Shipping Search - Archive

Battle To Remove Pollution from US Ports Moves Northward

US – Despite much wrangling the pollution statistics around the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles speak for themselves. Even critics of the way California has introduced clean air regulation, and these include trucking bodies who lost a Court appeal on Wednesday over the contentious issue of independents having to be employees of LA port approved organisations, must admit that the quantity of atmospheric pollutants in the air has fallen dramatically with newer or modified vehicles mandatory and improvements in fuel grades employed by shipping companies.

Deadly Cargo Missing in South East London

UK – Police have appealed for all drivers to keep an eye out for a blue D21 Nissan truck, registration number R363 PJO which was stolen late on Thursday from Sydenham, South East London. The truck belonged to contractors hired to despatch vermin and contained a phial of the deadly chemical aluminium phosphide.

Fastnet Line Inaugural Sailing Delayed

IRELAND – UK – The initial sailing of Fastnet Lines new service between Cork and Swansea is now scheduled for Friday 5th March. The sailing has been put back because of technical difficulties but the company are confident the first vessel will be shipping out to add another route between the two countries. Freight vehicles will be subject to a 4.3 metre height restriction and the service has limited deck space. Company spokesman Paul Tyrell told the Handy Shipping Guide:

Several Ports Affected By Strikes

FRANCE – After port workers went on strike on Wednesday at Saint Nazaire to protest changes in reforms to workers conditions, the country was hit by widespread industrial action as other ports came out in sympathy in a 24 hour stoppage called by the national port union, part of the Confédération Générale du Travail (CGT) public sector federation. The original dispute surrounded the MSC Magnifica, a cruise ship which was being held in St Nazaire as part of the protest by workers to obtain compensation from the Government and freight handling and shipping movements were suspended around the coast.

Genco Subsidiary to Commence Trading

US - Genco Shipping & Trading Limited, owners of 35 dry bulk carriers carrying freight world wide have announced the launch of their wholly owned subsidiary company Baltic Trading Ltd., a Marshall Islands registered company, which will enter a long term management agreement with its principals to follow the purchase of two new Capesize plus four one year old Supramax vessels.

Ferry Sinking Enquiry Drama

TONGA – The secretary of the Shipping Corporation of Polynesia Ltd., Lord Ramsey Dalgety, has been arrested after given evidence to a public enquiry into the sinking of the ferry Princess Ashika which sank on the 5th of August last year with the deaths of seventy four people.

Report Details Circumstances of Find

SOUTH AFRICA / NORTH KOREA / CONGO – Details are emerging on the seizure by South African authorities last November of two containers carrying embargoed North Korea weapons’ parts which were listed as “spare parts for bulldozer”.

Pakistan Bills of Lading " False "

PAKISTAN – Local media report that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) are looking into cases put forward by several exporters that they are being swindled out of their goods by freight forwarders and shipping companies. The accusation is that whereas they are instructing agents as to the precise details of consignees the carriers are allegedly changing the terms of the Bills of Lading from the exporters chosen bank to that of the end user.

New Hi-Tech Client In Eastern Europe

POLAND – Fujifilm, the Japanese manufacturer of high-tech goods such as cameras, photographic processing, medical and printing equipment as well as life science products, has selected Kuehne + Nagel as contract logistics partner in Poland.

UKWA working with the Carbon Trust on 'emissions toolkit' for the warehousing industry

UK - The United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA) is working in partnership with the Carbon Trust to develop an ‘emissions toolkit’ that will help warehouse operators cut their carbon footprint and save on costs.

Acknowledgement of Successful Handling Processes

EUROPE / ASIA - DB Schenker has gained accreditation as a Qualified Envirotainer Provider (QEP) at several stations in Europe and Asia by Envirotainer AB, the Swedish-based provider of active temperature-controlled air cargo containers.

ATA Economist Conservatively Confident

US – As mentioned earlier today the American Trucking Associations (ATA) for hire truck tonnage index figures have just been released. The growth in January this year against 2009’s seasonally adjusted figure is very encouraging with a 5.7% jump. This means the Index has risen in the last two recorded periods. As with all such shipping market indicators it is important to look at how the surge in freight traffic is calculated.

Lufthansa To Take Over Global Services

GERMANY / AUSTRIA – Lufthansa Cargo and their subsidiary Austrian Airlines have announced that they are to integrate their air freight services. The new plans will see both companies integrate their freight distribution and handling services in Austria’s Vienna hub with worldwide services all coming under Lufthansa cargo’s operations

Global Signs are Hopeful as Numbers Rise

WORLD WIDE – The shipping industry has been depressed for so long now that the only hopeful mantra heard lately has been that freight levels must have bottomed out. As the figures creep in it would appear that finally some hope is returning to the market. US road haulage figures are rising; the American Trucking Association for hire truck tonnage was up last month against the previous couple of years and the Baltic Dry Index, despite holding at a fraction of its value in boom times, at least seems to be levelling with ships of all sizes trading at reasonably steady daily rates.

100 Days to Examine Privatisation and Most Rates Held Stable

INDIA – The announcement of the Indian Rail Budget, as discussed here recently, was never going to please everybody but reactions are fairly muted and the budget covers some important areas. Freight rates will not rise and certain targeted products, particularly grain and kerosene, will see a slight reduction of around $2 per wagon. Shipping costs on other commodities will remain as now.

Long Slow Road to Recovery for Somalia under the Wing of the World

SOMALIA– The master of the Masar Trade looked happy for once as his cargo was offloaded at the Berbera quayside. “This is the very first time I have felt safe shipping into Somali waters” he said, nearby the Brandenburg class frigate FGS Emden was moored waiting for the discharging of freight and humanitarian aid to be completed before accompanying the older ship back to southern Somali waters.

Biggest Aircraft In The World Committed To Japanese Program

HAITI – In order to rapidly deploy heavy earth moving equipment to assist in the clearance and rebuilding works taking place in the earthquake shattered nation of Haiti the Japanese Ground Self Defence Force (JGSDF) has chartered ten flights with monstrous Antonov An-124 and An-225 aircraft from Antonov Airlines and Volga Dnepr Airlines.

Charity Support Recognised by Royalty at New Office Opening

UK – It is no surprise to learn that the person opening the Freight Transport Association’s (FTA) new Leeds office yesterday would be a truck driver, an HGV licence holder no less. And the fact they were there to represent the Transaid international development charity, and they received a SatNav for their trouble would also not be an unusual occurrence. But when the dignitary unveiling the plaque is none other than HRH the Princess Royal, well, that makes the whole event a bit more of a special occasion.

Damco to Strengthen Aviation Sector

DENMARK – Damco, the independent logistics arm of shipping giants AP Moller-Maersk, have outlined their intentions to advance their airfreight capability with the appointment of Mr. Remo Eigenmann as the new Head of Airfreight. “As Damco, we have industry strength in our supply chain management and ocean freight offering and delivery, but felt we could further strengthen our airfreight offering,” said Martin Thaysen, Chief Commercial Officer at Damco.

Local Manufacturers Depressed by Anti Dumping Legislation

INDIA – The country’s recent decision to increase duty on imported Chinese and Thai truck tyres, adding up to $40 per casing, has disturbed many of the local truck manufacturers who say it will result in a slowdown in orders. The measures are now beginning to bite because there are often insufficient truck and bus tyres available which are produced locally.

Staff Arrested in Diverse Criminal Cases

TONGA – PHILIPPINES – There are two cases this week involving shipping company executives who are charged with criminal activity. Police in Tonga say they have bailed John Joness, previously managing director of the Shipping Corporation of Polynesia, the company which owned the MV Princess Ashika, which sank into the Pacific as passengers slept below decks. The tragedy claimed the lives of at least 74 although, due to the possibility of stowaways this figure may actually be low.

MOL vessels Answer Government Appeal and Race to Rescue

BRAZIL – Two of Mitsui OSK (MOL) Lines woodchip carriers Hokuetsu Delight and Crystal Pioneer diverted to the site where the Canadian 57-meter sailing ship Concordia reportedly capsized in strong winds about 8 p.m. on i7th February. Answering radio appeals the two freight vessels found and rescued all 64 who had been aboard the stricken vessel.

RTPI Slam Westminster Report as " Not Fit for Purpose "

UK – The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) a charity devoted to advancing the art and science of developing town plans to the benefit of the public, and with over 22,000 professional members throughout Europe, have pulled no punches in the criticism of the Governments recently published draft planning policy on ports provision.

Management and Unions Agree to 28 Days for Further Discussions

UK – The strike scheduled today by pilots at the port of Milford Haven, one of the UK’s largest gas and petroleum handling facilities, has been postponed after the management at the Milford Haven Port Authority (MPHA) and the Unite trade union last night agreed to continue to seek resolution to issues through talks.

New Crane Start of Expansion Aimed At New Markets

UK – Logistics provider and port operator A V Dawson have hailed the delivery of a new €2 million harbour crane as the start of a program that will see an expansion of their current capabilities for dealing with new business and reaffirms, they claim, their commitment to the North-East of England.

Concha Y Toro Reaffirms Faith in K + N For UK Business

UK – Concha Y Toro, Latin America’s leading wine producer and exporter and one of the ten largest wine companies in the world, has expanded its long-term partnership with Kuehne + Nagel with the signing of a new three-year contract logistics agreement.

Paragon Figures for Year End Published

GREECE – Paragon Shipping, who currently operate eleven Panamax, Handymax and Supramax dry bulk carriers, posted full year figures today showing 2009 net income of $55 million down just 2.2% against 2008, which, considering the drop in charter rates and the condition of the shipping market overall, the company seem more than happy with. Paragon are pursuing a policy of considering only lower cost vessels for future acquisitions citing the glut of new builds as the cause for the depressed prices.

UGL Orders Booked Past 2011

AUSTRALIA – United Group Limited, which became UGL in November, yesterday posted encouraging figures for their half year (to 31st December 2009) showing revenues of A$2.1 billion with orders on the books for another A$8.8 billion. The group, which includes UGL Rail plus water and power management interests employs over 40,000 people, globally declared earnings before interest and taxes of over A$90 million. The rail business has a record order book of A$3.2 billion going past 2011.

Two New Boeing 777 's Running for Thai Airways from March

US – THAILAND – Southern Air Holdings Incorporated, part of the Oak Hill Capital Partners Group, have added two new Boeing 777 wide body twin engine freighters to their fleet. The planes will service the increasing air freight requirements of Thai Airways International (THAI) Cargo from their Suvarnabhumi , Bangkok base. The service will be officially inaugurated by the two companies after the second aircraft is handed over on the 2nd March at which time Southern Air, THAI Cargo and Boeing executives, as well as customers and dignitaries, will celebrate the new airplanes at Boeing’s assembly facility in Everett, Washington.

Ten Edison Transits en route to Cologne

UK – GERMANY – Smiths Electric Vehicles, part of the Tanfield Group are to send a fleet of their Edison vans, based on the Ford Transit, to the colognE-mobil project, a scheme aimed at assisting the German Government, who part fund the project, to meet their schedule of one million electric vehicles onto the country’s roads within ten years. Seven of the vehicles are destined to carry freight for a delivery service company with the others built as two shuttle buses and one chassis cab.

Snippets of Some of the Things Happening on Tracks World Wide

AUSTRALIA – BALTIC STATES - UK – The transfer of state rail freight and coal transport assets to private hands, details of which we reported on at the end of last year, is said to be proceeding according to plan according to state contacts. The latest information is that almost all staff associated with the proposed new QR National Company are happy with the agreements in place for the exchange which is envisaged in a few months when the deal goes to market.

Platinum ll Case may Change Indian Vessel Scrapping Rules

INDIA – The continuing row over the Platinum ll, a ship which arrived with the most tenuous of cover stories when it arrived on the beaches at Alang for scrapping lingers on. Now, despite a Supreme Court order to turn the vessel away the Government have ordered the Gujarat Maritime Board to explain why the vessel was accepted for destruction at the notorious site, one of the sites subject of our report in December, and the case may change the rules for accepting the plethora of passenger liners, cargo and container vessels and bulk and oil tankers which are crashed onto the beaches.

All Eyes on Bengali Minister's Future Financial Plans

INDIA - Mamata Banerjee, the controversial Minister for Railways will announce her budget plans for rail freight on Wednesday and there will be many interested observers across the subcontinent. Ms Banerjee has never shied away from controversy with her schemes like the introduction of women only trains to alleviate sexual harassment and sweeping plans for international style quality stations.

Well Now is Your Chance to Bid for a " Naomi for Haiti " Lotus Evora

UK –HAITI - In the course of our normal freight and shipping stories we have covered the assistance given by the logistics community to the devastated people of Haiti after the recent earthquake. We are also following closely the transport requirements of Lotus as they move back into Formula 1 racing this season, so we are pleased to help them publicise their own attempts to aid people in the stricken island.

A Chance to Try and Make it in the Haulage Game - Without the Risk

UK – This week’s release of UK Truck Simulator is a light hearted way to try to learn some of the basics of the road freight world – for under £30. British based Excalibur Publishing already produced a left hand drive version of the game simulation, Euro Truck simulator plus others in the series for those frustrated fork truck and crane drivers out there. This latest edition is a right hand drive simulation including eighteen British cities and various main routes.

Cost of Worst California Oil Spill in 20 Years Continues - and More to Come

US - In July we reported on the imprisonment of John Joseph Cota, the negligent California pilot who steered the container ship MV Cosco Busan into the San Francisco Bay bridge causing a huge oil spillage and the subsequent death of thousands of sea birds. Now the Courts have fined the vessels management company for systematic management failures and attempting to conceal the facts of their conduct.

Repercussions for Oil Spill Last Year

AUSTRALIA – The Federal Government will increase the levy on cargo ships by a further 3 cents a tonne, taking the charge over 14cents a tonne overall, after the Disaster of the Queensland coast in March last year saw thirty one containers of fertiliser lost to Hurricane Hamish from the decks of the Swire Shipping vessel MV Pacific Adventurer. These then punctured the ships hull with the loss of hundreds of tonnes of fuel oil into the ocean damaging the environment and affecting local tourism.

Biannual Tests Keep Staff on their Toes

PHILIPPINES – In a week we have seen the country's smaller ship owners squabble about introducing the most basic safety measures it is encouraging to note that at least one major shipping group has half an eye on worst way scenarios. MV Spirit of MOL is Mitsui OSK Lines training vessel and yesterday she became the subject of a collision, followed by fire and major oil spillage – fortunately simply a practice exercise.

Baroness Greengross Answers To Lord Berkeley's Comments

UK – On the 26th of January, 2010, we published an article in which the report on rail privatisation by a transport forum headed by Baroness Sally Greengross was heavily criticised by Rail Freight Group (RFG) Chairman, Lord Tony Berkeley.

Tougher Measures and Safety Training Produces Results

US – CANADA – The third party logistics provider, Greatwide Logistics, has announced the results of its comprehensive measures to reduce traffic incidents in which it is involved. Since 2006, Greatwide has reduced its collisions per million miles by 26 percent companywide. The company's Dedicated Transport business unit alone reduced its Department of Transportation (DOT) collision frequency rate by 35 percent during the same time period.

ATA Conference Hear the Arguments for Supermarket Style Deliveries

US – Everyone it seems is taking up the challenge of seeking out locally sourced foodstuffs. It is politically correct and “green” to do so – or is it? Next week the audience at the Agricultural and Food Transporters Conference (AFTC) of the American Trucking Associations (ATA) will hear arguments from Roger A. Cady, Ph.D., Senior Technical Consultant at Elanco to suggest that groceries sourced elsewhere and following a well planned supply chain can be more environmentally friendly than those found in a farmers market or local store.

Company Praised for Commitment to Quality

IRELAND – Last weeks Irish Logistics and Transport Awards sponsored by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport saw Irish Ferries walk off with two of the coveted prizes. The RoRo ferry group took the Overall Logistics and Transport Excellence Award plus the Passenger Transport Award in which they faced stiff competition from Stena Line, Sky Handling Partner and Dublin Taxi.

Swiss Logistics Group Look To Improve LCL Options

SWITZERLAND – Swiss-based logistics group Panalpina is now offering two new LCL (less than container load) services to its ocean freight customers, with seamless connections between Belgium and the USA as well as between China and Poland.

Reminds That Out of Date Charts Cause Accidents

UK – A report by the London P&I Club, one of the world’s leading Protection and Indemnity Associations, which concludes that a major cause of maritime incidents is the use of out-of-date charts, has caused one of the leading suppliers of navigational data to reiterate the value to be had in using their services.

New Djibouti Office Opens This Month

DJIBOUTI – Damco, the logistics arm of shipping giants Moller – Maersk have announced they are to open an office in the country this month to better service the sea freight forwarding, customs clearance and inland transportation requirements of their customers there and in Ethiopia. This will be the companies thirty second office within sub – Saharan Africa and means they now have a presence in twenty six countries in the region.

As Predicted Mutual Agreement Reached

IRELAND – As we envisaged yesterday the long and acrimonious dispute at the port of Dublin was resolved today with the three parties involved in the negotiations issuing a press release that sees obstructions to normal freight traffic removed by mutual consent. Port management company Marine Terminals Limited (MTL), the Services, Industrial, Professional and Technical Union (SIPTU) and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) saw an agreement, voted on by port employees, signed this morning.

European and British Law not Compatible on Issue of Super Ferries

UK – Tuesdays verdict in the High Court that Wightlink, the passenger and freight RoRo ferry operators had acted unlawfully with their introduction of Class W vessels on their Lymington to Yarmouth, Isle of Wight route was met with delight by the Lymington River Association (LRA)who brought the prosecution.

UNITE Castigate Court Decision

WALES – The decision by a court to ban strike action scheduled for today by pilots and launch crews at Milford Haven, Wales biggest port has brought condemnation from union representatives and caused them to warn that though talks are still ongoing to resolve issues they intend for the strike to take place next week.

Police Ask For Help With Terrifying Ordeal

DEESIDE / LANCASHIRE, UK – Greater Manchester Police are requesting help from the public after an armed gang stole a lorry loaded with 50,000 England away strips at gunpoint. Though the truck was later recovered the crooks had cleared out the load, which is valued at £2 million.

"Holiday" is a Strike by Any Other Name

PHILIPPINES – For one of the most traditional of seafaring nations the Filipinos have the least enviable safety record amongst the world’s seagoing nations. Reports such as ours at the start of the year continually outline the need for reform of the country’s freight and passenger shipping services and equipment and the area has long been viewed by the outside world as the place where RoRo ferries go to die, often literally.

Winning Projects for Grants Announced

USA – The Department of Transport (DOT) has finalized which projects are to receive funding out of the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) scheme which will see $1.5 billion invested in the nation’s rail, ports and highways.

Huelin - Renouf add Twice a Week Service from Southampton

UK – Things continue to move fast for Jersey based freight shippers Huelin – Renouf Shipping with the news that from the 23rd February they will operate a twice weekly service from both the island and Southampton to the tiny isle of Alderney. After moving their mainland operations centre from Portsmouth to Eastern Docks, Southampton just over a year ago the company has continued to grow and innovate.

M6 Charges Set to Increase

UK – At a time when shipping is at its lowest ebb the cost of using the M6 toll section is about to increase. On 1st March there will be a rise of over 6% taking the fee for using the stretch to £10 for an HGV. The move has come in for severe criticism from truck and road transport bodies, not least the Freight Transport Association (FTA) who are incensed by the move.

As One Door Opens Another Appears to Close for Dock Labour Relations

IRELAND / UK - Further to our story last August revealing the parlous state of labour relations in the Port of Dublin we have received word today that a mutually agreeable settlement is now in the offing. The original dispute centred around claims that the owners, messrs Peel Ports, were determined to break union representation and whose port management company, Marine Terminals Limited (MTL) in turn criticised labour representatives, including the Services, Industrial, Professional and Technical Union (SIPTU) for misrepresenting financial rewards to their members. The strike has been subject to an effective web campaign by the disgruntled workers.

Legal Eagle Swoops Home

PRESTON / UK - Lancashire born solicitor Janci Karri has arrested ships, handled multi-million dollar cases, and practised at one of the world’s largest law firms, but now she has returned to her roots to launch her own pioneering consultancy in Preston, aimed at the global shipping industry.

Cleaning up the Asian Atmosphere Blamed for Inflated Costs

INDIA – CHINA – Truck manufacturers have never had to struggle to explain the rising costs of a new rig. One must have some sympathy now however as noxious emission levels continue to fall as legislation to prevent vehicle pollution starts to bite across the world. There is often a perception in the West that many Asian countries are dragging their feet over emission standards. Simple facts prove this not to be the case. With lobbying and discussion groups such as the Clean Air for Asian Cities movement this year sees China adopting the stringent Euro Stage IV vehicle emission standard across the country after introducing it into Beijing in January 2008 in preparation for the Olympics that August.

Argentina Imposes New Controls

ARGENTINA / FALKLANDS - In a new move to ratchet up pressure on British oil exploration works being conducted in the Falkland Islands the Argentine government has decreed that any ships bound for the Falklands, South Georgia or the South Sandwich Islands via Argentine waters must first apply for permission to transit from their authorities.

"Own Goal" with Tax Hikes Causing Inflation

UK – Anyone running a freight truck in the country is well aware of the way diesel prices have soared in the past couple of years. Shipping anything has become more expensive due to the combination of rising costs per barrel and increased fuel duty. Now the Freight Transport Association (FTA) has issued a formal statement claiming that Government policy in this area is a principal cause of inflation.

NYK and Maersk both Restructure Office Operations

UK – This week there is good news and bad news as the saying goes for staff employed by two of the world’s largest shipping lines. Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) are upping staff levels at their Liverpool operation and have taken extra space to accommodate them. The company were assisted by The Mersey Partnership (TMP) whose mission is to encourage and promote the region and Liverpool Vision, the city’s economic development company.

New Mashariki Express to commence beginning of March

AFRICA / ASIA - African shipping specialist Safmarine is to implement a new container shipping service that is intended to improve the quality of the service it offers between East Africa and the Far East.

Rumour Mongers Speak with Forked Tongue

US – The disastrous demise of Arrow Trucking , Tulsa, Oklahoma which caused hundreds of employees to be stranded across the country, fuel bills and wages unpaid, is still creating problems with some entirely disassociated with the bankruptcy. The full and less than truckload (LTL) carrier collapsed just a couple of days before Christmas leaving families distraught.

CEVA Home to Manage Over 16,000 Deliveries Per Annum

UK – CEVA Logistics has been awarded a three-year contract to provide a white glove two-person home delivery service to Multiyork, manufacturer and retailer of high quality upholstery and cabinet furniture.

Bulk Shipper to Invest US$50 Million

GREECE – Bulk ship operator Diana Shipping has confirmed that they have agreed to invest US$50 million in the previously announced new project involving a company formed for the purpose of investing in containerships.

Validation for Portcentric Concept

UK – Halewood International, one of the UK’s biggest drink distributors, has appointed PD Logistics to manage all imports of that firm favourite of the Chinese restaurant connoisseur, Tsingtao Beer. PD Logistics shall handle the imports at its bonded facility in the port of Felixstowe, which has been doubled in size to accommodate the new contract

NACFE Begins its Mammoth Assessment Task

US – The North American Council for Freight Efficiency, the body formed last year with the intention of standardising and improving the accuracy of statistics emanating from the freight truck sector of the shipping industry, have completed the election of Directors to push the aims of the group forward.

Giant Hotel Complex Latest Client For K+N

SINGAPORE – Kuehne + Nagel has been awarded an exclusive logistics contract to manage the warehousing, delivery-to-site and installation activities of the hotel rooms and suites for the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort in Singapore, currently one of the world’s largest hotel projects.

Lines Work Toward Service as Usual

HAITI – Shades of normality are gradually creeping back to the stricken country with the news that sea freight shipping services from the USA have begun once again. Container shipper SeaFreight Line of Florida, are sailing from Jacksonville every Monday and Port Everglades each Wednesday and Friday to connect with their feeder service which connects at Kingston, Jamaica.

New Trade Agreement to Rationalise Deep Sea Service

ASIA – SOUTH AFRICA – SOUTH AMERICA – Zim Integrated Shipping Services issued a press release on Friday stating they had reached agreement with Hanjin Shipping, Hapag – Lloyd, Wan hai Lines and CCNI to cooperate on the service from South Korea, Singapore and Southern China via South Africa to and from Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina sharing vessel space and facilities.

Good but Can Do Better say Hauliers Association

UK - Following our article last month regarding the reinstatement of truck parking at some US locations Britain’s own facilities have come under fire, this time linked to the Governments National Policy Statement regarding port development in the country.

Group Press for Continuing Investment

The Rail Freight Group (RFG), who lobby for the case for increased investment in the development of rail carriage over truck borne and short sea freight, has today welcomed the publication of a new report by the House of Commons Transport Committee that sets out key priorities for the UK rail network.

Acta Scoop First Place At Italian Seatec Exhibition

ITALY – A potentially revolutionary micro hydrogen generator has won the prestigious Qualitec Technology Award 2010 at the international Seatec trade exhibition, Italy’s leading nautical and marine supplies exhibition. The award recognises innovation in the nautical sector.

GAC Join Forces with Maritime College in Training Venture

IRELAND – GAC, the Dubai based shipping, logistics and marine service company, have announced a joint venture with the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) to provide innovative and cost saving training solutions for the LNG and tanker markets, as well as other commodity and maritime sectors. The initiative is to provide expert delivery of a portfolio of training courses for both seafarers and shore-based shipping personnel at the state-of-the-art $100 million training facility at NMCI in Cork, the client's location, e-learning provisions, or any combination thereof.

Local Producers to Discuss Plans with Government Representatives

AUSTRALIA - Grain prices at the point of delivery, along with all bulk products, are constantly under pressure from the price in the market for other global commodity producers. When the Baltic Dry Index is low then competition in key markets is much keener. Major producers such as Canada and Europe find it easier to sell produce at competitive rates when the shipping price is depressed and factors such as the cost of domestic haulage can have a crucial effect on Australian export prices. Now the Freight and Logistics Council of Western Australia have worked for six months to prepare a review of transport facilities in the region.

Growing Casualty List Indicates the Demise of a Cottage Industry

UK – Researching the background for a piece on the development of small, local air traffic centres can prove to be a depressing task. A list of homely British towns and villages, each containing airstrips, many of which were developed during and following World War II, once seemed to promise a bright future as the pulse of freight and passenger transport quickened into the 1980’s and 90’s. Sadly now a litany of failed ventures bear witness to abandoned schemes stymied by over ambition or local and Government planning constraints.

Registered Waste Broker Slapped with Huge Costs - and More to Follow

UK – BRAZIL – The scandal of waste matter emanating from the UK and being shipped to Brazil which we revealed last August has produced the first legal sanctions. Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) have been successful in their Court case to recover costs from Worldwide Biorecyclables, a South Marston, Swindon waste management broker registered with the Environment Agency. MMSC lodged a civil lawsuit against the company and were awarded £731,615 to cover the fines they received from the Brazilian authorities, the cost of returning the 91 freight containers and other costs.

Oil Exploration Supplies Embargoed

ARGENTINA / FALKLANDS ISLANDS – Argentine authorities have prevented a vessel from leaving the port of Campana on the grounds that they believe the cargo of steel pipes it is carrying is destined for oil exploitation work in the contested Falkland Islands.

Membership Expected to Boost UAE Potential

UAE - The world’s largest independent cargo General Sales and Service Agents (GSSA) network – EGSAC - has appointed SNTTA Cargo as its exclusive member for Sharjah in the UAE.

Australian Meeting Prompts Agreement

AUSTRALASIA / ASIA – Transport ministers from Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, who met this week in Melbourne, have agreed to cooperate more closely on encouraging the development of new environmental and safety technologies for trucks in their countries.

Cleaner, Safer, Faster System for Export from Smaller Fields

BERMUDA – NORWAY – This week saw an agreement signed between the Teekay Corporation, a midstream company who transport in excess of ten percent of the world’s seaborne oil, and Det Norske the second largest operating company on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. The new deal will see the two companies cooperate on the development of a patented programme to assist in advanced loading of tankers in difficult conditions from more marginal oil fields where export to vessels can prove notoriously awkward.

Container Operations Cause of Loss

SINGAPORE – Shipping line Neptune Orient Lines (NOL) is the latest, though surely not the last, of the major freight groups to post a net financial loss for their operations last year of some $741 million.

Freight Shipments Expected to be Further Delayed

GREECE – Following on from this week’s widespread industrial actions by civil servants and government employees across Greece against government spending cuts comes confirmation that Greek custom’s officials are to hold a nationwide strike next week as well.

Seafarers Union Body Successfully Negotiates Release of Three Crewmen

DENMARK – The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), who represent over 750 unions with in excess of four and a half million members, have negotiated the release and repatriation of three sailors from their virtual imprisonment aboard a freight vessel moored in the port of Frederiksvaerk, in the north of the country, and which first arrived there on the 22nd November.

Instruction Course To Improve Standards and Safety

UK / ZAMBIA – Haulage company Norbert Dentressangle and logistics training charity Transaid have cooperated to give forklift training to a team of future instructors in Lusaka, Zambia.

Accusations Fly as Revised Local Route Evolves for Islanders

UK - In the world of freight and logistics there is nothing as contentious as the development of a new intermodal depot, airport or dock complex. The views and vested interests of local people, conservationists, local and national authorities and developers combine to make an explosive mix in which views become entrenched and battle lines clearly drawn.

Three-Year Deal on Distribution

ITALY – CEVA Logistics has signed a three-year agreement with Mazda for the management of the distribution of spare parts for the automotive giants operations throughout Italy.

DSV, UPS and Expeditors International Now Investigated

EUROPE – Yesterday’s reports that some of the giants of the freight forwarding industry such as DHL, Panalpina and Kuehne+Nagel had received Statements of Objection from the EU Commission’s anti competition watchdog concerning airfreight surcharge practices has today been followed by the news that DSV, UPS and Expeditors International have also been added to the list of alleged violators.

Another Free Service for the Worlds Cargo Transport Community

UK – THAILAND – Today sees a further improvement in our day to day freight and shipping news service with readers now having the ability to comment directly on logistics stories on which they have a view. With the downturn in exports and imports worldwide over the past year or so, times are tough for many readers but in the biggest industry in the world that simply means more happening on the news front.

Irony as Government Shows it Cannot Protect Itself

AUSTRALIA – The Federal Government has announced the launch of a major review and upgrade to aviation security in the country following a White paper published in December and the incident of terrorism on Christmas day. The irony is that the announcement comes at a time when Government websites have been invaded and incapacitated by computer hackers.

Commissioner Designate Finally Succeeds Neelie Kroes

EUROPE – At a time when many amongst the EU’s freight and shipping community are looking anxiously over their shoulders ( see today’s front page reports)Mr Joaquín Almunia has succeeded his tenacious predecessor Neelie Kroes who was asked to remain in post after her official tenure had finished. Ms Kroes was appointed on the 9th February as Commissioner for the Digital Agenda. Mr Almunia has been closely involved this past month in the debate over review of state aid regulation in the freight and passenger transport sectors and specifically to Government aid subsidising ports.

Company Fully Cooperating With Investigation

GERMANY – DHL Global Forwarding, the freight forwarding division of Deutsche Post, has confirmed that have also received a Statement of Objections from the EU Commission’s investigation into antitrust allegations involving surcharges used in freight transactions.

400 Million Pound Development Prompts Search for Finance

UK – Despite sensational headlines in various tabloids the Port of Dover has not been sold to the French – yet. A statement issued by the Dover Harbour Board however makes it abundantly plain that to develop the proposed freight and passenger facilities in the Western Dock a restructuring of the ports finances is essential and the transfer scheme proposed outlines that power will be transferred to a new company, Port of Dover Limited who published Articles of Association today.

Bulker Fleet Continues to Expand

USA – New York-based Eagle Bulk Shipping, a major global owner/operator of Supramax vessels to the bulk commodity market, has taken delivery of two new build bulk carriers, Thrasher and Avocet. The addition of these two vessels brings Eagle Bulk's total on-the-water fleet to 32 vessels.

Obama Regime to Examine Transit Programme

US – MEXICO - On a day when all talk seems to be of anti trust legislation and Competition Commission enquiries it seems apt to mention the word which chills the heart of all those involved in the freight and shipping industry, the ‘P’ word, Protectionism, which lurks unbidden in the consciousness of truckers and bulk and container lines alike.

Kuehne & Nagel Join Panalpina in List of Accused

SWITZERLAND – After our story this morning confirming Panalpina’s possible involvement in alleged anti competitive practices relating to its activities, another Swiss run freight forwarder has admitted they too have received notification from the EU Competition Commission of offences which they are suspected of involvement in with a pronouncement from Kuehne & Nagel today that they too have received an EU Statement of Objections.

Practices Investigation Issues Preliminary Findings

EUROPE – Swiss-based logistics operator Panalpina has confirmed that following on from reports that they are subject to an international investigation by the US Department of Justice (DOJ), the EU Commission and the Swiss authorities into alleged anti-competitive behavior they have been issued with a Statement of Objections by the EU’s Commission.

First Cricket Sponsorship Deal for Dubai Based Forwarder

SINGAPORE – GAC, the Dubai based group which employs over 9000 people in 300 global offices have a new staff member. Yesterday the freight and logistics providers announced that Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff had joined their list of sponsored sportsmen. The freight forwarding group already sponsor Crystal Palace FC, Audi Championship driver Alex Brundle plus professional golfers Richard Sterne and Graeme Storm.

“Logical Link” means over a Million Road Miles Saved

UK – PD Ports, bought in November by Canadian owned Brookfield Asset Management claim to have saved ASDA, the supermarket giant, a very precise 1,265,459 truck miles per year, or as they say, three trips to the moon and back.

Company Gains Authorised Economic Operator Certification

UK – Davies Turner & Co have achieved full certification for all their services including ocean sea freight, overland trailer movements, Customs warehousing, supply chain management and project forwarding. The Authorised Economic Operator initiative was implemented by European Commission Regulation 1875/2006, which took legal effect from 1 January 2008. In April 2008, Davies Turner Air Cargo achieved full AEO status as a stand-alone operation.

Revamped Sales Teams For Expansion

USA - Con-way Freight, the less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier and subsidiary of logistics giant Con-way Inc., have announced that they have made a number of new appointments to their regional sales teams with senior staff coming from troubled rival YRC Worldwide in a move that brings the company decades of experience in freight and logistics to Con-way.

Development to Continue Despite Recession

RUSSIA – Speaking at the opening ceremony of the International Regional Rail Business forum in Tallinn today, the President of Russian Railways (RZD), Vladimir Yakunin, has reaffirmed the company’s and the Russian state’s commitment to expanding rail freight links between Europe and Asia, despite the fall in demand caused by the economic crisis.

Authorities Want Tape Shipment Mystery Wrapped Up

VIETNAM – Most of those involved in freight forwarding and logistics have had to handle some unusual shipments. Over years varied and interesting cargoes are the consignments that tend to linger in the memory and smuggled goods even more so. But how many among us can remember opening the cartons from a 20 foot container to discover – wads of cash.

Unloading Rigs Landed Despite Opposition from Environmentalists

INDIA – Yesterday saw the arrival of the MV ‘Zhen Hua 11’ at the new port of Dhamra on the east coast of the country. The ship, which sailed from China on the 22nd January was delivering the 5000 tonne per hour capacity ship loader and 2800 tonnes per hour unloader which will start to offload from the vessel today and which are said to be the largest such units in the world. Together they will form the first tranche of dockside equipment for loading and discharging vessels.

Approved for Sale to US Government and Hybrid Developments in Pipeline

UK / USA /GERMANY – Smiths Electric, producers of one of the world’s best-selling electric trucks, are now targeting the billion-dollar buying power of the US Government.

Boeing’s 747-8 Conducts First Tests in the Air

USA – Boeing’s new 747-8 freighter successfully conducted its first test flight yesterday at the start of the new models test program. Boeing claims that once in service the 747-8 will “…give cargo operators the lowest operating costs and best economics of any freighter”.

Association Formed with Transeuropa

UK – BELGIUM - LD Lines, who already have TransManche Ferries under their wing, have formed a partnership with Ramsgate based Transeuropa Ferries to bolster the existing freight and passenger service to and from Ostend. The new service will commence in March with LD concentrating on passenger bookings and Transeuropa will handle freight enquiries.

US Haulier Will Sponsor Braun Again This Year

US – Whilst not exactly a freight news story many readers will be pleased to know that Con-way Freight, the less than truck load (LTL) logistics and full load carriage group will once again sponsor Colin Braun, 2008’s Raybestos Rookie of the Year. With the forthcoming NASCAR Nationwide Series due to kick off on 13th February the company have launched a new website to keep fans abreast of all the action.

MVASIST will ensure all Dealers Kept in the Maintenance Loop

US – Volvo Trucks North America have instituted a new on line service tool to ensure consistency of service to owners no matter where they have work performed on their rigs. Fleet and truck specific information is tied to each service event. And the new process, called MVASIST, furnishes a complete record of in-context communication between service provider and customer available on line, so all involved in the service event are on the same page. This reduces misunderstandings and delays.

Gunns Transport falls to Economic Pressure

UK – Established Kent haulier Gunns Transport has been placed into administration. The axe finally fell last week after the Handy Shipping Guide was asked by the company in early January not to reveal that their bankers had withdrawn support and they were seeking alternative funds. The full and less than truck load (LTL) carrier was begun in 1980 and ran as a family firm until 2008 when a management buy out was effected.

Concerns at Credibility of Sector Encourages Self-Regulation

WORLDWIDE - The Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), the world’s largest ship owners association, has endorsed the Federation of National Associations of Shipbrokers and Agents (FONASBA) Quality Standard mark as an important step in regulating the shipping brokers and agency sector and maintaining the quality of these fields.

Hanjin Figures much as Expected but Some Good News

SOUTH KOREA – Hanjin Shipping, ninth largest container shipping line in the world, have posted the disastrous figures that were anticipated last week. The company separated the shipping operation from other subsidiary businesses toward the end of last year and posted an overall loss for all operations on in excess of a billion dollars for2009. In December alone the company posted losses of $75 million for the shipping segment. The balance of group operations is now listed as Hanjin Shipping Holdings.

Marine Search Continues for Poisonous Chemicals

SWEDEN – In a catastrophic accident on Saturday three steel shipping containers fell from the decks of the MV “Linda”, an 11,000 tonne Finnish owned freighter. The accident happened after the bottom container in a stack of four folded and shed the others into waters south of the island of Gotland. One of the boxes contained inflammable cargo but the other two are believed to hold around fifteen tonnes of materials toxic to marine life.

ACFS buys Port Botany Neighbour

AUSTRALIA - Australian Container Freight Services (ACFS), a freight container handling, transport and storage company formed in 2005 and with operating centres in Sydney Melbourne and Brisbane, have acquired the business of a former Sydney rival, Freight Central.

Asia – Pacific Region is seen as the place to be whilst Europe economises

ASIA – PACIFIC – After the announcement that HSBC were moving their CEO’s office to Hong Kong and considering a listing on the Shanghai Index comes the news that Airbus Industries predict that regional cargo traffic will rise 6.3% each year until 2030. Despite the fact that many will look sideways at such hopeful pronouncements it is not exactly a leap of faith to say growth in the region will outstrip global performance. Airbus reckon demand from local carriers will return sales for them of over a trillion dollars with sales to exceed 8000 aircraft with cargo freighters taking up to 40% of the world market.

Crew Secure After Raiders Flee

GULF OF ADEN – A gang of Pirates was interrupted and fled yesterday after the Antiguan and Barbudan flagged ship MV Ariella, a bulk and container carrier owned by Splosna Plovda, a Slovenian registered company was rescued by Danish special forces in a manoeuvre which may become more common in future. Normally the NATO warships which patrol the area are more stand offish, fearing the murder or incidental injury of the crew, but this was a vessel registered with the authorities to be in the area and transiting via a patrolled corridor. This meant her distress signal was monitored and reacted upon extremely quickly.

Network Rail Awards Design Contract for New Link

UK – Plans on upgrading the British rail freight network have taken a step forward after infrastructure operator Network Rail announced that they have appointed Jacobs Engineering to design and construct new rail links that will improve connections between the port of Felixstowe and the rest of the country.

Dowa Lines Sue Japanese Seaman’s Union

JAPAN – Tomorrow will see a rally of dockworkers and seafarers outside the offices of Dowa Line who operate a non union policy, unlike the majority of the country’s maritime employers. According to the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), who represent 650 unions in 148 countries, Dowa run a fleet of 24 bulk freight and cargo vessels entirely crewed by Filipino staff and they have resisted all efforts at negotiation and now initiated litigation against the national union.

CEVA and Panalpina Recruit New Management

EUROPE / CANADA – Both CEVA Logistics and Panalpina have announced new appointments to expand on their current market shares and improve their pricing policies in order to become more efficient.

Con-wayTo Hold Investor Conference Call Today

US – Con-way, the freight trucking and logistics carrier have announced a group loss for the last quarter of 4 cents per share to investors, this compares to a 94 cent loss for the equivalent period in 2008. The company hosts an investors conference call today at 0830 hrs EST (0530 hrs Pacific). The less than truckload (LTL) operations of the freight division reported more stability of prices and lower yields in a difficult market.

“Thrilled” at Heineken Contract

USA – Coyote Logistics has been selected by Heineken USA as its national freight forwarder. The contract will see Coyote responsible for outbound transportation of Heineken’s Dutch brand portfolio from its ‘Demand Point’ hubs.

More Set for the 19th if Negotiations Fail

FINLAND – The wildcat strikes that afflicted seven Finnish ports on Tuesday could bode the start of a period of major disruption to the Nordic country’s freight transport infrastructure if labour issues between bosses and the stevedores union are not resolved soon.

Vehicle Poster Campaign Aids Police in Search

US – A campaign to locate missing children organised by the Washington State patrol is targeted at finding waifs and strays in the Pacific North West State by utilising photographs on the sides of rigs. American Trucking Associations member Gordon Trucking, a local less than truck load (LTL)freight carrier has donated over 70 trailers to the campaign which is called Homeward Bound. At present, the state patrol has 19 missing children in the program. Each child has its own poster that includes the name of the child, contact information for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and two photos – one from the time of disappearance and another that is age-progressed.

New Director For Division

USA – Wisconsin-headquartered Schneider National has appointed Derrel E. Chappell as their new Director, Wholesale Business Development, Intermodal Division. The company states that the addition of Mr. Chappell, who brings more than 40 years of rail industry experience to the role, underscores the “company’s commitment to establishing a significant intermodal wholesale channel that maximizes shippers’ overall transportation spend.”

Worst Expected to Follow

GREECE – Blockade actions by Greece’s farmers against freight vehicles have entered their third week and continue to greatly hamper truck movements both across the country’s borders and on its internal highway network, causing the Greek governments plans for austerity measures to be plunged into uncertainty.

ATA to back Court Case Against Californian Pollution Watchdog

US - Once again the battle lines are drawn up between the environmentally sound principles of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the equally passionate practicalities of the states truckers supporting a mixed group of farmers’ representatives, renewable fuel producers and supporters as the state pushes for a lower carbon fuel standard. The new law will mean that within ten years all fuel sold in the state must produce 10% less carbon than at present. Only military trucks are exempt and feelings run high amongst the California’s freight truck firms who say this is an imposition too far.

CEO Greer Quits after Four Years

US – Greatwide Logistics, the non asset based third party logistics and truck management outfit, have replaced Raymond B Greer with Leo Suggs as Chief Executive Officer as announced today. Greer, formerly head of small parcel specialist Newgistics and previously with FedEx and Ryder began with Greatwide in 2004. Mr Greer resigned his position.

Company Reports Fastest Ever Turnaround

SYRIA - Advance International Transport the Turkish based international logistics group who moved their headquarters out of the UK in 1992, have announced that they have successfully completed a contract from Syrian glass manufacturers Adra First Glass who are a subsidiary of the Iranian Kaveh Glass Industry Group. The contract consisted of transporting a variety of consignments including out of gauge movements to the new plant under construction 35km north of Damascus.

Industry Operations are the Experts When it Comes to Disaster Aid Relief

HAITI – MONGOLIA -We have already reported extensively on the assistance rendered by shipping industry groups such as FedEx and UPS in the current Haitian crisis and, once again, the industry has stepped up to the plate to give help to the victims of a national disaster. In October we told of how individual freight and logistics companies had rallied round to support the disaster relief effort in the South Pacific and now it’s time to publicise the efforts of those groups involved in restoring a semblance of sanity to the infrastructure in the island of Haiti.

Troubled Carrier to split Passenger and Cargo Sectors

INDIA – In October we reported on the problems of national carrier Air India which lost several hundred million dollars last year and was plagued by staff disputes including hunger strikes by unpaid workers. The whole sector suffered as Air India abandoned its plans for a low cost carrier and now the company has reacted by announcing the separation of freight and passenger carriage.

Industry Indicators Show Improvements in Different Sectors

WORLD WIDE – It would take a brave man or a fool to predict that the crisis which has crippled shipping in the past two years was over. A look around the globe at various shipping indices however confirms that in several different sectors there are genuine signs of improvement and, more importantly, they often signify a longer term improvement.

New Minsk Office will Embed Swiss Group Further into Eastern Europe

BELARUS – Kuehne & Nagel have founded an operating centre in Minsk under their own company name having had agencies there since 1996. The new operation will offer full and less than truck load and weekly groupage services between Belarus, Europe, Russia and Kazakhstan and additionally LCL and FCL shipments via the ports of Klaipeda and Riga with comprehensive airfreight coverage via Minsk airport.

Conference to Give Advice on International Operations

USA – Houston-headquartered tax and business advisors Verse Consulting LLC have announced the first in a series of conferences aimed at providing training and information to corporate tax, legal, supply chain management, accounting and finance personnel in middle-market companies. The seminar, entitled “Hot Topics in Global Supply Chain Management – Tax & Legal”, is set for the morning of Tuesday, February 23, 2010, at Houston’s Intercontinental Hotel.

New Kandahar Facility Now Open

AFGHANISTAN – Move One, a global logistics and relocation specialist, has recently completed work on its new one million dollar support facility at Kandahar airbase. The development is the first in a series of new projects the company is undertaking in response to major new contracts that Move One has gained in support of the US military’s operations in the country.

Kingscote Rojay joins NetFreight community

UK – Aldershot-based freight forwarder Kingscote Rojay (KRL) is the latest in a growing list of operators to switch to NetFreight, the web-based freight forwarding and Customs processing system from Impatex.