Shipping Search - Archive

Financial Year 2009 Not As Bad As Predicted

WORLDWIDE – Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) have announced a revision of their projected financial statement on the same day as they have set new company goals for the future. The group have predicted a 100% uplift to their previously predicted income figure producing an net income of 8.36 Yen per share against the 4.18 Yen quoted formerly.

Concerns over US Indictment

KUWAIT – Agility, the largest logistics company in the Middle-East, has announced that they are to delay announcing their annual financial results and are suspending their stocks on the Kuwaiti Bourse until the 6th of April.

Fears that Freight will be Neglected

UK – The Rail Freight Group (RFG), which represents the interests of the UK’s rail freight users and hauliers, has written to the CEO of Network Rail, the country’s rail infrastructure operator, to express their concerns that an impeding nationwide strike by signallers will see rail freight sacrificed to maintain passenger services.

Unseasonal Blizzards Catch Out Travellers

UK- After one of the harshest Winters in years Northern Britain was swept by snowstorms again today causing chaos on the roads and stopping ferry sailings into the Irish Sea between certain ports. Commercial freight traffic failed to ship as numerous sailings were cancelled due to the atrocious weather. In Northern Ireland road conditions were described by Police as extremely treacherous with many snow drifts exceeding four feet.

US And Indian Governments Issue Alarms

INDIAN OCEAN – The US and Indian governments have both issued warnings to their vessels engaged in trade off the east coast of Africa to take precautions against an expected increase in pirate activity between now and May, a period of calm weather between monsoon seasons that is optimal for sailing, and the demonstrated increased range of recent pirate attacks.

Environmental Plans Rewarded at Manhattan Bash

US – The Justmeans.com/Financial Times 2010 Social Innovation Awards ceremony in New York last week saw freight truck operators Con-way Incorporated, collect the award for “Best Internal Sustainability” in recognition of their sustained environmental policies. The awards are not for the many organisations which are “going green” but rather for those who lead their industries by way of new policies.

Infrastructure Development under the Spotlight

UK – Today saw the publication of the Transport Select Committee’s report on the Major Road Network. This is the latest study into the current state and future management requirements of Britain’s chief highways and is of particular interest to hauliers and those involved in the shipping industry who are facing a period of uncertainty given the threat of cuts to publicly funded schemes in the light of the political rhetoric which precedes the imminent General Election.

A Q&A Series for Members of the Global Freight Community

UK – The latest in a series of professional profiles on members of the global freight and logistics community is Tim Phillips, CEO of Freightex, a UK-based freight load exchange that allows empty trucks to pick up back loads around Europe so as to maximise efficiency and profitability. Tim currently lives in the Midlands and is married with two daughters.

Companies Encouraged To Promote Their Industry Related Qualifications

EUROPE / USA – The Handy Shipping Guide’s directory of freight and logistics companies has now added the option of C-TPAT and AEO accreditation being displayed on directory listings. Industry standards such as ISO, IATA and FIATA plus a host of national accreditations are already included for their relevant industry sectors.

New Warehouse Confirms 'Continued Commitment to the UAE'

DUBAI – Global supply chain management company CEVA Logistics is to have a purpose built state-of-the-art warehouse and office facility built in the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), Dubai.

Growing Demand For Service

UK - BG Freight Line (BG) has launched a second weekly direct service linking Teesport with Rotterdam to meet rising demand on the route. The initial service had been established by BG, part of the Peel Ports Group, in April last year.

Worldwide Deal On Gas Exploration Shipping Services

WORLDWIDE - Gazprom Global LNG Ltd, a subsidiary of OAO Gazprom, one of the world's largest natural gas companies, has signed a worldwide multi-service agreement with Dubai-based shipping, logistics and marine services provider GAC.

General Cargo Shipments to move via Road and Air Freight

US –EUROPE - TNT and Con-way Freight have announced they will work jointly on European bound consignments in excess of 70 kgs utilising the two companies speciality shipping networks to provide optimum service. TNT operates Europe’s largest road express network, providing service through 414 depots across 39 European countries. Con-way Freight runs a system of more than 300 service centres across North America, recently revamped to cut transit times by a day to 460 U.S. destinations. The new offering will complement the intercontinental import service the two companies launched as part of their multi modal commercial alliance in April 2009.

More Automotive Contracts For Swiss Giant

THAILAND - Kuehne + Nagel Thailand has concluded a new contract with Continental Tyres (Thailand) to handle the company’s importation and nationwide distribution requirements.

Company Extends TP6 Route

USA / VIETNAM – Container shipping line Maersk Line is to adjust its Trans-Pacific 6 service (TP6) to add an additional call which will connect Vietnam to the US West Coast with an eighteen day transit time.

Crowley Add to Fleet of Specialist Vessels

US – Jacksonville based Crowley Holdings Inc., a subsidiary of the 117-year-old Crowley Maritime Corporation have just christened the eighth of ten new 185,000-barrel Articulated Tug-Barge (ATB) tank vessels that the company will take delivery of by 2011. An ATB is designed to carry hazardous liquid cargoes and has an articulated, or hinged, connection system between the tug and barge, which allows movement in one axis, or plane in the critical area of fore and aft pitch and the ATB fleet has moved hundred of millions of barrels of product with zero spills since the vessels entered service in 2002.

Middle East/India - Med trade strengthened with ME 3 service

MEDITERRANEAN / WEST ASIA - Safmarine is to reintroduce its ME 3 shipping service between the Mediterranean and West Central Asia. The service had been withdrawn in 2009 but renewed trade on this route has seen the African specialist shipping line reconsider.

Hauliers call for Federal Restriction of Speculators

US – The American Trucking Associations (ATA),in their role as members of the Commodity Markets Oversight Coalition, have joined with more than 75 other industry and consumer groups to advocate federal regulation of the commodity futures market. In 2008, excessive speculation in commodities pushed crude oil to $147 a barrel, exposing the trucking industry, consumers and the national economy to crippling fuel prices. The spectacular fuel price rises witnessed then caused food and home energy bills to rise and freight shipping companies of every hue saw increased costs, also generally passed on to customers.

210-Tonne Pieces Installed at Kuwait Substation

KUWAIT – GAC Kuwait, the national office of global shipping and logistics provider GAC Logistics, has successfully completed delivery and placement of four 210-tonne transformers at the Jaber Al Ahmed "W" substation.

Historic Port Looks To Future

UK – The Port Of Bristol has received approval to build a new £500 million deep sea container terminal that will enable the historic port to handle the very largest ships and will, according to the port’s management, reaffirm Bristol as a major shipping centre.

'Are Women Suited to the Shipping World ?' Debated by WISTA

UK – Last week a meeting of the Women's International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) more than half the attendees were men as the group debated the role of women in shipping. The success of the event, a tribute to International Women’s Day 2010, reflected the growing prestige of WISTA-UK among both genders - and all sections - of the maritime community. WISTA-UK is one of 27 national associations affiliated to the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association. The venue was located on an upper floor of one of London’s tallest buildings, the new Broadgate Tower.

Telematics offer on new deals promises big savings

UK - Customers opting to contract hire their new Actros and Axor X tractor units through Mercedes-Benz CharterWay can now take advantage of an exciting new telematics offer. Daimler FleetBoard’s industry-leading hardware will be supplied and fitted, and three months’ vehicle management services provided under their normal terms and conditions, at no extra cost. Freight shipping operations often utilise the technology which Mercedes say delivers significant savings in fuel costs and reductions in carbon emissions, as well as cutting accident rates.

European Airline Express Concerns on Ownership Issues

EUROPE / USA – The European Union and the United States yesterday agreed to expand on their existing Open-Skies agreement that commits both parties to the accord indefinitely.

Warns Of Failure to Deal with Cabotage Issues

UK – The UK’s Road Haulage Association (RHA), the trade body that represents the interests of British commercial vehicle operators, is the latest industry organisation to add criticism to the recent budget.

Relationship Between Manufacturer And 4PL Provider Tightens

USA - Navistar International Corporation, a major producer of commercial and military vehicles, has announced that it has decided to expand the level of fourth party logistics (4PL) support and management services that it contracts from Menlo Worldwide Logistics, a subsidiary of the Con-way freight transport group.

Important Qualification Achieved After Two Years Effort

EUROPE – MOL Europe has received its AEO security certification from Dutch customs. The qualification, which is the European equivalent to the American C-TPAT accreditation, makes MOL Europe subject to fewer physical inspection and document checks on freight shipments.

Jarvis Hit By Slowdown and Contract Deferrals

UK – Rail maintenance and freight group Jarvis, at one time the UK’s biggest construction company and currently one of the largest rail organisations in the UK, has announced that it has entered administration after it failed to secure funding from creditors that would allow it to continue trading, placing an estimated 2,000 jobs at risk.

Tories say they will Revise the Rules for Port Side Operators - Too Late for Some

UK – Lord Bates, Conservative Party spokesman and Shadow Minister for communities, local government, energy and climate change, has stated that his party will cancel the uncollected debts of port side operators for outstanding business rates. The Tories do intend to charge the freight handling operators in future, but state that the unfair way the charges have been calculated and levied up to now have made the system unfit for purpose.

P&O To Restart Daily Service

UK / BELGIUM – Ferry operator P&O have announced that they are to resume their freight ferry service between Dover and Zeebrugge from the 7th of April.

Lloyds Register Pollution Guide Tells How to Detoxify Ballast Water

WORLDWIDE – In 1982, somewhere in the Black Sea a vessel, probably either a container carrier or an oil tanker, blew out her ballast tanks to stabilise her whilst she loaded her cargo. She had recently visited a point along the Atlantic coast of North or South America where she had unloaded a previous cargo. We shall never know her name or nationality but in that single act of pumping unfiltered water into the surrounding harbour she changed the entire economy of a region, probably forever.

But Warns That Rises Will Cause 'Detrimental Effects' and Regional Policy 'Unfair'

UK – Today’s budget announcements concerning a graduated rise in fuel duty for the UK has been met with slight relief by logistics industry representatives the Freight Transport Association (FTA), which had previously warned of the dangers to haulage companies of imposing a sudden increase in one hit.

M/V Coronis Chartered for Two Years By Siba

GREECE – Bulk shipping company Diana Shipping has entered into a time charter contract with Siba Ships Asia, the Singapore arm of Italy’s Siba Ship Group, for one of its Panamax dry bulk carriers, the 74,381 dwt m/v Coronis.

Flexible Study Approach Suits Those in Industry

ABERDEEN / SCOTLAND – A new course has recently been launched by the Energy Centre at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, that is designed to fulfil industry requirements for a practical course delivering the benefits of applying a life-cycle approach to asset management.

80% Cuts in Particulate Matter Achieved in Trials

JAPAN – Shipping line owner Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) have revealed encouraging results for a new diesel particulate filter (DPF) for vessels that use heavy fuel oil that they have developed alongside marine engine manufacturers Akasaka Diesels Limited.

ICG 2009 Figures Published This Week

IRELAND – Much as expected, that would seem to be the message from John B. McGucklan, Chairman of the Irish Continental Group regarding their performance for the last financial year. What is particularly interesting is that the group provide a good measure of how freight, both RoRo and container shipping are performing against the passenger traffic which they also carry.

(Whilst Some Laid Up Shipping Has A Use After All)

SCOTLAND – WORLDWIDE - Whilst shipping lines collectively harden their attitudes to what they view as perilously depressed rates in an effort to escape from the collective poverty they have endured in the past months the list of container ships and tankers laid up around the world seems to endure. Many of the major shipping groups are making positive noises about rising returns which they anticipate next year but, in reality, higher rates are more likely to boost profits than tonnage increases.

Note of Protest Handed to Uzbek Ambassador

UZBEKISTAN / TAJIKSTAN – The Government of Tajikstan has officially handed a note of protest to the Uzbek Ambassador over the latter nations apparent inability to allow an estimated one thousand rail freight cars to pass across its borders, according to Radio Free Europe.

Joint Aspirations between Management and Crew Unions

WORLDWIDE – A Memorandum of Understanding between InterManager, the international ship managers’ association whose members include such container and bulk shipping giants as A.P. Moller - Maersk A/S and NYK Ship Management, and the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), which represents millions of transport sector workers via their member unions.

Training Company To Present Cheque

UK – The Professional Drivers Foundation (PDF), a charity fund established by the UK Professional Drivers Association (PDA) and specifically aimed at assisting HGV drivers, is to receive a cheque for £2,500 on 14 April at the Commercial Vehicle Operator Show from one of the UK's leading providers of transport-related training, Novadata.

More Weekly Flights To US and Hong Kong

ITALY - Cargoitalia, Italy’s all-cargo airline, is increasing its schedule by 50% in March with flights to the U.S. and Hong Kong rising to three per week.

Latest Seizure Closer To India Than Africa

INDIAN OCEAN – Somali pirates have apparently attacked and captured a Turkish vessel 1,000 nautical miles east of Somalia, the furthest distance they are reported to have ranged to date and in fact closer to India than Africa.

Will Deliver Thousands of Computers to Haitian School Children

GERMANY / HAITI – Post, freight and logistics giant DHL is to offer its services free to The One Laptop per Child foundation (OLPC) so that the not-for-profit organisation can deliver over two thousand laptops to schools and students in Haiti.

Leads the Ways with Aerodynamic Wheel Covers

USA – U.S. freight and logistics group Schneider National have announced that they are leading the industry by fitting Deflecktor Aero Wheel Covers to their entire tractor fleet. Once the covers are fitted to the entire 12,000+ strong fleet, Schneider National expects to be saving around 1.8 million gallons (8.17 million litres) of fuel per annum.

Study Shows Usage amongst Drivers Increasing

USA – A study by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) which shows that safety belt usage among commercial truck and bus drivers has risen from 65 percent in 2007 to 74 percent in 2009 has been hailed by the American Trucking Association (ATA) as proof of the value of safety awareness campaigns and stronger enforcement by the authorities.

Growth Continues In Specialist Sector

INDIA - GAC Marine Logistics (GML), part of the greater GAC freight network, has opened a new office in Chennai, India, to house its rapidly-growing customer service team.

Seven Year Contract worth A$150 Million

AUSTRALIA – Rail and port operator Asciano has signed a rail haulage contract with freight forwarding company Sadleirs Transport, one of Australia's leading logistics groups, which is expected to generate around A$150 million over the next seven years.

Consolidation For Expanding Business

UK – Essex-based Woodland Group has completed its move into its new headquarters and has also unveiled its new look. The group has relocated from Coggeshall to larger premises in Chelmsford, offering 70,000 sq ft of warehousing space and consolidated its various brands under the Woodland name.

ITF Calls for Unanimity Against Piracy but Criticizes Norwegian Re- Flagging

GERMANY – Last week saw Berlin host the meeting of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Fair Practices Committee and other labour related meetings. The ITF, which links up over 750 unions’ world wide representing in excess of four and a half million transport sector workers, expressed particular interest in persuading all Governments to support anti piracy programmes and for action by Norway to prevent its entire offshore sector fleet being reflagged to save shipping lines’ costs.

New Markets to Open for Both Countries

ECUADOR / RUSSIA / DENMARK – Container shipping line Maersk Line has announced that they are to implement a new direct service between Ecuador and Russia. The ECUBEX service will be the first direct liner route between the two countries.

BA World Cargo Joins DHL Strategic Air Cargo Security Partnership

UK / GERMANY - DHL Global Forwarding and British Airways World Cargo have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that sees BA join DHL’s Strategic Air Cargo Security Partnership.

Continued Expansion for Forwarder

RUSSIA - Independent freight forwarder F.S. Mackenzie has marked the significant opening of its fifth office in Russia at the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk. This brings the number of F.S.Mackenzie offices worldwide to fourteen.

May Event Set to Highlight Anomalies in the Industry

US – Crane and hoist safety procedures are under the spotlight at this year’s Reach Expo 2010, an exhibition of rigging and hoist related products, which combines with the Industrial Crane & Hoist and Crane and Rigging Conferences in Houston in May (see Handy Shipping Guide Events page for full details).

Important Addition to World Food Programme

USA / HAITI – Lloyd’s Register, the internationally renowned assurance and vessel survey group, have been working around the clock alongside the US Coast Guard and vessel management company International Shipping Partners of Miami to get one special ship ready for sailing.

ITS Scirocco Frees SAAD 1

SOMALIA – The ITS Scirocco, one of five NATO warships operating in the waters around the Horn of Africa as part of the organisations counter piracy mission, Operation Ocean Shield, have succeeded in freeing a small Iranian cargo ship, the SAAD 1, along with its nineteen strong crew.

Transport Department Policy Statement Slated by the Industry

UK – The recent draft National Policy Statement on Britain’s Ports issued by the Department for Transport (DfT) has come in for severe criticism from leading industry groups and Members of Parliament. Now the British International Freight Association (BIFA) have agreed with claims that the report is “not fit for purpose” and has called for major changes to ensure Britain retains or increases its share of shipping traffic.

Split Over Port Drayage Legislation

US – The Teamsters union stand accused of using deceit to support their case for banning non union labour from acting as drayage operators, drayage in this case meaning hauliers who work at transporting shipping containers to and from the ports. At the moment federal transport law protect the service from monopolies and ensures competition by allowing independent operators to collect and deliver containerised freight.

A Week Left to try and Beat Guinness Target

With only ten days left before the Women In Trucking’s “Salute to the Women Behind the Wheel” the organization is over half way to its goal to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of female professional drivers.

MARAD Warns of High Risk to Vessels

Following on from the alert two weeks ago about a potential terrorist threat to shipping comes an advisory from the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) that information has been received about a raised likelihood of attacks by Al-Qaeda on vessels transiting the Bab Al Mandeb Strait, Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden along the coast of Yemen.

New Billion Dollar Plant to be Producing in Two Years Time

INDIA – As reported here in December automotive giant Daimler AG has announced that it is to build a commercial vehicle plant in Chennai with an expected investment by the German-based company of just short of a billion dollars.

Recognition for Efforts Made in Employing Former Military Personnel

USA – Freight and logistics service provider Con-way Freight has been shortlisted for the Civilianjobs.com ‘2010 Most Valuable Employers (MVE) for Military’ award.

Hoyer and Transaid Collaborate on Driver Training in Zambia

UK / ZAMBIA – Transport development charity Transaid and bulk and tank transport specialists the Hoyer Group have collaborated to give professional drivers in Africa the benefit of the latest safety training and techniques.

ITF Reports Support World Wide

UK – The threatened stoppages at BA are being supported by transport workers groups worldwide according to the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF). The global union federation, so often the voice of sanity in these situations who represent over four and a half million transport workers in 154 countries told us today that many of their member organisations were backing the BA crews.

Melbourne Company Celebrate The Dawn of the Tiger

AUSTRALIA – Whilst most freight and logistics groups were crying in their beer Melbourne based Famous Pacific Shipping invited over 100 favoured guests to a slap up meal at one of the city’s best Cantonese restaurants. The assembly was treated to a traditional Chinese nine-course banquet and entertained with a lion dance before each guest was presented with a tiger figurine to commemorate both the year and the occasion.

Deutsche Bahn and Russian Railways Team Up to Train for the Future

RUSSIA – GERMANY – There were celebrations today at the opening of the new Competence Centre for Logistics at the Graduate School of Management of St. Petersburg State University. The project is a collaboration between industry giants Deutsche Bahn and Russian Railways (RZD) and both the Chairman of the German group and RZD’s President , Wladimir Jakunin, were there to give their views.

Number of Specialist Depots Doubled

WORLDWIDE – Global freight and logistics giant DHL has further strengthened its position as a leading global Clinical Trials Logistics provider by doubling the number of its global depots from 8 to 16 to include India, China, Panama, Canada, USA, Chile, Argentina and Lebanon.

New European Business for Swiss Giant

SPAIN - AkzoNobel Spain, a leading manufacturer and supplier of hi-tech paints and coatings, has chosen Kuehne + Nagel as the exclusive contract logistics provider to manage their Iberian distribution centre.

Improved Infrastructure Makes for Faster Transit

IRELAND – UK – Irish Ferries are keen to point out the advantages of their Pembroke to Rosslare route to civilian and freight traffic alike, shipping to and from the Emerald Isle. Up to 120 articulated trucks can be accommodated on the “Isle of Inishmore” which plies the route, completing the crossing in just four hours.

Structural Repairs until May

US – Both road freight and shipping will be affected by the current closure of the Judge William Seeber Bridge over the Industrial Canal, New Orleans, Louisiana. The bridge will remain closed to vehicular traffic seven days a week, 24 hours a day, beginning March 15 and lasting until the beginning of May.

ATA want improvements to parking and infrastructure

US – One year ago Jason Rivenburg, a New York freight delivery driver was murdered in cold blood for $7. He was forced to park in an abandoned gas station in South Carolina because no properly lit and equipped facilities were within reach whilst he waited to unload his cargo of milk. Now “Jason’s Law” is to go before Congress and the American Trucking Associations (ATA) are lobbying hard to ensure that the Secretary of Transportation, in cooperation with appropriate State, regional, and local governments, allocate funds for new safety rest areas and the expansion and improvement of existing safety rest areas that serve the highway system.

Combined Effort to Help CCSP Transition

USA – DHL and American Airlines Cargo have joined efforts to help their customers avoid disruption when the U.S. Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP) comes into effect on the 1st of August this year, which will mean that cargo carried on passenger aircraft will be individually screened.

Frost & Sullivan Recognise Evolution Time

UK - Emergency logistics provider Evolution Time Critical (ETC) has been awarded the Frost & Sullivan 2010 European Logistics Vertical Market Penetration Leadership Award. The award recognises Evolution’s market leading position in the provision of emergency logistics and is presented each year to a company that has demonstrated strong market growth and customer satisfaction.

Union and Authority Agree Deal

UK – The Milford Haven Port Authority (MHPA) and the Unite Trade Union have concluded discussions that have resulted in an agreement to diffuse the possibility of industrial action being undertaken by the ports pilots.

Givaudan Nederland Confirm Outsource Choice

NETHERLANDS – TDG, the European-based supply chain and logistics provider, has secured a long-term contract to provide warehousing and handling services to Givaudan Nederland BV, one of the leading manufacturers in the flavour and fragrance industry.

Vectura AS Outsources Warehousing and Distribution Services

NORWAY - Vectura AS, a supplier of logistics services for producers, agents and importers of wine and spirits in Norway, has signed a three-year agreement to outsource warehousing and distribution activities at its Trondheim site to Kuehne & Nagel. Vectura is a company in Arcus-Gruppen and the leading logistics company for wine, spirits and other alcoholic beverages in Norway, with a market share of 49% in 2009. Vectura supplies complete logistics solutions, which include imports from more than 1000 suppliers in 50 countries.

Another Rail Crossing Accident - but This Time Some Good News

US – Not a day goes by in the Handy Shipping Guide office without another sad tale from somewhere around the world involving an accident between a road vehicle and a moving train, the nature of level crossings making them inherently dangerous places for freight and passenger, motorised or pedestrian traffic alike. Every few weeks we hear a cry from somewhere to stop the slaughter by introducing better controls over passage across the rail tracks but cost and the complexity or remoteness of many of the sites make it nearly impossible to preclude such incidents

Who Will Step Up to Help CMA CGM ?

FRANCE – As reported here over the past few months CMA CGM have been through the wringer of late with accusations bandied about after illegal arms incidents involving their subsidiaries ANL in a Persian Gulf situation and just last month Delmas in South Africa. The companies main problem however remains one more familiar to container shipping companies and freight truckers alike lately, that of spiralling debts.

But is there Light at the End of the Eurotunnel ?

UK – FRANCE – It has been a tough year for the shipping industry overall and this is epitomised by Eurotunnel who have had to face not only aggressive marketing by cross channel ferry services but the double debacle of the September 2008 fire, partially closing the tunnel for five months, and the Eurostar “wrong kind of snow” incidents in December and January. Despite the shipping of freight carrying vehicles being relatively unaffected by the bad weather the public perception was somewhat different. Financial losses which can be recouped by a hefty insurance claim do not always account for loss of credibility.

Konecranes celebrates 3000th machine made at one factory

SWEDEN – Finnish crane and fork lift truck manufacturer Konecranes have celebrated the 3000th machine to be produced by their Swedish Markaryd plant. The Swedish facility became part of the Konecranes group with their acquisition of SMV Lifttrucks AB in 2004 and the historic milestone machine was a container reach stacker built to order for container movers and shippers Van der Most of the Netherlands.

Offers Taken Up by Investors as Genco Extends Another Charter

US – Two new flotations hit the New York Stock Market this week, the first such shipping company initial public share offers since the crisis in bulk and container shipping started to bite. Baltic Trading, a dry bulk company whose details we published in February, and a new oil tanker group, Crude Carriers Corporation, a Marshall Islands registered Greek initiative, both achieved their launch targets but prices were at the bottom end of estimations.

CSW Service to Take in Extra Ports

ASIA – SOUTH AMERICA – SOUTH AFRICA - In line with their recent policy of optimising all routes container shipping giant Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) yesterday confirmed the changes to their Asia East Coast – South America Service (routing via South Africa) known as CSW, effective with the sailing of the "MOL Dignity" Voy. 4510AB from Xingang, with an estimated departure date of the 25th March.

Channel 5 will Feature Pall-Ex Boss

UK – For those who like to take their work home with them a new weekly TV show may prove on interest. Hilary Devey CEO and Chairman of the Pall-Ex Group, Britains leading palletised freight distribution network, and the lady behind the outfits growth as well as her responsibility for the original concept will present The Business Inspector at 8pm for four weeks from 17th March.

Companies Will Work to Improve Cost and Carbon Savings

UK - DHL Supply Chain has been awarded a four year contract worth £75 million to manage the UK warehousing and distribution of dry goods and chilled produce for BP's UK Convenience Retail business which manages the oil giants fuel station convenience stores.

Foreign Lorries Condemned in Commons Report

UK – The Road Haulage Association (RHA) joined others in the British haulage community in the release of today’s House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report which confirms that overseas vehicles are more likely to be involved in accidents on the country’s roads. The Association is particularly encouraged by the report’s acknowledgment that “they contribute little in the way of revenue and pose a particular challenge in terms of enforcing regulations”.

Inaugural Sailing Set for April

CHINA – US – At a time when only the bravest might consider a major investment in container shipping by way of a brand new venture as a bright idea, next month TCC - The Containership Company – say they will launch their new “no frills” service between the two countries. Rumours in October that John Fredriksen would back the venture are said to have come to nought with the Norwegian tanker billionaire said to have been advised to avoid a possible conflict of interest. Mr Fredriksen is a major stockholder in other shipping groups.

Market Share Expands in Tough Conditions

UK – Clarkson PLC, one of the worlds leading shipping services and brokerage firms, has announced its preliminary profits for 2009. Though the company has seen its revenues drop from 2008 Clarksons state that they have returned a profit and believe that their position in the global ship broking and shipping services sector strengthened through market share gains, new clients and new personnel from ship brokers who have failed.

US Driver Passes Four Million Mile Mark

US – Rick Gassman has been hitting the road, without hitting anything else, for over half a century, and yesterday he was honoured by his company, Greatwide Logistics, national 3PL providers, for passing four million miles without even as much as a moving traffic violation let alone an accident whilst shipping customers product from his Dubuque, Iowa base. Even by his employers 26% improvement in safety over the past four years, Rick’s record appears exceptional.

US Sector makes an Offer for UK Company

UK – US – Tanfield plc have confirmed to the Handy Shipping Guide that they have received a non-binding conditional offer for the groups Smith Electric Vehicle division, producers of the Ford Transit based Edison van series, from Smiths Electric Vehicles US Inc. The company’s move into the US market was announced here in October last year and the pace of this rapidly expanding market is such that the offer is not entirely unexpected.

American Trucking Associations Give Scheme the Thumbs Up

US – After some quite fractious negotiations in California, not to mention ongoing litigation, when attempts to purge the atmosphere of vehicle pollutants emanating from older rigs was proposed and then introduced, it seems authorities in New York have learnt by their southerly cousins’ mistakes. Today the American Trucking Associations (ATA) praised the leadership of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for developing a Clean Trucks Program designed to improve air quality at the port.

Company Wins Important Accreditation

UK - Schenker Limited in the UK has been awarded Authorised Economic Operator (AEO - F) status across its multi-modal branches for both Customs simplification and security and safety.

Container Barge Service Ties Highway to River System

THAILAND – Handy Shipping Guide’s Thailand office is to have a new neighbour with the announcement that Damco, the logistics arm of Danish shipping giant A.P. Moller-Maersk, announce they have commenced distribution services from their new export freight hub on Poochao-saming-prai Road which links via a daily container barge service to the main Thai port of Laem Chabang.

RHA Want Haulage to Receive Higher Priority

UK - The Road Haulage Association (RHA), which numbers many freight truck companies amongst its membership, have compiled a list of matters which they feel should be addressed by Government after the imminent General Election. The organisation laments a Transport Department that has exchanged Ministers like some professional football club with seven new appointments in the past ten years of Labour rule.

CEO Still Aspires to Paperless Environment

CANADA – At the IATA World Cargo Symposium yesterday Director General and CEO Giovanni Bisignani summarised the current air freight situation and told the assembled selection of 750 delegates representing carriers, shipping groups, freight forwarders and other industry interests, as to his ideas regarding the best solutions.

Multinational Effort to Supply Power to North Africa

LIBYA – TUNISIA – ALGERIA – This month saw remote locations in the three countries receive eighteen transformers and associated equipment at remote locations along their borders. Three members of the Project Professionals Group from different nations combined to ensure that the Siemens contract, emanating in Belgium, made the successful transit, shipping to power stations in Ghadames, Derj, Sinwawin, Nalut and Al-Sawia.

24-Hour Strike for Tomorrow

GREECE – In the continued troubles that beset the Mediterranean country another 24-hour strike at ports, airports and border crossing checkpoints has been scheduled for Thursday the 11th of March.

Thousand Delegates Expected

UK – PIANC, an international association dedicated to improving maritime navigation, has announced that their upcoming PIANC MMX Congress are to have Trelleborg Marine Systems (TMS), one of the world’s suppliers of fendering, berthing and mooring systems, as their major sponsor for the event. This year’s Congress is a double celebration as PIANC is also marking its 125th anniversary.

Experiences Greater Demand For Supply Chain Services In California

USA - Panalpina Los Angeles has added an additional 42,000 square feet of warehouse space to cope with the growing demand it is experiencing for their supply chain management services to clients in Southern California.

Maersk Line And Lloyds Register Ally to Test Fuel

UK / DENMARK / NETHERLANDS – Two of the most renowned names in the shipping industry, Maersk and Lloyd’s Register, are cooperating with the Dutch government and a number of specialist contractors to run a trial on the use of biodiesel fuel in marine engines.

Royal Freight LP plumps for VeriWise Technology

US – Royal Freight LP of McAllen, Texas, an international truckload carrier, have signed a five year agreement with Asset Intelligence, a subsidiary of I.D.Systems to purchase their VeriWise™ trailer management system and will initially fit the security and location sensor and transmitter equipment to their fleet of seven hundred and fifty dry vans shipping freight throughout the US, Canada and Mexico.

Cost Cutting Exercise Turns Around Results

GERMANY – Post and logistics giant Deutsche Post DHL has announced that despite the recession and making a loss for the 2008 financial year due to a drop of over 15% in turnover, the group has returned to profitability in 2009 with a full-year consolidated net profit of 644 million euros.

Major Project from Sheffield to Chennai

UK – INDIA – Project forwarder Cory Logistics is wrapping up their three month assignment shipping an entire steel production plant to India from the UK. The movement has entailed loading and shipping 140 forty foot equivalent units (FEU’s) plus four and a half thousand tonnes of break bulk cargo to the sub continent.

Major Fashion Label a Coup For Logistics Group

JAPAN – Louis Vuitton Japan, a subsidiary of the LVMH Group and one of the world’s most prestigious companies in the retail industry, has awarded Kuehne + Nagel Japan a contract for the management of its regional distribution centre in Osaka.

'Testament to Quality' - COO

USA – Third-party logistics provider Greatwide Logistics Services has announced the expansion of its contract with LG Electronics USA, a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances. Under the contract, Greatwide will provide warehousing and distribution services for the company's 750,000-square-foot distribution centre in Jamesburg, N.J. The addition of the New Jersey facility brings the number of LG Electronics locations that Greatwide serves in the United States to five.

Broker Appointment as Leading Children's Retailer

US – CANADA - Damco, the logistics arm of Moller-Maersk, has been appointed US and Canadian Customs House Broker by The Children’s Place, a leading North American children’s clothing retailer, extending fifteen years of collaboration between the two companies. Currently Damco are responsible for shipping from point of manufacture to one of the customer’s four North American distribution centres freighting by the most appropriate methods.

Strike Action Warning over Diesel Prices and Road Tolls

INDIA – In a move that reveals the depth of frustration that Indian haulage drivers are feeling at the failure of the Indian government to deliver on previous promises to help their industry, the president of the All India Motor Transport Congress (AITMC), G. R. Shanmugappa, has threatened to call all of their members trucks’ out of service on the 5th of April unless a number of issues of concern are addressed by the 31st of March.

Transnet Look to New Facility to Increase Traffic Share

SOUTH AFRICA – Anyone who came across the developing port of Ngqura, as one of our staff did in 2005, was staggered by the scope of the development. Sitting upon the shoulders of Port Elizabeth at the mouth of the Coega River, the huge industrial development within which the new port exists, itself carries the weight of expectation of the indigenous population in terms of a new source of employment, no more so than in the shipping of container freight via the newly installed intermodal facilities.

Anti- Break In System Proven Successful

USA – In response to the problem of thefts from trucks, trailers and containers one Pennsylvanian-based company is offering its state-of-the-art deterrent system to help protect cargo from crooks.

French Vessel Nabs 35 Alleged offenders - But What Happens Next?

SOMALI COAST – Operation Atalanta, the attempt by an EU joint force to restrict and eliminate pirate attacks has scored a major victory this week. The operation has two primary purposes, firstly to ensure the safe passage of vessels destined to bring aid on behalf of the World Food Programme (WFP) safely to those who need it in the African state and secondly to try and ensure no attacks take place on ordinary freight and container ships and particularly the many oil tankers whilst they transit the Gulf of Aden.

Kate Silverton To Open CVO Show

UK - Kate Silverton, the famous BBC news anchor and presenter, is to host the inaugural Logistics Showcase on 13 April 2010.

Service to Run Between Thailand and Chennai

EAST ASIA – INDIA – Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), the Japanese owned container shipping line have announced more changes to their schedules following on from our story earlier today. This time they have called the new route “SMX” and the service will run on a loop between Laem Chabang, Singapore, Port Kelang, and Chennai with the inaugural sailing of the 162 metre 18,000 DWT vessel MOL Evolution on the 23rd March from the Thai port.

Sealandair Call it a Day after 50 Years in London

UK – Sealandair Transport, pioneers of groupage trucks to and from Greece have been forced to shut up shop after more than five decades trading in the Capital. Initially sited in Royal Mint Street, the company which started by specializing in the rapid resupply of the vessels of Greek owned shipping lines by way of their comprehensive ships stores services, finally had to accept their fate after severe losses in the past year.

RHA Storms at April Duty Increase

UK – Plans for Chancellor Alistair Darling to introduce his fuel duty increase of 2.5 pence on 1st April have aptly been described as a joke by truckers’ representatives the Road Haulage Association (RHA). The organisation has even stated that the increase, on top of all the other problems faced by Britain’s hauliers, may sound the death knell for some established road freight firms.

Boss Tells Meeting More Cash is Required

GERMANY – According to first hand reports in the German press covering a meeting last night in Berlin, State owned national rail operator Deusche Bahn CEO Rüdiger Grube told an assembly of assorted officials and industry representatives that funds earmarked for infrastructure improvements to the passenger and rail freight network, including intermodal terminals, were wholly insufficient.

DB Schenker Launch New Style Operation

CHINA – DB Schenker , via its subsidiary company Schenker (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd.,an integration between Schenker and the former BAX Global following their merger which started in 2006 and completed last year, have officially opened their first ever IT Shared Services Centre in the Jiangsu Software Park in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. The €1.5 million development occupies 15,000 square feet and will pull together various IT functions including application development, maintenance, application operations, information and communication technology infrastructure and a help desk to serve the organisation's interests and several countries in the region.

Coastal Port Link Helps Cut Road Congestion

UK - PD Ports, the operator of Teesport, has been crowned as the Most Outstanding Service Carrier of the Year in 2009 by leading UK retailer, ASDA, at its annual National Carrier of the Year awards ceremony.

BIMCO publishes its " Reflections 2010 "

DENMARK – The Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), an NGO which represents and focuses the opinions of ship owners, agents, charter companies and other industry professionals, has issued “Reflections 2010”, a long hard look at the current state of the shipping industry and expresses its opinions on the best way to resolve the problems facing freight and logistics companies world wide.

Freight Moguls Foundation To Provide Specialist Education

HAMBURG - GERMANY - The Kuehne School of Logistics and Management GmbH, whose sole shareholder is the non-profit Kuehne Foundation, has announced that it is to found a private independent university dedicated to providing specialist education to those in or entering the logistics field.

New Body to Centralise Transport Development Schemes

UK – As from the 1st March the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) will take responsibility for the coordination of major schemes which formerly were the responsibility of eight different Government departments. Planning Minister Mr John Healey has pronounced his delight at the move and believes it will streamline, accelerate and enhance the planning process for major infrastructure projects. Not everyone in the world of logistics is quite so enthusiastic however.

Thailand Added to PSX Whilst MOL and K-Line to Cooperate

EAST ASIA / WESTERN USA – The New World Alliance (TNWA), which is TNWA is composed of shipping lines Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), APL and Hyundai Merchant Marine, is to add the Thai port of Laem Chabang to its Pacific Southwest Express (PSX) service so as to now provide a freight container link between Thailand and California.

Thousands Caught in Extra Cold Snap

BALTIC SEA – The waters off the Swedish coast are never balmy in winter but the excessively cold weather, coupled with the current gale force winds, have caused dozens of freight carriers and RoRo and passenger ferries to become trapped in the abnormally thick ice. Roughly fifty freighters and half a dozen local ferries have been caught in the icy trap since yesterday with little hope of immediate rescue.

Deutsche Bahn Group to Back 2011 FIFA World Cup and Paralympics

GERMANY – The management teams from Deutsche Bahn AG, the logistics giant, joined with bosses from FIFA and German football representatives yesterday to announce the company’s sponsorship for the Women’s World Cup, the first time the event has been held in Germany. The group of six National Sponsors is thus already complete, 16 months before the opening match kicks off in Berlin on June 26, 2011.

Victory for Common Sense by South Gloucester Council

UK – The Road Haulage Association (RHA) were celebrating a decision by South Gloucestershire Council who have accepted the organisations arguments for the eligibility of HGV’s to use the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane on the Avon Ring road. Although primarily intended as a bus lane and a method of encouraging car sharing, truckers have long argued that the facility impeded their own progress which they considered an equal social priority and a special dispensation should be made.

Capacity to Double Within Two Years

SOUTH AFRICA – Transnet Port Terminals have released up to date details of progress on the 5.6 billion rand Cape Town development designed to increase shipping container throughput at the facility to almost double the current capacity of 740,000 TEU’s . By the end of 2012 the aim is to be able to handle up to 1.4 million twenty foot equivalent units utilising the reconfiguration programme currently in progress.

6th in Series for Companies and Personnel Wishing to Relocate Abroad

CHINA – Shanghai is the latest city to come under the microscope of Move One, who specialise in relocating individuals and companies overseas. The group’s services run from shipping personal items to project logistics and pet transportation and the virtual guide they have just released gives a good insight into what the potential ex pat might discover upon arrival.

Regional Navies Issues Warning To Operators

MALACCA STRAIT – The navies of Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia have warned tanker operators that they have received information that an unnamed terrorist group is planning to attack tankers in the Straits of Malacca and asks that all shipping in the area report any suspicious actions to the authorities.

Review of Damage on Freight Handling Areas

CHILE – The huge earthquake that struck Chile on Saturday has dramatically affected a number of the key freight and logistic handling facilities that serve the country and which will impede international efforts to assist with relief efforts.

Managing Director has Vast market Experience

US – CHINA – Menlo Worldwide Logistics, subsidiary of Con-way Incorporated, the truck and shipping group, have appointed a new managing director, North Asia, responsible for mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Gary So comes to the company with 23 years in the industry and is to focus on building the groups warehousing and transport activities.

Annual Report Confirms Expectations

DENMARK – Shipping giant A.P. Moller-Maersk has confirmed in its financial report for last year that it has suffered a loss for 2009 of $1 billion, in line with previous warnings that the company had given previously.

MOL Snap up Liquid Gas Carrying Contracts

PAPUA NEW GUINEA – AUSTRALI A– CHINA - Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), the bulk to container shipping line announced further development of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier fleet yesterday. The company has been awarded long term charters from an ExxonMobil affiliate company and its partners for two of the group’s co owned existing 177,000 cubic meter capacity LNG ships, built at the Hyundai yards in South Korea this year, plus heads of agreement signed on other LNG projects which will require four new builds.

First 777 Freighter User in Southeast Asia

USA / THAILAND – Boeing’s delivery of two new 777 Freighters to US-based operator Southern Air has been cause for celebrations not just the States but also in Thailand. The new aircraft are to go into service with Thai Airways International cargo arm, THAI Cargo, under charter, making the airline the first in South East Asia to offer the services of dedicated 777 freighters to its customers.

Impressive Safety Record Attributed to Staff and Training

UK - Site-based employees at TDG’s chemicals depot at Acton Grange, near Warrington, are celebrating an impressive 2000 days with no lost-time accidents in the warehouse operation.

Australian Rail Network Up for Sale

AUSTRALIA – The receivers of Freight Link Pty Ltd., the freight rail owner operator which went under Down Under in 2008, want to hear from any investors interested in acquiring the line between Darwin to Adelaide. The service is used for shipping products as diverse as dry and liquid bulk goods, cars and copper-gold concentrate ore. A statement on the company website anticipates ever increasing tonnages but has a recent history of flood damage to sections of the track.

Changing Market Forces Appraisal of Needs

ASIA / USA - Leading liner shipping company Maersk Line is to cease its slot charter agreement with US-based Horizon Lines on its Trans-Pacific 1 (TP1) service from December, 2010.

Diana Shipping Continue to Enjoy Strong Demand

GREECE – Dry bulk shipping line, Diana Shipping Inc., took delivery of the latest addition to their fleet on Monday the 1st of March.

Trio Raise Money for Cancer Research

UK – Normally used for loading pallets and manoeuvring freight and cargo the ubiquitous fork lift truck has proved itself capable of performing on the road in a new role – for charity. Jungheinrich must have been more than a little surprised when they heard three friends needed one of their 12 mph diesel-powered counterbalanced hydrostatic models to undertake a trip from John O’Groats to Lands End !

Crisis Defused and Federal Employees Back to Work Today

USA – The United States Senate agreed late last night to extend the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) for an additional thirty day period. The agreement means that around two thousand furloughed federal employees can return to work this morning.

Features State-of-the-Art Handling Systems for Containerized Freight

NEW YORK / USA – American Airlines Cargo (AA Cargo) has just opened its newly relocated cargo terminal at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The facility features more than 135,000 square feet of warehouse space and a computerised handling system which allows AA Cargo to manage their freight loads outside of the mainstream cargo handling system, a considerable streamlining measure.

Squabble Over Funds will cause Serious Problems

US – On the 28th February the House of Representatives and the Senate failed to agree on the budget for Highway Trust Fund (HTF) outlay. This effectively meant that Government funding for road safety improvements was thrown into limbo in that the Federal Highway Administration can no longer pay individual states for support of the safety and highway development programmes under way and effectively stopping all future works. Now the American Trucking Associations (ATA) organisation has slated the legislators for their inability to Govern.

RHA Joins Objectors to Surcharges

UK – Many Scottish truck companies have appealed against the delivery surcharges imposed by British fuel distributors who cite distance from the refineries , and consequent extra shipping costs, as the reason they charge different rates in different areas of the country. Freight companies north of the border complain that they are unfairly penalised as the charges are passed on by their fuel suppliers.

Imperial Eagle Fifth New Build

USA – New York-based Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. has today taken delivery of the latest addition to its fleet of bulk commodity carriers, the 56,000 deadweight tons Imperial Eagle. A ‘Future-56’ class supramax dry bulker, the vessel has already entered into a one-year charter.

RHA Lobbies Government to Ban Foreign Trucks

UK – The Combined Transport Directive, introduced twenty years ago as part of the pan European transport strategy, is being termed “totally inappropriate” by the Road Haulage Association (RHA) in a side swipe today concerning the transport of new wind farm equipment shipping in from Denmark and Spain.

Under Investment Causing Damage to Infrastructure

SOUTH AFRICA – At a media briefing yesterday the South African Deputy Transport Minister Jeremy Cronin stated that the failure of the rail freight sector to deal with the level of demand for logistics services had had a heavily detrimental effect on the South African road network, with an official statement saying that the rail system was “…fraught with serious performance challenges.”

Huelin-Renouf Expand Freight Service Options

UK / FRANCE - Huelin-Renouf Shipping, the principal shipping company serving the Channel Islands, is to add the port of Cherbourg in France to the freight services it operates between the UK and the Channel Islands. The new service will commence operations on Friday the 12th of March when the company makes its first scheduled weekly visit to Cherbourg en route for Southampton.

DB Schenker Promote Asset Management Chief

GERMANY - The Supervisory Board of DB Schenker Rail Deutschland AG has appointed Otto G. Niederhofer (56) to the Management Board with effect from March 1, 2010. Previously Mr Niederhofer was head of Asset Management at DB Schenker Rail. He will assume responsibility for the newly created "Region Central Production Companies" division and will therefore be in charge of all the production companies which are allocated to Region Central.

Acquisition of RRS Continues Growth in Hungary

UK / HUNGARY – European freight forwarder and logistics service provider TDG have consolidated their expansion into Eastern Europe last year by acquiring Hungarian 4PL provider RSS Logistics.

150 Trailers to go to Asda

UK - Schmitz Cargobull (UK) part of the leading manufacturer and supplier of semi-trailers in Europe, report an order this week for their County Durham plant for 150 new refrigerated trailers from supermarket giant ASDA. The units will operate from the ASDA regional distribution centres in at Skelmersdale, Falkirk, Erith, Bedford, Lutterworth, Wakefield and Bristol and will freight fresh food products to stores throughout the UK.

Dispute on Legislation Sees Workers Furloughed

USA – The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has furloughed almost two thousand employees without pay from today after a bill to extend a short-term extension of the Highways Trust Fund was blocked by Senator Jim Bunning.

Billions of Rubles to be Allocated

RUSSIA – Following on from last week's announcements on the rail and intermodal projects that are to receive TIGER funding from the U.S. government the Russian rail operator, RZD, has given its figures for intended investment over the next year in the national rail infrastructure.

Invest in Logistics or See Britain Slump

UK – One of the UK’s leading logistics trade bodies, the Freight Transport Association (FTA), has issued a warning to the contending parties in the upcoming elections that they must commit to greater national investment in transport and logistics issues or face the prospect of ‘a future of under-achievement’ for the country.