Shipping Search - Archive

A Chance to Put a Crack in the Glass Ceiling

UK – Every year organisations such as everywoman strive to push the case for more women working in the shipping sector and you have only until Monday February 12 to nominate someone who might inspire others to achieve success in the sector. Supported again by the Freight Transport Association, the FTA everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards offer seven categories, including one exclusively male section, giving you a chance to show off a worthwhile colleague, or even your own talents and achievements.

Accusations of Unfair State Aid to be Probed

ROMANIA – CFR Marfa, fully state owned and one of the country's major rail freight operators, has been struggling with debt for almost a decade and now, following a complaint lodged earlier this year by the Association of Romanian Private Rail Freight Operators, there is to be a full investigation by the European Commission Competition Authority into allegations of state support for the ailing carrier.

Seven Day A Week Ban Will Affect Urban Deliveries and Collections

BELGIUM – With the drive for cleaner air sweeping across Europe at pace it was never going to be long before the city generally considered to be the seat of the European Parliament took steps to control pollution. And so it seems now is the time for Brussels to introduce its own new environmental zone which will come into force on the first day of 2018. On 1 January, Belgium's capital will introduce an extensive environmental zone covering the entire metropolitan area with its 19 municipalities. In order to enter this zone, all European vehicle owners, road haulage freight, coaches and private vehicles alike, must first be registered in the municipal database.

Big Acquisition Specialist Itself May Be a Target

US – WORLDWIDE – Rumours of the possible takeover of freight and warehousing group XPO Logistics by the Home Depot organisation continue after the e-commerce transport specialist, which has itself bought up 17 companies in the past 5 years, including expanding from a principally US group this year with the purchase of the iconic Norbert Dentressangle marque, into a major force in the European market. Other deals included the $3 billion purchase of road haulage firm Con-Way and its freight forwarding subsidiary Menlo.

Who is Going Where (and Who Isn't Any More)

WORLDWIDE – The fast approaching Christmas break has made for a shorter than usual list of appointments and departures in the freight and logistics professions as shipping groups and exporters wind down for the holidays, with few wishing to change employers throughout December and early January. Here then are the ones we have had advice of this week, sadly once again commencing with the passing of a modal industry stalwart.

Hong Kong Based Group Extends European Portfolio

BENELUX – Hutchison Ports has announced its acquisition of a 50% shareholding in TMA Logistics BV (TMA). The company has a variety of general cargo terminal operations together with warehousing, shipping, logistics and project cargo activities at three sites in Amsterdam and one in Antwerp as well as at the Hutchison Ports' Amsterdam Container Terminal (ACT). Clemence Cheng, Executive Director, Hutchison Ports, commented:

US Crash Turns Spotlight on Driver Warnings and Autonomous Controls

EUROPE – UK – As the row rages in the US over Amtrak and Sound Transit failing to switch on new mandatory train safety systems which would have prevented the horror crash last week which killed three and injured many more, so Network Rail has awarded a new contract to Siemens Rail Automation to install its Trainguard 200 ETCS solution on-board freight locomotives operating across the country. The European Train Control System has the power to override the driver when travelling too fast on a particular stretch of track, precisely the apparent cause of the Washington State crash on December 18.

Some of the items you may well have overlooked in the past 7 days

WORLDWIDE – We begin this week's round-up of some international news in the freight and logistics world which you may have missed with an update on the cyber attack which crippled businesses around the globe earlier this year. The WannaCry ransomware computer virus that impacted several industry leaders including FedEx and Deutsche Bahn has now been formally attributed, by both UK and US governments, to North Korea.

Scottish Ministers Talk of Ceasing Tendering Process

UK – Brexit it seems gets into everything these days. The announcement by Transport & Islands Minister, Humza Yousaf MSP that contracts for vital island RoRo freight and passenger ferry services will likely be awarded to incumbent operator CalMac without the need for an open tender will (or possibly will not) depend on whether the Scottish government can persuade the European Commission that the plans are State Aid compliant.

Leeds and Sheffield to Introduce Restrictions on Road Haulage Freight Vehicles

UK – First the good news, in London the Congestion Charge and T Charge will be suspended from Saturday 23 December until Monday 1 January inclusive. The daily charge will apply again from Tuesday 2 January. A Christmas present from the Mayor and TfL at last! In all seriousness the news will be welcomed to both private and commercial freight delivery drivers at this, the busiest time of year for many parcel deliveries (although the quietest for traffic in general). Tfl confirmed the arrangement to us, the 14^th year the Congestion charge has been waived for Christmas but neither we, nor they, could find the announcement on their website!

Latest IMO Convention Amendments Now Available

WORLDWIDE – As acronyms go the FAL convention from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a complete non-starter, at least to an English speaker. The convention in question in fact refers to a most important intent, the Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic, in other, less flowery language, making sure the water borne supply chain behaves as efficiently as possible.

John Good Shipping Touches on a Perennial Complication

UK – CHINA – With the whole of the British freight and logistics profession only currently having eyes for the Christmas period comes a timely warning, and some sensible advice, from shipping and forwarding outfit John Good for the many companies who trade regularly with China - the Chinese New Year follows hot on the heels of the European equivalent and there are several factors to be aware of.

(but all depends on that key battery life)

US – As with anything having the name Tesla attached, the updates on the new all electric semi-truck from the company are accompanied by a frisson of excitement, the feeling that this really may be a game changer for much of the road haulage freight industry, despite the Presidential attitude to climate change. As ever Tesla boss Elon Musk has accompanied this latest achievement with a balanced sales technique and press coverage which has given the company some impressive first order statistics.

PTC System Could Probably Have Prevented Latest Amtrak Crash

US – The Amtrak train wreck this week which killed three people and injured dozens has reinvigorated the argument for positive train control (PTC), something we extolled the virtues of in 2013 after Congress finally decided that the technology would become mandatory after 2015. With companies such as rail freight carrier Union Pacific spending an estimated $2.9 billion on PTC, and the industry as a whole around $10 billion, Amtrak CEO Richard Harrison faced some awkward questions over an incident which was wholly avoidable.

New Electrical Systems Installed by Battery Group

UK – As warehouse handling processes become ever more automated with the evolution of new systems, on line retailers are in the vanguard of such supply chain technology. Just such a company based in Lancashire was looking to automate its materials handling equipment to become driverless within the next 12 months and settled on the largest battery manufacturer in European ownership, Hoppecke, to provide the motive power contract for its Warrington warehouse.

Commercial Quay Coming Back to Life

UK – We have often observed at how the River Thames is being reinvigorated through the services of the Port of London Authority (PLA) and other agencies. Commercial water borne transport declined steeply following the demise of the London Docks, and a river which was once thronged by barges carrying all manner of cargoes saw just pleasure craft and the occasional moment of excitement with the arrival of a tall ship or a regatta.

Takeover of Established Cool Chain Providers

SWITZERLAND – BELGIUM – Subject to approvals Swiss freight forwarding and logistics group Panalpina is to acquire two Belgian companies well versed in the specialised trade of perishables transport. Adelantex and AD Handling operate in the Brussels, Liege and Ostend handling imported produce. Terms were agreed this week but no financial details have been revealed.

Safety Outfit Condemns EU Proposals and Looks for More Regulation for Vans

EUROPE – The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) which lobbies the European Commission, the European Parliament, and Member States on transport safety matters, has been critical in the past couple of weeks over attempts by MEPs attempt to weaken professional driver training rules. Under existing rules professional drivers must update their qualifications every five years. ETSC Says that the exemption proposed by the European Parliament's transport committee last month could lead to workers getting behind the wheel of lorries or buses even if they haven't driven such a vehicle for years, or updated their CPC qualifications to reflect new technologies, changed road rules or modern safety standards for HGVs.

New Record in Single Year Set by Deep Water Facility

UK – Britain's largest container port, the Hutchison Ports owned Port of Felixstowe, has set a new record by handling over a million tonnes of cargo by rail in a single year. With the drive to transfer ever more freight from the road haulage sector using multimodal links wherever possible, this represents a real milestone for the shipping industry. The imported load was sent last week via Freightliner to Birmingham, and commenting on the achievement, Clemence Cheng, Executive Director, Hutchison Ports and CEO of the Port of Felixstowe, said:

New Facility to Handle RoRo Ferries, Container Ships, Construction Materials and Cars

UK – It would seem, despite the development of the 'Northern Powerhouse' that the thirst for growth in the London and South Eastern region continues unabated with news that the Port of Tilbury has submitted an application for a development consent order (DCO) to the Planning Inspectorate to build a new terminal adjacent to the current port in Thurrock. This expansion comes despite the recent introduction of the deep water facilities at DP World's London Gateway which has also been so successful at attracting container shipping customers to it's own growing logistics park.

Happenings in the Freight Domain Announced This Week

US – INDIA – We start the snippets of the week with the news that Advanfort, the US based security company which lost all credibility when it abandoned the needs of 35 of its crew aboard the ill fated MV Seaman Guard Ohio leading to their detention for over four years by the Indian authorities, has had the temerity to issue a statement saying it is 'delighted' that the men have now been acquitted and released.

Sad News Starts Announcements Along the Supply Chain

WORLDWIDE – Sad news begins our round up of appointments and departures in the world of freight and logistics as the International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) has announced the death of former Board Member, Richard Peter Norris, who passed away this week following a battle with cancer. Norris, who was 67, worked in the air cargo industry for several decades and also served on the Boards of the Washington Air Cargo Association, and the Alaska Air Carriers Association, and was an active member of the Airport Council International (ACI).

Daimler Vehicles for Freight Forwarding Companies Urban Deliveries

EUROPE – Daimler Trucks is handing over the first units of its all-electric FUSO eCanter to European customers, international freight forwarding and general logistics companies DHL, DB Schenker, Rhenus and Dachser, each of which will introduce the all-electric light-duty truck in their fleet, for use in urban delivery transport and various other logistics tasks. Marc Llistosella, Head of Daimler Trucks Asia, explains:

St Lawrence Corridor Extends its Handling Capabilities to Compete with US Facilities

CANADA – The Québec Port Authority (QPA) has announced plans to build a container freight terminal at the site of the Beauport 2020 project. This initiative, part of the Beauport 2020 expansion project, is the culmination of a lengthy process by the QPA to identify economic niches with the highest potential for the Port's future development, in an attempt to better compete ports against in the US.

Cargo Value Protection Against Unforeseen Events at Sea

FRANCE – The CMA CGM Group has launched its solution to deal with unforeseen events during freight transport. 'SERENITY by CMA CGM', what the French container shipping line is calling its new insurance offering, is part of CMA CGM's self-explanatory (and appallingly named) 'Customer Centricity' strategy, which aims puts clients at the centre of the Group's development.

UK Warehousing Association Follows up on Food Based Logistics

UK – Following the release of its thought provoking report 'Feeding London 2030' in January, the United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA) is to hold a one day 'Feeding Cities' summit on 6 February 2018 at The British Museum, London, at which key industry stakeholders will gather to look at the rising challenges around urban logistics. The UKWA will use feedback collected from delegates at the event to develop a series of recommendations that it will present to the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) ahead of the NIC's in-depth study on the future of freight, which was announced recently by Chancellor, Philip Hammond.

Ratings Agency Comments on Global Box Trade

WORLDWIDE – Consolidation, whether through alliances or mergers and acquisition (M&A), will continue apace in the container shipping industry into 2018 as companies try to boost market share, improve efficiency, and handle intensifying competition and persistent oversupply, says Moody's Investors Service in a report examining the continuing overcapacity in the ocean freight market. Maria Maslovsky, Vice President-Senior Analyst at Moody's, commented:

(and Doubtless to be Repeated after Such Initial Success)

UK – Last night, in the plush surroundings of the Intercontinental in London's Park Lane, the inaugural Freight Transport Association (FTA) Logistics Awards took place at what transpired as a very pleasant evening for all concerned, offering a chance to fête those individuals and companies who have excelled in the past twelve months in the eyes of their peers. With a variety of categories and a truly excellent host in the shape of the, dare we say inimitable, Alistair McGowan, this looks set to be a recurrent event in the British freight and logistics calendar.

Vessel Operator Shares Responsibility for Inadequate Safety Measures

US – After a 26-month review of the sinking of the US flagged RoRo/LoLo cargo vessel, El Faro in 2015, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its final report placing the onus on the Captain whose failure to avoid sailing into Hurricane Joaquin, despite numerous opportunities to route a course away from hazardous weather, caused the death of all 33 aboard, with the vessel's operator, Tote, contributing to the sinking with poor oversight and inadequate safety management systems. NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt, commented:

Manufacturer Maintains It Has Not Been Party to Cartel Activity

EUROPE – Having received a fine of over €880 million in September this year for its alleged role in a cartel with several other truck manufacturers, Scania has filed an appeal against the European Commission's (EC) decision. The offences have led to legal action with at least two class action suits, including one from the Road Haulage Association (RHA).

Discharged Units Could be a Thing of the Past with Gel Solution

SWEDEN – WORLDWIDE – Volvo Trucks is introducing a new battery system for Volvo FH and Volvo FM models, popular units for many freight and road haulage companies, which the company says provides sufficient power for all in-cab functions while also reducing the risk of standstill due to discharged batteries.

Dredging Works Open Up Centuries Old Freight Harbour to New Generation of Vessels

TAIWAN ‐ Dredging group Van Oord recently completed the expansion of the Port of Kaohsiung, eight weeks ahead of schedule. The client, the state owned Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC), awarded the contract to the Netherlands headquartered company in 2015. In less than two years, trailing suction hopper dredgers Vox Maxima, Volvox Terranova, and Rotterdam created 250 hectares of new land for the Kaohsiung Intercontinental Container Center Phase II which it is planned will expand box trade. Van Oord's Area Manager Martin Meijers, commented:

Special Fastening System Engineered for Baltic Sea Transit

DENMARK – GERMANY – Martin Bencher recently shipped the transition pieces for the Arkona Offshore Wind Farm on behalf of manufacturer Bladt Industries A/S from Denmark to Germany. The international freight forwarding group was responsible for the ocean transport and project management and the special projects team engineered, produced and installed a special sea-fastening system in the ocean-going vessel.

Aftershocks from Rastatt Rail Tunnel Collapse Lingers On

GERMANY – SWITZERLAND – EUROPE – The disastrous rail tunnel collapse at Rastatt in August prompted Swiss based intermodal operator Hupac to organise a forum this month, 'Rastatt: never again', which was attended by many senior stakeholders from the European rail freight industry and led by some heavyweight speakers, including the CEO of DB Netz, the company many present blamed for the appalling ongoing disruption to cargo following the accident.

South American Purchase Confirmed by Regulators

FRANCE – DENMARK – SOUTH AMERICA – French shipping group, CMA CGM has completed the acquisition of Mercosul Line from Danish container giant Maersk Line. Mercosul Line is a key player in the South American ocean freight market, most notably in Brazil, a market with a strong potential for development, especially on cabotage, feeder and 'door-to-door' services.

Truckers Warned to Ensure They Pay Toll Before Entering Britain

UK – The Department for Transport has issued a special Christmas 2017 edition of its HGV Levy bulletin to keep overseas drivers and road haulage operators up to date of what they need to know about the charge which is designed to ensure foreign operators pay a suitable amount towards the cost of building and maintaining the UK's roads. All UK and non UK vehicles weighing 12 tonnes and over using UK roads are liable as soon as they enter the UK.

Associations Greet Government Progress

UK – EUROPE – It is safe to say that, when the subject of Brexit is mentioned in the company of anyone linked to the supply chain, there is often a note of cynicism. From shipping companies to road haulage operatives there is often an inherent mistrust of the competence of the political class to manage what is undoubtedly one of the most complex exercises undertaken in the world of modern commerce. With the latest developments however three of the biggest lobby groups representing the British freight industry are expressing cautious optimism that things are finally getting on track for an organised extrication from the EU and Robert Keen, Director General of the British International Freight Association (BIFA), which represents the majority of UK forwarding agents, commented:

Warmer Climes than Usual for Fuel Supply Experts

PUERTO RICO – When we follow the fortunes of Crowley Fuels, subsidiary of the Crowley Maritime Corporation, the US container and general cargo shipping marine services group, it mainly concerns the problems of supplying remote, outlying places in the company's native Alaskan territory. As snow envelops Europe however the latest contract undertaken tells a tale from warmer climes.

Two Industry Stalwarts Pass in the Last Few Weeks

UK – A sad start to the weekly round-up of staff changes in the global freight and logistics industry with the passing of two road haulage industry stalwarts. Firstly the death of Harold Read, owner of Harold Read Transport, who died in November at the age of 90. He joined the army at the age of 15 and was part of an advance party from 1 Buckinghamshire Regiment that landed on Sword Beach on D-Day, 12 hours after the Paratroopers and Commandos. In 1947, Harold started working as a driver for his brother, George, before branching out himself in 1954, buying a truck from George and hauling coal and later steel in Ebbw Vale.

American Flavour in the Most British of Surroundings

UK – US – The prestigious surroundings of Merchant Taylors' Hall, which has occupied the same site in the very heart of London's commercial centre four well over four centuries before American Independence, provided a graceful and imposing setting for the celebrations this week of the American Club (formal title the American Steamship Owners Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association, Inc.) hosting the latest stage of the P&I outfits centenary celebrations. This however was no ordinary insurance bash, doffing its hat to its US roots as well as the insurance history of the City.

Some Items You May Have Missed

WORLDWIDE – A host of smaller items from around the globe this week involving the logistics industry as much of the world gears up for the usual Christmas rush. The busiest this year look set to be the parcel carriers in road haulage, many of whom have had to draft in extra staff to cover the pre-holiday period. The problem for anyone in the industry, from freight forwarding agents to container shipping lines, is predicting the level of trade in advance so as not to let standards slip, and nowhere is this more evident to the consumer than in the field of home deliveries. With so many premises nowadays equipped with closed circuit television we can look forward to the New Year array of horror videos on YouTube showing computers and the like being thrown over garden gates, but let's try and start the week's run down with some more positive notes.

Global Problems and Plans in the Track Borne Sector

US – GERMANY – NORWAY – UK – Both bulk and intermodal rail freight has been very much in the news this week, mostly unfortunately for all the wrong reasons, some of them tragic. There are still far too many deaths around the world caused by the interaction of freight and passenger trains with pedestrians and vehicles, largely it has to be said caused by the human failures of impatience, ignorance and the inability to grasp the dangers.

Alistair McGowan to Host First Ever Glittering Occasion

UK – This is your very last chance to attend what is firmly set to become one of the highlight's of the UK shipping calendar when world famous impressionist and comedian Alistair McGowan hosts the Freight Transport Association (FTA) Logistics Awards at London's Intercontinental, in Park Lane on Wednesday December 13.

Tigers Move Lions (and now Leopards, Mice etc. etc.)

SOUTH AFRICA – UK – Hong Kong headquartered supply chain and e-commerce specialist Tigers has transported 29 large bronze wildlife sculptures from Cape Town, South Africa to London, United Kingdom for conservationist-turned-artist Bruce Little's largest exhibition to date, held at the Mall Galleries. The logistics company were tasked with shipping sculptures ranging from a tiny Harvest Mouse, measuring just 10cm long to a Leopard, measuring 4.50 metres long and 1.2 metres high weighing 250 kilogrammes. Trevor Weeks, Branch Manager, London Heathrow Airport at Tigers, said:

End of a Sordid Tale of Arms, Lies, Inaction and Injustice

INDIA – UK – ESTONIA – UKRAINE – With the first of the so-called 'Chennai Six' landing in Britain today, it is finally time to end the sorry tale of the maritime anti-piracy crew caught up in the ineptitudes of the Indian judicial system. Whilst initially there may have been possible grounds for detaining the 35 crew members of the vessel Seaman Guard Ohio, despite the doubts we expressed at the time, the words of the judge at the men's final appeal sums up just how poorly the Indian authorities acted in this case.

Government Debate on Funding as Licence End Dates Loom

UK – It would appear that we are about to embark on another voyage around the choppy waters of Scottish inter-island freight and passenger ferry services as the Scottish Parliament begins a debate on the matter. Last year we saw a bitter fight between the incumbent Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) and multi industry group Serco which resulted in CalMac retaining services on the Clyde and Hebrides route. Now the subject of attention are those not currently subsidised by Transport Scotland, as are the Hebridean routes, along with the Northern Isles, currently contracted to Serco NorthLink Ferries until April 2018, and Gourock to Dunoon, served by Argyll Ferries Ltd (AFL) which has an extended contract ending one month earlier.

Finnish Group Sets to Work on Thirty One MSC Vessels

FINLAND – SWITZERLAND – Marine engineering group MacGregor has received orders to revise the container carrying capabilities of 31 vessels from the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) across six different ship series. The work is designed to optimise ships' cargo system productivity and earning potential. The orders were booked into group owner Cargotec's third and fourth quarter 2017 order intakes and deliveries planned for completion towards the end of 2018.

French Giant Reshuffles its Acquisitions

FRANCE – WORLDWIDE – The CMA CGM Group, third largest container shipping line in the world, has announced the merger of two of its subsidiaries; MacAndrews and OPDR, effective January 1st, 2018, a move which will see the Oldenburg-Portugiesische Dampfschiffs-Rhederei name disappear after 135 years. CMA CGM also separately announced the sale of its majority stake in a Californian container terminal to an infrastructure equity company.

Potential Orders for Seventeen More Airbus Planes in Pipeline

GERMANY – Logistics group DHL Express has taken delivery of an A330-300 Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F) converted aircraft from Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW). The delivery, which took place at EFW's freighter conversion facilities in Dresden, follows the successful completion of test flights in October and awarding of the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in November. DHL Express has firm orders for eight A330-300P2F units in total, with additional options to receive another 10. Geoff Kehr, SVP, Global Air Fleet Management, DHL Express, said:

Made to Order Part Crafted From 298 Layers of Metal Alloy

NETHERLANDS – WORLDWIDE – Following a rigorous testing process, verified by Bureau Veritas, Damen Shipyard Group has unveiled what it says is the world's first class approved 3D printed ship's propeller, at its headquarters in the Netherlands. Known as the WAAMpeller, the project is the result of a close collaboration between RAMLAB, Promarin, Autodesk, Bureau Veritas and Damen, which began pooling together their collective resources and knowledge to develop the 3D printed ship's propeller seven months ago.

Two Industrial Giants Collaborate on Logistical Advances

EUROPE – Rolls-Royce and the European Space Agency (ESA) have signed a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) agreement aimed at pursuing space activities in support of autonomous, remote controlled shipping and promoting innovation in European digital logistics. The plan is to study the applications of various space assets with regard to autonomous shipping, such as satellite-based positioning, better situational awareness using Earth observation data, and satcom services for improved on board connectivity.

News of Finalised Merger as Two Logistics Giants Tie Up Climate Change Deal

WORLDWIDE – Two of Europe's biggest logistics groups, container line Hapag-Lloyd and freight forwarder Kuehne + Nagel, have committed themselves to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions in their common container-transport activities. The Carbon and Sustainability Pact that both companies concluded in the last few days calls for a 17% reduction in CO₂ emissions per container moved by Hapag-Lloyd by 2020 compared to 2017.

Forty Five Yachts Moved in a Single Consignment

GERMANY – WORLDWIDE – Our photograph shows an impressive first for project shipping specialists Hansa Heavy Lift which says it has strengthened its position in the floating unit market after successfully completing a series of shipments in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The moves included the transportation of 45 yachts in one consignment, as well as the safe delivery of two oversized barges and three tugs.

UKWA Has Long Foreseen Potential Problems Ahead in the Supply Chain

UK – Many in the logistics sector worry that the government are not facing up to the potential problems faced by the most essential of our industries, that of the freight sector, upon which every living soul depends on a daily basis. Now the United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA) has welcomed the recent announcement that Chancellor Hon Philip Hammond MP has instructed that the next in-depth study to be undertaken by the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) will be on the future of freight. UKWA CEO, Peter Ward, commented:

(and you don't even have to be female anymore...)

UK – Nominations are now open as the Freight Transport Association (FTA) once more co-sponsors the 2018 FTA everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards, and this year the accolades, traditionally for women working in the sector, can be said to be truly inclusive, as one of the prestigious trophies will be sure to go to a man! New for 2018 is the Male Agent of Change category award, awarded to a man for his active commitment to advancing the progress of women working in transport and logistics.

New Consultation Proposing Extension of ULEZ Scheme

UK – The Road Haulage Association (RHA) says it is waiting, with some trepidation, for the result of Transport for London's (TfL) impact assessment on the thorny topic of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). The latest consultation was announced last week and contains some contentious plans to extend the scheme with the new standards applicable London wide to buses, coaches and lorries up to the North and South circular roads from 26 October 2020.

Who is Moving Where in the World of International Transport

DENMARK – GERMANY – Transport and logistics behemoth AP Møller – Mærsk, has announced three new additions to its executive team with Vincent Clerc, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer; Morten Engelstoft, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer APM Terminals; and Søren Toft, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, joining the Executive Board of AP Møller – Mærsk, all effective from today, December 1.

Regulatory Approval Completes Takeover of Rival Firm

DENMARK – GERMANY – Having received the final approval from the Korea Fair Trade Commission at the beginning of the week, Maersk Line has officially completed its €3.7 billion takeover of German competitor, Hamburg Süd. Together, Maersk Line and Hamburg Süd will have a total container capacity of 4.15 million TEU and will secure the Danish freight giant's position as the largest container shipping line with a 19.3% global fleet capacity share, according to industry analysts Alphaliner.

Christmas Appeal Will Aid Continuing Fight Against Malaria

UK – AFRICA – Transaid, the charity dedicated to easing the lives of thousands through advances in transport, has had a busy month. In addition to raising over £17,000 in November from a variety of freight and transport related events staff are hard at it trying to hit their target of adding a further £25,000 in the usual Christmas Appeal.

Supply Chain Items You May Have Missed This Week

GERMANY – In this weeks round up of shipping and supply chain news, freight forwarder Kuehne + Nagel has joined forces with specialist in complete e-Commerce solutions, 4SELLERS, in a bid to expand its services to medium-sized online retailers in the warehouse logistics sector. The pair say they can now offer a combination of IT solutions previously offered by 4SELLERS with the Kuehne + Nagel logistics services to provide customers with a complete package thereby creating beneficial shorter delivery routes and processing periods.

Three States Study the Feasibility of Travel Faster Than Air or High Speed Rail

INDIA – Despite the early involvement in the project of entrepreneur and Tesla boss Elon Musk, the first real work to develop the Hyperloop, the means of sending freight and passengers through a vacuum tube at almost undreamt of speeds, began in a garage in Los Angeles in 2014. Now, having tested the system and interested logistics stakeholders and others from as far afield as Scandinavia, Europe, the US and the UAE, Hyperloop One is targeting India with a potential to revolutionise travel across the subcontinent, with possible side benefits for the carriage of freight.