Shipping Search - Archive

As Four More Crew Taken Call Goes Out for Combined Naval Task Force

GHANA – Waters just five nautical miles from the Western perimeter of the Gulf of Guinea witnessed yet another kidnapping from a merchant vessel as four crew from a complement of 23 were seized by pirates. This was the 24th such incident in 2020, a year which so far has seen a reported 122 crew taken in such a way.

Ships Crews Have Been Waiting Months to Unload with No End in Sight

CHINA / AUSTRALIA – The Chinese attempt to bully Australia into toeing the party line has been gaining some attention recently in the international press. Most reports focus on the value of the approximately 5.7 million tonnes of coal currently sitting in the holds of sixty-six bulk carriers that are languishing off the Chinese coast after being refused permission to dock.

Crew Change Situation Still Critical as Appeal Goes to UN

WORLDWIDE – Despite all the talk of international bodies, governments and vessel owners resolving the problem the Trade Union Nautilus International, which represents thousands of maritime professionals, says the situation involving suspended and extended crew changes during the Covid-19 pandemic remains critical.

Tit Bits from Along the Supply Chain

UK – The ever popular Multimodal Show which was originally scheduled to take place on 16 -18 June 2020 and rescheduled to 23-25 March 2021, has now been postponed to 22-24 June 2021 at NEC, Birmingham. The decision was made with regard to the safety of customers, attendees, staff and suppliers and based upon both governmental directions and general public health advice.

MSC Aims at Low Carbon Transport Option

UK – As the lines dividing traditional roles in the industry become ever more blurred the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has confirmed the launch of a new rail service connecting the East Midlands and the Port of Liverpool. The deal is another step for the deep sea container companies to expand their interests into other branches of logistics.

Young Mariners to Benefit as Cruise Specialist Sells to Maritime School

NORWAY – An old veteran of the Norwegian coast is to retire from service and take on a new role. After nearly six decades the MS Lofoten is slated to leave the Hurtigruten fleet and become a training ship - educating future generations of seafarers.

Last Chance to Review Options as Deadline Draws Near

UK – With the government having written to every business in the country to advise what they can expect, and prepare for, as Britain leaves the EU, one might hope that everyone is on the same page and ready to seamlessly move to a position where they are comfortable with the country's new independence.

Companies Collaborate to Keep Japan Beautiful

JAPAN – It took a while for internet retailing to catch on in Japan, but it has now accelerated with a vengeance. The Japanese e-commerce market is set to be worth $325.9 billion by the end of 2026, meaning only the US, China and the UK spend more online. This increase in online shopping has meant that retailers are having to utilise high tech solutions to stay competitive.

Money Sought from EU to Develop Zero Emission Vessel

NORWAY – DENMARK – A consortium of well-known industry names have applied for EU support for development of a RoPax ferry serving an international route, to be powered by electricity from a hydrogen fuel cell which only emits water. Green hydrogen is to be produced by a projected offshore wind energy-powered electrolyser plant in Greater Copenhagen.

Evidence to Transport Select Committee Brings Instant Criticism

UK – When Gareth Llewellyn, outgoing head of the DVSA appeared before the Commons Transport Select Committee today (25 November 2020) which was investigating the work of his agency, the headlines were all about his suggestion that driving tests could begin in 'supermarket car parks'. That however was not what had most relevance to the commercial transport sector.

Increased Activity at Edinburgh Port as Wind Power Develops

UK – Scotland has long been a major hub for energy production as the oil from the coastal seas was discovered, then retrieved. However anyone who believes the glory days are gone for good does not realise the scale of developments with regard to offshore renewables, summed up by Kenny Williamson, Deputy Port Manager for the Port of Leith, who comments:

Plan Centres on Felixstowe and Harwich - but Critics Point to Current Chaos

UK – Following last week's announcement of a joint bid by DP World and Forth Ports to establish a Freeport on the Thames just to the east of London, another major port operator, Hutchison Ports, has made their pitch to establish one of the Special Economic Zones, this time in the East of England.

Global Reach for Engineering, Design and Insurance Services

NORWAY – UK – WORLDWIDE – AqualisBraemar ASA, an energy, marine and insurance consultancy group headquartered in Oslo, has entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in the London based LOC Group which comprises four specialist companies, all linked to the maritime and offshore sectors.

Conveniently Close to Worldwide Governing Body

UK – WORLDWIDE – Headquartered in Denmark, BIMCO, or to give it its full original title the Baltic International Maritime Council Organization, is to open a London office, to join the existing facilities in Copenhagen, Singapore, Shanghai and Athens. The maritime association represents around 59% of global shipping tonnage via its 1,900 members.

Range of Costs Across Five Major Bunkering Ports

NETHERLANDS – WORLDWIDE – With the country at the forefront of gas bunkering in Europe, Amsterdam based Titan LNG has launched a free-to-use LNG-delivered prices overview, together with a fuel basis energy compare sheet for the maritime sector

Questions Need to be Resolved Before Implementation

WORLDWIDE – The UN International Maritime Organization (IMO), which represents the governments of nations involved in the international maritime trade, have agreed to give further consideration to the concept of a new International Maritime Research and Development Board (IMRB) to accelerate the introduction of zero-emission technologies for freight shipping.

Testing not Quarantine is Required Says IATA

WORLDWIDE – As the international passenger air travel market sags under the weight of the virus restrictions, so the reduced belly hold capacity impacts cargo carrying options. Any improvements in travel arrangements for the public therefore affect the air freight sector and, as ever, representatives of the airlines are understandably pushing for a relaxation of the regulations.

Longest Road Tunnels in the UK Delayed

UK – The often controversial plan to dig a tunnel beneath the River Thames, creating the crossing of the river closest to the sea to date, met a hitch on Friday (20 November) when the Highways Agency pulled the plans at the 11th hour, just before they were due to be ruled on by the Planning Inspectorate.

New Builds are Double the Length of Existing Fleet

US – UK – NORWAY – Ocean Infinity, the robotics outfit which deploys autonomous ships and equipment in maritime situations, is to considerably expand its fleet with the production of eight 78-metre long, optionally crewed robotic vessels.

All in a Day's Work for the Combined Naval Task Forces

INDIAN OCEAN – We have commented recently on how the roles of the Combined Naval Task Forces, charged principally with anti-piracy operations in the region, have been changing of late. Success in quelling pirate attacks has often meant a extension of their roles, with recent activity including rescuing the injured and assisting those in danger at sea.

Problem Port Sees Old Boss Head Up Industry Staff Changes

UK – Chris Lewis has recently returned to the Port of Felixstowe as Chief Executive of Hutchison Ports UK. Lewis worked at Felixstowe from 1993 to 2010, the last four years as Chief Executive. He then moved to DP World where he was the UK Chief Executive, responsible for London Gateway and Southampton, then retired in early 2019.

Amazon Cuts Technology Staff Whilst Chinese Group Goes with Biplanes!

US – CHINA – Despite delivery drones having been a regular feature in logistics industry publications for at least the last decade, they have still have not met the theorised potential that was so optimistically promised. However, perhaps a development in China points the way for integrating the technology into the supply chain gradually, and with little of the hype with which some Western companies have so enthusiastically promoted them.

Some Logistics Pieces Hidden Behind the Bigger Stories

UK – Artemis Technologies, which is led by double Olympic sailing gold medallist Dr Iain Percy OBE, and is dedicated to decarbonising the maritime sector, has won the prestigious Maritime 2050 accolade at this year's Maritime UK Awards. The award, sponsored by the Department of Transport, recognises the firm's efforts to capitalise on the opportunities presented within the Government's Maritime 2050 Strategy.

Associations Back FMC Ruling on Container Charges in Ports Globally

UK – WORLDWIDE – It seems some of the problems we reported regarding delays, demurrage and detention charges caused by the ongoing problems at the Port of Felixstowe are in fact a worldwide phenomenon, and not necessarily linked to the current pandemic which has undoubtedly affected supply chains.

However Even More Could Be Done - and Sooner

AUSTRALIA – The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has announced that from 28 February 2021 the interim Covid arrangements which have permitted seafarers to serve longer than 11 months on-board ships will end. Under the Maritime Labour Convention that is the maximum period that a seafarer can serve aboard a vessel without leave.

Plus Increased Capacity on a Variety of Established Routes

UK – PUERTO RICO – Whilst passenger flights remain firmly in the doldrums it seems air freight continues to support at least some operators in the sector. An upsurge in demand has seen a new cargo service launch this month between London Heathrow and San Juan.

New Report Looks at Advantages of Natural Gas as Truck Fuel

UK – This week saw the publication of the new Low Emissions Freight Trial (LEFT) report which claims that Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), fuelled by biomethane gas can provide significant carbon reductions.

No ECMT Documents Likely to Mean European Ban on Transport

UK – The final application date for next year's ECMT permits, which allow the transport of most types of goods, or even to drive an empty vehicle through European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT) member countries, is Friday 20 November at 23.59 hours.

However Security Issues Should be Paramount

UK – As the British government launches the competitive bidding process for the establishment of ten new Freeports in the UK, two of the country's biggest port operators, DP World and Forth Ports, have begun to push hard for their collaborative project which we have detailed previously - the Thames Freeport.

Latest Seizure Reveals Heavyweight Electric Submersibles Being Built in Jungle

COLOMBIA – There has been a steady trend in maritime shipping towards implementing improved technology and ever larger vessels so that shipping companies can maximise their efficiency and, by extension, their profitability. However, this rule doesn't just apply to legitimate freight concerns, as the latest raid by anti-narcotic forces has proven.

Freight Forwarders, Hauliers and Shippers Being Punished for Ineptitude

UK – Whilst it is undoubtedly good news to hear there are supposedly 11,000 TEUs currently resting in Felixstowe, all crammed with PPE destined for the NHS should it need it, that may be perceived by some very unhappy people in the logistics sector as just a smokescreen to offer excuses for the abysmal performance of late at 'Britain's busiest port'.

US Authorities Finally Showing an Interest

US – WORLDWIDE – We make no apologies for returning once again to the subject of driver controls when it comes to drunk driving. As with vaccines etc. there will always be those who rail against their perceived 'freedom to choose' but this is a subject that kills more than one person an hour in America alone. Put simply, all new cars, and particularly large vehicles like freight trucks, should be fitted with alcolocks.

New US Regulation Could Delay Millions of Shipments from January

US – According to some sources it would appear that it is not only the UK that may encounter problems with imports as from 1 January 2021. It seems legislation which was put into effect by (soon to be ex) President Trump, in a bid to curtail illegal drug dealing, is set to affect millions of shipments.

Industry-Sponsored White Paper Also Publishes With New Concepts for Cleaning Up Logistics

WORLDWIDE – In its efforts to combat climate change, the international freight and shipping community is calling for serious investments to be made to help decarbonise maritime shipping. To this end they want the current meeting of the UN's International Maritime Organization (IMO) to approve a new plan that they are setting forth.

Project Targets Financial Against Environmental Costs

SWEDEN – According to the Port of Gothenburg as much as 20% of carbon emissions from the transport sector currently derive from construction equipment. The Port says this figure is expected to rise to 50% as the development of emission-free road transport gathers momentum, making now a good time to deal with the problem.

Various Items Which May Be of Interest

UK – WORLDWIDE – Legal outfit HFW which specialises in matters logistic is helping shipping association BIMCO draft the industry's first standard contract for the operation of autonomous vessels. The new standard contract will be based on the unfortunately titled 'SHIPMAN 2009' agreement for use with autonomous ships, and is expected to be published in 2021.

Emergency Aid Given to Injured Sailor

ARABIAN SEA – Two ships, one operating in support of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), were called to assist a sailor on board the merchant ship Lourdes in the early hours of 9 November 20. French ship Jean Bart and Japanese vessel Ariake, which was on counter piracy operations as part of CMF's Combined Task Force 151, were called to conduct the emergency operation, which saw medical personnel from both vessels assist an Indian patient who had a suspected head injury.

A Strange Year for a Traditional Celebratory Carol Service

UK – WORLDWIDE – In this much changed world the annual carol service celebration, titled ' Festival of Light and Hope' organised by the Mission to Seafarers will this year be held as an online event.

Port to Benefit with Reduced Emissions and Better Logistics Links

NETHERLANDS – Two groups rooted in the field of energy supply and dissemination are combining once again to construct a new railway line and ethanol storage tanks to serve the Port of Amsterdam.

Huge Logistics Challenge Undertaken and Successfully Completed

INDIA – There's big, there's heavy and there is just plain daunting! Even in the world of out of gauge project cargoes moving a 76 metre long consignment from one side of the country to the other is bound to present challenges. Tasks in fact only solved by the use of a multimodal solution.

Chinese Event Went Ahead Regardless of the Pandemic

SPAIN – CHINA – WORLDWIDE – This year has produced problems for those wishing to advertise their wares and capabilities that have never even been envisaged before. In the field of logistics there has been an almost complete absence of trade shows as we have always known them, meaning companies have had to think outside the box to show their worth to the world.

Freight Trade Associations Speak Out Frankly to Government

UK – As Brexit vies for the headlines with the pandemic latest, so come more comments from leading logistics group lobbyists which represent a substantial proportion of British companies involved directly with the transport and storage of goods traded with Europe.

Latest Report Emphasises Unanimity of Approach

WORLDWIDE – The second edition of a report covering how best to deal with the pandemic currently crucifying the air travel sector produced by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has been warmly welcomed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Various Terms and Conditions May Need Reviewing

UK – With the country on its second lockdown the fact that many business premises are closed, in part or altogether, presents a new set of problems with regard to aspects which often are ignored - until the worst happens. The obvious case which comes to mind is that of insurance.

Flag States and Ship Owners Accused of Maladministration

WORLDWIDE – A report on systemic failures in the implementation of the regulatory regime for seafarers' hours of work and rest has caused the ITF Seafarers Trust, a leading advocate for maritime workers' rights, to call for major reform in enforcing international agreements.

Company Claims Demonstrates Commitment to Sustainable Shipping as Market Rises

TAIWAN – U-Ming Marine Transport Corporation, Taiwan's largest publicly listed bulk carrier company, has been awarded a 10-year LNG Dual Fuel dry bulk charter contract by Anglo American, a leading global mining company.

Seafarers' Awards Celebrate Contributors to the Industry

SINGAPORE – The Mission to Seafarers hosted its annual Seafarers' Awards in Singapore on Friday. The event, which celebrates individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to improving the welfare of seafarers, was held for the first time in an online ceremony due to Covid-19.

Freight Forwarding and Logistics Sectors Tire of Saying 'I Told You So'

UK – EUROPE – The report published at the end of last week by the National Audit Office (NAO) has been met in private with cries of derision and 'we told you so' from all quarters of the British logistics sector. Publicly of course the tone has been more muted, but a quick look at the facts revealed in the report reveals the state of readiness, or lack of such, even four and a half years after the vote to leave came in.

A Few You Might Have Missed

UK – The National Minimum Wage (Offshore Employment) (Amendment) Order 2020, which came into force last month, is presumably what is behind the latest news regarding a new collective agreement for thousands of engineering and maintenance workers in the North Sea energy fields.

Union Blasts 'Exploitation of Workers Destroying Our Industry'

AUSTRALIA – The federal government has come under fire from unions after it was revealed it had granted fifty eight foreign seafarers Covid exemptions allowing them to fly to Australia and work on coastal trading vessels despite local workers being available to do the work.

Letter Will be Good News for Forwarders and Good Advice for Shippers

UK – It seems the slow and painful process of explaining how to deal with the forthcoming Brexit scenario to the British government might finally be coming to a qualified fruition. After all the bluster of the past months (and indeed years) this week the authorities sent out a letter to VAT-registered traders highlighting actions they need to take to continue trading with the EU from January 1st 2021.

Amsterdam Schiphol is Base for Operation

NETHERLANDS – WORLDWIDE – At a time when the air transport world is effectively at its lowest ebb, one operation has been launched by long-serving Dutch airfreight specialist Rinaldo Vels who has set up a new airfreight wholesaler, 'Wholesale by Vels'.

Virtual AGM Welcomes New Members

WORLDWIDE – As has become the 'new normal', temporary or otherwise, this year's Annual General Meeting (AGM) of WISTA International, the global voice for female managers within the shipping industry, was today held as a virtual event.

Central Hub Grows in Time for Christmas

UK – Pallet distribution groups are the success story of British road haulage over the last decade or so. As with the cluster of Formula 1 technology companies, one could throw a blanket over the various brands which all huddle around the East Midlands, broadly speaking the centre of England.

Health and Safety Dictates Improvements

UK – The Port of Tyne, a major employer in the region, has today announced a £1 million investment in its wood pellet-handling operations. The investment sees state-of-the-art equipment installed and a range of measures put in place to help combat dust emissions from the dry wood pellets it handles into the UK.

Global Freight Stays at Ninety Two Percent of Business Despite Virus

WORLDWIDE – Compared to passenger statistics, air freight figures produced for September by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) are favourable. The truth is however that, compared to 2019, they are still depressed.

Will the Virus and Changing Work Habits Make HS2 a White Elephant?

UK – When it comes to the HS2 high speed rail project, for the British government Lord Tony Berkeley must be like a particularly annoying and persistent toothache, he keeps coming back at random intervals much no doubt to its distress, with his catalogue of facts of what he feels is being done incorrectly.

Charities Man Up to Face Hardship with Retraining Initiative

UK – With a second countrywide lockdown in place there can be no doubt about the depth of the recession which is bound to follow the Covid-19 outbreak and the effect it will have on jobs. Rather than simply bemoaning the facts there is now a group of maritime charities who have chosen a proactive approach by preparing those affected for an uncertain future.

In a World Eliminating Such Comes Counter Arguments

UK – NETHERLANDS – WORLDWIDE – The rapidly changing face of modern logistics, due to a variety of reasons from the pandemic to digitalisation, and in some large part caused by the drive toward a greener world, has impacted on many companies along the international supply chain.

Covid-19 Causes Another Branch of Logistics to Call for Help

EUROPE – As the pandemic continues to sweep through cities, devastating economies in its wake, so every industry is pleading for more support from governments. Whilst aviation is the most obvious branch of logistics seeking a panacea, this week the case for rail freight is being made by the European Rail Freight Association (ERFA).

Blog Aims to Foretell the Future

US – When analysts pronounce how the future will evolve as they see it, having a large spoonful of scepticism on hand is always advisable. There are however those amongst them who can back up the speculation with facts and this week we see a blog published ahead of the US election which takes a look at what each candidate may offer three major shipping sectors if elected.

Craft That 'Fly' on Water Travel by Air

UK – ITALY – US – NEW ZEALAND – The Americas Cup is surely the very pinnacle of ocean yacht racing, the Formula One of the water, but less frequently contested and possibly even more expensive for individual races. Shipping the contestants then is a delicate yet massive undertaking, particularly as they travel as air freight and not on land or their own natural habitat.

Shipping and Port Agents Warned to Beware False Enquiries

WORLDWIDE – It seems there is no limit to the deviousness of professional criminals in this time when scams and frauds are proliferating. We have seen everything from massive cyber-crimes and spearphishing attacks, to false Bills of Lading for fake goods targeting the shipping and logistics industries, but now a warning comes of a particularly heartless, and potentially murderous operation.

Working Group Releases Comprehensive Assessment

EUROPE – The Association of European Vehicle Logistics (ECG) represents the interests of some 130 companies involved in the finished vehicle logistics industry which provide multimodal transport and post-production services to manufacturers, importers, car rental companies and vehicle leasing operators across the EU and beyond. Now the ECG has produced a safety report specifically aimed at road transport operations.