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European Commission Accepts Takeover of Singaporean NOL by French Rival CMA CGM

EUROPE – WORLDWIDE – The European Commission has cleared the proposed acquisition of Neptune Oriental Lines (NOL) of Singapore by rival French shipping company CMA CGM, conditional upon NOL leaving the G6 liner shipping alliance. As we mentioned in our article last week regarding the major collaboration efforts currently underway in the worldwide container freight industry, the G6 Alliance is going to see some drastic changes in its line up with companies being lured into other alliances or mergers, as the lines vie for greater control of the global market share in a time of overcapacity and falling rates. Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said:

UK Warehousing Authority Offers Chance for Freight Forwarders and Others to Make Representations

UK – After our recent coverage of the British International Freight Association’s (BIFA) warning that HMRC are about to increase pressure on freight forwarders who fail to ensure that customers are strictly above board due to numerous VAT avoidance scams the United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA) is encouraging stakeholders in the supply chain to respond to government directly to give their views.

Authority Firmly Rebuts Union Claims

PANAMA – The claims made by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) that the training given and the techniques used in the operation of the new Panama Canal expansion were inadequate were fully explained in our recent story. Now the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has issued a full rebuttal of the union’s objections and stated that the transit for even the largest container and bulk freight vessels permitted will be entirely safe. We publish the full statement here.

Two UK Based Agencies Join International Network

UK – WORLDWIDE – An international maritime consultancy says it has significantly bolstered its specialist services by joining forces with two security and risk management companies. The Maritime Group International (TMG) Limited has teamed up with State 21 Limited and Bowline Defence Limited, both based in the UK, as it says demand rises for global maritime security support. Despite the reduction in pirate activity in the Indian Ocean, attacks on freight vessels in other areas continue and many companies running cargoes of all types still look to employ security personnel to protect against a range of crimes.

Now New Fuel Savings Calculator Compares the Benefits Against the Costs Incurred

DUBAI – WORLDWIDE – We have written before of GAC EnvironHull’s HullWiper technology which scrubs the hull of any sizeable vessel remotely and the self-evident benefit that its use can have whether the vessel be a container ship, tanker or bulk freight carrier. A foul-free hull offers the benefits of significantly enhanced fuel efficiency and lower operating costs by reducing resistance in the water. A clean ship sails smoother through the water, gives a greener and more sustainable solution and offers energy savings of up to 10% of fuel.

An Astonishing 168 Billion Euro Shortfall Prompts Action

UK – One organisation which can always be trusted to give sage advice when it comes to ‘touchy’ subjects concerning the logistics industry is the British International Freight Association (BIFA) whose 1,500 + members make up the cream of the country’s freight forwarders. This month the trade group has issued a reminder to those in the industry that it is being increasingly targeted by fraudsters, and HMRC is toughening up and placing ever-increasing emphasis on compliance, with stricter enforcement being an inevitable outcome.

White Van Man Continues to Rule!

UK – The importance of small commercial vehicles to the logistics industry has been emphasised this week with the release of figures which demonstrate that the mythical ‘white van man’ remains the predominant factor in ensuring Britain’s ever more demanding consumers receive their goods on time. Freight deliveries by van account for an astonishing 45 billion miles across the UK each year according to data from Motorparc, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) guide.

International Unions Warn of Potential Dangers to Merchant Shipping

PANAMA – Just as the new, larger Panama Canal is set to open there have been queries raised as to the safety of operation of the huge new locks which control the transit of the merchant vessels passing through. The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has raised pressing concerns after analysing the results of a study it commissioned into the new Canal expansion.

Asia to East Coast of US Affected

ASIA – US – Following our recent coverage of the changes to the recently formed cargo alliances, yet another container vessel sharing scheme, the CKYHE Alliance, which includes COSCON, K Line, Yang Ming, Hanjin and Evergreen Line, is reorganising the freight service network it offers for Asia-US East Coast trade for the rest of 2016.

As Historic Day Dawns One Vessels Name Gets the Chance of Immortality (Well Pub Quiz Answer)

PANAMA – WORLDWIDE – The Panama Canal will hold a draw on April 29, to select the first vessel which will transit through the Expanded Canal when it is inaugurated on Sunday, June 26. The Panama Canal invited its top 15 customers to participate in the draw for the inaugural transit, and those interested in participating were required to indicate the Neopanamax vessel's name, type and dimensions that it plans to deploy on the inauguration day of the Expanded Canal.

UK Figures Prominently as Top Personnel Switch Jobs

UK – Lots of staff changes in the field of logistics this week to report, particularly in Britain starting with Ian Veitch who handed over the Presidency of the Freight Transport Association to Leigh Pomlett, Executive Director, CEVA Group, at FTA’s National Council meeting on April 21. Ian Veitch steps down after completing a three year term as FTA President.

Swimming Pool Based on Van Gogh's Ear Lugged All the Way to the Big Apple

EUROPE – US – Project freight forwarding movements come in all shapes and sizes but few will have been transported more out of the ordinary than the 3,500 kilogramme swimming pool sculptured in the shape of Vincent Van Gogh’s missing ear! Van Gogh’s Ear, a sculpture by Scandinavian artists Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset, is now standing in pride of place outside the Fifth Avenue entrance to the Rockefeller Center. It’s hard to miss, as it takes the form of a 10m high 1950s-style swimming pool based on the famous artist’s missing appendage which it is rumoured he cut off in 1888.

As Scramble to Apply SOLAS VGM Regulations Continue Environmental Data Collection Introduced

WORLDWIDE – In an effort to send a clear and positive signal of its continuing commitment to climate change mitigation, the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has approved mandatory requirements for ships to record and report their fuel consumption, with the intention to apply the requirement to all container, bulk carriers, tankers and similar vessels as early as 2018. Given the fuss made by some over the new VGM regulations, we may yet be in for more wails of anguish and wringing of hands from some quarters.

International Union Body Checks Up on Convention Which Protects Workers

WORLDWIDE – It is now two and a half years since the implementation of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC) which sets out comprehensive and enforceable minimum standards for seafarers’ working and living conditions, and which has been described as ‘the most ambitious convention ever, covering the modern realities of working conditions on board a 21st century ship’.

Understanding the Complexities of Urban Cycling Saves Lives

UK – As was evidenced in London last year there has proved to be nothing more which alerts an urban cyclist to the dangers of flirting with heavy goods traffic than a quick spin in the cab of an HGV. The difficulties faced by a truck driver in checking multiple mirrors with their almost inevitable blind spots rapidly becomes clear to previously unwary riders, illustrating to them the difficulties faced by the men and women in the cab. This however is no one way street, with many truckers ignorant of the hazards faced by the two wheelers.

Drayage Contractor Comes up with the Goods in More Ways Than One

US – An HGV driver from a previous age would scratch his or her head in amazement at the changes in the freight industry which have occurred in the daily routine of anyone connected with the physical distribution of goods. Nothing illustrates this better than the latest news from the West Coast Port of Oakland where the latest aid to drivers is an app written by someone best qualified to do so – a harbour driver responsible for some of the container traffic actually passing through the port.

Breadth of Talent from HGV Drivers to Inspirational Leaders Fight Gender Imbalance

UK – 22 of the most inspirational role models within the transport and logistics industry have been announced as finalists in the 2016 FTA everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards. Now in their ninth year, the Freight Transport Association sponsored awards continue to demonstrate the breadth of career opportunities offered by the industry, particularly for women, and those shortlisted are prime examples of this with careers ranging from engineers to warehousing managers and HGV drivers.

Truck Rallies and Convoys Precede Repeal of Road Safety Act

AUSTRALIA – This week there were celebrations for members of the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) when the Australian Parliament voting to abolish the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal (RSRT) late last Monday. Drivers from across Australia had travelled to Canberra to take part in two days of truck convoys and rallies calling for the abolition of the Tribunal and its devastating payments order.

German and Saudi Fleets Cooperate

GERMANY – SAUDI ARABIA – WORLDWIDE – The National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia (Bahri) and Hamburg based specialist for project and heavy lift liner services Rickmers-Linie, have signed the latest in a long line of space charter agreements we have witnessed in recent months. These ‘vessel sharing’ contracts assist companies to maximise use of their fleets at a time when freight rates are at a very low point.

Annual RFG Conference Discusses the Way Forward

UK – Last month we published full details of the report on the state of Network Rail by the CEO of HS1, Nicola Shaw, and it was much discussed at the Rail Freight Group’s 24th annual conference organised by Waterfront in London recently. The requirement to focus on freight was reinforced by Joanna Whittington, Chief Executive at the Office of Road and Rail (ORR), who said the reorganisation of Network Rail into routes can provide a real opportunity for Network Rail to improve the way it can meet the needs of both freight and passengers.

Freight Transport Association Launches City and Guilds Approved Courses

UK – For those of us who gained Transport Management Certificate of Professional Competence status back when dinosaurs walked the earth, the changes in both attitude toward, and qualifications for, the position of Transport Manager have been profound. Road Haulage companies are moving rapidly into a more professional industry where everyday performance is monitored and audited at every level.

If You Need a Giant Crane it Makes Sense to Buy Local

FINLAND – It makes sense when you are running a shipyard that is investing €35 million in development, that you source a key component from a neighbour which manufactures the very thing you are looking for. Such is the case at Meyer Turku Oy which has a new 1,200 tonne Goliath gantry crane being delivered which it has ordered from nearby Konecranes. Turku shipyard’s CEO Jan Meyer sees the more than EUR 35 million investment as a good example of smart Finnish collaboration and adds:

Buy Out Sees Separation from Marine Services Affiliate

WEST AFRICA – The independent ship agency and logistics provider OMA has completed an amicable management buy-out process and announcing its intention to actively expand the Group’s activities in West Africa with plans already in place to build upon customer-identified business opportunities in Senegal and Cameroon. OMA was established in 1982 together with its marine services affiliate, Togo Oil and Marine (TOM), both companies developing from modest beginnings in Lomé, Togo.

Independent Agency Invests for the Future

UK – Yet another name due to appear at the Multimodal Exhibition at Birmingham’s NEC next month will be the independent freight forwarder Davies Turner which has just announced it is to double the size of its Scottish regional distribution centre and BRC-accredited site for the storage and distribution of foodstuffs at Cumbernauld. Including the offices, the extended depot will have a total area of around 43,000 square feet (4,000 m²) and a gated yard with palisade fencing, security alarms and CCTV protection.

ECDIS Installation to be Completed by 2018

AUSTRALIA – The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has advised that the phased carriage requirement of Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) is underway and is scheduled to be completed by 2018. Comprehensive guidance is available in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Circular MSC.1/Circ.1503 ECDIS Guidance for Good Practice. All ships masters, navigating officers and operators of ships fitted with ECDIS, which will include most if not all major merchant vessels, are encouraged to use this guidance to facilitate the safe and effective use of ECDIS.

Commemorative Poster Available to Celebrate the End of an Era

UK – ST. HELENA – WORLDWIDE – It is a fact of life that some stories spark the imagination more than the usual freight trade related tales and press releases and this was certainly the case when earlier this month we published the up and coming sale of one of the last two passenger and cargo ships still working which bear the prestigious ‘RMS’ prefix, designating them as Royal Mail Ships, the RMS St Helena.

Potential to Form World's Fifth Largest Box Carrier

GERMANY – QATAR – WORLDWIDE – Following the recent news of another giant collaboration between four of the world’s largest container shipping lines, Hapag-Lloyd and United Arab Shipping Company (UASC) have announced that talks are currently underway of a potential merger. Consolidation in its various forms seems to be the future of the ocean freight industry as overcapacity and falling rates continue to plague the sector.

Armed Guards Have Mostly Eliminated Major Threat

UK – SOMALIA – WORLDWIDE – After 5 years of representing the private maritime security industry the Directors of the Security Association for the Maritime Industry (SAMI) have made the decision to put the company into voluntary liquidation. When the association was first formed piracy and hijackings of merchant vessels off the coast of Somalia were increasing at an alarming rate but since the first members joined in April 2011 much has changed with suspicious activity in the Gulf of Aden becoming less and less frequent. CEO of SAMI, Peter Cook said:

Czech Republic Sees Turkish Supply Chain Group Open First Facility

CZECH REPUBLIC (CZECHIA) – TURKEY – Another supply chain player has announced its entry into the Czech Republic (or perhaps more properly now Czechia) with Turkish group Ekol Logistics due to open its first branch by the end of June in the Prague area with a Brno facility planned to follow next year. Last month the company announced it was to begin operations in Bulgaria and the new office will mean the intermodal freight forwarder has now established its own facilities in thirteen countries with plans to open in Slovakia in 2017.

Boss Says Achievement Shows Commitment to Customers

UK – Based in Langley, Berkshire, warehouse facilities management and maintenance company Armkor has been assisting clients in the air cargo, freight forwarding and logistics sectors since its inception some ten years ago. Specialists in installing, refurbishing and generally looking after cargo handling systems the company has an impressive list of customers in its warehouse maintenance portfolio including some major players in the shipping industry including Menzies World Cargo, DHL Aviation, Expeditors, DSV, Air Canada, Balfour Beatty and DHL Global Forwarding.

Strike Centre Opened in Louisville

US – You know things are not going well in the field of industrial relations when one side opens a ‘Strike Centre’ designed with the sole purpose of ensuring a stoppage campaign runs as efficiently as possible for the striking workers. That however is exactly what the Independent Pilots Association (IPA), representing the pilots who fly for freight and logistics outfit United Parcel Service (UPS), have done this week which sees the opening of a Strike Operations Centre (SOC) at its Louisville headquarters.

You May Wish to Clear Your Head Before Reading This One

WORLDWIDE – Ever since China’s two largest shipping groups merged to form one giant state-owned entity, rumours have abounded as to which other container freight carriers it will join with in order to create a new Alliance designed to see yet more shake-ups in the container shipping industry as it aims to challenge the established vessel sharing agreement (VSA) between the world's two biggest shippers, Maersk Line and MSC. It has now been confirmed that COSCO Container Lines has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CMA CGM, Evergreen Line, and Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) to create the Ocean Alliance slated to begin operations in April 2017, subject to the usual regulatory approvals.

Logistically America Starts to Look Like a Third World Country

US – UK – WORLDWIDE – As sectors of US industry rail against the requirements of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) incoming Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations, which mandate the weighing of all loaded export freight containers and which take effect from 1 July, the rest of the world looks on in disbelief. Logistically America is increasingly taking on the appearance of a third world country as several forms of freight transport differ from, or lag behind, practices in Europe, Asia and beyond.

Expansion of Network Continues for Swiss Based Group

WORLDWIDE – Swiss based freight forwarding and logistics group Panalpina has expanded its LCL offerings, increasing the frequency of sailings from Shanghai to Singapore to four times a week, as well as the addition of two new exclusive services from Egypt to Singapore and from India to home ground in Switzerland via Italy.

Tales of Good Deeds from Around the Globe This Month

WORLDWIDE – The logistics industry has a big heart, a fact which has been proven time and time again. In the light of last week’s two devastating earthquakes which left over 400 dead in Ecuador and more than 40 on the Japanese southern island of Kyushu, shipping lines have already stepped forward with Japanese carrier Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) starting a charity drive, a tactic it has used successfully in the past, donating ¥10 million and pledging the use of its ferries to support its countrymen in their hour of need.

Import and Export Clearances Now Possible Throughout Northern England

UK – No company survives in the logistics business for over 180 years, as John Good Shipping has, without staying abreast of current markets and particularly the rules and regulations which enables it to continue in and expand the sectors in which it works. This month a division of the Yorkshire based group, John Good Air, was delighted to be granted its own customs badge code for airfreight consignments passing through Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds Bradford airports meaning it is now able to complete import and export customs clearance at all three airports on behalf of its customers.

As Manufacturer Gears Up for Multimodal Freight Show Comes Sales Success

UK – MALAYSIA – As Multimodal 2016, the UK’s premier freight and logistics exhibition draws closer, shipping lines, forwarding agents, ports and suppliers are all gearing up for the show at the NEC Birmingham which runs 10 -12 May. One regular supporter is Narrow Aisle Ltd. manufacturer of Flexi articulated fork lift trucks, and the company will use the show to demonstrate its latest offerings, just as it announces a major success in the export market.

House of Representatives Hearing on American Coast Guard U Turn Whilst Container Weighing Tariff Released

US – CANADA – WORLDWIDE – As July1, the deadline for the mandatory weighing of loaded export containers under revised Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations gets ever closer, so decisions on pricing for the service by the main box ports have finally begun, at a rate that will shock many and only stoke the fires in the US where members at Friday’s hearing at the US House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure now cogitate on the arguments some American shippers and freight forwarding representatives have put forward for the US either for doing nothing or, as elsewhere round the globe, acting under the international law it had previously appeared to wholeheartedly accept.

European Carriers Receive Half a Million Dollar Fines

US – A recent BBC Radio programme illustrated how attitudes to disability have radically altered over the past 30 years. Whereas many disabled people were shunned and given little or no consideration it is now mandatory that everyone, able bodied or not, receives fair and equal treatment. Not so it seems by some major European air carriers who have received punitive fines this week from the Department of Transportation (DoT) for failing to act on customer complaints.

Staff Movements in the Sector

US – Freight forwarding and logistics giant Kuehne + Nagel has appointed Bob Mihok as President of its North American Region, succeeding John Hextall who has decided to step down from the role. Hextall will remain with the company until June 30 to ensure a smooth transition. Mihok will be responsible for the company’s Seafreight, Airfreight, Overland, Contract Logistics, and Integrated Logistics operations in the North American Region, based at the regional headquarters in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Security Situation for Vessels off Nigeria Remains Worrying

ASIA – GULF OF GUINEA – WORLDWIDE – Just as a report from maritime intelligence and operations firm, Dryad Maritime, shows some positive news to the start to 2016, with reported incidents of piracy and crime against vessels and mariners at its lowest levels for a decade in South East Asia, reports of two separate pirate attacks on April 11 in the Gulf of Guinea confound the good news and demonstrate the latest in the situation regarding piracy, kidnap, ransom and sabotage activity in the region. Ian Millen, Chief Operating Officer, Dryad Maritime said:

As US Argues Ports Start to Gear Up for Regulation Change - But What is the Cost?

UK – US – WORLDWIDE – As shippers around the globe wake up to the fact that they will be responsible for certifying the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) of export containers from 1 July 2016 or face the consequences, so the rush for facts and solutions steps up a gear. The performance of many freight forwarders so far has been lamentable, with numerous organisations adopting a head in the sand attitude, and now the race is on to prepare for whichever method, overall laden container weight (Method 1) or accurate individual consignment weight (Method 2), they will adopt.

New Operation Capable of Handling Two 18,000 TEU Vessels Simultaneously

US – Despite the doubts being expressed currently regarding the viability of the new ultra large container ships, work goes on at ports around the world to ensure berths are both long and deep enough to handle import and export freight shipping off and on the mega carriers. The latest development announced is the expansion of facilities at the Washington port of Tacoma.

New Branding for Established Supply Chain Group

ASIA – Kerry Logistics, one of the primary freight forwarding outfits in the region, has further extended its influence and supply chain network in the subcontinent with a new memorandum of understanding committing to increase its stake in Indev Logistics Pvt from 30% to 50%. Indev, headquartered in Chennai, has rebranded to become Kerry-Indev Logistics at a ceremony held earlier today.

Growth from a Small Harbour to Major Deep Water Cargo Facility

SOUTH AFRICA – The Port of Richards Bay, which claims the title of the country’s premier port for bulk cargoes, commemorates 40 Years of service this month and the port authorities plan to hold several celebratory events over the coming months. Established in 1976 after overcoming the fact that the geography of the area was not conducive to receiving freight vessels of any size, the deep water port was created for the purpose of transporting locally-mined coal to international markets. Chief Executive of Transnet National Ports Authority, Richard Vallihu commented:

Puerto Rico Benefits from Busiest Regional Carrier

PUERTO RICO – CARIBBEAN – US – Crowley Maritime Corp is to consolidate its Caribbean logistics services into a single new facility in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. Crowley has served the Puerto Rico market since 1954, longer than any other carrier in the market, it has more weekly sailings and is responsible for more cargo carried annually between the island commonwealth and the US mainland than any other shipping line and employs over 250 staff on the trade.

Collapse of Major Merger Once Again

CANADA – US – After five months of negotiations, three failed bids, and a rejection from the Department of Justice (DoJ), Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) has now terminated its efforts to merge with Norfolk Southern (NS). CP CEO Hunter Harrison has long been a proponent of a major tie up in the North American rail freight sector and with this failed bid, the first offer estimated to be in the region of $28.4 billion, the Canadian intermodal operator will find it more difficult in its attempts to rebuild the industry to its liking, having already ended previous talks with CSX in 2014 stating that the ‘two companies saw the world a little differently’.

Export to China Needed Particular Care

NETHERLANDS – CHINA – AirBridgeCargo Airlines (ABC), the Russian based freight only carrier, has completed the transport of a consignment of microchip production technology from Amsterdam to Dalian in China for one of its key customers, logistics and forwarding group DB Schenker. The equipment is both figuratively and literally cutting edge and was carried aboard two ABC Boeing 747 freighter flights from Amsterdam to China via the airline's hub in Moscow.

CILT Chairman Open to Questions on European Supply Chain Day

UK – Transport and logistics is not only a useful barometer for the economics of a country but also a sector that tends to take the lead in new technology and communications. It was the industry which pioneered the use of fax machines over telex in the 1970’s and now, with the rapid advent of social media, it is exploiting this in all its forms, as demonstrated this month when the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK (CILT) Chairman takes to a live Q&A on Twitter later this month.

Major Logistics Player Once Again Shows Responsibility Toward Staff

DENMARK – WORLDWIDE – Maersk, owners of the largest container shipping line in the world and with a host of subsidiary companies in several related logistics sectors, always looks toward good relations with, and conditions for, its staff, and now a new agreement with global unions has once again demonstrated this. Whilst the company already has collective bargaining agreements covering its directly-owned fleet it has now agreed to extend this to include any vessel it charters.

One of the Last Four Remaining RMS Ships to Move On

ST HELENA – WORLDWIDE – For over a quarter of a century the remote UK Overseas Territory located 1200 miles off the West coast of Africa in the South Atlantic has been served by one of the last four ships in the world to carry the iconic Royal Mail Ship (RMS) prefix. Now the RMS St Helena is to be withdrawn from service and sold. Operated by St Helena Line Ltd (SHL) on behalf of the St Helena Government the Passenger Cargo Royal Mail Ship was built in the UK in 1990 specifically for the St Helena route and currently operates out of Cape Town calling at both St Helena and Ascension Island on a regular schedule.

Aftermarket Product Can Warn Drivers of Excess Mass and Unsafe Positioning

EUROPE – WORLDWIDE – Anyone who has trained as a fork lift truck driver will know that the little diagram, usually mounted somewhere within his or her range of vision, is supposed to help gauge whether a load can be correctly lifted given the declared weight. They will also know the total impracticality of such a judgement. Across Europe and around the globe, every year several hundred people die in forklift related accidents, many more are injured. Forklifts tipping over drop their load, damaging or toppling warehouse racking, causing serious material damage just in the everyday, essential activity of moving freight.

New Website, Logo and 'We Deliver' Strapline

UK – The UK Mail Group plc, known formerly as Business Post, has once again changed its corporate identity and today has unveiled its new logo, strapline and website in an attempt to support its growth within the industry. The ‘We deliver’ strapline has been brought back from the former Business Post brand to summarise the company’s main operation. The Coventry headquartered carrier competes with other freight operations in the mail and parcel fields.

Fortieth Anniversary Year and Ships Continue to Grow

UAE – Container shipping line United Arab Shipping Company (UASC) and Gulftainer, the privately-owned, independent port operator based in the UAE, marked the maiden call of UASC’s 15,000 TEU MV Linah into Khorfakkan Container Terminal (KCT), at an event yesterday. The ship is the largest UASC vessel to call at Khorfakkan Port to date, and is one of the ships built as part of UASC’s newbuilding programme costing over $2.3 billion and comprising 17 ships to be delivered between November 2014 and 2016, of which 11 are 15,000 TEU vessels and six are 18,800 TEU vessels.

Six Truck Makers Extend Autonomous Vehicle Trials

EUROPE – An idea hatched in the Netherlands, this week saw the conclusion of the most extensive trial yet of ‘Truck Platooning’ whereby a column of HGVs drive closely behind each other while communicating wirelessly. The autonomous vehicles link to the lead truck meaning their reaction times are theoretically down to zero, making braking instantaneous whilst reducing drag and cutting fuel costs by up to 25%.

Partners Produce Suite of Resources for Schools

UK – It seems everyone in the freight and logistics sector has woken up recently to the fact that the industry fails to present itself as a viable and valuable job option to anyone searching for a career. In addition to a lack of youngsters coming into the road haulage industry there are concerns that the lacklustre face of the whole supply chain from an employment point of view is resulting in too few, and too poor quality recruits. Now The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK (CILT), in collaboration with the Geographical Association, has produced a suite of logistics and transport resources for use in schools and educational environments to help the situation.

Sea Going Steamship Needs Support to Sail Again

UK – Time was when steamships routinely travelled around the ports of Britain and ventured ever farther afield as the country built its fortune, with the oceans providing a highway for imports and exports of every type. Now that heritage is rapidly dissipating and with the last small potentially sea-going, coastal steamer in the UK, the SS Freshspring being served notice to vacate her berth on the River Severn, the clock is ticking to rehome a unique vessel and relic of naval history.

The Humble Fork Lift Needs Some TLC Too

UK – We live at a time when every facet of road haulage and the logistics industry seems to elicit more legislation and health and safety requirements every passing year. Yet, whilst junior doctors claim they are being pushed to work long continuous shifts, lorry drivers are, quite rightly, required by law to take strictly measured breaks and rest periods. Every time after they insert their card into a digital tachograph, the truck driver’s first duty is to complete a thorough walk round check of his vehicle before he turns a wheel.

Another European Country Trials Larger Freight Vehicles

SPAIN – A 25.25 metre long mega truck with a maximum road haulage gross mass of 60 tonnes, has successfully made its first Spanish road and motorway journey, between Palau-solità i Plegamans (Barcelona) and Martorell. This pilot test aimed to demonstrate the viability of implementing mega trucks, also known as road trains, and asserting their regular use as freight transporters in Spain, following the example of other countries in Europe where such trucks are already permitted to operate, including Sweden, Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Portugal and some regions of Norway.

Panama Papers Reveal Overseas Registries Sited in Many Financial Havens

WORLDWIDE – The repercussions from the exposure of millions of documents known as ‘The Panama Papers’ which reveal the details of billions of pounds invested offshore in anonymous trusts for the purpose of tax avoidance and evasion, are destined to reverberate through the commercial and political worlds for some time to come. Having already accounted for the career of the Icelandic Prime Minister we can undoubtedly look forward to more falls from grace for a while yet and now the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has pointed out an interesting aside which impinges on the world of shipping and logistics.

Who is Headed Where and When

WORLDWIDE – Freight and logistics staff news starts with the announcement that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Board of Governors has announced its decision to recommend Alexandre de Juniac, Chairman and CEO of Air France-KLM, to become the new Director and CEO, succeeding Tony Tyler who will retire later in the year. De Juniac has also held positions in the French government, notably serving in the Department of Budget as a technical advisor and was then Deputy Chief of Staff in the cabinet of Nicolas Sarkozy. He then moved to the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Employment as Chief of Staff to then Minister Christine Lagarde.

Ultra Low Emission Zone Will Please Many But Cost Small Road Haulage Groups Dear

UK – When back in 2014 we wrote about the forthcoming Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) which will take effect in London from September 2020, we told how the Freight Transport Association (FTA) was pressing Mayor Boris Johnson for incentives for road haulage outfits to increase the appeal of switching to more modern Euro VI trucks immediately, rather than waiting for the incoming legislation. Both we, and the FTA, believed perhaps somewhat naively that this was a rather good idea, taking older, more pollution prone lorries off the roads sooner rather than later.

Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Trucks Will Change Things Completely

UK – WORLDWIDE - Frost & Sullivan, the international consultancy which advises on trends in technology to influence the development strategies of its clients, produces over one hundred research studies each year under its global mobility programme. Its latest predictions include the possibility that approximately 300,000 heavy-duty truck drivers globally could lose their jobs by 2035 because of the adoption of new freight efficiency enhancement tools, automated driving and other utilisation technologies, if true an answer at a stroke to any future HGV driver shortage in the road haulage sector.

HGV Truck and Van Operators Must Enter Contest by April 30

UK – At a time when concern is growing for the number of HGV drivers available to road haulage firms in future years comes a chance for the best of the best to be officially recognised by their peers in the industry. The Freight Transport Association (FTA) will shortly be looking for the best van and truck drivers in the country through its Driver of the Year 2016 contests. The three contests are FTA Truck Driver of the Year (44-tonne) sponsored by Mercedes-Benz Trucks); FTA Truck Driver of the Year (18-tonne) sponsored by Bridgestone Tyres) and the Van Excellence Driver of the Year. All three will be held at Mercedes-Benz, Wentworth Park, Barnsley, between 12 and 14 July 2016.

Four and Half Years of Salvage Finally Ends

NEW ZEALAND – The remains of the ill-fated container vessel MV Rena wreck in place on Otaiti/Astrolabe Reef, is no longer classed as a hazard to navigation after the Director of Maritime NZ withdrew two statutory notices that had required the owners of the vessel to undertake work to address the navigational hazard and discharge of harmful substances, and keep Maritime NZ appraised of progress being made.

(Which Results in a Two Million plus Pounds Penalty)

UK – Glasgow-based Braid Logistics, has agreed to hand over £2.2 million penalty to the Civil Recovery Unit after self-reporting that it had obtained business through unlawful conduct. The recovered funds will be used for community projects across Scotland. Braid, which specialises in tank freight and project cargoes, became aware of potentially dishonest activities associated with two of its freight forwarding contracts in 2012, which led the company to initiate an investigation, revealing breaches of the Bribery Act 2010.

Telematics Data Integrated into Transport Management System

DENMARK – UK – EUROPE – P&O Ferrymasters, best known for road haulage services but with a portfolio covering most aspects of the supply chain from warehousing to air freight and deeps sea operations, has opted for a ghTrack cloud solution from Danish integrator and data unifier GateHouse Logistics to supplement its current Transport Management System (TMS).

After More Violence Stakeholders Give Their Views Directly to Government

UK – FRANCE – Last week we gave details of the current government consultation requesting the views of the logistics community on the migrant situation in Calais as it looks to review the penalties it imposes on hauliers whose trucks are found to be carrying their illicit human cargo. Now Immigration Minister James Brokenshire, who is to be lead speaker at the Pan-European conference in London dedicated to this very problem which takes place later this month, is seemingly doing his homework as he travelled to Calais in the company of road haulage operators and representatives of the Freight Transport Association (FTA) earlier today.

Modern Testing Can Produce Better Protected Electrical Equipment

UK – WORLDWIDE – One of the unseen dangers which affects all modern types of marine craft, from racing yachts to the latest container ships, is the corrosion which is inherent given the nature of the maritime environment they are required to work in. For crew members life at sea, and indeed in dock, requires a high degree of maintenance duties battling the effects of the elements but in an ultra-modern vessel there are even more insidious threats to technologically advanced electronic and electrical systems.

US Based Company Grows Further in Europe

SPAIN – Third party logistic specialist OIA has announced the opening of an office in Barcelona, the twentieth European facility for the US headquartered company which began life in 1988 as Oregon International Air Freight. OIA report the decision to open the new office was driven by demand from several existing multi-national customers and the fact that the Spanish economy has experienced significant recovery since the 2008-09 recession, growing for ten straight quarters.

Multiple Trades to be Served by Expansion of Facilities

MOROCCO – Port operator APM Terminals is to develop a new container transhipment terminal in at the Tanger Med 2 port complex to complement the current operations of the existing APM Terminals Tangier facility. With an expected annual capacity of five million TEUs and a projected investment of €758 million, the new APM Terminals MedPort Tangier is expected to become operational in 2019, serving multiple trades and will be operated under a 30-year concession agreement.

Amberjack and Lone Star Express Routes Open Next Month

US – ASIA – Swiss headquartered Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has announced two new services to supplement its existing ‘America’ and ‘Empire’ options. The ‘Lone Star Express’ will operate between Asia and the US Gulf whilst at the same time, MSC’s Everglades service will be renamed ‘Amberjack’ and restructured to include a call to New York, an adjustment which the container freight carrier says ensures both services will operate at optimum efficiency.