Shipping Search - Archive

Piece Meal Application of Standards is Surely Not What the EU is About

EUROPE – The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) has launched a scathing attack on Brussels bureaucrats who it says are about to significantly weaken incoming EU road infrastructure safety rules which are set to be agreed by national ministers of transport at a meeting on Monday (November 3). ETSC is calling for MEPs in the European Parliament to demand more wide-ranging and effective rules when negotiations begin on the final legislation early next year.

Some Snippets of Supply Chain News from Around the Globe

UK – DP World won the Port Operator of the Year Award at this year's Global Freight Awards in London after a readers vote from freight forwarders, cargo owners and shipping lines. The award recognised the logistics outfits achievements in the UK with both London Gateway and DP World Southampton getting a mention. UK Chief Operating Officer, Nick Loader, commented:

Another Sad Start to Appointments and Departures

US – Industry veteran Ernst Frankel, professor emeritus of ocean engineering who served on Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) faculty for 36 years, passed away on November 18 at the age of 95. Frankel was a leading logistics expert particularly in the fields of shipping, shipbuilding, and port management, having acted as an advisor to a number of governments, international organisations, and shipping companies in addition to his work at MIT, and received a number of accolades throughout his career.

London Gateway Attracts Shipping Alliance Service

UK – The vast bulk of the container ship Maersk Mc-Kinney Möller travelled up the River Thames this week to dock at DP World's deep water port London Gateway. This was the first call on the AE/7Condor service operated by the 2M+1 Alliance which consists of input from both Maersk Line and MSC, with Hamburg Süd and HMM.

Handysize Tanker Compares Marine Fuels to Reduce Harmful Emissions

DENMARK – NETHERLANDS – ESTONIA – As the implementation of the IMO's Sulphur Cap approaches, Danish tanker group Norden has addressed another emission concern and says it has successfully operated a test voyage with a large commercial ocean-going vessel being powered by a CO₂ neutral biofuel. The test voyage was supported by an international NGO, the Ecological Council and in co-operation with Rotterdam-based GoodFuels.

Investment to Cost Hundreds of Millions of Dollars

US – Freight and logistics group DHL Supply Chain has announced a $300 million investment to deploy emerging technologies in 350 of its 430 facilities in North America. These will include transportation control towers and the company says will accelerate the implementation of selected technologies such as robotics, augmented reality, robotics process automation, IoT and DHL's proprietary end-to-end visibility solution, 'MySupplyChain'.

Despite Consolidation All Will Continue to Retain Individual Identities

UK – Private equity investor, EmergeVest, has consolidated its ownership of six UK based logistics companies to form EV Cargo. With £850 million of revenue, EV Cargo claims to be the largest privately-owned logistics business in the UK. EV Cargo has been created by the consolidation of supply chain software company Adjuno, logistics providers Allport Cargo Services and CM Downton, managed solutions provider Jigsaw, time-critical delivery specialist NFT, and pallet distributor Palletforce into a single corporate structure. Each company will retain its own identity.

Scandal of Oily Water Releases Continues Despite Swingeing Penalties

US – Once again the scandal of pollution by an ocean going commercial vessel sullies the name of the industry as two Greek shipping companies, Avin International Ltd, and Nicos I.V. Special Maritime Enterprises, have pleaded guilty in federal court in Beaumont, Texas, to charges stemming from several discharges of oil into the waters of Texas ports by the oil tanker M/T Nicos I.V. Reports of ships, particularly tankers and often under flags of convenience, offending in this manner are all too commonplace.

A Maritime First for Finnish and Norwegian Groups

FINLAND – NORWAY – Having successfully tested its automatic wireless induction charging system on the ferry MF Folgefonn in Norwegian waters in September, technology group Wärtsilä has now, in the presence of the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA), completed testing full dock-to-dock capability, with the autonomous operation being utilised uninterrupted for the entire route, visiting all three ports serviced by the ship.

Germany Extends Trials of Dust Eating System

GERMANY – In September we told how filtration specialists Mann + Hummel had introduced a Fine Dust Particle Filter which, when fitted to vehicles 'eats' debris in the surrounding air such as the harmful particulates emitted from the diesel engines of many commercial vehicles. Now, with the support of the state capital of Stuttgart and sponsored by the Ministry of Transport in Baden-Wuerttemberg, 17 filter columns will be installed along a section of road approximately 350 metres in length along the Stuttgart Neckartor, a point at which high pollution levels often appear and where monitoring has been in place since 2003.

Back to the Future as Sailing Ships Make a Return

FRANCE – During the Assises de la Mer maritime conference, vehicle manufacturer Groupe Renault, announced the signing of a 3-year partnership with Nantes start-up NEOLINE to develop a more sustainable maritime transport service powered by wind, and to contribute to the environmental management of its logistics chain. Almost 60% of the automotive group's parts and vehicles are transported by sea. Jean-Philippe Hermine, Vice President, Strategic Environmental Planning Groupe Renault, explained:

From Either Side of the Atlantic Come Accusations of Underpayment

US – UK – IRELAND – It seems that the freight and logistics sectors are continually plagued by labour disputes, something we seem to report upon weekly and ranging from sexual discrimination to unfair practices and even violence and murder. This week we look at two arguments on either side of the Atlantic, one involving a road haulage outfit and its 3PL owners, the other seafarers, both however centre on accusations of unfair pay.

Despite Deficit Underwriting Group Defers General Increase

WORLDWIDE – Some good news for the ship operating community this week as specialist maritime underwriting group the Shipowners' Club announced it will not introduce a General Increase for 2019. This despite an underwriting deficit marginally higher than budget reported in the Half Year Report at $6.17 million. The Club stated it has always sought to support Members, especially in times when the shipping industry is depressed and, as a consequence, has not sought a General Increase since 2014.

Critics Say Urban Charging is Wrong Headed and Will Damage Local Businesses

UK – Air quality management plans introduced by local councils have so far drawn some criticism from freight industry bodies over fears that implementing poorly thought out policies would greatly affect the haulage businesses in the area. However, proposals by the Nottingham City Council and DEFRA, which have agreed that the city does not require a low emission charging zone to meet its air quality targets, has been welcomed by both the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and the Freight Transport Association (FTA) the latter which hopes that other cities across the country will take heed of the city's 'common-sense attitude to clean air policies'.

Freight Group Warns No Deal Brexit Would Catch UK Hauliers Out

UK – The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has reminded road haulage operators with continental intentions that applications for international road haulage permits opened this week, meaning anyone wishing to transport goods into any of the twenty seven EU countries post-Brexit should apply sooner rather than later. According to the FTA one should not be deterred by the positive noises emanating from the political offices home and abroad with a No Deal exit from the European Union still a possibility.

Iconic Lifeboat in Conservation Project

UK – Some parts of our maritime heritage are well worth preserving and now, after over half a century of lying in a local museum, the world's oldest surviving lifeboat has made its first journey for 55 years, temporarily leaving her home in Redcar to undergo a programme of sympathetic conservation, preserving her structural integrity for generations to come. As part of a project six years in the planning, the historic Zetland Lifeboat was transported on a low loader provided by Richmond heavy haulage company, G C S Johnson Ltd, and transported to freight and logistics outfit AV Dawson Ltd on the banks of the River Tees, where the conservation work will take place.

Insurers Publish Comprehensive Guide to Global Offences

WORLDWIDE – For anyone with an interest in avoiding the theft of cargo in transit the latest report from insurance specialists the TT Club will make fascinating reading. Prepared in association with supply chain intelligence and risk management experts BSI, the report looks closely at every facet of what is a complex international problem.

Founding Principles of Charity's Work Are Still as Valid Today

UK – International development organisation Transaid, so often the logistics industry's favoured charity, has kicked off its 20th anniversary celebrations with a special showcase event in London attended by more than 150 industry supporters, partners and development organisations, together with the charity's Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, and the entire Transaid team.

14,000+ TEU Box Vessels Now a Reality via Laem Chabang

THAILAND – A landmark was reached at the weekend when the ONE Columba called at Hutchison Ports Thailand (HPT) Terminal D at Laem Chabang Port, making it at 145,647 gross tonnes the largest ever container ship to berth anywhere in the country. At 364 metres and with a carrying capacity of 14,053 TEUs, the vessel was able to use the first terminal in Thailand capable of handling the 14,000 TEU class of ocean going box ships.

EU Joins Japan in Appeal to WTO over South Korea

SOUTH KOREA – JAPAN – EUROPEAN UNION – Some sixteen years ago the EU got in a bun fight with South Korea over some 200 loans made to that country's shipbuilders by the government which were deemed by the EU to be illegal subsidies. By 2005, having not had what it considered satisfaction from the World Trade Organisation (WTO) which heard the case, the EU had introduced Temporary Defensive Mechanisms (TDMs) which the Koreans appealed to the WTO violated the terms of the mutual trade agreements.

French Authorities Crack Down as Pollution Levels Rise

FRANCE – In what we believe to be the first such case in the country, French authorities have levied a €100,000 fine on a company for abusing the sulphur in fuel regulations. Whilst European legislation currently allows 1.5% sulphur content, as against the 0.5% limit applicable from 2020 under the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) MARPOL regulations, the Azura, a vessel operated by P&O Cruises was found to be bunkering fuel containing 1.68% sulphur.

British Firms Face Up to the Unique Challenges of Antarctica

UK – ANTARCTICA – Project freight consignments are always tricky but interesting. The volume of both ramps up however when the destination is the Antarctic region where both climate and the need for absolute biosecurity come into play. For the Trans Global Projects Group (TGP), no location is too remote. However, while the UK-based international project logistics specialist has handled numerous assignments in some of the most inaccessible locations around the globe, even for industry professionals, Antarctica is a unique and challenging destination to serve.

Domestic Deliveries of Freight Require All Steps to Be Taken as 360 Degree Cameras Become Available

UK – US – WORLDWIDE – As the argument rages over better visibility for the drivers of trucks, particularly those engaged in urban deliveries, a major point of contention is the viability of camera systems as against direct vision via improved cab design. The biggest shift in logistics in recent times has been the huge growth in mail order items, 65 billion parcels were delivered to homes worldwide in 2016 in a trade throughout the western world which now sees clothing and footwear accounting for the largest online volume of sales, whilst the rise in online food delivery has generated more than $82 million this year alone.

Staff News from Around the Industry

UK – Sadly the list of appointments and departures in the shipping and logistics fields this week start with the news that Consolidated Fork Truck Services (CFTS) has announced the untimely death of Technical Manager, Shaun Prendergast, who passed away on November 9 after a period of illness. Prendergast joined CFTS in July 2012 and with his fellow Technical Manager Matthew Kennedy, successfully increased awareness, understanding and coverage of Thorough Examinations throughout the UK and Ireland.

A Range of Items from Road Haulage to Freight Forwarding

UK – MOZAMBIQUE – John Good Shipping tells us Maritime Carrier Shipping GmbH (MACS) is enhancing it's Mozambique Service by routing each second sailing to/from Maputo directly. From the Bright Horizon's sailing around 19 December, every second vessel will be sailing directly to Maputo, these will be the Red Cedar, Green Mountain and the Bright Horizon. This means approximately every 23 days there is a direct sailing to Maputo, while every other sailing to Maputo will remain routed via Durban.

Mutual Terms for Increase in Able Seaman Minimum Pay Rates Finalised

WORLDWIDE – As we predicted earlier this week, a Subcommittee of the Joint Maritime Commission (JMC) of the International Labour Organization (ILO) has agreed on a Resolution raising the minimum monthly basic wage figure for able seafarers. The rise in rates however was less than the $50 per month sought by maritime unions. The parties, which included the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), settled on increasing the minimum wage for an able seafarer to $641 per month over the next 3 years.

Powered Two Wheeler (P2W) Fleets Accepted from January 2019

UK – The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) will soon encompass powered two-wheeler (P2W) fleets, made up primarily of motorcycle and moped operations, as the scheme continues to expand its remit to bring best practice to an increasing range of commercial vehicle operators. With 'Bike Smart' the central theme of Brake charity's annual Road Safety Week running all this week, FORS says that it is committed to drawing attention to the importance of the safety of P2W riders on UK roads.

Great and the Good Gather in London in December

UK – If you are a British based supply chain professional just about to be caught in the pre-Christmas business rush, you just have time to book your place at the Freight Transport Association (FTA) 2018 Logistics Awards which take place this year at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London on 13 December.

Aviation and Healthcare are Principal Markets for Target

US – Swiss headquartered freight forwarding group, Kuehne + Nagel, has announced the acquisition of Quick International Courier, a global operator of time-critical transportation and logistics solutions, subject to customary closing conditions and to clearance by the competent merger control authorities. Yngve Ruud, Member of the Managing Board of Kuehne + Nagel, responsible for airfreight, said:

Cargo Handling in All Transit Terminals to be Revitalised

EUROPE – By 2022, logistics provider Dachser plans to replace all of its roughly 6,000 pallet trucks in Europe with vehicles powered by energy-saving lithium-ion batteries. Compared to conventional lead-acid batteries, the lithium-ion variety lasts three times longer and boasts significantly shorter charging times. This increases the flexibility of using vehicles equipped with these batteries, and does away with the need for special rooms set aside for battery charging. The resulting freed-up space in transit terminals can be used for cargo handling. André Bilz, Team Leader Fleet Management Terminal Equipment at Dachser, explains:

IoT Technology Used to Determine Position of Motorcycle Cradles Throughout Europe

FRANCE – EUROPE – Automotive logistics specialist Gefco has found a solution to a problem which is often the curse of the industry, or indeed any freight operation where re-usable packaging needs to be returned to source or hub. The French supply chain outfit has announced partnerships with Internet of Things (IoT) specialist Actility, a leading LoRaWAN solution provider, and Wakeo, the host of a real-time visibility platform, to provide an innovative, tailor-made solution to streamline motorcycle cradle management processes in Europe.

Huge Engines Shipped from Texas to London

US – UK – Outsize and heavy lift air cargo and project forwarding specialist, Volga-Dnepr has delivered two GE-90 aero engines and accompanying aerospace equipment for GECAS, the aviation leasing and financing firm.

Road and Rail Expansion in Asia for Local Group

ASIA – Kerry Logistics Network has expanded its freight forwarding capability from China to South Asia in a bid to reinforce its overland transportation network in South Asia and deepen trade cooperation along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) through the launch of its first rail and road multimodal freight service from Lanzhou, China to Islamabad, Pakistan.

Continuing Effort to Cut Airborne Emissions

US – There are few places in the world that take the threat of airborne pollution more seriously than California, probably more than ever now as the death toll from the horrendous forest fires which have swept the state rises, and plumes of smoke still cover the landscape. As to industry, in the vanguard for change has been the state's port sector which has habitually led the drive toward cleaner air with both Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach both striving to cut vehicle and ship emissions to a minimum.

Veterans to Get Free Aid to Enter Driving Employment as Complaints Against Company Continue

US – In a month in which XPO Logistics announced a couple of initiatives to drive the business forward, it seems that worker dissatisfaction remains a problem it is having trouble shaking. As we have detailed previously the company has received criticism from unions both at home in the US, and in countries such as France, where it absorbed the freight and road haulage operations of Norbert Dentressangle in 2015.

Potential Sign of Things to Come for Freight Vehicles

UK – As part of the government's post Brexit contingency planning the M26 motorway, which runs through Kent and is one of the UK's busiest routes for hauliers heading towards, and returning from mainland Europe, has timed closures until Friday 21 December. Closure will be from 10pm until 5.30pm the following morning, Monday to Thursday (inclusive). On Friday nights work will take place between 11pm and 6am. The move brought an instant reaction from the Road Haulage Association (RHA) on behalf of the freight community.

Warning of the Presence of Excess Moisture in Lubricating Oil

JAPAN – As a part of a variety of initiatives utilising big data, Japanese shipping group Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) and its technological research and development subsidiary, Monohakobi Technology Institute (MTI) have developed an advance alarm system (with patent pending) which claims to detect anomalies on a real-time basis caused by water getting in lubricating oil.

Shipping Minister to Read at London Ceremony

UK – You know Christmas Is looming up fast when each year the international seafarer welfare charity, The Mission to Seafarers publicises its popular annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. UK shipping minister Nusrat Ghani MP has been confirmed as a reader at this year's event joining a number of other well-known figures from across the industry, including Dr Grahaeme Henderson, VP Shipping & Maritime at Shell and President of the UK Chamber of Shipping from 2016-18, and His Excellency Daniel Fábrega, Ambassador of Panama to the United Kingdom.

Biannual Talks to Settle on Rates for Crews

SWITZERLAND – WORLDWIDE – Arguments over a fair level of pay for seafarers, such as that between the RMT Union and Condor Ferries which we reported recently, are a global phenomenon which principally occur due to the fluctuations between living standards and costs in the vast variety of countries which ships transit between. Many would argue such arguments should never occur as seafarers are the only employees covered by a global minimum wage and, today in Geneva the biannual talks on rates of pay may see a rise of nearly $50 a month on ships around the world.

Warehousing Association Boss Urges Members to Persuade MPs to Support May

UK – Peter Ward, CEO of the United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA) has thrown his weight behind the government's latest Brexit deal and urged his organisation's members to contact their MPs and follow suit. Ward, who last week was appointed to the board of the Institute of Export and International Trade (IOE&IT) has a wealth of experience in the field with over 30 years' experience in international transportation, logistics and supply chain management and has held senior positions with Fritz Companies, P&O Nedlloyd Logistics and DP World London Gateway, before joining the UKWA four years ago.

Who is Heading Where This Week

UK – The Board of the Rail Freight Group (RFG) has announced that Ken Russell has been elected as its new Chair in succession to Tony Berkeley who formally retired at the Group’s AGM on November 7. Russel is a Director at Russell Logistics and has been a long-standing supporter of the RFG, both on the Board since 2015 and as an RFG member since the start of the Group.

Some Smaller - but Not Necessarily Less Important Items

WORLDWIDE – The week's news round-up on shipping, road haulage and other related freight and logistics matters starts with a pollution fight back item. Whilst discharging plastics into the sea is already prohibited under MARPOL regulations for the prevention of pollution by garbage from ships, the situation has now become so serious that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee has vowed to increase pressure in the fight against poisoning the oceans.

Filipino Sailor Struck and Killed in Dublin Port

IRELAND – WORLDWIDE – The subject of lashing containers on box carrying vessels when they are in port is one which has been a bone of contention with unions for some time and now the tragic death this week of a Filipino sailor whilst in dock in Dublin has renewed the argument. Dennis Gomez Regana died after a container struck him at Southbank Quay on Wednesday 14 November, when he was doing lashing work while container lifting operations were underway. He was on board the MV Francop, which is registered under a known flag of convenience.

No Common Standardised Platform but IT Systems Free to All Stakeholders

WORLDWIDE – With data sharing and mining, not to mention cyber-crime topics that are particularly hot at the moment, comes the news that five of the world's largest container shipping companies have announced plans to create an association with the purpose of paving the way for digitalisation, standardisation and interoperability in the container shipping industry. News which will doubtless stimulate interest from shippers, freight forwarders and global regulators alike.

Deliveries Beyond the Atmosphere Become a Regular Thing

US – (and beyond) WORLDWIDE – As we mentioned recently there is now an extra modal method as delivering freight into outer space becomes a regular occurrence. What the technology involved has also brought is to raise cargo tracking to a new level and now anyone can watch both the launch and delivery of the latest consignment to the International Space Station (ISS) via a link to NASA.

Global Shipping Association Outlines Agreement Parameters

WORLDWIDE – The Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), the organisation which brings together the common interests of around 2,000 members in more than 120 countries and sets out the standards required by the shipping industry by publishing contracts and clauses together with information on ports worldwide, has outlined two bunker clauses for 2020 in light of the rapidly approaching mandatory sulphur in marine fuel limitations.

Communique from Brussels Has No Viable Plan says Freight Association

UK – As the slew of Brexit communications continues unabated, indeed increases as the Cabinet ponders over the 'final deal', comes comment from the Freight Transport Association (FTA) should the end result finish without an acceptable conclusion to any of the parties involved and Britain, and Europe, have to face the no-deal scenario we hear so much about. Concerns previously expressed over the paucity of EU permits for road haulage operators and the lack of preparedness dealing with RoRo operations are both commented on.

Two Companies Link to Investigate New Technologies

NORWAY – WORLDWIDE – ABB, makers of the Azipod podded electric propulsion system, regularly fitted to specialist and cruise vessels, has joined with SINTEF Ocean to explore the viability of fuel cells as an energy source for main ship propulsion. The testing methodology, to be developed at SINTEF Ocean's Trondheim-based laboratory, will use two 30kW fuel cells, set up to model the operation and control of a complete marine power system in a megawatt-scale propulsion plant.

Facility Changes Hands to Ensure Future of Steel Industry

UK – Associated British Ports (ABP) has announced an agreement with British Steel which will see the port operator invest £65 million into the Immingham Bulk Terminal (IBT). The investment will look to help support the long-term future of steel manufacturing in the Humber region as ABP takes over the operation of the Terminal from British Steel, located on the west side of the port in Immingham. Measures are in place to preserve all jobs at the facility and it is expected that a limited number of additional jobs will be created.

Partnership Between Two Government Funded Organisations

UK – A new partnership between Network Rail and Innovate UK, both now arms of the government, hopes to see new ideas, greater efficiencies and more investment in the railway system, both for freight and passenger operations. By working with Innovate UK, Network Rail says it will make it easier for other organisations, especially those not familiar with working in the railway sector, to get a foot in the door where they have not been able to before.

Problems in Italy Impact Final Figures for First 9 Months of 2018

SWITZERLAND – NETHERLANDS – WORLDWIDE – Ceva Logistics has released financial figures for the third quarter of 2018, the first since tying up with container shipping giant CMA CGM, and has updated its figures for the first 9 months of 2018. The group refinanced in August and the numbers make interesting reading.

Hazardous Goods to Latest Air Bag Techniques on Show in 2019

US – Registration has opened for Industrial Pack 2019 which claims the title of the only event actually dedicated to industrial, in transit, and protective packaging, and will be held at the Cobb Galleria Centre, Atlanta, Georgia 27-28 March next year. The free-to-attend, two day conference and expo will appeal to anyone in the freight carriage, road haulage and forwarding sectors to stay abreast of modern packaging materials and techniques.

No Athletics for This Marathon - Rather Tracks of Steel

UK – In January, GB Railfreight (GBRf) announced that the staff had raised £160,000 in 2017 through a wide variety of innovative schemes which included an inaugural marathon charity rail tour. Now the results from the second such event, a four day charter around Britain at the end of September and involving eighteen locomotives, show the rail freight operation has now raised a grand total of £145,732 from this year's event alone, the cash going to GBRf's two chosen charities, Macmillan Cancer Support and Headway.

Maritime Safety Charity and Professional Seamen's Representatives Work Together

WORLDWIDE – Global charity the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF), which brings together the world's maritime search and rescue organisations to share lifesaving ideas, technologies and experiences, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Nautical Institute, an international representative body for maritime professionals in control of seagoing ships. The two intend to cooperate on projects that support both organisations shared objective to improve safety at sea. Captain John Lloyd, CEO of The Nautical Institute, said:

Essential Equipment to Provide Water and Air Ships Out

EUROPE – US – Logistics stories have always covered an expanding range of multimodal transport systems, road, rail, sea then air and even pipeline. Of late however we find there are ever more tales of payloads heading far beyond the earth, fuelled in part by the plethora of private space venture initiatives which have appeared in recent years. Most of the news is about getting the hardware to a point it can be sent into orbit, but in the future more will concern the payloads final delivery points beyond the earth's atmosphere.

Flexible Role Employment Scheme Aimed at European Wide Shortage

GERMANY – EUROPE – It seems the shortage of HGV drivers in the UK road haulage sector, a situation where the average driver was born over 50 years ago and an estimated 45,000 staff are required, is also blighting other parts of Europe. If the road freight sector fails to make good the shortfall as more workers retire from the industry this will lead to rising costs as wages and rates rocket, and logistics will suffer with suitable available vehicles harder to come by on a day to day basis.

Transport Minister Resigns as Metaphorical Storm Clouds Gather Over Europe

UK – With the resignation of Jo Johnson as Minister for Transport the confused situation the government, and indeed the country, face with the up and coming Brexit deal, is brought sharply into focus. Johnson. Unlike brother Boris, the ex-Minister voted Remain, but said on Twitter following his resignation speech that 'we are barrelling towards an incoherent Brexit that is going to leave Britain in a subordinate relationship with Brussels'. Hardly the sort of thing that the country's road haulage and freight communities wanted to hear.

Some Random Links in the Global Supply Chain

UK – BELGIUM – TURKEY – We start the week's round-up of freight, logistics and shipping stories you may have missed with one of reliability. With ballast water matters at the top of the agenda the owners of the Belgian aggregates vessel MV Pompei (pictured) turned to PSM Instrumentation when they needed a full digital upgrade to the range of sensors which the UK based company had originally fitted some 20 years previously.

Pay Demands at Government Approved Levels Spark Protests Again

UK – It seems the ongoing row between unions and Guernsey headquartered Condor Ferries continues unabated. Condor runs RoRo ferry services for both freight and passengers which link, on behalf of their respective governments, the Bailiwicks of Guernsey and Jersey to the mainland UK ports of Portsmouth and Poole. With apparently little progress in negotiations more protest meetings in Portsmouth are being scheduled by the RMT maritime union stretching into next year.

Thames Side DP World London Gateway Recognised Three Times This Year

UK – The bespoke temperature controlled warehouse constructed at the DP World London Gateway Logistics Park which was handed over in June has become the latest development at the site to receive Planet Mark ™ accreditation. This is actually the third time the deep water Thames side container port has seen such an accolade this year.

Elsewhere in Britain Freight Association Points Out Problems Brewing

UK – Much has been said regarding the situation of British road haulage operators in the light of a no-deal Brexit outcome, with a paucity of European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT) commercial vehicle permits to be available. There is one place in the UK however where that result would have far greater implications than elsewhere, namely Northern Ireland, where cross border trade is a way of life with trucks running constantly across the border with the Republic.

20,000 Gave Their Lives to Serve Their Country

UK – With the centenary of Armistice Day almost upon us Freightliner, like sister company Pentalver now a subsidiary of Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W), named its recently re-liveried locomotive 66413 'Lest We Forget' in recognition of The Royal British Legion's 'Thank You' movement. The movement leads the nation in saying Thank You to the First World War generation who served, sacrificed and changed our world. Catherine Davies, Head of Remembrance at The Royal British Legion, said:

Maritime Insurance Experts Point Out the Dangers of the Swinging Boom

WORLDWIDE – Accidents involving maritime cranes, although often spectacular, are so common they rarely get widely reported in the trade press. Ports and terminal operators often take the 'couldn't happen here' attitude, until of course it does. This week international transport and logistics insurers, the TT Club, and somewhere the true nature of risks both in port and out to sea are fully understood based as they are on actual claims, has detailed yet again the issue where the boom of a crane collides with part of a ship, something the Club rightly refers to as 'Groundhog Day'.

Five Years On Charity Reveals the Aftermath of a Disaster That Cost 6,000 lives

PHILIPPINES – We often write of the laudable efforts made by companies and individuals within logistics and the global supply chain to mitigate the damage caused by a variety of hardships including natural disasters. Now, five years on from Typhoon Haiyan, the deadly cyclone that claimed more than 6,000 lives, the Sailor's Society has been talking to, and about, the children injured, both physically and mentally, and often left destitute or orphaned by the disaster.

Figures for First Nine Months Up Ten Percent But Will Not Impress Unions

PHILIPPINES – WORLDWIDE – Doubtless shareholders of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) stock will be pleased at the unaudited consolidated financial results for the first nine months of 2018 which were published this week. With gross revenues up 10% on port operations to $1 billion they doubtless have good reason. The news is likely to be less well received however by critics of the group who have levelled a succession of charges at it regarding staff safety, union busting and even associated it with murder.

IMO Regulations Bite and Prompt Profits for Manufacturers and Retro Fitters

WORLDWIDE – The necessity to ensure that ballast water discharged from all vessel types is clean and unlikely to pollute the waters that receive it has never been more important. Unfortunately over the years we have catalogued a succession of ecological disasters caused by alien organisms being introduced to a new environment by this method. The situation demanded action, hence the introduction last year of the ballast water management convention (BWM Convention) from the IMO covering everything from container ships to offshore energy platforms.

Flares Fired to Deter Would be Hijackers

RED SEA – YEMEN – A report has come in from Stena Bulk that the 50,000 dwt oil/chemical tanker Stena Imperial was approached by pirates on Saturday 3 November whilst passing west of Yemen through the Red Sea transiting to Rotterdam via Suez. Two suspicious skiffs were found approaching Stena Imperial from the port side at a distance of 1.5 Nautical Miles. The alarm was raised and the Master and the on board security team mustered on the bridge. Hand flares were fired towards the skiffs as a warning as they were approaching toward the vessel.

First Purchase of its Type Follows Recent Success

US – CHINA – WORLDWIDE – Following the purchase of 5,000 reefer containers by MSC last month, Textainer has placed a 1,000-unit order for the PrimeLINE ONE refrigerated container by Carrier Transicold and Singamas Container Holdings Limited, making it the first major container leasing company to acquire the innovative new refrigerated container. John Simmons, vice president, Refrigerated Containers, Textainer, explained the purchase thus:

Council Finds International Transport Forum Paper 'Most Puzzling'

WORLDWIDE – The report issued by the International Transport Forum (hereafter called the ITF and not to be confused with the International Transport Workers's Federation) which studies the Impact of Alliances on Container Shipping and was released last week, has immediately come under fire from the World Shipping Council (WSC) which, although admitting it is still reviewing the 127 page paper, accuses the ITF, an amalgamation of 59 countries under the auspices of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), of naivety.

Falsifying Records, Obstruction of Justice Costs Millions in Fines

US – GERMANY – One sometimes wonders if those shipping companies which employ the 'Magic Pipe' system of illegally disposing of oily water pollution whilst at sea act out of stupidity or arrogance. Certainly when MST Mineralien Schiffahrt Spedition und Transport GmbH (MST) was prosecuted in 2016 for dumping sludge into the Great Lakes from its vessel Cornelia one might have expected the $800,000 fine might prove a suitable deterrent.

America Has Lost the Battle to Police the Arctic Regions

RUSSIA – US – Climate change is much in the headlines this week following publication of a draft of the latest National Climate Assessment, developed by the Trump administration yet dismissed by the President, identifying humans as the cause of the phenomenon. The latest findings from the Argo Float programme, the worldwide system of sensors which measure hydrographic temperature and associated data, also indicate that the oceans are not absorbing heat as well as anticipated, meaning a forthcoming faster rise in global temperatures than was thought likely previously.

Cargo Airline Now Literally Involved in Horse Trading

UK – US – IRELAND – The shipment of animals is always a tricky proposition for freight forwarders and carriers alike, but when the cargo is more than 80 valuable racehorses, the headaches multiply exponentially. Now CargoLogicAir (CLA), Britain's only main deck cargo airline, has demonstrated its expertise in moving live animals with two Boeing 747 freighter flights delivering consignments of just such elite racehorses from the United States to Europe.

Hijacks and Robbery at Sea Analysed in Latest Report

WORLDWIDE – Following on from our global piracy report last month the ICC International Maritime Bureau's Piracy Reporting Centre (IMB PRC) has now produced figures comparing the number of serious attacks on ships in the first 9 months of 2018 against the figures for last year, and the news is not good as attempted hijacks and robberies were up 29% against the 2017 figures.

Who is Going Where in Each Sector of the Transport Game

US – XPO Logistics has announced Matthew Fassler as its new Chief Strategy Officer, effective November 26. He succeeds Scott Malat, who will be stepping down from his role on December 8 in order to spend more time with his family. Malat has served as the company’s CSO since 2011. Fassler’s career spans more than 20 years of senior experience with Goldman Sachs. During his tenure, he covered many of the world’s most prominent brands.

Some Industry Stories You May Have Missed (but Might Want to Read)

NETHERLANDS – Our round up of freight and logistics this week starts with the importation of giant gates to the Port of Amsterdam for the sea lock currently being constructed at Ijmuiden, which, at 500 metres long, 70 metres wide and 18 metres deep, will be the largest in the world. The lock will allow access to increasingly bigger vessels and ensure they can access the ports and port businesses along the North Sea Canal in a safe and efficient way, irrespective of the tide.

'Switch' Bs/L Can Be a Risk Too Far for Cargo Agents

WORLDWIDE – A warning this week comes from 100% online freight forwarder iContainers regarding yet another fraud risk to shippers, consignees and their agents. This one concerns what are termed 'switch' bills of lading, that is House Bs/L which have been altered from the shipping line issued original set, often to hide the supplier details from the consignee.

End of the Line Despite Multi Million Pound Order Book

UK – Engineering services company, Babcock International, has announced that it will end operations at its Appledore shipbuilding facility in Devon, ending its site lease in March 2019. The news comes after Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson late on October 31, proposed a package of work worth £60 million as a means of providing a stopgap for Appledore workers, which ultimately proved fruitless with Babcock's decision..

Road Repairs, the Apprenticeship Levy, Fuel Duty and 'Tech Taxes' Discussed

UK – This week we heard from the bosses of two of the country's leading logistics lobby groups, the United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA) and the British International Freight Association (BIFA) on the subject of the Autumn Budget, and both sound a note of caution with regard to some of the measures being taken.

International GoGreen Coalition Against Waste

WORLDWIDE – As we have reported previously, five of the world's major port groups have linked arms in a campaign to reduce and recycle waste produced within their docks and container terminals. Now the partners have jointly undertaken a week-long initiative to promote sustainable resource usage in their premises and, during the fifth annual Go Green Initiative, 8,332 employees of DP World, Hutchison Ports, PSA International, Port of Rotterdam and Shanghai International Port Group collected a total of almost 20 tonnes of aluminium cans and 2,227 mobile phones for recycling. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World, explained: