Shipping Search - Archive

Time to Reflect on Those to Whom Disease is an Ever Present Enemy

WORLDWIDE – Times like these will write an indelible chapter in the book of life of any who live through them. Sometimes it's natural to think only of one's own immediate circumstances, facing up to new challenges, worrying about one's own, and one's family's future. It does some good however to put this into perspective on occasion and realise fighting nature's demons is something others face up to every single day.

As the Virus Takes its Toll on Sailors Key to Supply Chain Help is at Hand

WORLDWIDE – As the world faces up to the pandemic the very people upon who we all depend for our essential supplies, those working at sea to keep society fed, are often to be found in dire straits themselves. Now unions and charities are striving to support seafarers and their families.

Unoccupied Offices and Terminals Pose a Different Level of Risk

UK – Normally whenever we publish a comment from what is seen as a specialist insurer working in the logistics field it refers to goods in transit, cyber security or, as in the current situation, force majeure where ports and shippers are reacting to a hitherto unprecedented threat and turning to the measure.

With Government Grants Extended Now is the Time to Prepare for a No Deal EU Exit

UK – In a world of uncertainty freight forwarders are being reminded that there is still a train coming down the track they need to pay heed to. With all thoughts on the virus, the spectre that is Brexit is very real, negotiations may be currently delayed but those organisations that need to be ready for the potentially career changing Customs regulations, particularly those who have furloughed staff, now have the perfect chance to regroup and make use of an online tool to guide them through it.

Huge Growth Anticipated for Private and Commercial Sectors

US – WORLDWIDE – There will be few involved in the transport industry who doubt that the autonomous vehicle sector will grow substantially in the coming years. Trials for both private vehicles and commercial truck right up the heaviest range are being conducted by all major manufacturers, and some new players, all around the globe.

Department for Transport Sanctions Lifting Travel Restrictions for Essential Staff

UK – Official confirmation of the importance of logistics in this stressful time was given today in a letter from the Department for Transport clarifying that the essential roles played by road haulage drivers and others in the freight supply chain will not be interfered by officialdom who may otherwise misinterpret government guidelines about travel and work.

Controversial Decision to Continue Most Operations During Covid-19 Outbreak

EUROPE – Whilst we have seen the likes of P&O Ferries suspend passenger ferry services to concentrate on freight carriage during the current crisis, Stena Line has opted for different tactics and is maintaining some passenger routes. Now it is reassuring customers that it is taking every precaution possible to help ensure the safety of customers and employees, whilst maintaining the supply lines for vital medical goods and food supplies.

Swedish Terminal Ready for the Biggest Visiting Box Vessels

SWEDEN – CHINA – The development of the container facilities at the new Stockholm Norvik Port, to be run by Hutchison Ports, are certainly proving lucrative for materials handling supplier Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries (ZPMC). In February we saw two of the state run Chinese company's straddle carriers arrive, preceded by two new super-post-Panamax cranes the previous month.

Efforts to Maintain Supply Chain as Hospital Ships Arrive

US – With the US now having more cases than any other in the world, the country's supply chain is coming under ever greater pressure as the Covid-19 virus spreads across the states. This inevitably means the US maritime unions are finding themselves on the frontlines to aid the government's efforts to combat the spread of the virus.

Stevedores Need the Attitude Taken by Logistics and Intermodal

AUSTRALIA – The scourge of the virus has, so far, been seen less in the country than many places elsewhere, but the curve is heading steeply upward very fast and now the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) has written to major businesses in Australia's marine supply chain seeking the urgent implementation of a consistent, industry-wide framework aimed at preventing viral transmission on worksites.

Virus Means Logistics Sector Takes Up New Recruits

UK – The current crisis is causing some unexpected effects as Britain faces up to weeks of lockdown with staff from numerous areas of the workforce left twiddling thumbs and many signing up to the government's proposed volunteer scheme, an astonishing total currently exceeding 700,000 souls willing to help out. Now two groups from entirely different sectors, logistics and online workforce management technology, are working together to alleviate some of the problems.

Covid-19 Infects Almost Every Story

WORLDWIDE – With the Covid-19 virus sweeping the planet there really isn't much else within transport and logistics not touched by the subject, despite attempts to maintain a sense of normality as the industry goes about the business of keeping society resupplied via a uninterrupted supply chain.

Appointments and Departures in Shipping and Associated Sectors

SWEDEN – Despite the current hiatus, there is still some staff news coming from the logistics industry. First up I-Tech, the bio-technology company responsible for Selektope®, the barnacle repelling active agent for use in marine coatings, has appointed Per Svensson to the role of Sales Director.

Federal Maritime Commissioner Sums Up US Virus Situation at the Sharp End

US – Although he has clearly set out the views from his own personal perspective, Daniel B. Maffei is a nevertheless a Commissioner with the US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), and his opinions as to the state of shipping and the effect of the Covid-19 virus on the marine sector are well worth listening to.

Virus May Close Fulfilment Houses and Have Importers Seeking Alternatives

UK – With the global pandemic now starting to hit Europe particularly hard many companies are seeking ways to protect their supply chains from the effects thrown out by the Covid-19 virus. Certainly the reduction in volumes of imported goods for the European market will be starting to bite for many wholesalers, retailers and manufacturers, as stock and parts are sold or used up and shipping service volumes are drastically cut.

Wholly Owned Terminals Now Move to Joint Venture

WORLDWIDE – In 2013 we revealed how French container shipping giant CMA CGM had agreed to sell almost half of its Terminal Link subsidiary, established in 2001, to port operator China Merchants Holdings (International) Company Ltd (CMHI). Now, having seen the Chinese group restructured as China Merchants Port (CMP), and still retaining that 49% stake in the container handling operation, a further deal between the two has been agreed.

Passenger Planes Become Cargo Charters to Ferry Vital Supplies

UK – EUROPE – US – WORLDWIDE – We have mentioned briefly some of the work being undertaken by the global airlines to assist in the fight against the global pandemic by converting now defunct passenger aircraft to cargo flights in a bid to ferry vital supplies as and when they are needed.

Coronavirus Will Disrupt EU Negotiations and Countries Fail to Follow Green Lanes Guidelines

UK – EUROPE – The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has put its case for a couple of the matters of most importance to the logistics industry at the moment, and it will be no surprise they both emanate from the current pandemic.

Boss Thanks Workforce for Going the Extra Mile

UK – FRANCE – P&O Ferries says it is strengthening its freight operations on the Calais-Dover crossing as part of its commitment to maintain the flow of goods during the Covid-19 crisis. With so many trailers using the short English Channel crossing the company says the United Kingdom relies on P&O Ferries for much of its fresh food, as well as imports of medicines and other vital supplies. The crossing is also critical to the economies of France, Ireland and the wider EU.

Virus Means Adjusting the UK's Timetable on Finally Exiting the European Union

UK – With all eyes and efforts fixed on defeating the Covid-19 viral pandemic, Britain must consider requesting an extension of the agreed Brexit transition timetable, according to the director general of the British International Freight Association (BIFA) which has the core of the country's forwarding agent community as its members.

Meanwhile Air Cargo Carriers Link Up in the Fight Against the Coronavirus

WORLDWIDE – When facing a crisis like Covid-19, behind the obvious medical urgency always comes the line of logisticians needed to keep the fight on track. Whether military, or as now, civilian, the authorities turn to the transport experts for advice, and they would do well to heed the latest opinions of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and its members.

Development Continues After a Sea of Troubles

IRELAND – SOMALILAND – When Dubai based ports and logistics group DP World had its Doraleh container terminal illegally seized by the Djibouti government in February 2018, it promptly took action to retain its cargo handling influence in the region by declaring that same year to build a new port on the coast of neighbouring Somaliland.

Decree from European Commission to all States with Platform Showing Each Country's Measures to Beat Covid-19

EUROPE – Earlier this week the European Commission (EC) issued new practical advice on how to implement its Guidelines for border management, the so called 'Green Lanes' policy, in order to keep the supply chain linked and freight moving across the EU during the current pandemic.

Major Air Carriers Sign Up to Scheme Indicating Cargo Capacity Availability

US – WORLDWIDE – PayCargo, the online payment platform which transfers money swiftly between payers and vendors, being based in Florida is probably more used to dealing with hurricane warnings than the current virus outbreak. Now however the company has launched a new service to help the freight and shipping community, as it contends with widespread challenges across the supply chain due to the global Covid-19 outbreak.

Intent is to Set Up Global Cooperative to Wipe Out Slavery and Other Abuses

WORLDWIDE – Today (March 24), on the UN International Day for the Right to The Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims, UK-based charity Human Rights at Sea (HRAS), in partnership with global law firm Shearman & Sterling LLP, is launching a jointly developed legal project to facilitate the resolution of disputes concerning human rights abuses at sea using international arbitration.

Request to Facilitate Transport Through the Crisis and Beyond

EUROPE – As the true seriousness of the Covid-19 virus effect on the very fabric of society becomes apparent, over 30 stakeholders from the transport sector have come together to address the European authorities with the aim of impressing them with the relevance and importance of their collective sectors of the industry.

Logistics Workers ARE the Front Line in This Battle

UK – The outbreak of Covid-19 has caused some inconsistencies in the effect it is having on the devolved regions of the United Kingdom. Whilst the regulations laid down by such as the Department for Transport (DfT) are countrywide, other instructions to hauliers and the like are dependent on the region involved.

US Authorities Penalise Singaporean Based Carrier

US – Singapore-based shipping company, Unix Line, has been sentenced to pay a fine of $1.65 million, placed on probation for a period of four years, and ordered to implement a comprehensive Environmental Compliance Plan as a special condition of probation, after pleading guilty to a violation of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships.

Sign Up to Your Industry Lobby Groups If You Want Permanently Enhanced Recognition

UK – As the world faces up to a pandemic, the like of which is beyond living memory, so the role played by the array of professional associations which represent the entire supply chain has become highlighted. When, as now, a government is bombarded from all sectors, scientific, technological, financial, agricultural, medical and, particularly logistical, it is forced to draw on the expertise of those employed solely to ensure their particular profession maintains the standards essential to keep society on an even keel.

Suite Provides a Precise Testing Environment for Remote Controlled Shipping

FINLAND – Technology group Wärtsilä has delivered a navigation simulator and specific mathematical models to its fellow countrymen at the Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK) in the city of Rauma, Finland. These will be used as an essential enabler in the Intelligent Shipping Technology Test Laboratory (ISTLAB) project, which aims at creating a technically precise testing environment for remotely controlled, autonomous vessels.

Now Pallet Carriers Ask for Fuel Duty Derogation

UK – In light of the myriad problems the Covid-19 epidemic is bringing to the supply chain the government has introduced a range of measures to ensure logistics can continue business as near normal as possible. Not least of these are the suspension of the need for MOT testing of lorries and trailers, and the relaxation of road haulage drivers' hours regulations.

Emergency Supplies to be Coordinated

UK – The pallet haulage business can sometimes be, as with many other branches of logistics, a bit of a cut throat industry. Now however, in the light of the current situation, the eight companies which represent Britain's pallet network, have joined forces to offer their resources for the movement of emergency supplies for critical services.

Host of Carriers and Others Announce Plans as We Round Up the Logistics News this Week

UK – WORLDWIDE – Cancellations, postponements and adjustments due to the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak continue with news this week that the IRX/eDX show in Birmingham scheduled at the NEC for 1 - 2 April has been put off until further notice. IRX/eDX covers internet retailing and as such is of interest to a variety of logistics interests. Another big NEC show now on the back burner is the ever popular Multimodal Exhibition. Registrations have been automatically reallocated to the new revised dates of 4-6 November 2020.

HR Announcements as to Who is Heading Where This Week

US – Cakeboxx Technologies has announced the appointment of Michael Stolarczyk as the company's new Senior Vice President – North America Sales. Stolarczyk joined Cakeboxx's headquarters in McLean, Virginia, earlier this week, and brings with him more than three decades of global supply chain and logistics experience, which includes several key sales and management roles over a 17 year period at Maersk.

Wholehearted Support for IATA from FIATA

WORLDWIDE – The International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) and its National Association Members, who are at the centre of the international trade logistic and supply chain management process, have backed proposals to ensure essential traffic flows via air cargo are unaffected by the global spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus.

Virus Causes Online Giant to Run Out of Room

UK – Following the news that online giant Amazon has decided it cannot stock certain items in its warehouses due to the current Covid-19 crisis, owing to what it describes as 'overwhelming demand', members of the leading trade organisation in the field, the United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA) have stepped forward to offer temporary or permanent warehousing services to companies struggling to fulfil orders at this challenging time.

Industry Group Also Seeks Financial Support for Government for Private Train Operators

UK – With every facet of the logistics industry straining their sinews to ensure business as usual to maintain the integrity of the supply chain, the Rail Freight Group (RFG) has written to confirm that part of the industry is ready and willing to step up, but that its importance needs to be officially recognised.

Good in Transit Policy Launched

WORLDWIDE – AP Moller - Maersk has moved into a new field with the announcement of its just launched door-to-door insurance solution. The Danish transport and logistics giant has teamed up with Zurich Insurance to offer Maersk Cargo Insurance, a product designed to protect shippers when goods suffer physical loss or damage.

Warehousing Boss Points Out the Flaws in the New London Plan

UK – There is deep concern amongst the logistics community at the lack of comprehension by politicians as to how the supply chain actually works. The government's diktat to local authorities that more housing be developed has led to a situation whereby industrial land, and even green belt, is being requisitioned to accommodate private housing. Now the Chief Executive of the United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA), Peter Ward, has written to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government with the Associations objections to the reformed London Plan.

Logistics Associations Happy with Local and National Government Announcements

UK – As everyone in the logistics field understands, keeping the supply chain running is the essential element required to maintain some sort of normality in the face of the Covid-19 coronavirus threat. We are all likely to get as bored as was the case with coverage of Brexit but it is of course necessary to keep abreast of what is, after all, a very fluid situation.

Sailors with Mental Health and Other Issues Have to Settle for Screen Talks

WORLDWIDE – As even harder times approach for many it is likely the need for the services of charities such as the international maritime charity, the Sailors' Society, will rarely have been more widespread. Unfortunately the organisation is now forced to offer virtual chaplaincy to seafarers as it suspends its port activities in response to the coronavirus.

A Year On from Original Deal a New MoU Ties Systems together

NORWAY – StormGeo, a global provider of weather intelligence, and classification society DNV GL, announced today that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to drive digitalisation and data standardisation in the maritime industry. The intention is to strengthen the presence and integration of StormGeo's fleet performance management and weather intelligence solutions on DNV GL's independent data platform, Veracity.

New London Base for Logistics Group

UK – Despite all the current problems life in the logistics world has to carry on regardless and now freight forwarding outfit Damco, part of the AP Moller Maersk empire, has moved into a new 36,000 square foot energy-efficient warehouse at London's Heathrow Airport as part of ongoing investment in its airfreight offering.

Vessel Traffic System Even Has Oil Spill Detection Built In

PERU – Fog remains one of the greatest problems for those trying to navigate all manner of modes of transport, from the HGV driver on the motorway, to the pilot attempting to land. Now, thanks to technology group Wärtsilä's Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) solution, safer passages will shortly be ensured as vessels negotiate the waters of the Port of Callao, the country's main harbour.

What Excuse Can There Be to Delay Vital Negotiations in an Age of Technology?

UK – EUROPE – Just as the talks on Britain's exit from the EU were supposed to begin in earnest, we hear that there has been a suspension due to the Covid-19 situation. However there seems no reason why the negotiations should not go ahead using the technology now available for video conferencing. And after all aren't we all supposed to be working from home wherever possible?

System Aims to Streamline Air Cargo for Forwarders

NETHERLANDS – WORLDWIDE – Utrecht headquartered Cargoguide, which says it works with more than 1,500 forwarders in over 84 countries, has officially unveiled its new online rate management platform, as part of its mission to simplify rate management and 'give a boost' to global freight forwarding.

Cargo Carriage Needs Governmental Support

WORLDWIDE – At times of crisis people in the general population sometimes have the importance of logistics and the supply chain brought home to them, and the current virus situation is certain to prove a vivid example. Air freight in particular is key to minimising, and possibly resolving, the covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, and the cargo industry may need substantial government support to maintain the flow of essential supplies.

Prestigious Awards Plan to Go Ahead - Coronavirus Willing

UK – With longevity often comes respectability and prestige and such is the case with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, universally known throughout the industry as CILT which has been celebrating the brightest talent and the most innovative organisations in the sector for over a century.

P & I Club Says Oil Clean Up Costs Can Run Into Millions

WORLDWIDE – Responding to the need for staff involved in bunker operations to realise the possible consequences of not following prescribed procedures, the London P&I Club has launched a new fuel loss prevention video. The film can be used as a training aid to emphasise the potential disasters which can occur through a simple act of inattention.

As Russia Tries to Hurt the US - Ship Owners Could be the Winners

MIDDLE EAST – RUSSIA – US – WORLDWIDE – For many people the only sign of any fluctuation in the price of oil is a couple of pence (or cents etc.) on or off the cost per litre as they fill the tanks of their car or truck. However currently there is a battle going on which, according to BIMCO, a shipping group which knows about such things, might significantly affect the industry.

Who Is Forging New Links in the Supply Chain

US – UPS has named Carol Tomé as UPS Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1. David Abney, the current Chair and Chief Executive Officer, will remain in his role until June 1 when he will become Executive Chair of the Board. He will retire from the UPS Board on September 30. In order to ensure a smooth transition and successful peak season, Abney will remain as a special consultant through the end of 2020 and then retire after 46 years of UPS service.

Some of the Logistics and Supply Chain News You May Have Missed

UK – The British International Freight Association's (BIFA) Young Forwarders Network (YFN) is celebrating a very successful first year of operations. Since launching, the YFN has created six regional networking groups, with more on the way, all run by young forwarders and designed to help early talent and young BIFA members develop their knowledge and professional skills, but in a more social environment.

Just Days Left to Apply for a Place in a New Competition

UK – The Freight Transport Association's (FTA) new Transport Manager of the Year competition has already attracted high numbers of entries, but with under a week to go until the 19 March closing date, time is running out. The competition is open to transport managers from FTA member and non-member companies, applicants must hold a valid Certificate of Professional Competence in Road Haulage (National or International) or equivalent (in accordance with paragraphs 8 to 13 of Schedule 3 of The Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 1995).

Sea Trials of Retrofitted Technology Successful

SINGAPORE – In October last year one of our weekly round-up articles told how Wärtsilä and PSA Marine, which undertakes over 90,000 towage jobs annually, were cooperating on an autonomous tug project at the Finnish technology group's new Acceleration Centre. Trials commenced at that time and initial sea trials for the 'IntelliTug' project have now been successfully completed.

Chinese Order a Raft of Giant New Box Ships

CHINA – Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) has signed contracts with shipyards Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering (NACKS) and Dalian COSCO KHI Ship Engineering (DACKS) for five new container vessels, each at a cost of $155.68 million with a nominal capacity of 23,000 TEU. The company expects to begin taking delivery of these vessels in the year 2023.

Trade Bodies React to Smart Motorway Report but Criticise Clean Air Zone Policy

UK – Two of the trade groups most closely associated with carriage of goods by road throughout the country have reacted to the government's report released today which finds smart motorways to be safe but in need of improvement. The simple truth is this would be in part a return to the original concept passed by Transport Minister Sir Mike Penning, but the reneged on by the Highways Agency.

Traffic Changeable and Virus Uncertainty May Take a Toll

FRANCE – Last month the Port of Dunkerque was forced to cancel its annual press conference due to the ongoing travails caused by the work to rule policy by French Customs officers who were protesting at the 'extra work' which they foresaw being produced by the UK exit from the EU (despite no changes in their shifts). The Port however is a key facility for the logistics community in the north of the country and so its progress, or otherwise, is still relevant.

Previous Government Promises for Transport Sector Have Never Transpired

UK – With the Budget topping the agenda we take a look at how the transport sector has reacted so far to those factors which affect it. And from the reactions up to now it seems the industry has little faith that the government's fair words will lubricate the parsnips any time soon.

Serious Criminal Gang Bowed by ARROW

EUROPE – An unprecedented law enforcement operation involving 5 countries has resulted in the takedown of one of the most active networks of cargo thieves operating across Europe in what the European law enforcement agency, Europol, describes as a series of 'Fast and Furious'-style heists. Composed of over 100 members, this organised crime group is believed to have committed over 150 acts of cargo theft stealing freight worth in excess of €10 million.

Comparison of Shelf Location and Correct Items Visible to Driver

WORLDWIDE – As advances in supply chain automation continue to race ahead Jungheinrich has recently unveiled its new networked digital fork lift truck camera for intelligent scanning of goods. The solution is the latest feature of the optical assistance system family addedVIEW.

UAE Based Group Continues to Expand - Even Into Motor Racing

DUBAI – WORLDWIDE – Having recently made the decision to delist from the stock exchange and return to private ownership, ports and logistics group DP World has now released its financial report for the year to December 2019.

Tie Up with Green Deal Objectives

EUROPE – The European Commission (EC) has announced a proposal to make 2021 the European Year of Rail, in an effort to support the delivery of its European Green Deal objectives in the transport field. The European Rail Freight Association (ERFA) has welcomes the proposal believing that such a move should serve as an opportunity to finally deliver a legal framework that meets the needs of the rail freight sector.

Charter Contracts Brought Up to Date

DENMARK – One of the country's oldest shipping companies, NORDEN, which today operates a fleet of around 275 dry cargo vessels, has brought itself right up to date with the implementation of Sea/contracts, an agile, cloud based, document management tool for the production and management of recaps, charter parties and other shipping documents, across its Panamax, Supramax and Handysize dry cargo operations.

Commercial Driver Shortage is Not Just a UK Problem

EUROPE – We have written many times about the decreasing numbers of professional commercial drivers in the UK but is seems the problem is much more widespread. According to research from the International Road Transport Union (IRU), the European road transport sector is facing a 13% increase in driver shortage in 2020.

Too Good (or Bad) to be True (Yes, Apparently it is)

UK – When we pointed out last month that the official government website stated that one could run an HGV truck quite legally without the requirement for an operator's licence, provided it relied solely on electricity to power it, we asked if it might be too good (or bad) to be true.

Quiz Aims to Illustrate the Diversity of Jobs Available to the Workforce of Tomorrow

UK – Maritime UK and its Women in Maritime Taskforce, have joined forces with Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) to share a new digital resource aimed at inspiring the next generation of young women to choose careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and the maritime industry.

Box Traffic Route Opens for Business

UK – Following the commencement of its new service from DP World's deep water London Gateway facilities linking the east coast ports with the continent last month, the first Unifeeder vessel to arrive at the Scottish container terminal in Grangemouth called at the weekend.

Heroes of the Sea Sought by Charity

UK – WORLDWIDE – Hot on the heels of requests to nominate the cream of the search and rescue industry for the IMRF Awards, comes another appeal for heroes to step forward as UK national maritime charity, the Shipwrecked Mariner' Society, calls on members of the maritime and rescue communities to nominate those who have demonstrated outstanding bravery and expertise in aiding those in peril at sea, for its 169th Skill and Gallantry Awards.

Unions Watch to See if Employment Practices Improve

UK – Condor Ferries, which carries around 100,000 freight units between the British and French mainland, and which has been up for sale since 2018, finally had acceptance this week from the authorities for the bid from a consortium, which included Brittany Ferries, in an acquisition which was first proposed last November.

UK and Europe to Benefit from Expansion at Major Hub

NETHERLANDS – EUROPE – P&O Ferries has announced the doubling of its rail capacity at Europoort with the launch of a second line into its terminal at the continental hub. The 650-metre long track will complement the company's existing rail line and means that the integrated ferry and logistics company can handle up to four trains of either 36 trailers or 42 x 45 foot containers a day, comprising eight services to and from locations across Europe.

Deal to Close Later This Year

UK – Swiss headquartered freight forwarding group Kuehne + Nagel has agreed to sell of much of its UK contract logistics portfolio. The buyer is XPO Logistics and the transaction will include drinks logistics, food services and retail and technology businesses, operations which together accounted for over £600 million utilising 7,500 staff in 2019.

Simple Test Helps Gives Assurance of Driver Fitness to Work Safely

UK – Explore Plant and Transport Solutions, a transport and plant hire services company, has selected Intelligent Fingerprinting's fingerprint drug testing method to help meet its Drug Policy requirements as part of the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) accreditation, and ensure that its driving staff meet driver licence/medical requirements and are not impaired through drink, drugs or fatigue.

Fixed Day Weekly Service Due to Restart

UK – CHINA – Dartford headquartered freight forwarding agency Davies Turner says it is about to recommence its popular fixed-day, weekly direct rail import service from China in the middle of this month.

Who is on Their Way and Where To

DUBAI – P&O Maritime Logistics has appointed Martin Helweg as its new Chief Executive Officer. For the past 3 years, Helweg has been responsible for P&O Maritime Logistics’ global operations. He will report to Mike Bhaskaran, DP World’s Chief Operating Officer for Logistics and Technology.

Multimodal Global News Snippets This Week

UK – WORLDWIDE – We commence this week's trawl through some of the shipping and logistics stories you may have missed with some tales for International Women's Day (March 8) from Nautilus International, the union which represents 20,000 maritime professionals at sea and ashore.

World Port Conference Event Cancelled

BELGIUM – The International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) has announced the decision to cancel the IAPH 2020 World Ports Conference, which was due to be held between 17-19 March in Antwerp, Belgium making it another supply chain victim of the coronavirus.

UK Government Commits to Clean Power Logistics

UK – The UK Government has announced a major investment to design, test and manufacture electric machines in some of the UK's most polluting industries. £30 million will be used to create 4 new, cutting-edge centres of excellence, based in Newport, Nottingham, Strathclyde and Sunderland, which will aim to bring together climate change pioneers to research and develop green electric machines including planes, ships and cars.

Search and Rescue Nominations Open

UK – WORLDWIDE – The time has come to nominate for the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) Awards which recognise volunteers and professional Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel alike, from those developing innovative technology or equipment, to those involved in hands-on multi agency rescues, and others who have dedicated their lives to building maritime SAR service in their region.

eCommerce and Generation X Demands Mean More Automation and Added Value Services

UK – Every year the annual United Kingdom Warehouse Association (UKWA) National Conference gives its members an opportunity to spend two days thrashing out the latest topics hot on the logistics agenda. Now whilst that might on first hearing not sound a very exciting prospect, in fact it means all present have sufficient time to drill down into what is currently happening, and forecast, for a sector group which effectively holds responsibility for the entire British supply chain.

After Policy of Acquisitions Real Estate Sale Goes Ahead

DENMARK – Savills Investment Management (Savills IM), the international real estate investment manager, has acquired on behalf of Vestas Investment Management (Vestas IM) and their Korean institutional investors the global headquarters and logistics assets of Danish transportation giant, DSV. The assets will be leased back to DSV on long-term commitments.

Four Day Time Saving to Europe Means Fresher Produce

INDIA – EUROPE – Maersk has recently started an end-to-end cold chain logistics solution for its customers exporting grapes from Nashik and Sangli, India, to North Europe. Utilising its variety of services throughout the supply chain, Maersk says that it is improving the overall turnaround time to North Europe by four whole days.

New Recycling Facility Open for Business

AUSTRALIA – Further to our recent pieces on ship recycling, The Lead in South Australia tells us that at least down under there is some movement to banish the murderous ship scrapping industry as practiced on the beaches of the Indian sub-continent.

Growth of Value Added Services Prompts New Division

UK – One of the country's best established international freight forwarding groups, W.E. Deane, has announced that it is expanding its logistics arm to meet the growing demand for its bespoke service offering within the marketplace.

Scammers Trying It On Over Virus Testing

UK – WORLDWIDE – It doesn't take long for the exponents of the scam (some would say scum) to jump on the latest bandwagon and try and extort money from wherever it may rightfully lay. Now the possibility of a global pandemic has persuaded the low life creatures of the internet to create a possible source of revenue from those working in the shipping industry.

Free to Enter Competition for Merchant Navy Youth to Liven Up the Industry

UK – The UK Chamber of Shipping has launched a competition to find new ideas that could help make the shipping industry greener, cleaner, more sustainable and get to the hallowed target of net zero Shipping by 2050.

Target to Reduce Costs and Carbon

UK – WORLDWIDE – The Port of Tyne will become the first UK port to join the Connected Ports Partnership, a global data and resource sharing initiative between several global operators, which include the ports of Rotterdam, Gdansk, Helsinki, Hamburg and Los Angeles.

No Deal Simply Must Not Be An Option Says BIFA Boss

UK – EUROPE – As the first formal negotiations began today between the two parties to try and wend their way through the numerous complexities which will determine the future relationship between the pair, there was a distinctly adversarial air on both sides, something which will doubtless worry such as the British International Freight Association (BIFA) which represents the interests of the cargo forwarding community.

Concerns for Supplies and Wages as Sickness and Restrictions Spread

WORLDWIDE – As the threat of a global pandemic spreads so new words and phrases slip almost unnoticed into the vernacular, 'self-isolation', 'SARS' and 'MERS' being freely bandied about. What is certain is that there is a very real threat to world trade, and ocean container shipping, international road haulage and airfreight, the main arteries for essential supplies and pharmaceuticals, are already being adversely affected.

Deliberate Act Fouls US Territorial Waters - Officer Faces Decades of Prison Time

US – SINGAPORE – Unix Line, a Singapore-based shipping company, has pleaded guilty in federal court to yet another violation of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships in what is often referred to as a 'magic pipe' incident.