charge.

Potential for Legal Wrangles as Law Commission Seeks Adaptations

UK – WORLDWIDE – Digitalisation of the shipping sector means some wholesale changes, many simply not understood by some freight forwarding agencies and their clients. Now the Law Commission is set to address how current rules need to be adapted to avoid what could be huge potential legal pitfalls.

Appointments and Departures in the Commercial Transport Sector

UK – Cosworth has appointed digital and business transformation specialist Stephen Dyke into the newly created role of Chief Operations Officer (COO) to support the company's growth within the transportation technology sector. Dyke joins Cosworth from engineering firm Ricardo, where he spent two years as Managing Director, leading the company's automotive and industrial offering across EMEA.

Smaller Items from the Logistics Sphere

GERMANY – A home win for Liebherr Cranes with Mukran Port Terminals GmbH at the Port of Sassnitz purchasing its third mobile harbour crane, an LHM 550, after leasing the machine for the past year. Mukran Port is a crucial link in the New Silk Road acting as a multimodal interface for international transport chains for rail, sea, and road. Transportation of goods to and from China only takes twelve days.

It May beTime for a Reality Check for Naive Diplomats

UK – EUROPE – Last week the European Union, with a publicity flourish, produced its suggestions to resolve the outstanding problems regarding UK trade with Northern Ireland, particularly the Sanitary and Phytosanitary issues which have caused so many problems.

Winners Announced at Glittering Event

UK – Around 800 guests were in attendance to see former England football skipper Kevin Keegan introduce the Multimodal Awards and announce the winners on the first night of the three day exhibition and conference at the NEC in Birmingham.

The Real World of Work in Graphic Detail

UK – As everyone and his wife whinge on about the shortages of staff in the entire logistics sector it is time that those who can actually do something about it stepped up, and this week the Port of Tilbury have given them another weapon in the armoury to encourage the next generation.

Donations of Medical Aid Still Need the Logisticians to Deliver

US – INDIA – 7 November should see the first of a shipment of seven, 40 foot containers arrive in the subcontinent, destined firstly for the King George Medical University, Lucknow, for devanning, and subsequent distribution to regional towns and villages in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

Nationwide Drive to Promote New Range

US – Yet another commercial truck maker announced this week more input into the all-electric market when White Bear Lake, Minnesota, headquartered Zeus Electric Chassis joined forces with truck body producer EAVX, the newest business unit of the JB Poindexter (JBPCO) commercial automotive empire.

Latest Official Statistics Show Spending Down

UK – A comment from business tax relief consultancy Catax makes interesting, and worrying reading this week, examining as it does two consecutive quarters of negative business investment, based upon the latest ONS data that covers the logistics sector. The ONS business investment statistics are an indication of net capital expenditure by UK businesses, which includes spending on items such as plant and machinery, transport equipment, software and buildings.

Multimodal Capability for End to End Logistics

DUBAI – WORLDWIDE – In common with just about every other major shipping group DP World has clambered aboard the band wagon to offer 'a seamless, end to end supply chain', something many will feel is what freight forwarding agencies have always sought to provide.

Useful Advice for Merchant Vessel Operators Transiting Dangerous Waters

UK – WORLDWIDE – The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) has released a new information paper providing guidance on hiring Private Maritime Security Companies (PMSCs). The use of PMSCs on board merchant ships is widely accepted as one of the measures which can assist in keeping seafarers safe from harm and protecting vessels operating in areas of increased threat.

Port Group and Special Economic Zone Act After Discoveries

INDIA – It seems the recent seizure of almost three tonnes of heroin at the Port of Mundra was the last straw for the country's largest port operator Adani. From 15 November the company is banning all traffic emanating from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran, a policy which has brought howls of protest.

Employers have a Responsibility for Drivers and Logistics Workers

UK – We have often written over the years with regard to the installation of alcohol interlocks, 'alcolocks', devices which ensure a driver cannot start the engine of a vehicle if his or her breath indicates alcohol has been consumed.

European Headquartered Group Expands its Portfolio

MEXICO – ITALY – Having signed a letter of intent in late 2020 with the Ministry of Economic Development and Labour of the Yucatán State to throw itself behind a plan to develop facilities at the Port of Progreso this week the Italian shipbuilding group Fincantieri has put it corporate money where its mouth is.

Some Random Links from the Supply Chain

WORLDWIDE – The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has welcomed the major reform of the international tax system that was announced last week at the OEDC. The landmark deal, agreed by 136 countries, will see Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) be subject to a minimum 15% tax rate from 2023. Helio Vicente, Shipping Policy Manager at ICS, commented:

Not Cabotage but Sabotage Says Road Haulage Group

UK – It seems the nature of modern politics that holding a consultation on any subject is actually merely a public relations exercise as the government response to the latest survey on the HGV driver crisis, set to end next week, has already been acted upon without waiting for the results.

eCommerce Sector Sees New Partnership

FRANCE – US – WORLDWIDE – Austin, Texas headquartered BigCommerce, which provides an eCommerce platform for brands of all types, has announced a partnership with shipping line CMA CGM and its subsidiary NewOxatis, which supplies eCommerce solutions.

(or Maybe He is and This is Just Another Press Induced Panic)

UK – So once again the parlous state of the British press is making major headlines based on the problems currently blighting the shipping sector - like we didn't know. We have witnessed supply chain problems since the start of the pandemic, not that this is the sole reason for what is happening now.

Offshore Supply Vessel Will Be Testbed for Future Technology

NORWAY – With a global search underway to find any possible substitute marine fuel to replace traditional heavy oil, technology group Wärtsilä and Norwegian ship owner Eidesvik Offshore ASA have signed a landmark cooperation agreement aimed at converting an offshore supply vessel (OSV) to operate with an ammonia-fuelled combustion engine.

Driver Problems Dog Busiest Period for Freight Movements

US – Whilst certain cloth eared officials in the UK administration refuse to accept any responsibility for the HGV driver shortage which has caused reduced supplies of certain goods in the shops, Britain is not the only place suffering, as evidenced by a White House meeting this week.

Scottish Group Awarded Funding

UK – As the push to improve and evolve the power output from the new generation of batteries continues, news comes that AMTE Power has secured a project from the government's Faraday Battery Challenge, worth £1 million.

As Driver Shortage Continues So Improvements Are Essential

EUROPE – Right across the world the need for Safe and Secure Truck Parking Areas (SSTPAs) is paramount as levels of vehicle crime escalate. It is twelve years since New York driver Jason Rivenburg was murdered whilst parked at night for a mere $7, a crime that led to a campaign by his widow Hope, and several senators, to improve things in the US.

Freight Rates Maintained Upward Movement

WORLDWIDE – Whilst air passenger traffic continues its gradual climb back toward pre-pandemic levels, air cargo load factors and airfreight rates continued their expected peak season climb in September.

Exhibition and Conference Keenly Anticipated by Logistics Community

UK – As the world emerges slowly after the tribulations of Covid many in the logistics community are looking forward to the return of some semblance of normality with the fast approaching Multimodal Exhibition and Conference which opens at the NEC Birmingham on 19 October.

Supply Demands Ultimate in Supply Chain Efficiency

GERMANY – The automation of many parts of the supply chain is racing ahead and no sector of freight forwarding and logistics is more demanding in terms of turn round times and continuity of service than the automotive sector. With the necessity for sequencing to maintain operating production lines any improvement in performance is welcome.

Charity Honours Bravery at Sea

UK – WORLDWIDE – Last week in London three remarkable stories of skill and gallantry at sea were recognised and rewarded at a national awards ceremony. Recipients included the skipper of a 4,500 TEU container ship who won the Lady Swaythling Trophy.

Lesser News Stories from Around the Industry

UK – 96%of UK logistics businesses are now reporting problems recruiting HGV drivers, according to the results from Logistics UK's September 2021 Performance Tracker, released this week. However, the Performance Tracker also highlighted that skills shortages are growing across the entire logistics industry, not just affecting the availability of HGV drivers.

Matt Dawson to Host BIFA Award Celebrations for 2021

UK – Having finished his stint as the longest serving team captain on the BBC's Question of Sport, and presumably given up waiting for the phone to ring from the selectors after three tours with the British and Irish Lions, which included a World Cup win in 2003, rugby legend Matt Dawson is free to host the 33rd iteration of the British International Freight Association (BIFA) Awards in January.

Who is Now to be Found Where Along the Supply Chain

UK – Transport and logistics sector-focused law firm HFW has hired two of the UK's leading top white-collar criminal defence and investigations experts, Barry Vitou and Anne-Marie Ottaway. Barry and Anne-Marie advise corporations and individuals on all aspects of economic crime, including compliance, pre-investigations, investigations, and prosecutions relating to fraud, bribery and corruption, insider dealing, market abuse and money laundering.

Perishables Set to Establish Post Brexit Trade

UK – MOROCCO – A completely new route between Tangier and the Port of Poole in Dorset has just been established by maritime and transport specialist, United Seaways which anticipates the first shipment arriving shortly.

Two Major Players Sign Up for New Technology

SWITZERLAND – GERMANY – WORLDWIDE – German NGO atmosfair, which aims to produce tens of thousands of litres of synthetic fuel at a plant in Werlte, Emsland, has received a major boost after receiving an order for 25,000 litres per year for the next five years from two of the transport industry's big hitters.

Shipping Group to Disseminate Vehicles Across Continent

DENMARK – SWEDEN – EUROPE – The largest ever US order for Class 8 electric units pales in comparison with Volvo Trucks latest order emanating from shipping and logistics outfit DFDS.

Watch Out for the Regulators as Christmas Approaches

SOUTH KOREA – WORLDWIDE – OK so it may be not the biggest order for new container vessels but the fact that Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction has received its first major merchant fleet order for six years is a bellwether for the current state of the ocean shipping industry.

Exploration of Infrastructure of Information Services

GERMANY – Hamburg Port Consulting (HPC), which supplies a logistics consultancy for ports, maritime and inland terminals as well as intermodal rail transport, has been commissioned by the German Directorate-General for Waterways and Shipping (GDWS) to conduct a study on information services for ports and terminals.

Covid Helps Open Some Hitherto Closed Doors

UAE – SWEDEN – One does not have to be a cynic to be a little surprised at the latest press release from the AD Ports group in Abu Dhabi. The United Arab Emirate and its near neighbours are not normally associated with female equality.

Grateful for Government Cash BIFA Makes its Own Moves

UK – For some time now the British International Freight Association (BIFA) has been leading the drive to attract more and younger recruits to the freight and logistics professions. The Association, which principally represents forwarding companies, has welcomed the news then that the government is extending the period of time that businesses can access cash incentives for hiring new apprentices.

Global Problem Faced with Expansion of Terminal Facilities

UK – There have been tales of woe from around the globe for the past few months telling of the number of empty shipping containers which are 'in the wrong place', causing some ports immense problems as stock built up clogging the throughput of trade.

Who Let the Dogs Out in Belfast?

UNITED KINGDOM – It is a tragic hangover from days past that virtually all cargo leaving Northern Ireland requires screening, with the continuing grim association in the memories of many between Belfast and explosives.

Company Switches Emphasis as the Environment Gains Importance

NORWAY – WORLDWIDE – The subject of anti-fouling paints has always been a divisive one. Now the drive to clean up what we put into the ecosystem has had a tangible effect on one of the major producers of chemical coatings to deter the growth of life forms on the hulls of vessels of all types.

Who is Going Where This Week

UK – Warehouse space strategist, Bis Henderson Space, has appointed Alex Murray to the position of Business Development Manager. Alex Murray's appointment is part of the first phase of a recruitment drive to support plans for growth of the business and will be followed by further appointments. Alex will be responsible for driving new business opportunities, as well as developing and managing a growing supplier base.

Some Tiny Tales from Transport and Logistics

UK – Qatari based freight and logistics outfit GAC has extended its agreement as the Official Logistics Partner of Aberdeen Football Club (AFC) with an enhanced sponsorship to include GAC branding on the sleeves of the Club's Women's team match kits, underlining its commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. A new match ball plinth at all first team games at the Club's home ground, Pittodrie, will see GAC 'delivering' the match ball ahead of kick-off.

One Million Pounds Available for Isle of Wight and Scilly Isles Route Improvements

UK – Under the government's National Disability Strategy funding was to be made available for certain key transport routes. Now the Department for Transport (DfT) is accepting bids for a £1 million grant to boost accessibility for ferries to the Isle of Wight and the Isles of Scilly.

Seafarer Welfare is Paramount

UK – WORLDWIDE – Following his election in April this year this week Nick Brown, chief executive of Lloyd's Register, was formally introduced as the new Chairman of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) to a group of specially invited maritime journalists at a press conference in London.

Touch Sensitive Articulated Lift Trucks Stop Automatically

UK – Operating a lift truck in the narrowest of aisles can be a stressful and dangerous practice which requires a high level of skill from the operator. Now one manufacturer is introducing a safety feature which it claims dramatically reduces the risk of anything untoward happening whilst working in the banks of closely spaced racking.