Shipping Search - Archive

Attitude and Dedication Praised Despite Troubled Times

DENMARK – The downturn in the offshore support vessel industry has thrown a spanner in the works for AP Moller - Maersk's restructuring plans as the Danish container shipping conglomerate announced its decision to abandon plans to sell Maersk Supply Service. Maersk plan for the last few years has been to simplify its business operations and focus solely on the transport and logistics business.

Shipping and Transport News from Around the Globe This Week

NETHERLANDS – The GoodShipping Program, which is dedicated to linking containerised ocean freight shipments to reduced emissions by way of sustainable marine bio-fuel oil, announced jointly with the Port of Rotterdam that on Saturday March 23 the CMA CGM box carrier White Shark was successfully refuelled with marine bio-fuel oil from GoodFuels in a venture supported by the French container shipping line and IKEA Transport & Logistics Services.

UKWA Builds Toward Seventy Fifth Anniversary Celebrations

UK – Much happening at the United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA) at the moment as the organisation warms up for its 75th Anniversary celebrations. After a busy annual National Conference earlier this month, themed on digital progress in the logistics industry, one of the hottest topics was cyber security, and the event saw the launch of CyberRisk, a programme aimed squarely at the problems every connected business faces.

New Air Cargo Boss Will be in Post Sooner Than Anticipated

WORLDWIDE – This week's round up of staff changes in the world of freight and logistics starts with the news that Sebastiaan Scholte is to step down as Chairman of The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) following his departure as Chief Executive Officer of Jan de Rijk Logistics on July 1. Scholte has headed up the TIACA Board since 2017, taking over after two and a half years as Vice Chairman.

Hybrid Cranes Supported by Multi-Million Dollar Grant

US – In its latest push towards lowering emissions, the Port of Oakland has announced that containerised cargo handling at its facilities is about to get a whole lot cleaner. As we reported last year the Port has its largest marine terminal converting 13 diesel-powered yard cranes to hybrid power, with the result expected to be an annual 45-tonne reduction in diesel-related air pollutants.

Successful Trials Using Small Wind Farm Support Vessel

NETHERLANDS – WORLDWIDE – A unique series of autonomous operations trials, held in the North Sea on 19 and 20 March, about five nautical miles off the coast of Den Helder, Netherlands, saw the SeaZip 3, a small seagoing vessel intended for the maintenance of offshore wind farms and supplied by SeaZip Offshore Services, outfitted with collision avoidance technology, prior to taking part in several nautical scenarios to determine how the vessel would interact with seagoing traffic.

Unique Geography of Fjord Plays Havoc with the Physics of Wave Forms

NORWAY – It might seem overly dramatic to refer to the wash from a passing ship as a 'mini-tsunami' but that is exactly the term used when Flaskebekk, a small community on the edge of the Oslofjord, started to suffer severe erosion of the foundations of its boathouses and docks.

Offshore Facilities Get New Technology Boost

WORLDWIDE – Kongsberg Maritime, Bureau Veritas (BV) and offshore service provider Bourbon have announced the first successful testing of a newly-developed application that enables remote surveying of Dynamic Positioning systems. Tested on board the Bourbon Explorer 508, off the coast of Angola, the new system will be rolled out to Bourbon sister ships in the coming months.

Whilst Britain Looks at Brexit Conundrum All Appears Not Well Over the Channel

UK – EUROPEAN UNION – Whilst the eyes and ears of the British media are firmly fixed on more tortuous Brexit debates, it might for a moment take a look across the Channel to see the wave of dissent which is currently sweeping the EU with regard to the satisfaction of transport workers, and particularly the way individual states are dealing with their 'equal partner' nation status.

Eyes on Every Stage of Vital Consignments

US – WORLDWIDE – Back in May 2018 American Airlines Cargo launched its new Critical PPS product, a system designed to ensure the fastest and most secure freight movement for crucially important shipments, engaging in a process that monitors vital, sensitive air cargo consignments from start to finish.

Information Leads to Inspection and Detention by the Authorities

AUSTRALIA – A call from the crew of a bulk carrier berthed at the Port Kembla Coal Terminal on Monday 25 March led to an immediate inspection of the ship after the report complained of insufficient food, bullying aboard the vessel and denial of shore leave.

From Owls to Gully Sharks - Building an Acceptable Modern Freight Facility Takes Initiative

SOUTH AFRICA – To ensure the country's newest seaport tipped all the boxes with regard to its environmental aspirations the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) had to come up with some unusual initiatives when laying down the blueprint for the deep water container Port of Ngqura, the only port with a green status in the South African port system and the twin sister to the older and well established Port Elizabeth.

Danish Shipping Group Aids Red Cross Efforts as EU Chip In Cash

SOUTHERN AFRICA – DENMARK – Shortly after the EU granted €3.5 million in aid to the victims of cyclone Idai, which devastated much of Southern Africa recently, with €2 million provided in Mozambique, €1 million in Malawi, and €0.5 million in Zimbabwe, so the logistics sector started stepping up by providing an essential supply chain route for aid to the region.

Chinese Group Introduces Weekly Port Call

EUROPE – Chinese container shipping group, COSCO, is to introduce a new weekly call at DP World Southampton, as part of a rotation on one of its Europe Feeder & Trans-Atlantic routes, which includes St Petersburg, Russia; Kotka, Finland; Southampton, UK; and Rotterdam, Netherlands.

First in Europe for Revolutionary Fuel from Fork Lift Group

SPAIN – Fork lift and materials handling group Hyster Europe has announced it is developing a zero-emission container reachstacker featuring a hydrogen fuel cell for the Port of Valencia, as part of the European Horizon 2020 programme and H2Ports project. The port will be the first in Europe to incorporate hydrogen energy in its operations.

Technology Group to Equip Multipurpose Transport Vessel Facing Antarctic Conditions

FINLAND – CHINA – NORWAY – WORLDWIDE – Having received an order in December to design a state-of-the-art multipurpose transport vessel that will operate in Antarctic waters, technology group Wärtsilä has now been asked to also provide the ship with a comprehensive package of integrated propulsion and hybrid solutions to ensure highly efficient and environmentally sustainable operations.

Funding Secured to Develop Next Stage of Wind/Electric Hybrid Vessels

UK – Belfast based Artemis Technologies, a spin-off from America's Cup team Artemis Racing, has received funding from a major seed corn programme that could see tens of millions of pounds pumped into its plans to decarbonise maritime transportation. The project which was launched in Belfast last October also intends to return commercial shipbuilding to the city.

Revamped Davies Turner Consolidations Achieve Record Transit Times

CHINA – UK – Last December we detailed how independent UK freight forwarder Davies Turner was upgrading its fixed-day, weekly rail import service for LCL cargoes from China in a bid to challenge both ocean shipping times and air cargo rates.

Innovative Idea to Cut Costs

GERMANY – SWEDEN – In a novel move Stena Line, which operates RoRo services for both freight and passengers, has installed Japanese sleeping pods on its Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Skåne vessels, operating between Rostock in Germany and Trelleborg in Sweden.

Revision of Transitional Simplified Procedures Pleases BIFA

UK – As the country lurches into an uncertain future, dragged by a generation of politicians of all hues and nationalities seemingly unfit for purpose, so individual facets working within the supply chain try to make some sense of what may lay ahead with plans to prepare as best one can for Britain's exit from the European Union. Now the latest move by UK Customs authorities has received praise from the British International Freight Association (BIFA).

Another Unusual Cargo for Giant Aircraft

UK – AUSTRALIA – Once again the expertise of heavy and outsize air cargo delivery specialist Volga-Dnepr Airlines was called upon by its longstanding logistics partner, freight forwarder Panalpina, when the call came for another, most unusual shipment, the exchange of two different helicopter types between companies located on the opposite sides of the globe.

European Biofuel Trial to China and Back

WORLDWIDE – Convinced of the urgency to act on climate change, a group of Dutch multinationals and members of the Dutch Sustainable Growth Coalition (DSGC), FrieslandCampina, Heineken, Philips, DSM, Shell and Unilever, have announced that they will join forces with Danish shipping conglomerate AP Moller - Maersk to take a tangible step towards the decarbonisation of ocean shipping.

Human Resources and Who Got Their Cards in a Newly Shuffled Pack

SINGAPORE – The weekly look at staff transfers in the shipping and logistics sectors starts with the news that J. Florian Pfaff, currently Vice President Germany with Lufthansa Cargo, will move to Asia with effect from June 1. Based in Singapore, he will assume the role of Vice President Asia Pacific and will continue to report directly to Dorothea von Boxberg, Member of the Executive Board and Chief Commercial Officer. A successor for his present position is currently being sought.

From the Sale of an Historic Boatyard, to Technology Updates, All in This Week's Snippets

AUSTRALIA – Continuing from our previous story on the terrible weather witnessed in the Southern Hemisphere in the past few days, our round-up of general freight and logistics news begins this week with an update of the effects of two major tropical storms currently hitting shipping interests down under.

Death and Hostages Off African Coast

NIGERIA – Unfortunately, pirates having been largely deterred in the waters off Somalia and in the Indian Ocean, the problem seems to be worsening once more in the Niger Delta and beyond with several serious attacks in the past few weeks on both tankers and offshore support vessels.

Feeder Group Expands European Logistics Operations

AUSTRIA – Unifeeder, best known for its short-sea container services, and which now forms part of the DP World Group, has opened a new freight depot in Vienna, as the logistics company looks to expand its multimodal activities in Austria, and to facilitate growth in the region, ensuring a constant availability of 45 foot pallet wide containers for the local exporters.

Two Continents Hit Hard by Deteriorating Seasonal Weather Conditions

SOUTHERN AFRICA – AUSTRALIA – Storm news dominates the lower half of the globe this week with the latest reports of an extreme weather 'red' alert for tropical cyclone Trevor, due to hit the Queensland ports of Weipa and Amrun, closing both, whilst on the opposite coast Western Australia braced itself for the arrival of Trevor's sibling Veronica, due to hit the ports of Dampier and Port Hedland.

Specialist Aircraft First of Type in Fleet

RUSSIA – At a time when all Boeing 737 MAX aircraft are grounded due to the two recent, so far unexplained, Lion Air and Ethiopian Airline accidents, evidence emerges that the older model of a plane which has proved a reliable workhorse for decades, and which has been in production in some form since 1967, is still a popular choice for air cargo carriers when converted to carry freight traffic.

New Support Option for Order Fulfilment, Tracking of Goods etc.

HONG KONG – With the seemingly unstoppable growth in e-commerce no logistics agency can afford to ignore developments, and one well known forwarder, U-Freight, points out that this explosion of trade has had a side effect of significantly increasing the number of small start-up operations as the global market develops apace.

Growth All Round Last Year for Key Port

SOUTH AFRICA – It seems it was growth all round last year for the Port of Durban with figures just published for 2018 by the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) showing a jump in container freight and both dry and liquid bulk cargoes.

Largest Single Shipment Ever Arrives for Main Client

UK – The Port of Hull has recently celebrated a milestone, completing the largest shipment of wood pellets ever handled at Associated British Port's (ABP) Dry Bulks Terminal. The ABP operations team discharged nearly 30,000 tonnes from the 200 metre bulk carrier, Isadora, destined for the Drax Power Station in Selby. The shipment will generate enough sustainable electricity for almost 18,000 homes for a year.

Multi-Billion Dollar Project Gets Under Way

HONG KONG – The $18 billion (HK$142 billion) project to expand the international airport which projects off Chep Lak Kok island into the South China Sea, is now getting under way with the release this week by the Government's SAR Marine Department of an update to last year's notice 38. The Master Plan is to reclaim more land and have three working runways for freight and passenger aircraft by 2024 and extensive marine works are about to begin. Vessels navigating in the vicinity should proceed with caution.

Warehouse Keepers Association Forged in War Fights the Scourge of Malaria in Africa

UK – AFRICA – During the recent Annual Conference of the United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA), the logistics industry body announced that it intends to mark this year, its 75th anniversary, and which it is celebrating throughout 2019, by attempting to raise a total of £75,000 for transport charity Transaid. An Association forged in the heat of war now intends to wage war itself on a very different enemy.

Ferry Group Take Over Management and Develop Trade

UK – You wait years for a big delivery then two come along at once. That was the situation last week when two of the largest vessels to visit the Perth Port in recent years docked within 24 hours of each other. Two companies, CalPort whose cargoes these were, and CalMac Ferries, have been working together of late to develop business opportunities and attract different freight types to the Harbour.

Established Partnership to Continue

UAE – Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the largest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates outside the oil and gas industry, has signed a volume commitment extension agreement for 2019 with the world's largest container shipping line AP Moller-Maersk for transporting its aluminium to customers around the world.

New Equipment to Boost European and Asian Services

EUROPE – P&O Ferrymasters is purchasing 600 new 45 foot, pallet wide high-cube freight containers to add to its already growing fleet. The multi-million euro investment ties in with the multimodal operator and logistics solutions provider's plans to continue to add more routes and services across Europe and Asia to its portfolio.

Shareholders Threatened with 'Cancellation or Squeeze Out'

FRANCE – SWITZERLAND – WORLDWIDE – French container shipping giant CMA CGM has updated its position regarding the acquisition of freight forwarding and logistics group CEVA telling remaining shareholders they should sell their shares at the offer rate of CHF 30 each or witness a 'squeeze out', the process by which shares can be acquired in a take-over by the company purchaser at a rate 'considered fair'.

After Demise of Hansa so Two Former Rivals Join Up

NETHERLANDS – SOUTH KOREA – The pressure on operators in the ocean heavy lift industry sector can be gauged by the recent insolvency of one of the industry's best known names, Hansa, and now BigLift Shipping, a part of the Dutch Spliethoff group, and Busan based Chung Yang Shipping, have agreed to cooperate, pooling their four heavy transport vessels under the BigLift brand.

Rhenus Gobbles Up Rodair Subject to Approval of Authorities

CANADA – GERMANY – Holzwickede based freight forwarding and logistics outfit Rhenus has extended its influence in North America with the acquisition of another major player, Toronto headquartered Rodair. Just this month the group, which covers all aspects of the trade with specialist service in niche areas, such as fashion and retail, and the automotive supply chain, was selected as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies turning over $15 million annually. Jeff Cullen, CEO of Rodair, said:

Staff Comings (and Goings) Across the Industry

US – XPO Logistics has announced that it is terminating the employment of Kenneth Wagers, Chief Operating Officer after eliminating his position. XPO President, Troy Cooper will assume the responsibilities that would normally fall under the COO’s purview. The decision to eliminate the COO role was made after the company decided it was no longer anticipating significant merger and acquisition needs, opting instead to focus on stock repurchasing.

Some Smaller Freight and Logistics News Items

INDIA – We start the week's round up of some smaller shipping and logistics items in the subcontinent where GAC has handled the first tanker to berth at the newly constructed Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal inside Kamarajar Port, Ennore in Chennai. The Marshall Islands-flagged LNG carrier LPG/C Golar Snow was carrying the first consignment of 78,037 m³ of LNG from Ras Laffan in Qatar for the commissioning of the terminal.

Target to Cut Carbon Emissions, Reduce Waste and Educate the Public

UK – In line with so many others in the shipping industry CalMac, which operates RoRo freight and passenger ferry services on the west coast of Scotland, is making determined efforts to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. To this end the company has highlighted its progress in its new Environmental Strategy, which outlines detailed steps the company is taking to better protect the environment it sails in.

Quiet Vehicle Sounder Addresses a Very Real Problem with the New Technology

UK – WORLDWIDE – With hybrid/electric vehicles growing rapidly in popularity one drawback of this latest generation of private and commercial transport is knowing when it is actually coming. Thus Brigade Electronics launched the award-winning Quiet Vehicle Sounder (QVS), a speaker system designed to reduce collisions between pedestrians or cyclists and these near silent vehicles, after getting involved with the Quiet Road Transport Vehicles working group in 2010 to try and establish requirements for a UN standard.

Vessel Surveys Now Literally Remotely Possible Through Digitalisation

WORLDWIDE – Classification society DNV GL has announced that all DNV GL classed vessels are now able to utilise the possibility of remote surveys for some inspections through the Veracity data platform. This means that for a range of surveys, a DNV GL surveyor will not be required to travel to the vessel. Instead, by using an online connection or video streaming link, a dedicated team of remote surveyors can provide support to vessels anywhere in the world with documentation, images, video (streaming or recordings), and input provided by the customer and crew. Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of DNV GL - Maritime, commented:

Customs Strikes, Brexit Votes, Storm Gareth - it's All Starting to Feel Like Armageddon

UK – FRANCE – With the confusion over Brexit reigning supreme in the news, and the weather contributing its own order of chaos, the British freight industry is starting to feel as if Armageddon is nigh. Five hour queues for trucks in Calais and Eurotunnel due to the French Customs go slow have now been supplemented with the inception of Operation Stack in England as lorries saw the M20 coast bound closed between Junctions 8 and 9, leading to 9 mile tailbacks due to Storm Gareth as RoRo ferry services were suspended.

Digital Confirmation that Freight is Acceptable for Flight

WORLDWIDE – Air France KLM Cargo (AFKL Cargo) has become the first airline group to adopt the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) newly developed Dangerous Goods AutoCheck (DG AutoCheck) for the acceptance for shipment of dangerous goods. The development of the system sees more than twenty global organisations, including AFKL Cargo, supporting the development including airlines, freight forwarders, ground handlers and express integrators.

No Deal Vote Crucial as Mitigation Measures Revealed

UK – Amidst all the current confusion surrounding what the terms are going to be for Britain leaving the EU, the government has today published details of the tariffs applicable, on a temporary basis, on goods imported from the EU in the case of a No Deal scenario. Under the temporary tariff, 87% of total imports to the UK by value would be eligible for tariff free access.

BIFA Lays on Face to Face Meetings for Aspiring Logistics Professionals

UK – At a time when introducing young blood into the freight forwarding and logistics sector is a key topic, the British International Freight Association (BIFA) says it has now seen a successful launch for its new networking group, the BIFA Young Forwarders Network (YFN). Aimed at supporting individuals that have recently joined the logistics sector, the event, which was co-hosted with Outsource, part of the Seetec Group, was perfectly timed to link with the 12th National Apprenticeship Week (NAW 2019), which concluded last Friday.

Hong Kong Freight Operators First to be Certified

WORLDWIDE – HONG KONG – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched a new industry certification, the Center for Excellence for Perishable Logistics (CEIV Fresh), to improve the handling and the transport by air of perishable products. Alexandre de Juniac, IATA's Director General and CEO, said:

Improved Planning and Control Options Made Available in Line with Master Plan

WORLDWIDE – Cargo iQ, the not for profit membership outfit supported by the air cargo industry, includes over 80 organisations from across the sector including airlines, freight forwarders and IT and industry support groups. Now the Geneva based organisation says it has successfully trialled a new Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Solution to provide vastly improved planning and control options to small and medium sized forwarders who work with member airlines on a small-scale, or regional basis.

IATA Boss Paints a Vision for the Future of Air Freight

WORLDWIDE – Speaking at this year's World Cargo Symposium, The International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Director General and CEO, Alexandre de Juniac, has called on governments and the air cargo industry to focus on three priorities to accommodate the expanding demand for air cargo and ensure the economic and social benefits of aviation can be maximised. The three priorities are:

Commons Vote Dismays the Industry Representatives

UK – The vote in the House of Commons last night (March 12) which saw another defeat for the Prime Minister's Brexit Withdrawal Agreement has sent further ripples throughout the logistics industry and bringing an immediate response from the Freight Transport Association (FTA). Today there will be another vote to consider whether a No Deal scenario should be excluded as a possibility which is likely to prove equally contentious.

Agents Beware Abandoned Cargoes and Unscrupulous Shippers

UK – WORLDWIDE – The British International Freight Association (BIFA), the trade association for UK freight forwarding and logistics companies, is warning its members about the cost of containers abandoned overseas for which they may be liable and how to implement safeguards to prevent this situation occurring.

Dry Bulk Vessel Will Demonstrate New Rope Technology

JAPAN – Container shipping giant Mitsui OSK Lines, has announced that it will start a demonstration test of a mooring rope with a built-in sensor, along with a rope status monitoring system. In partnership with MOL Coastal Shipping and MOL Information Systems, the project focuses on the mooring ropes that connect vessels to piers and other port facilities.

IATA Figures Predict Gloomy Future in Current Trading Conditions

WORLDWIDE – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released data for global air freight markets for the start of the year, showing that demand, measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTKs), decreased 1.8% in January 2019, compared to the same period in 2018. This was the worst performance in the last three years. Conversely freight capacity, measured in available freight tonne kilometres (AFTKs), rose by 4% year-on-year in January 2019. This was the eleventh month in a row that capacity growth outstripped demand growth.

Annual UKWA Conference Looks Forward to a Digital World

UK – Last week Chester was once again the venue for the annual conference of the United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA), and as usual there was a variety of information packed into the two day event. Much of this is due to the fact that the UKWA is being drawn further into the wider world of logistics together with its broadening spectrum of membership.

Korean Yards Claim They Can Renovate the Industry with New Deal

SOUTH KOREA – After much talk and speculation throughout the industry Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) Group and Korea Development Bank (KDB) have now signed a definitive agreement to acquire rival shipbuilder, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME). The idea behind this move is to aid the rebound of the struggling shipbuilding sector with an ultimate aim of stimulating employment and revitalising the local economy.

Kent Depot Aims at Sorting 100,000 Packages Per Month

UK – his month will see the opening of a new £2 million mail processing hub in Aylesford, Kent by the eCommerce and specialist mail services firm The Delivery Group. The site comprises a 25,000 square foot warehouse including office space which has been purpose-built by the company and will host over fifty staff.

Some Major HR Moves for March

DENMARK – The week's staff announcements in the fields of shipping and logistics start with the news that Niels Smedegaard has decided to step down as Chief Executive Officer of DFDS at the end of April, after over 12 years in the role. Torben Carlsen, who has been the company's Chief Financial Officer since 2009, will become the new CEO.

Focus is on International Women's Day

WORLDWIDE – UK – In 2018 the Women's International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) appointed a Diversity Committee to focus on practical solutions to increase opportunities to address the gender imbalance in the maritime industry. Writing a pledge to challenge the community to advance diversity and inclusion was a mandate of the committee. Now on International Women's Day the pledge has been formally launched.

Scandinavian Group Signs Up to Demonstrate Scrubber Technology

WORLDWIDE – Wallenius Wilhelmsen has become the latest shipowner to join the Clean Shipping Alliance 2020 (CSA 2020), increasing the organisation's membership to 35 shipowners operating a combined fleet of almost 2500 vessels. The Norwegian/Swedish RoRo shipping and vehicle logistics group, operates a fleet of about 130 vessels, of which 23 will operate with Exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS) by the end of 2021. Roger Strevens, Vice President, Global Sustainability, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, said:

Maritime Industry Suffers from Staff Problems Along with the Whole Logistics Sector

NORWAY – WORLDWIDE – In his first week in the new role of OSM Maritime CEO, Bjørn Tore Larsen has outlined his vision for greater female participation in the maritime industry, particularly with regards to vessel crews. Larsen, the founder and Chairman of the global ship management company, believes a healthier gender balance will help shipping in the quest for long-term success and commercial sustainability.

33 Million Pounds Compensation to Eurotunnel Adds Insult to Injury

UK – It seems whatever line it takes, the government is incapable of making a sensible statement when it comes to Chris Grayling MP's Department for Transport, particularly the 'I see no ships' RoRo cross Channel ferry fiasco. Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee, Permanent Secretary at the Dft, Bernadette Kelly, assured MP's that Seaborne Freight, the company awarded £13.8 million to supply an alternative freight crossing, was 'known well in the industry'.

Call for Political Leadership After TfL Report Published

UK – Three business organisations the Freight Transport Association (FTA) representing the logistics sector, the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), are calling for the Mayor of London to appoint a dedicated Freight Commissioner to support the implementation of his transport strategy. Reacting to the publication of his Freight Action Plan, released today (7 March 2019), the group is calling for political leadership to ensure his freight policies, including Vision Zero and the ultra-low emission agenda, are implemented holistically and consistently across London's 33 boroughs. Natalie Chapman, Head of South of England and Urban Policy at FTA, said:

Swiss Group Rotation Will Utilise Eight 5500 TEU Ships

CANADA – EUROPE – Swiss headquartered container giant, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is to enhance its container services to the UK, with the introduction of a new call at the Port of Liverpool, as part of a rotation including Canada, Turkey and various southern European ports. The news comes after the 2M shipping alliance confirmed at the end of 2018 that Liverpool will be a permanent call on its TA4 transatlantic ocean freight service. Michael Collins, Commercial Director of MSC UK commented:

Channel Ports Consult IT Group to Solve the Hard Border Problem

FRANCE – UK – Cross-channel shipping accounts for 4.3 million trucks a year, 700,000 of which come through the Port of Dunkirk, 2 million through the Port of Calais, and over 1.6 million through the Channel Tunnel. In order to maintain the attractiveness and competitiveness of the crossing post-Brexit, the French ports decided they need to continue to provide smooth transit through ports, particularly if one assumes Brexit negotiations result in a hard border.

Lorries Queue on Motorway as Work to Rule Protest Set to Continue

FRANCE – It seems perhaps that all the much derided precautions which the UK government has been taking to cope with queues of trucks post Brexit will not prevent the likelihood of problems across the Channel, as French Customs officers operate their 'go slow' policy which began on Monday. On that day some freight carrying vehicles waited up to six hours as extra checks were made on lorries before they were allowed to board RoRo ferries headed for Britain.

Port Authority and Terminal Operator Sign 25 Year Agreement

US – The Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) Board of Directors have approved a long-term agreement with terminal operator SSA Marine for the development and operation of a state-of-the-art, $238.7 million international container terminal at JAXPORT's Blount Island Marine Terminal. The facility, the SSA Jacksonville International Gateway Terminal, is an expansion of SSA Marine's current leasehold at Blount Island and will offer deep water berthing space to accommodate the larger container ships calling JAXPORT from Asia more fully loaded.

Latest in Long Line of Acquisitions

US – SPAIN – Long established third party logistics provider, CH Robinson has acquired international freight forwarder and customs agency, the Spanish based Space Cargo Group, for approximately €42 million (around $48 million) in cash. The CH Robinson empire, begun in 1905 as a small procurement company, took off into road haulage in 1956 and now employs over 15,000 staff around the globe. The latest purchase is the latest in a series of such acquisitions and Mike Short, President of CH Robinson's Global Forwarding division, commented:

Kazakhstan a Focal Point for Trade

KAZAKHSTAN – DUBAI – It seems that port and logistics outfit DP World is determined to extend its influence within Kazakhstan, a country viewed as strategically important in the development of China's 'Belt and Road' policy. Having stated last March that the company intended to take a 51% stake in the Khorgos SEZ and 49% in the Aktau SEZ and subsequently signing a pair of framework agreements with the government of Kazakhstan for the two Special Economic Zones further talks have taken place.

Logistics Skills Shortage Addressed in One Sector

UK – There has been much talk lately about the crucial shortage of HGV and LGV drivers, something affecting the road haulage sector, as well as the general skills shortage right across the logistics industry. It seems that DB Cargo has decided to ensure it at least has a secure supply chain of trained personnel to handle its freight trains with a new Level 3 Train Driver Apprenticeship programme, launched in conjunction with the National College for High Speed Rail.

US Fades from the Scene as Largest Nuclear Ice Class Breaker to Go Ahead

RUSSIA – US – Much is being made this week of the news coming from Moscow that work is to go ahead developing the 200+ metre long Lider class nuclear powered icebreaker, something we predicted over a year ago. Although the statement confirming the 71,000 tonne vessel's construction is at this stage unofficial, as we stated in November 2018 this is a dream of President Vladimir Putin, and a move which will confirm Russia as firmly in control of commercial traffic on the waters she patrols.

Cash to Support Infrastructure and Logistics Developments

UK – The demands put upon the country's ports have changed over the past half a century and like many the Port of Tyne finds it now operates across several sectors, with its portfolio ranging across container, bulk and conventional cargo, car terminals, cruise and ferry options plus logistics and estates interests. Now, as the latest in a series of landmark North East infrastructure deals supported by Lloyds Bank, the port has secured a £60 million refinancing package.

Largest Global Furnishing Group Selects Online and Home Delivery Carrier

US – Those twin lovers of upper case lettering, freight forwarding group CEVA Logistics and IKEA, the world's leading home furnishings retailer, have celebrated the opening of a new Customer Distribution Centre at Staten Island on the US east coast. The two have worked together since 2015 in the UK and Australia and the new 975,000 square foot warehouse is built on a previously vacant 200 acre piece on land on the west shore of Staten Island.

Now You Can Find a Marine Surveyor Just by Pressing a Button

UK – WORLDWIDE – The International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) has launched a new free App for iOS and Android devices designed to make finding a commercial, or yacht and small craft marine surveyor by area, or specialisation, fast and simple. The claim is that, being not only a key benefit for members of IIMS, it will make the search for a surveyor easier for the boating and yachting public, brokers, P&I Clubs, marine insurers, in fact anyone needing the services of a marine surveyor on an occasional or ongoing basis.

Training Academy Upgrade Encompasses Full Suite of Essential Education Aids

UK – Anyone involved in logistics will be aware of the shortage of skilled staff in the sector, particularly the road haulage industry where there are great concerns at the paucity of HGV drivers. In 2009 the specialist container group Pentalver founded a Driver Training Academy to cope with the increased demand and with the intention of enhancing commercial driver skills, improving driver behaviour and reinvesting profits into the next generation of truck drivers.

Who is Going Where as Announced This Week

SWITZERLAND – First up in logistics staff appointments and departures this week comes the news that Jürgen Fitschen and Hans Lerch, whose mandates of service after eleven and fourteen years respectively as members of the Board of Directors of freight forwarder Kuehne + Nagel International, end with the Annual General Meeting on May 7, as they will not stand for re-election.

What You Might Have Missed at First Glance in the Field of Transport

US – This week's look back at some general news from shipping and logistics that you may have missed starts with the announcement that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the body that ensures both passenger and freight aircraft are safe to fly by screening anything carried, particularly weapons and anything for possible terrorist use, has added nine additional domestic and international carriers to its TSA Pre✓© expedited screening program.

Two Facilities Developed to Accommodate

SOUTH AFRICA – The finding of significant quantities of gas condensate on the Brulpadda prospects, located on Block 11B/12B in the Outeniqua Basin, 175 kilometres off the southern coast of South Africa, has ramifications for the small Port of Mossel Bay which lies between its larger conventional freight and container handling siblings of Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.