Shipping Search - Archive

Always Check Out How You Can Use Your Money Better

UK – WORLDWIDE – As a business that is involved with shipping and forwarding, it follows that you must have some dealings in foreign currencies. As such, you will certainly have a handle on some of the things to consider when it comes to managing the inherent risks of foreign exchange, but are you certain you are managing those risks in the best way possible? Experience shows the nearest an average operator gets to understanding currency exchange is to curse the currency adjustment factor (CAF) that suddenly, and unexpectedly, appears on top of freight charges, when this was the last thing contemplated arranging the transport for an international freight consignment.

Members of the Freight Transport Association Reduction Initiative Continue to Cut Pollution

UK – All road haulage operators, or indeed any company, logistics provider or not, which runs at least one commercial vehicle, from a van up to a fleet of HGVs, are being encouraged to join the Freight Transport Association (FTA) Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme (LCRS). LCRS scheme members committed to reducing their vehicles' emissions when the programme was announced in 2010 and now the evidence is out, members have continued to cut vehicle emissions and fuel costs, according to the annual report released today.

'Food of the Gods' to Get a Boost and Sustainable Initiative and New Port Facilities in the UK

NETHERLANDS – IVORY COAST – UK – Chocolate has always been pivotal in matters that would seemingly be far too important to depend on a seemingly humble commodity. But chocolate, and its main ingredient cocoa, together with coffee, are hardly that in the eyes of millions of devotees. In this century, we have witnessed accusations of child slave labour and 'Cocoa Wars' with hundreds reported dead in west Africa as farmers, settlers, rebel groups and governments became embroiled in the conflicts. Now however, hopefully with such strife over, the scene is set for the Ivory Coast, the biggest producer of cocoa worldwide, to see more settled times with help from an initiative with the Port of Amsterdam to stimulate trade and news of new UK and overseas port facilities.

Truck Turns into Mobile Crane

US – After we published details last month that the ArtLift (Art of Lifting) system produced by Actuall in the Netherlands was now available in the US, we find there is another alternative product which operates on a different basis to the ArtLift's tail lift like system which sees its flatbed tuck away inside the side door of any suitable sized van. The MAD EasyLoad Hoist is, as it sounds, an overhead hoist which is affixed under the van roof, with the ability to extend outward and lift any suitable load in the same way as a mobile crane.

UN Global Compact Prompts Investment in Nautical School

MOZAMBIQUE – The OSM Maritime Group is aiming to make the shipping industry accessible to all in the country as part of its pioneering involvement in the UN Global Compact (UNGC) initiative. The Norwegian ship management company has signed a MOU to re-launch the Mozambican Higher School of Nautical Sciences. It is also actively working to increase the number of females in its global pool of 11,000 qualified seafarers.

(and you logistics specialists still have time to get on your push bikes)

UK – AFRICA – The charity Transaid is taking a good look at the viability of motorcycle and three wheeler transport in four African countries - Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. These types of vehicle are commonly used across so called third world countries, being economical and easy to repair in what are often remote rural areas. Transaid, which gives medical support through its transport services, gets the bulk of its funds from those in the freight supply chain with sponsorship from a variety of logistics interests, but this project is being funded by the Department for International Development (DFID) as part of the Research for Community Access Partnership (ReCAP).

Parcel and Logistics Outfit Takes on the EU

US – EUROPE – Freight and logistics outfit United Parcel Service (UPS) is suing the European Commission (EC) for €1.74 billion (approximately $2.15 billion) plus interest over the EU's antitrust regulator's 2013 decision to block its merger with the Dutch parcel carrier TNT, which was sold to competitors, FedEx, in May 2016.

New Facility Development Includes Industrial and Residential Zones

EGYPT – Despite the country still being viewed as a continuing target for terrorist attacks, in Egypt nothing gets in the way of business and, with huge improvements in security over the past few months, a planned development is to proceed, with an agreement to implement the first phase of an integrated industrial and residential zone in Sokhna signed this week. The framework agreement establishes a clear timetable of actions required to execute the first phase of the project spanning 30 square kilometres, and was signed by Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of freight and logistics group DP World, and Admiral Mohab Mamish, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority and the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone).

Shipping Line Produces Technology Based on Traditional Method of Fault Finding

JAPAN – Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) and its maritime technology subsidiary Monohakobi Technology Institute (MTI) have jointly developed a diagnostic tool that records, visualises, and analyses the operational sounds of a vessel's engine plant. The tool, called 'Kirari MUSE', is one of the group's big data initiatives to encourage greater safety, with on board trials expected to begin in the coming weeks.

State Run SNCF Needs Reform According to Industry Stakeholders

FRANCE – Following the appointment of Air France KLM holding company chairman Jean-Cyril Spinetta in October 2016 by the country's prime minister, the rail freight sector has waited to see what the 75 year old Parisian would produce, particularly given the level of debt the state rail group SNCF has incurred and the demands of the EU's Fourth Railway Package.

Ocean Preservation Group Adds More Maritime Members

WORLDWIDE – Concordia Maritime has joined the World Ocean Council (WOC), a global organisation consisting of shipping-related industries and stakeholders, which together aim to take responsibility for the oceans. The organisation's practical work is based on the exchange of information between the participating stakeholders for better mutual understanding. WOC's goal is to influence political discussions and decision-making relating to the marine environment.

More Trade Union Accusations as Staff Laid Off

UK – Nothing seems to be going right this month for logistics outfit DHL. Having suffered the 'ChickenGate' fiasco in which the company, having taken over the contract to deliver basic supplies to Kentucky Fried Chicken outlets, failed dismally causing the majority of stores to close, now the freight and parcels delivery company has once again been attacked for alleged unfair industrial practices.

As an Icy Blast Hits Britain Experts Tell Commercial Drivers to Act Accordingly

UK – Whilst our US contacts in Florida tell us today they are just fixing the last of their hurricane shutters in preparation for the coming season, here in Britain we have to prepare for what is likely to be the worst spell of weather this winter. Both road haulage freight contacts as well as insurers are issuing warnings to commercial drivers with regard to the imminent drop in temperature and the inevitable freezing conditions.

Intent is to Establish Best Practice 3PL Industry Guidelines

UK – The United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA) has devised a survey to benchmark logistics in partnership with the United States-based Warehousing Education & Research Council (WERC), whose 'DC Measures' survey has been a recognised resource for 15 years. Using WERC's well-proven platform, the survey will benchmark UK warehousing operations against a set of international industry standards.

Island Flag Adopts New Technology for its Fleet

PALAU – The Palau International Ship Registry (PISR), which claims to be the world's fastest growing maritime flag, has linked with technology group Pole Star, to offer a comprehensive sanctions compliance and risk management service for its fleet vessels. The Pole Star Purple TRAC system offers high level monitoring of assets designed to protect both the vessel and crew during operations and is already used by shipping companies, ship financiers, insurers, port state agencies and other ship registries.

600,000 Units per Year from Planned Berth is Aim of Vessel and Logistics Group

UK – EUROPE – P&O Ferries, which last month reported that it carried more freight between Zeebrugge and Tilbury in 2017 than in any other year in the history of the route, is to increase its capacity at the Thames Port with a new purpose-built £150 million RoRo river berth which will treble its freight capacity to 600,000 units a year by 2020. The ferry company, together with its logistics sibling P&O Ferrymasters, says it expects the new capacity at Tilbury to give it an unrivalled service for anyone exporting to or from London and the South East.

New US Advisory Notice Guides on Proscribed Cargo and Defeating Evasion

NORTH KOREA – One assumes that there is not a single freight forwarding agent or logistics outfit in the western world that remains unaware that there are sanctions in place when it comes to trading with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Ranging from any cargo suspected of having military purposes, to crude oil and refined petroleum product imports along with textile exports, the 193 member states of the United Nations have all (theoretically) abided by the proscribing of certain trade goods.

Anonymous Data Means Users Can Track Similar Fleets Securely

WORLDWIDE – BIMCO is re-launching its Shipping Key Performance Indicator (KPI) after two years of redesign, intended to better help shipowners and managers make strategic decisions about their fleet. Shipping KPI is based on self-reporting by its associated 300 companies with a total fleet of 6000 ships. It enables users to compare performance parameters between ships of similar type, tonnage, trades or flag states, while remaining anonymous.

A Variety of Trade International News Pieces

SINGAPORE – It has been a good year for aerospace logistics company B&H Worldwide so far. Firstly last month the UK headquartered group picked up the 2018 BIFA Freight Service award for Supply Chain Management, followed now by being awarded a two year contract to manage the warehousing operation and storage of spare parts for VSE Aviation at the logistics group's regional hub in Singapore.

Professional Appointments and Departures

SWITZERLAND – SBB Cargo International has announced the appointment of Sven Flore as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 2018. Current CEO, Michail Stahlhut is moving to the combined transport operator Hupac Intermodal where he will become the CEO, from August 2018. Hupac Ltd, which owns 25% of SBB Cargo, has also announced that after a two year transitional phase the Board of Directors will transfer the management of the parent company to Stahlhut.

DP World's London Gateway Gets Another Freight Forwarding and Logistics Tenant

UK – CMA CGM, the world's third biggest container shipping line, has announced that it is to take a long-term lease and invest in a build-to-suit, multi-temperature warehouse facility at DP World London Gateway Logistics Park. The CMA CGM Group will occupy, through its international freight forwarding and logistics solutions subsidiary, a one hectare cold store facility within a 2.4 hectare logistics plot development on the River Thames and located close to main road access into the London area.

Product Range Revealed to International Materials Handling Market

UK – US – CANADA – AUSTRALIA – With office in all four countries SumoSafe Global is a new company offering a range of products which it says can significantly reduce damage to palletised loads during the lift truck handling process and make forklift trucks safer to operate. The range of types of goods handled will doubtless make the company's products very popular with freight and logistics operators who handle a multiplicity of cargoes. SumoSafe's co-founder, Simon Ross commented:

Amid Cross Accusations Assets Appropriated Despite Court Decision

DJIBOUTI – In an astonishing move by the government of Djibouti, the Doraleh Container Terminal S.A. has been 'seized' according to a statement from operating concessionaire, and 33% stakeholder, port management group DP World. The freight terminal is operated under an agreement negotiated in 2006 and has consistently produced profits every year since that time. DP World says it is the largest employer and biggest source of revenue in the country and this is a cynical move following extensive international court action.

New Batch of Boxes Shows Individual Carriers Remain Together Yet Apart

DENMARK – GERMANY – CHINA – When the purchase of rival container shipping line Hamburg Süd by world number one in the market Maersk was approved by European regulators last year, admittedly with some reservations, there will have been many in the freight trade who may have assumed this would soon mean the end of the iconic German line with a pedigree dating back almost 150 years.

Revolutionary Cargo Vessel Design Paves the Way for a New Generation of Ships

SOUTH KOREA – Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) has delivered the world's first LNG-fuelled bulk carrier to South Korea's Ilshin Logistics. Under the dual-class of Lloyd's Register (LR) and Korean Register, the 50,000 dwt bulk carrier, the Ilshin Green Iris has been verified to be in compliance with the International Gas Fuel (IGF) Code and will transport limestone cargoes in the Korean coastal trade for steelmaker POSCO.

Big Jump in Passenger Numbers Cap Would Mean Extra Cargo Space

UK – London Stansted has announced plans to expand the Airport's operations, raising the current cap on the number of passengers it is permitted to serve from 35 million passengers per annum (mppa) to 43mppa, while committing to remain within current approved limits on aircraft noise and flight numbers. Though mainly geared towards increasing passenger numbers, Stansted's air freight services would undoubtedly see the benefits with increased belly-hold cargo availability, especially on long haul flights.

You Can Win a Prize for Upgrading Popular Training Tool

UK – WORLDWIDE – Four years ago we covered the announcement of a unique tool for the freight and logistics sector with the unveiling of a new board game 'Business on the Move' designed to give young people in schools and colleges across the nation an insight into the 'hidden industry'. Since that time the game has found its way into 80 universities across the world and is increasingly featuring within supply chain training programmes.

In May EU Data Protection Gets a Lot More Important

UK – EUROPE – WORLDWIDE – As most European businesses are aware, the existing data collection and retention regulations are to be beefed up on the 25 May 2018 with the intention of strengthening and unifying data protection for all individuals within the EU. Penalties for breaches under the new General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) are as much as €20million or up to 4% of a company's annual worldwide turnover, and companies in the freight and logistics professions should avail themselves of both the facts, and ways to ensure they comply.

The Fast in Food Can Have Two Definitions (think about it...)

UK – As the KFC - DHL (fowl up, cock up, insert pun here) continues, the humorous notes have fallen from the scale to be replaced by anger at the treatment of the fried chicken company's staff, franchised or otherwise, following a problem caused by an inability to ensure a smooth transition from one reliable logistics contractor, food delivery specialist outfit Bidvest, to general freight and parcel goliath DHL.

EU Imposes Hundreds of Millions of Euros in Penalties on Collaborating Carriers

EUROPE – We return yet again to one of the ongoing scandals of the industry with the news that the European Commission has imposed total fines of €395 million on five international shipping companies over allegations that the carriers violated European competition laws by colluding to segment the market of ocean shipping services for RoRo cargo. The lines involved in the cartel have all seen heavy fines previously levied against them in Korea, the US and elsewhere for a multitude of anti-competitive practices worldwide, with each collecting millions of dollars in fines for similar offences.

Ninety Million Pound Investment in Four Centres of Excellence

UK – As a result of a report from the Rail Supply Group (RSG) published in February 2016 'Fast Track to the Future', which recommended the establishment of a network of centres of excellence across the UK, so the UK Rail Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN) has now come into being to bring together the world of academia and the rail industry. The University of Birmingham led a consortium of universities, partnered by leading industry supply chain partners and major UK rail industry clients (Network Rail, HS2 Ltd, TfL) to develop a £90 million proposal to create and operate the new UKRRIN Centres of Excellence.

Box Line Shipping Talent Added to Board of Directors

US – WORLDWIDE – It has long been the vision of many, both in the supply and carriage of cargo, to introduce a container freight shipping exchange, much as bulk cargo contracts are negotiated, traded and settled in London on the Baltic Exchange. Hitherto various constraints have inhibited forward trade on such a basis, with aspirations never being realised, but in 2015 came the formation of the New York Shipping Exchange (NYSHEX) which is attempting to enable the box trade to operate to some degree on similar lines.

Order for Fleet Replacements Signed

SOUTH AFRICA – The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has concluded negotiations and signed an agreement for the manufacture, supply and delivery of two new helicopters to service ships calling at the Ports of Durban and Richards Bay. South Africa is understood to be one of only three countries in the world that offer a unique Helicopter Marine Pilotage Service and TNPA Chief Executive, Shulami Qalinge, said clients would welcome the prospect of improved operational efficiency and safety from TNPA's marine aviation service, adding:

Financial Giants to Support Environmentally Friendly Maritime Transport

EUROPE – The European Investment Bank (EIB), and global financial institution ING, have signed an agreement to support green investments for the European shipping market for a total value of €300 million. ING and EIB will each equally contribute €150 million to the facility, which aims to ensure that sponsors of green and sustainable projects in the maritime transport sector can benefit from advantageous financial terms. The facility is available to clients with significant European interests, and can be used for projects with a green innovation element covering the construction of new vessels or retrofitting of existing ships and applies to both inland shipping and seagoing operators.

How Long Will Brussels Wait to Ensure HGV Drivers Comply?

EUROPE – For almost a decade we have been writing about the possibility of ensuring road haulage operators prevent their truck drivers from taking to the road whilst under the influence of alcohol. Despite a plethora of devices available to prevent a vehicle from starting the engine until the person in charge has performed a breath test enabling the ignition system to operate, very few freight companies have taken up the option without mandatory enforcement.

Hundreds of KFC Restaurants Close as Supplies Fly the Coop

UK – When logistics outfit DHL took over the contract to distribute supplies of chicken to the hundreds of restaurants run by Kentucky Fried Chicken from former transport supplier Bidvest, it can hardly have imagined the wrath it would engender when it managed to separate the parents and children of the nation from one of their favourite fast foods. The freight group assumed responsibility for KFC distribution last week and now the Colonel has had to set up a Facebook page so buyers can find the nearest of his outlet's still serving.

Waste to be Exported as Fuel

UK – NORWAY – With the headlines in the UK full of stories regarding China's refusal to accept any more of the UK's recycled rubbish, the search is on for a new way to dispose of something which, in recent years, has been the country's biggest export commodity by volume. Now comes news of a new multimodal logistics terminal at the Port of Fredrikstad which may go some way to alleviate the problem.

Nominate Your Choice for the FTA everywoman Transport and Logistics Awards

UK – You have only a week left to vote for your chosen heroine as nominations for this year's 2018 FTA everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards close on Monday 26 February. In fact there is space in this year's race to honour the deserving links in the supply chain whatever their gender as the Industry Champion of the Year, can be awarded to either a man or woman who has furthered the cause of women in the industry, whilst the Male Agent of Change Award will go to a man who has made a tangible difference to the status of the opposite sex within the transport sector.

Boiling Water and Oil Still Effective Tactics Against Would Be Hijackers

PHILIPPINES – In a scene reminiscent of the siege of a castle from the Middle Ages crewmen of the cargo vessel MV Kudos 1 repelled boarders when attacked by pirates off the island of Basilan on Saturday 17 February. The crew, finding themselves facing three small craft crewed by attackers armed with grappling irons and ropes, poured a mixture of boiling water and oil down upon their assailants. This provoked the pirates into strafing the unarmed merchantman with automatic fire resulting in some minor injuries to one or two crewmen.

Two Tales of Woe on Mirrors and AdBlue Are a Salutary Lesson for All HGV Drivers

UK – It is an unfortunate reality that the world of road haulage abounds with stories of neglect and deception. Companies fail, yet spring up again immediately, leaving subcontractors and the taxman unpaid, drivers cheat on tachograph records until they are caught, and this despite the vast majority of road freight these days being carried by reputable companies which stick to the letter of the, ever more stringent, laws.

Some Smaller Items You May Have Missed

US – WORLDWIDE – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is to hold its 12^th World Cargo Symposium between 13 – 15 March 2018 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas. A host of air freight professionals are expected and there will be a preliminary set of sessions on Monday 12 March, with subjects throughout the event ranging from the shipping of perishables to security in the supply chain.

Who Is Moving Jobs Throughout the Profession

SWITZERLAND – We begin the week's round-up of appointments in the freight and logistics sector with news that container giant Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has appointed Ammar Kanaan as Chief Executive Officer of its cargo container terminals arm, Terminal Investment Limited (TiL), effective April 9. Kanaan replaces Vikram Sharma, who will retire from his position from March 30.

Programme Identifies Young Companies Ripe for Progression

NETHERLANDS – PortXL, a mentorship-driven open-innovation programme focusing on port related industries with the aim of helping the businesses to grow, has completed its yearly scouting phase from which it has identified fourteen companies from around the world that showed the most potential to innovate in the port sector.

Risks Remain However - Sometimes in Unexpected Regions

WORLDWIDE – Control Risks, has recorded a 5% decrease in global maritime security incidents in 2017, compared to results from 2016, according to data logged in the risk consultancy's specialist online maritime platform. This was driven by significant declines in maritime piracy against cargo and other vessels in both the Gulf of Guinea and South-East Asia. While the Gulf of Guinea experienced a 9% decrease in incidents compared with 2016, the region still saw higher levels of piracy than seven of the previous 10 years. South-East Asia saw a similar decline, partly due to the successful efforts of the Philippine military against the militant Abu Sayyaf Group on land, which have reduced their capabilities to kidnap victims at sea.

Construction Starts for Thames Side Fresh Food Distribution Centre

UK – After revealing in August last year that it was to develop a 108,000 square foot multi-temperature product handling facility at DP World London Gateway, the SH Pratt Group, under its new value added service subsidiary Halo, has begun construction at the UK's latest deep water container port on the banks of the River Thames. The distribution depot adds to the Luton based fruit importers portfolio of facilities and will be the port's first temperature-controlled, chilled and frozen supply chain centre, handling multi-temperature products for onward distribution in the UK market.

Global Maritime Insurance Group Praises NGO for Competition That Saves Lives

WORLDWIDE – Safety in the supply chain is at the top of the agenda for any group offering insurance services to all areas of the logistics sector, both for financial and humanitarian reasons. Thus the TT Club, which insures a staggering 80% of the world's containers, along with a host of clients from the freight forwarding, port and shipping professions, has lauded the International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA) safety award since its introduction at the NGO's 65^th anniversary conference last year.

Vessel Still Up for Sale as She Makes Her Emotional Farewell

ST. HELENA – For many people a ship can hold a special place in their lives and probably few more than the RMS St Helena, one of the last four surviving Royal Mail ships. For 27 year's she has plied the waters between this remote island enclave and the mainland with only the equally remote Ascension Island and the archipelago of Tristan de Cunha as neighbours. Moving passengers was always a problem and any serious freight even more so. Now however, the old girl is being put out to pasture, and, as we detailed in a piece in April 2016, she is still up for sale.

Penalties for London Traffic Offences Not Set to Rise

UK – Chris Grayling delivered a metaphorical slap in the face this month to London Mayor Sadiq Khan when he refused to sanction Transport for London's (TfL) request to raise Penalty Charges Notices (PCN's) from current levels. The £130 charge was set to increase to £160 (or £65 to £80 for early payment). Road freight interests praised the move which the haulage sector viewed as no more than a revenue raising exercise.

Self-Driving HGVs Take Another Step Forward for Pan European Transport

GERMANY – Following on from Pan European trials which saw convoys of semi-autonomous HGVs transiting the continent, MAN Truck & Bus and Hochschule Fresenius have delivered pilot vehicles to DB Schenker as the freight, technology and lorry manufacturing triumvirate collaborate to further test the practical applications of platooning in daily logistics operations. Established in May last year, the joint venture will trial truck convoys over a period of several months as part of DB Schenker's scheduled operations in real traffic scenarios on the A9 freeway between Munich and Nuremberg. Ewald Kaiser, Chief Operating Officer DB Schenker, commented:

Three More Battery Only Vehicles to Operate in Berlin

GERMANY – Domestic product logistics specialist Rhenus Home Delivery has just received three new FUSO eCanter electric trucks to be deployed on the company's specialist daily transport services, delivering items to end users' homes, and the vehicles were to be seen immediately working on the streets of Berlin. Rhenus was one of four European companies selected last year to test the new electrically powered trucks from the Daimler Group. All the test vehicles are being operated by freight companies in an urban environment, the other trucks going to DHL, DB Schenker and Dachser.

Will the Ocean Transport Sector Ever Clean Up its Act as Japanese Carrier Investigates In House?

JAPAN – CHINA – EUROPE – Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) is investigating the possibility that former, locally-hired management personnel in NYK Car Carrier (China), its consolidated subsidiary located in Shanghai which is engaged in finished-car logistics business in Asia, have committed unlawful acts with regard to expenditure or embezzlement. This is not the first time NYK's vehicle transport operation has come under fire in cases involving corruption, last year's South Korea RoRo cartel case alone cost the group $4.3 million dollars whilst in Australia it was hit for A$25 million.

However Move Away from Diesel Still Criticised in Some Quarters

UK – In a speech earlier this week, the recently appointed Minister of State at the Department for Transport, Jo Johnson, announced his intention to see freight and passenger rail operations move away from diesel trains by 2040, to be replaced by greener and cleaner alternatives, as the UK's transport sector as a whole looks to reduce its environmental impact.

Provision of Vital Energy Supplies to Pharmaceutical Company Continues

US – PUERTO RICO – Crowley Fuels, a division of Florida based group Crowley Maritime, has signed another multi-year supply contract with Pivotal LNG, part of Southern Company Gas, to support a major pharmaceutical company's energy needs in Puerto Rico. The contract, executed through Crowley subsidiary Carib Energy (USA) LLC, calls for Crowley to transport LNG from Pivotal facilities on the mainland to the island manufacturer. Crowley's Carib Energy was the first company to receive a small scale, 25-year, LNG export license from the US Department of Energy for LNG transportation from the US into Free Trade Agreement (FTA) countries.

Pair Form Roll-On/Roll-Off and Float-In/Float-Out Consortium

GERMANY – NETHERLANDS – From April 1, two specialist companies in the field of out of gauge and project freight transport, Hamburg headquartered SAL Heavy Lift and RollDock, based near Rotterdam, will join forces to launch a capacity pool for Roll-On/Roll-Off and Float-In/Float-Out project and heavy lift cargo. Consisting of the combined fleet of six vessels, the pool will be managed by RollDock with SAL providing specialised heavy break bulk cargo support. Martin Harren, Managing Director SAL, said:

However BGT Faces City Centre Competition

IRAQ – Global port operator International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) is continuing its developments of Iraq's port sector with its second phase investment in new container freight handling infrastructure well underway at its Basra Gateway Terminal (BGT) at the Port of Umm Qasr.

First SSTL Import and Export Flights Completed

EUROPE – CHINA – Security is an essential component along every section of the supply chain these days yet also one of the toughest things to ensure. Only by testing every link individually can one be certain that the flow of goods remains safe from the variety of malicious threats now faced, and in 2006 we saw the inception of a pilot project, Smart and Secure Trade Lanes (SSTL), which has evolved over more than a decade to now include import and export air freight rather than the original phase to ensure the security of ocean container cargo and maritime port and shipping facilities.

UKWA Conference Aims at Studying Crucial Targets for Freight and Warehousing Industry

UK – The one certainty which will always remain when it comes to the supply chain is that, whilst one can digitise and automate many facets of it, one will always need a place to transfer and store the goods. Thus the forthcoming United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA) National Conference remains a place where those senior figures in the logistics industry can meet and discuss the latest and likely future trends for the freight sector.

All Want Cleaner Air but Uncoordinated Approach Engenders Adverse Comments

UK – London Mayor, Sadiq Kahn, is now proposing to extend the already swingeing changes to air quality controls as set under his Toxicity Charge (T-Charge), and being replaced on April 8 by the city's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), with even more regulation, doubtless to the chagrin of road haulage freight operators.

Twelve Newbuilds for Taiwanese Carrier

TAIWAN – JAPAN – The Evergreen Marine Corporation, headquartered in Taiwan has entered into a new agreement with Shoei Kisen Kaisha, a subsidiary of Japanese shipbuilder, Imabari, to charter twelve 11,000+ TEU class containerships. The plans to charter these vessels were approved early last month at the board meetings of two Evergreen Marine subsidiaries, Greencompass Marine S.A. and Evergreen Marine (Hong Kong) Ltd. The two will each charter six vessels with all twelve box ships being newbuilds, and due for delivery from the third quarter of 2020 through to the last quarter of 2021.

US Airline Shifts Flowers by the Tonne

US – WORLDWIDE – One of the perennial problems which faces the shipping industry is the seasonal and ever elastic shifting of high and low busy periods caused by holidays and the like. Some, for example the fast approaching Chinese New Year, mean a rush to meet closing deadlines, followed by a period of complete inactivity lasting for weeks. Others are simply a one day event, but these can mean a sudden upsurge of particular specialist freight movements, and the effect on companies such as American Airlines Cargo in a week which includes St. Valentine's Day can only be imagined.

Our Weekly Global Review with Something for Everyone in the Profession

GERMANY – A new report, which puts the cost of the seemingly ever growing problem of cargo theft at €1.3 billion, has prompted a range of businesses around the country to launch a new initiative in a bid to stem the tide of crime. The size of the problem has been identified by the joint calculations of several business associations, led by the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA). According to the analysis, physical cargo carried on board almost 26,000 trucks is stolen in Germany every year, averaging a new attack on a truck every 20 minutes.

Demise of Air Cargo Boss Announced

UK – Yet another week when we start the appointments and departures in the shipping and logistics world with sad news. Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) has announced the passing of Dayle Hauxwell, Head of Cargo for DSA following a short illness. Hauxwell was diagnosed with Cancer in 2016 and fought hard to beat it. In recent weeks his illness returned and it was aggressive. His health declined very quickly and Hauxwell passed away peacefully on Friday 26^th January.

Contours of One Metre Ensure Depth Alarms Can Remain Active

UK – WORLDWIDE – The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has released details of a new Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) which could help to improve situational awareness and safety. Developed to cover an area of the Bristol Channel known as 'The Bridge', this high density ENC displays depth contours at one-metre intervals, allowing the electronic chart and information system (ECDIS) to set safety contours at corresponding levels to support navigation through shallow water.

Official Opening of Facility That Takes Trucks Out of the City

SWEDEN – This week saw the official opening of the country's latest intermodal facility as the Arken Combi Terminal in the Port of Gothenburg, which has actually be handling cargo since the turn of the year, was formally declared ready for business. Freight can now switch between road, rail and sea at the quayside, and can do so much more efficiently than before, and the new terminal ticks all the environmental boxes with more than 100 trucks a day avoiding having to negotiate their way through the centre of Gothenburg, cleaner air coupled with higher freight capacity and improved transport efficiency.

New Technique to Transport Fluids Gives Box Alternative to Break Bulk Cargo

FRANCE – GERMANY – WORLDWIDE – CMA CGM has launched an alternative to break bulk for the transportation of liquids which it says optimally preserves the product's properties. Unveiling its new product at this year's edition of Fruit Logistica in Berlin, Germany, the French container shipping line introduced REEFLEX, which CMA CGM says greatly enhances the transportation of liquids with the help of its design and unique technology, guaranteeing a healthy and safe way of moving liquid cargo within standard reefer containers.

Air, Rail and International Trucking On Chris Grayling's Desk This Week

UK – Transport secretary Chris Grayling is much in the news this week and one presumes he knows his way around the media having formerly worked for both the BBC and Channel 4. Whether all this attention is welcome is of course a very different matter. The Secretary of State is fighting on three different fronts, each concerning a different modal transport service, air, rail and road haulage freight.

Giant Shiploader Transported Without Incident

BELGIUM – ANGOLA – As usual nothing gets a freight forwarder more excited than a big project cargo job and once again, Hamburg headquartered Hansa Heavy Lift has safely transported another one to get the attention. A huge shiploader, with the largest unit weighing 513 metric tonnes and measuring an enormous total of 65,480 m³ was moved from Antwerp, Belgium to Namibe, Angola.

DVSA to Charge for Hours Offences and Foreign Drivers Must Pay Immediately

UK – From March 1, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will start issuing on-the-spot fines for any drivers' hours offences committed in the previous 28 days. In a single roadside check, DVSA traffic examiners will issue fines for up to 5 drivers' hours offences. With fines of up to £300 for each offence a driver could be liable for £1,500 in a single stop whether the offences were committed in the UK or abroad. DVSA will also have the option to immobilise the vehicle.

Remotely Controlled Systems Will Battle Blazes in Ports and Marinas

WORLDWIDE – To address the evolving safety and security needs of modern ports, Vancouver based naval architects and marine engineers Robert Allan Ltd., and international marine technology specialist Kongsberg Maritime are collaborating on the development of a new remotely-operated fireboat that the two companies say will allow first responders to attack dangerous port fires more aggressively and safer than ever before.

From Autonomous Trucks to RFID Tags - Logistics Embraces the Future

AUSTRALIA – US – Two companies, each occupying widely differing niches in the world of logistics, have reported record numbers this week, and both are inexorably linked with modern technology being utilised in maintaining and enhancing the freight supply chain. One has blazed a trail with the use of autonomous trucks, something now in the news daily, but used by mining group Rio Tinto for a decade, whilst the other, Tyco Retail Solutions, has used the tagging of retail products to aid billions of shoppers with everyday purchases.

Whilst Forwarding Agencies Move in so Persecution of Minorities Continues

BURMA – In the past few years we have seen a flood of international companies, including some of the world's largest freight forwarding agencies and logistics outfits, opening facilities in what they choose to call Myanmar, a title not favoured by many of the many people familiar with the true state of the country. Despite all the PR, the government has been unable to hide the truth that it has terrorised and forcibly ejected around 700,000 Rohingya people from the country to neighbouring Bangladesh. But the Rohingya refugees are not the only people in Burma suffering at the hands of the military, and you have a chance to do something about it.

Fortieth Anniversary of Truly Nautical Medical Charity

NORWAY – WORLDWIDE – Oslo in 2019 might seem a long way away when it comes to announcements, but already the Nor-Shipping event planned for 4 - 7 June of that year has started to get its act together with the announcement this week that Mercy Ships, the literally floating medical service, has been selected as its new charity partner. The global organisation, which celebrates its 40^th anniversary this year, will receive financial support and promotion throughout Nor-Shipping's maritime and ocean industry network, supporting its vital work helping and healing those in need.

Mandatory Safety Changes Which Fork Lift Truck Operators Should Know

UK – EUROPE – One of the greatest fears in a freight warehouse is that of an accident but for the average cargo handler the risk of an explosion is one that is rarely, if ever, considered. Apart from the obvious risks in many a logistics operation, an expression of liquid gas when changing a fork lift truck bottle, an accidental spillage of fuel, and similar occurrences which spring to mind, and exactly the type of incident which should normally countered by proper Health and Safety protocols, most warehousemen will have never encountered a serious explosion, and indeed given it much thought.

Ten Percent Global Growth Exceeds Expectations

DUBAI – WORLDWIDE – Global ports operator DP World reports that it handled 70.1 million TEU across its global portfolio of container freight terminals in the full year of 2017, with gross container volumes growing by 10.1% year-on-year on a reported basis, and 9.7% on a like-for-like basis, beating Drewry Maritime's estimated 6% global container throughput growth estimate for the last year.

Shipping Lines Cooperate on Multipurpose Vessel Bimonthly Middle East - Asian Services

SINGAPORE – SOUTH KOREA – WORLDWIDE – Long-standing collaborators Austral Asia Line (AAL) and Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) are expanding their cooperation with an extension to their multipurpose vessel (MPV) services looking to carry break bulk, project heavy-lift and general cargo. The pair have established a joint Far East - Middle East Liner Service, served by five MPV vessels and a scheduled bi-monthly rotation. It will also see the expansion of HMM's services portfolio with global tramp solutions, and semi-liner services provided by AAL. Both carriers will remain independent and promote these expanded services under their own respective brands.

Firms Can Adjust Parameters Themselves to Ensure Parcels Arrive Only on Working Days

UK – Our thanks goes out to e-commerce specialist ParcelCompare for illustrating a simple way to ensure the courier with your Amazon purchased package won't arrive on a day over the weekend, just to find a locked office or nobody home. Such deliveries waste both the time of the driver and the receiver who then often has to arrange a re-collection and delivery. As ParcelCompare point out, many consumers are loving the new weekend shipping service from Amazon that increasingly includes Sunday deliveries. The company however is not a fan.

TIACA Boss Says as Logistics Evolves So Must His Operation

US – WORLDWIDE – The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA), whose members number many major airlines as well as charter companies, freight forwarders, customs brokers and other industry stakeholders from around the globe, says it is rolling out a new vision for the Association, which will see the development of more training and consultancy projects, as well as a new look, and a reinvigorated value proposition for members.

Original Isle of Wight Ferry Group Prepares Ship for the Summer

UK – The £3 million refurbishment of the Red Funnel RoPax ferry Red Eagle which we first reported in September last year, is now well under way in Southampton. The ship was dry-docked at A&P's yard in Falmouth earlier this month to facilitate her annual survey and the painting of the hull and superstructure. The opportunity was also taken to strip-out the existing passenger lounges in preparation for the main part of the refurbishment which was awarded to Southampton based Trimline Ltd.

Underwater Repairs Can be Effected Without Dry Docking

BELGIUM – WORLDWIDE – Much has been made of the necessity to ensure waste water emanating from modern cargo ships has been treated as demanded by MARPOL regulations, but the International maritime Organization (IMO) rules refer to any pollution, and one common, but insidious cause, is leaks from a vessel's stern tubes, allowing and ingress of water and, all too often, the passage of oil into the surrounding waters.

Box Cargo Boss Regrettably Passes On as Elsewhere Careers Continue Apace

CHINA – China Ocean Shipping Group has announced the death of the former President of the China Shipping Group, Li Kelin, at the age of 76. Known as the ‘Father of Chinese Containers’ Li helped to develop the country's box freight sector, and lead the company through several financial crises during his long career in the industry, working his way up from serving as a Captain to eventually head China Shipping in 1997 for a period of 9 years before retiring in 2006.

A Quick Look at the Rest of What is Happening in the Industry This Week

US – We begin this week's look at some of the general trade news with an upcoming event of particular interest to investors in the sector. As well as owning or leasing 122 freight railroads across North America, Genesee & Wyoming has extended its reach in the past few years to acquire a range of logistics interests, not least the purchase of the Freightliner group, the UK's largest rail maritime intermodal operator and second-largest rail freight company in 2015 and container specialists Pentalver last year.

Funding Doubled to Bring More Young People into the Maritime Industry

UK – The government announcement today (February 2) that a £15 million funding package will ensure more than 400 extra cadets will be trained in maritime roles every year, effectively doubles the money available to support young people under the Support for Maritime Training (SMarT) scheme. The intake of cadets can now actually rise to 1,200 from the current level of 750 whilst several passenger, container freight and bulk cargo shipping lines, including Maersk, Carnival UK, BP, Shell and Stena Line have also pledged to create an extra 450 training positions on board their ships.

Global Market Demands Latest Technology

US – WORLDWIDE – For an industry known for bringing the future to reality today, the air freight profession is seeing some of the fastest technological advances even in a sector used to the rapid adoption of modern methods and equipment. For companies like American Airlines Cargo the complexities of managing thousands of consignments to all parts of the globe can only be imagined, hence the company's latest move, a cargo management system update to see it streamline and modernise processes, both for itself, and its customers.

IATA Figures for 2017 Published

WORLDWIDE – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released full-year 2017 data for global air freight markets showing that demand, measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTKs) grew by 9%, more than double the 3.6% annual growth recorded in 2016 and the strongest calendar-year growth since 2010, which the industry body says was driven by the restocking cycle and buoyant demand for manufactured exports. Meanwhile, Freight capacity, measured in available freight tonne kilometres (AFTKs), rose by 3% in 2017, the slowest annual capacity growth seen since 2012. Demand growth outpaced capacity growth by a factor of three.

Cloud Based System to Automate Smart Ship Movements

NETHERLANDS – With the Port of Rotterdam aiming to host both freight and passenger autonomous vessels by 2025, the Port of Rotterdam Authority has announced that it is collaborating with IBM to transform its operational environment using Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud-based technologies in order to prepare the Dutch port's entire 42-kilometre site to facilitate connected ships in the future as the shipping industry sets its sights on automation.

Multi Million Euro Fines Will Stay for Cartel Participants

EUROPE – The European Court of Justice has upheld a decision by the European Commission to impose fines totalling €169 million on several international air freight forwarders for their participation in various agreements and concerted practices in the air cargo sector, between 2002 and 2007. The EC originally made a decision to penalise the long list of forwarders for their respective roles in several cartels in March 2012, but a number of the companies concerned brought actions before the General Court for the annulment of the Commission's decision or for a reduction in their respective fines. The appeal was dismissed and the fines also upheld for the most part.

Metropolitan Police Counter Terror Focus Desk Aids with Extended FORS Scheme

UK – The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) has launched a new 'Security and Counter Terrorism' online training resource, a new eLearning module following the disturbing rise in the use of commercial vehicles in terrorist-related incidents. Delivered through the dedicated FORS Professional training programme, 'Security and Counter Terrorism' aims to better focus a driver's attention to personal and vehicle security, and to the potential threat of terrorism; specifically, theft of vehicles or loads and the use of vehicles as weapons.