Shipping Search - Archive

We May Need to Add Another Mode to Intermodal

UAE – Regular readers will know we have tracked the progress of the potential for a working Hyperloop transport system since port and logistics group DP World signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the developers of the innovative pneumatic tube transport technology almost two years ago. Now, in partnership with Virgin Hyperloop One, the UAE based group has seen the launch of DP World Cargospeed, set up to prove the viability of the technology for moving palletised cargo through the system.

Industry Wide Consultation to Advise on Infrastructure, Policy and Regulation

UK – Last week saw the British government launch an inquiry to examine the potential effects of Brexit on UK freight operations and assess the preparatory steps operators, their customers and the Government need to take. The logistics sector has been quick to comment and will doubtless be putting forward some strong views before the public consultation ceases taking views on June 8.

Northern City Takes the Biscuit Via New Scottish Track Link

UK – Peel Ports has partnered with DB Cargo UK to provide a new rail freight service for shipping containers via the Port of Liverpool for the first time. The partners say the new service should provide shipping lines, forwarders, tank operators and cargo-owners with a seamless route, between the quayside at Liverpool and Scotland.

Career Moves Within Transport and Associated Industries

NORWAY – We begin this week's staff changes in the freight, shipping and general logistics sectors with something from what is very much one of the rapidly developing transport areas as the autonomous shipping joint venture company between two Norwegian maritime groups, Massterly, has announced the appointments of Tom Eystø from Kongsberg, as Managing Director, and Per Brinchmann from Wilhelmsen, as Chair of the Massterly Board.

Some of the Industry News You May have Missed This Week

UK – CHINA – Independent freight forwarding company Davies Turner has joined the growing list of logistics providers to open an export LCL cargo service by rail from the UK to China, in this case just one year after launching an import LCL and FCL rail service in the other direction. Consignments destined for China are consolidated through the company's nationwide 'hub and spoke' trunking operations and then loaded at its regional distribution centre in Dartford onto one of Davies Turner's daily trailer services to Hamburg.

Companies Aim for a Sustainable, Zero Waste, Mining Programme

US – PACIFIC OCEAN – On April 26 Maersk Supply Service, a specialist projects in the ocean depths, began its joint project with Canadian outfit DeepGreen Metals this week with the departure of the Maersk Launcher from the Port of San Diego for its inaugural deep sea mineral offshore study. Maersk Supply Service began working with DeepGreen in 2017, to bring the Danish owned company's knowledge of working at extreme depths in the marine environment to the development of a method for harvesting small metallic rocks, known as polymetallic nodules, in a sustainable way.

Sustainability a Key Component as Quayside Community Develops

NETHERLANDS – Lots happening at the Port of Amsterdam in the past few days with the start of a new carbon neutral project and the release of the annual report for 2017. Firstly that new scheme, which saw ground breaking celebrations as the foundation pile was driven into the ground for the new Exclusiva and ROC NexTechnician building. The building will host projects key to furthering job opportunities in sectors of the supply chain and logistics industries and beyond.

Practical Test Programme Begins with New Cooperation to Move Toward Autonomous Ships

US – DENMARK – EUROPE – Boston-based developer of autonomous vessel technology, Sea Machines Robotics has signed a contract for the Danish shipping giant, AP Moller-Maersk to trial its perception and situational awareness technology aboard one of the new-build 'Winter Palace' series of ice-class container ships of Maersk's subsidiary, Seago Line. Sea Machines Robotics say that the installation marks first time computer vision, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), and perception software will be utilised aboard a container vessel to augment and upgrade transit operations.

Latest Scam from Nigeria Has No Mention of Fake Generals or Illicit Bank Funds

NIGERIA – WORLDWIDE – The Handy Shipping Guide Offices are bombarded daily by emails proffering fraud in every hue, from Tax rebates to threats to reveal our kindly old Editor's allegedly dubious internet history to the world. Now however one organisation, calling itself 'Gold Galleon' has been specifically targeting the global shipping industry and its freight forwarding customers for fraudulent activity. The group specialises in business email compromise (BEC) and business email spoofing (BES) fraud using a technique euphemistically known as 'spearphishing'.

Box Carrier and Microsoft Collaborate

HONG KONG – Microsoft Research Asia (MSRA), Microsoft's research arm, and Orient Overseas Container Line Limited (OOCL) are collaborating in an attempt to improve freight network operations and achieve efficiencies within the shipping industry with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI). OOCL of course are about to merge with COSCO, owned by Orient Overseas (International) Limited (OOIL) the Chinese box carrying giant, assuming US regulators allow the deal, something increasingly uncertain in the current protectionist climate. Cally Chan, General Manager of Microsoft Hong Kong, commented:

Government Connectivity Study Welcomed by Industry Lobbyists

UK – Following a plea from US port operators earlier this week for a light government touch on sanctions to ensure a better transport infrastructure for freight in the future, now a study, released by the UK Government showing that better connections to English ports could help businesses thrive and boost the nation's economy has been welcomed by both the British Ports Association (BPA) and the UK Major Ports Group (UKMPG), with the UKMPG saying that delivering on the recommendations of the Study and building from it will be crucial to boost post-Brexit trade, growth and jobs.

Earned Recognition Data to be Collected by FTA Hub but Not for Commercial Gain

UK – The Freight Transport Association (FTA) is launching a pioneering new service aimed at supporting operators who want to join the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency's (DVSA) voluntary Earned Recognition Scheme, a new way for organisations with lorries, buses, and coaches to prove they meet driver and vehicle standards. Those that have opted into the scheme will regularly share performance information with the DVSA and in return will see their vehicles less likely to be stopped for roadside inspections.

Meanwhile Peace Breaks Out Further North

AUSTRALIA – HONG KONG – PAPUA NEW GUINEA – PHILIPPINES – Good and bad news from the maritime union sector this week with the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) severely criticising one international port operator over safety concerns after one of its workers was critically injured, whilst applauding what appears to be an amicable pay settlement with another.

Supply Chain Industry Concerned That Facilities May Not be Prepared

UK – EUROPE – The British Ports Association (BPA) has written to the Prime Minister calling for funding guarantees for any new border facilities and digital infrastructure, which may be needed after the UK leaves the European Union. There are concerns from the industry that those ports with EU traffic will need to provide new facilities and digital infrastructure for government officials to carry out customs and other border checks. In the letter, Richard Ballantyne, Chief Executive of the British Ports Association said:

As One Route Closes So Another Sees Increased Capacity from 2021

UK – FRANCE – In the week which DFDS abandoned its Rosyth to Zeebrugge route, the European freight and passenger ferry operator has entered into a 10-year bareboat charter agreement with Stena RoRo for a new building Ro-Pax ferry, for delivery in early 2021. The Channel is a key market for DFDS, with five million passengers, one million cars, and 1.2 million trucks travelling every year between Dover - Calais and Dover - Dunkerque on DFDS' vessels. To meet customers' demands, DFDS said that it decided to deploy a new ship specially designed for the service. Peder Gellert, EVP of the Shipping Division at DFDS, said:

Percentage Growth for Leading Global Industry Player

SWITZERLAND – WORLDWIDE – The Kuehne + Nagel Group reports it recorded a successful start into 2018 with considerable increases in EBIT and earnings for the period, something the company says continues the growth momentum of the last two quarters 2017. Comparisons between the first quarter of 2018 and that of the previous year show net turnover up 13.1% to 4,862 million CHF, gross profit increase by 11.8% to 1,843 million CHF and EBIT up 12.5% to 236 million CHF.

Billions in Infrastructure Investment Under Threat from Government Policy

US – As fears of a full blown trade war looms between China and the US so the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has written to the United States Trade Representative, Robert Lighthizer, pointing out the pitfalls of taking out sanctions against trading partners. The carefully worded letter has a distinctly admonishing tone amongst all the plaudits for President Trump's 'America First' policy.

Official Approval for Qualification After Much Work from Industry Stakeholders

UK – At long last Britain has its own the International Freight Forwarding Specialist apprenticeship following recognition from the Institute for Apprenticeships (IfA) after a lot of work from shipping and logistics industry stakeholders to produce a recognisable qualification. Set at Level 3 (A Level) with a minimum duration of 18 months, the new apprenticeship will provide students with core knowledge and skills including; industry awareness, customs procedures and commercial skills.

Damage to Trade from Tunnel Collapse Estimated at Two Billion Euros

GERMANY – EUROPE – The damage to a mere 150 metres of rail track in the Rastatt Tunnel last August led to unprecedented delays and confusion for freight transport spanning several countries and revealing the weaknesses of a track borne cargo transport system in which railway companies working in a supposedly unified market, were actually operating in different languages precluding the use of drivers internationally, with no suitable diversionary routes and lacking any sort of acceptable crisis management system. Changes were immediately called for.

Consultation Precedes Ban on Disposable Items

WORLDWIDE – Having harped on for years in these pages about the needless pollution and slaughter caused by plastic waste which infects the seas of every continent, it seems at last that things are finally being taken more seriously at governmental level. Over 8 million tonnes of plastic waste enters our oceans every single year and now, speaking at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit, the UK has announced its intention to ban the sale of plastic drinking straws, drink stirrers and plastic-stemmed cotton buds.

DFDS Abandons Loss Making Rosyth - Zeebrugge Route

UK – BELGIUM – DFDS has permanently abandoned its RoRo freight ferry services between Rosyth and Zeebrugge following the fire aboard the freight ship Finlandia Seaways last week. Smoke inhalation injured one crew member who had to be airlifted to hospital following the blaze on April 16. Upon towing the vessel to the company's terminal in Immingham and discharging the cargo, a full examination of the ship was carried out. Kell Robdrup, Senior Vice President of DFDS' routes connecting to the southern part of the North Sea, takes up the story:

French Group Grabs a Quarter of Troubled Multinational Operation

FRANCE – SWITZERLAND – WORLDWIDE – CMA CGM has reached an agreement to acquire an equity stake of nearly 25% of Ceva Logistics, which is being listed on the Swiss stock market. Container shipping line CMA CGM aims to grow its presence in the logistics sector with this commitment to invest between CHF380 and CHF450 million in the freight forwarding group, as the Dutch headquartered company looks to recover some of its losses from recent years

Companies Partner Up to Examine Start Up Solutions to Billion Tonne Waste Problem

EUROPE – DENMARK – AP Moller Maersk is using its position as one of the largest shipping groups in the world to look at tackling global food loss throughout the supply chain. Today, one-third of the global food production for human consumption, approximately 1.3 billion tonnes, is lost or wasted and approximately 80% of the food loss occurs even before it reaches stores. In an attempt to address the issue, Maersk, responsible for shipping vast quantities of reefer containers annually, has entered into a partnership with start-up accelerator Rockstart, to support innovative start-ups with pioneering solutions to the worldwide problem.

Birmingham Event is About Transport Fleets Facing the Future

UK – Brake, the national road safety charity dedicated to stopping carnage on the roads and care for families which have relatives bereaved and injured in road crashes, necessarily paints with a broad brush. Cars are obviously a principal target but at this year's Fleet Safety Conference the organisation is giving over a large part of the discussions to road haulage services, with representative speakers from the freight transport industry. Electric vehicles, trucks and 'last mile' deliveries by vans are all up for discussion.

Smaller News Stories From Around the Globe

ST HELENA – GULF OF OMAN – Having ended her service in February as one of Britain's last surviving Royal Mail ships, the RMS St Helena, a much cherished vessel, has found a new owner and a new job. Built in the UK in 1990, the passenger and cargo ferrying Royal Mail ship had for almost three decades, been the only regular means of access to the remote island of St Helena, a British Overseas Territory 1,200 miles off the West Coast of Africa.

Ocean Freight Boxes Take on Yet Another Role

IRAQ – Once again the ubiquitous shipping container is proving its versatility, this time in a security role fighting against ISIS, or Daesh, if you prefer. Logistics group Move One, which has vast experience in the war zones of the Middle East, was charged to be primary clearing agent and freight forwarder throughout Iraq for the latest project on behalf its prime contractor Theodor Wille Intertrade GmBh.

Grant for Refuelling Station Awaits Approval

US – A year ago we revealed details of a programme being undertaken by Toyota to refuel the trucks which work in the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles with hydrogen. As so often California is the location open to revolutionary environmentally friendly projects of this kind and progress has been swift. In October there were further details and now plans to put the scheme into operation seem well under way with the news that, together with Shell, the first HGV filling station for gas powered units will be built. The East coast ports handle around 40% of US ocean imports with container freight requiring a constant stream of trucks.

Furniture Group Fits Full Telematic Suite to its Fleet

UK – DFS, the country's largest upholstered furniture retailer, is aiming to improve the performance and safety of its fleet of trucks with the introduction of a new telematics solution from Microlise across its more than 360 delivery vehicles. The rollout is delivering a full suite of reports to help reduce fuel and maintenance costs and improve the safety of the company's transport operation.

Who is Moving Where This Week

US – Staff changes in the logistics, supply chain and air, road, rail and ocean freight sectors begin this week with the news that Michael Ducker has announced his intention to retire from his role as President and Chief Executive Officer of FedEx Freight, effective August 15. Ducker took the helm at FedEx Freight in 2014 after spending close to 40 years at FedEx Express. A successor has yet to be named.

South India to Benefit from Danish Container Terminal Subsidiary

INDIA – Container and general cargo handling firm APM Terminals, part of the Maersk group transport and logistics empire, has inaugurated its first state-of-the-art cold storage warehouse in India, which the port facility operator says will ensure reliable and stable transport of refrigerated cargo, including goods such as fish, fruits, medicines, and speciality chemicals, that require strict temperature control throughout the supply chain.

Raft of Companies Credited for Technological Advances

NETHERLANDS – One of the factors in ocean shipping that often goes unrecognised are the constantly evolving and improving technologies that power the vessels so it is good to know that there are events recognising the subculture of engineering which is literally the driving force behind the industry. This week's Sulphur Cap 2020 Awards in Amsterdam saw the driving forces for container ships and an electrically powered ferry alike credited, whilst fuel development and cyber security also received approvals.

Somebody's Sums Are Going to Be Wrong So Why Doesn't Parliament Have the Final Say?

UK – There exists, in both public and corporate minds, some serious doubts about the viability of the entire HS2 project. What may prove to be a very significant part of the current, and probably future government, legacy has questions hanging over the actual costs of bringing the scheme to fruition, and both passenger and rail freight lobbies have expressed concerns, with much of the flak emanating from Lord Tony Berkeley, an undisputed expert in such matters.

Oceanic Study to Calculate Microplastic Levels

SWEDEN – WORLDWIDE – The Swedish Institute for the Marine Environment together with Concordia Maritime have initiated a preliminary study to determine the feasibility of gathering important information on the volume of microplastics in the oceans. By installing a collection device on a tanker, water samples can be collected while it is under way for subsequent analysis by researchers. The aim is to draw conclusions as to the extent, distribution of microplastics and potential consequences for living organisms. Kajsa Tönnesson, Acting Director at the Swedish Institute for the Marine Environment, said:

Gatemore Looks to Make Sweeping Changes at Wincanton Transport

UK – News was broken by Reuters this week that, despite only having a holding of 2% of the shares in the logistics company, Gatemore Capital Management is pressing management at Wincanton, one of Britain's largest road haulage and warehousing companies, to sell off one of the groups two divisions. Gatemore has been aggressive in the UK transport market of late with calls last March for major changes at the DX Group, the parcel company which delivers legal documents in the UK, including passports.

Classification Society Investigates New Technologies as Sulphur Cap Looms

WORLDWIDE – Classification society DNV GL has issued a new white paper which assesses a range of alternative fuels and technologies for use in the global shipping industry, ahead of the upcoming Global Sulphur Cap, which is due to come into effect on January 1, 2020. The white paper 'Alternative fuels and technologies for greener shipping' examines the price, availability, regulatory challenges and environmental benefits of the alternative fuels and technologies currently available and compares them to the use of conventional fuel with scrubbers and new low sulphur alternatives. Trond Hodne, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing Director at DNV GL – Maritime.

Second Largest Box Carrier MSC Books Power Plants for 23,000 TEU Ships

WORLDWIDE – MAN Diesel & Turbo has won an order from Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) to supply the main engine, in addition to the auxiliary engines, for the world's second largest container shipping company's eleven 23,000 TEU vessels, under construction at Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) which will build six of the vessels, and Daewoo Shipping Marine Engineering (DSME) which will construct the remainder.

Jones Act Continues to Deliver for American Merchant Vessels

US – The US Department of Transportation's (USDOT) Maritime Administration (MARAD) has announced the availability of $19.6 million in federal funding to support capital improvements and employee training at small US shipyards. The grants are provided through the Small Shipyard Grant Program, and is aimed at helping eligible shipyards modernise operations, increase efficiency and reap the benefits of increased productivity. US Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, commented:

With Brexit, Heathrow and Apprenticeships There Is Even More Than Usual to Discuss This Year

UK – Once again the UK logistics sector is gearing up for what many consider the year's premier industry event, Multimodal 2018, once again being held at the Birmingham NEC, this time running between May 1 - 3. One organisation always keen to both meet its members and pass on advice is the British International Freight Association (BIFA) which once again will be both exhibiting and reviewing some topics of immediate relevance to anyone working along the supply chain.

Paris the Scene for European Protest After US Employment Problems

US – EUROPE – WORLDWIDE – It seems that the business of running a global freight business is fraught with potential conflict. In trying to beat competitors on a seemingly level playing field the business of achieving profits is often accompanied by a lowering of standards, often affecting the performance of the business (witness Chickengate) or creating unrest amongst employees. Whilst companies such as DHL have attracted a litany of criticism for years over their employment practices Brad Jacobs, boss of XPO Logistics, has been comparatively untouched, despite his reputation as one who buys up and consolidates companies.

Guidelines for Change Still Controversial - Too Little or Too Much?

WORLDWIDE – Nobody could accuse the International Maritime Organization (IMO) of rushing into a decision regarding its avowed intent to cut pollution from cargo and passenger vessels. The greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions legislation has caused controversy since first suggested and has been something of a no win situation for the IMO as shipping lines, the freight community and environmentalists have all been publicising their views. On Friday April 13 we finally heard what the IMOs 'Initial Strategy' is to be, and the controversy, although muted, continues.

Some if the Stuff You May Have Blinked and Missed

GERMANY – It seems that Deutsche Post DHL, not satisfied with currently being the largest logistics company in the world, is also now trying to be a large scale producer and vendor of motor vehicles. As we have previously reported the German behemoth extended its StreetScooter project, acquired in 2014, with a deal last year to partner up with the Ford Motor Company in a bid to popularise it's all electric freight delivery concept.

New Targets Come Into Force This Week

UK – New biofuel targets coming into force on April 15 aims to see the use of renewable fuels in the UK's transport industry double within 15 years, cutting the sector's reliance on imported diesel. The Government is set to introduce changes to the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) which it hopes will compel owners of transport fuel, mainly to road haulage operators and air freight and passenger carriers, who supply at least 450,000 litres a year or more, to make sure the mix is at least 12.4% biofuel by 2032.

Staff Comings and Goings along the Global Supply Chain

UK – The week's staff moves in freight and logistics begin with the news that Jerry Kane has been appointed as Commercial Director at the Freight Transport Association (FTA), effective since April 9. Kane has previously worked at several well-known supply chain associated firms, including DHL, Yodel, and Eddie Stobart. He is based at the organisation's office in Leamington Spa.

Freight Terminal Development Aimed at Last Mile Deliveries

UK – European logistics real estate developer and manager Gazeley, has acquired a six-acre plot of land in the heart of London to speculatively develop what it says is the UK's first three-storey freight handling facility, to be called G Park London Docklands. The warehouse will comprise over 426,000 square feet of space over three levels allowing for either multiple or single customer occupancy. The building will be used as a 'last mile' logistics hub for London and surrounding areas, targeting e-commerce, distribution and logistics customers.

Pentalver Extends Facilities at London Gateway

UK – Pentalver, a company that is seemingly capable of doing just about anything with a shipping container, has officially opened its expanded container facility at Berth 7 at DP World London Gateway, the globally connected deep water port and Logistics Park on the River Thames. The expanded site adds 40% additional capacity to the Pentalver operation which includes loaded and empty container storage, reefer and dry container maintenance and repair, road haulage transport and cargo handling. DP World's UK Chief Executive Officer Chris Lewis, commented:

One Company Takes the Zero Emissions Target to a New Level

NETHERLANDS – Everyone connected to the logistics industry is currently working to ensure that their supply chain is as environmentally friendly as possible but, rather than paying lip service to the aim of being truly carbon neutral, one manufacturing business operating in the Port of Amsterdam, seems to be capable of actually attaining just that.

Network Rail Intends to Operate a Public Business Like a Private Company

UK – Now in public ownership after assuming outstanding debts of £30+ billion, Network Rail has an agenda to transform the tax-payer funded operation to a public sector organisation that behaves like a private sector business. To this end the company has today announced it is encouraging contractors, suppliers and stakeholders to propose changes to its 'standards', the detailed requirements that underpin how the railway and the delivery of improvement projects are run. The changes are to encourage greater innovation, cost efficiency and third party funding into the rail network, whilst maintaining safety and will therefore continue to be of interest to stakeholders in the freight and logistics sectors.

Two Port Terminals and Twelve Ships Acquired in Near Billion Euro Deal

DENMARK – TURKEY – Danish shipping and logistics group DFDS has signed an agreement to acquire 98.8% of the shares in the RoRo freight firm, UN Ro-Ro from Turkish private equity companies Actera and Esas for a price of €950 million. UN Ro-Ro operates five routes connecting Italy and France with Turkey, and owns 12 ships plus two port terminals in Italy and Turkey. Niels Smedegaard, CEO and President of DFDS, commented:

Investment in Infrastructure as Road Haulage and Ocean Cargo Sectors Move to Gas

BELGIUM – Ocean shipping lines and road haulage freight operators look set to benefit as Fluxys, a company specialising in the transfer of gases for fuel, has taken over the concession in the Port of Antwerp at quays 526-528 to make liquefied natural gas (LNG) available as an alternative fuel for ships and barges, in one of the Port Authority's key initiatives to make the port's activities more sustainable. Fluxys will add a permanent LNG bunkering facility by the end of next year to complement the existing mobile (truck-to-ship) bunkering service.

(But Don't Get Too Excited - They Can Check Stock - Not Move Cargo)

FRANCE – After almost two years of development, a project by supply chain and logistics group Geodis, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturers Delta Drone, to completely automate a warehouse inventory solution using drones, will be operational at the end of 2018. Note that word 'inventory', a system of physical aerial freight movement should not be envisioned!

Despite Turbulent Times It's Business As Usual for Freight Carrier

QATAR – US – Despite the fact it has been under a blockade by neighbouring Arab countries for almost a year now, it seems Qatar is managing to maintain its status in the field of air freight. After purchasing a minority share in US private jet specialist JetSuite last week, and taking a 49% share in Air Italy following the Alitalia crisis last year, Qatar Airways has now increased its potential for air freight carriage with a letter of intent signed with Boeing to purchase five dedicated cargo aircraft, 777 Freighters, valued at $1.7 billion at list prices.

Intent is to Carry One Million TEU and Leapfrog Chinese Rivals

SOUTH KOREA – Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM), seemingly basking in the fact that it is now South Korea's main global container carrier following the collapse of Hanjin Shipping, has announced plans to increase its box capacity to 1 million TEU with an initial order of twenty newly built eco-friendly mega containerships; twelve above 20,000 TEU, for the Asia – North Europe routes, and eight 14,000 TEU vessels, for shipping on the US East coast trade lanes.

Tales of Deceit, Legal Wrangles and Cross Accusations with a Military Aspect Thrown In

DJIBOUTI – DUBAI – EAST AFRICA – It seems the row over the seizure in February of the Doraleh Container Terminal (DCT) from UAE based logistics specialist DP World by the government of Djibouti is about to get even more intense. When DP issued a legal notice with the intention of warning off any prospective managers or developers of the facilities at Djibouti Port after their staff were expelled, the likely candidates went unnamed. Now events have taken another Machiavellian turn with two major shipping lines revealed as the companies who are bidding to take over what DP World has claimed is legally theirs.

Abhorrence of Cruel Trade Continues as Shocking Images Revealed

UK – AUSTRALIA – WORLDWIDE – The subject of live animal exports will always be a contentious issue as long as the trade continues. As the British government reveals plans this week to explore an end to the trade by launching an online survey calling for evidence and opinions, so another horror story reaches out from the other side of the world telling of the needless and abject cruelty inflicted on helpless animals making reminiscences of pagan rituals seem almost humane by comparison.

New Areas Become Hotspots for Maritime Hijacks

WORLDWIDE – The International Chamber of Commerce's International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has warned that a surge in armed attacks against ships around West Africa is once again pushing up global levels of piracy and armed robbery at sea. The IMB's Piracy Reporting Centre recorded a total of 66 incidents in the first quarter of 2018, up from 43 for the same period in 2017. 29 of the recorded incidents originated in the Gulf of Guinea more than 40% of the global total. Of the 114 seafarers captured worldwide, all but one were in this region.

Volvo Extends Practical Education Programme

MOROCCO – SWEDEN – Normally any truck driver training pieces regarding Africa we write refer to the endless efforts of the Transaid Charity, which for some years has devoted much of its resources to trying to reduce the death and injury toll on that continents roads through a process of practical education. Now we hear that the Volvo Group is starting a training programme for truck drivers in Morocco, the second driver training school in Africa that the group is involved in. The first driver training programme will start in June of this year when a school for around 500 students is opened in Ethiopia.

CDS Seminars on EU Customs Code to Inform and Educate Freight Industry Ahead of Brexit

UK – Agency Sector Management (ASM), the British International Freight Association (BIFA), and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will be running a series of seminars for British shippers and other stakeholders ahead of August's phased launch of the Customs Declaration System (CDS), the procedures set to completely replace the existing methods of Customs declarations in the UK, offering advice and guidance to businesses affected by its implementation. Robert Keen, Director General, BIFA, commented:

ONE Must Build A Unique Image for Itself

JAPAN – WORLDWIDE – The inception of the Ocean Network Express, otherwise known as the ONE container freight alliance between the three major national carriers of Japan has set an interesting precedent in a section of the global logistics industry which has witnessed an onset of hitherto unforeseen co-operations between the largest of the box carriers.

Self-Driving Materials Handling Firm Reaches a Milestone

US – Driving a million miles in a semi-truck or a van is something of an achievement, albeit one which is becoming ever more common. This week however automated materials handling company Seegrid achieved a milestone that is perhaps more significant, its self-driving vehicles have reached 1 million production miles at customer sites without a single personnel safety incident. Having now travelled the equivalent of 40 times around the earth, Seegrid vision guided vehicles (VGVs) claim to have logged more infrastructure-free miles at a variety of freight and distribution depots than any other infrastructure-free AGV company.

Insurance Club Money Needed to Educate in a Bid to Reduce Litany of Horror

UK – WORLDWIDE – The UK P&I Club is the latest organisation to make a significant donation to the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) to support its work developing resources, training and building preparedness for maritime mass rescue operations. Estimates by the World Health Organisation (WHO) state that one person drowns every 85 seconds, a staggering death toll exceeding 360,000 every year, over 7% of injury related fatalities, and the IMRF devotes all its resources to bringing down this total using up to date search and rescue methods and equipment.

Djibouti Government Faces Further Arbitration Proceedings

DJIBOUTI – UAE – The row between Dubai based logistics outfit DP World and the government of Djibouti has taken another turn for the worse with the latest proclamation from the international port management company which was unceremoniously evicted from the Doraleh Container Terminal (DCT), situated in the Port of Djibouti, by the authorities in February. DP World is sending a clear message to anyone who chooses to step in and assist in the management or development of the port that legal proceedings will undoubtedly follow.

Some Smaller Articles You May Have Missed Since Easter

CAMBODIA – This end of the week look at some smaller items of freight and logistics news you may have missed begins with the announcement that Taiwanese container shipping group Evergreen has established Evergreen Shipping Services (Cambodia) Company Limited in response to both customer demand for increased service in the country, and the potential for trade growth boosted by an average rise in GDP of 7% during the past several years.

Effects of Chinese American Trade Rows May Slow Growth in Future

WORLDWIDE – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released figures that, once again, show demand growth results for global air freight markets for February 2018 are up, a 6.8% increase in demand measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTKs) compared to the same period last year. Adjusting for the potential Lunar New Year distortions by combining growth in January 2018 and February 2018, demand increased by 7.7%. This was the strongest start to a year since 2015.

The Weekly Look at People Movements in the Transport Industry

HONG KONG – Our weekly look at staff moves in shipping and logistics begins with the air freight sector as Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) has announced the unexpected death of its former Chief Executive Officer, Mark Whitehead, who passed away in his sleep whilst competing in the China Sea Race, just weeks after his retirement on March 7. Whitehead stepped down from his role at Hactl at the beginning of March but remained connected with and committed to Hactl’s future development, in the new role of Advisor.

Three National Railway Companies Push for Market Share

RUSSIA – KAZAKHSTAN – BELARUS – In December last year an extraordinary meeting of the three shareholders of the United Transport and Logistics Company JSC (UTLC), namely JSC Russian Railways, the National Union Belarusian Railway and JSC National Company Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, decided on a reorganisation of the affairs of the intermodal rail freight operation and this week saw the founding of the UTLC Eurasian Railway Alliance JSC (UTLC ERA) aimed at stepping up container transits between China and Europe.

Already High Standards Increased When Pentalver Purchased a New Fleet of Trucks

UK – A fundamental principal behind the operations of versatile container specialist outfit Pentalver is safety, and thus this commitment to the road haulage industry's highest standards of care led the company to take stock of all possibilities before committing to its latest batch of trucks. The acquisition last May by the US based rail freight group Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) was also a driving force in the approach to this facet of the business as Shaun Allen, Pentalver's Chief Operating Officer, explains:

Condemnation by US Government and Houthi Forces Alike

YEMEN – Pots continued to call kettles black this week as a missile strike by Houthi forces damaged a VLCC as she passed northward through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait from the Gulf of Aden into the Red Sea en route to Ain Sukhna in Egypt. The oil tanker is the 303,000 dwt Abqaiq carrying around two million tonnes of crude and the missile caused damage to the ship's hull above the waterline but no casualties were reported.

Motorways Need Charging Points but Union Suspects the Cost to Fall on Homeowners

UK – Whilst just about everyone, except perhaps the most avaricious oil executive or speculator, is keen to see cleaner energy powered vehicles roll out as soon as practical, there is almost always a potential downside attached to such advances. Van and lorry owners are keen to take up a technology which offers them a greener footprint and the road freight industry is in both the forefront, and the firing line, as the logistics sector trials the latest electric and hybrid vehicles whilst simultaneously being hit with a variety of congestion and toxicity charges.

Rotterdam Fund Invests in Energy Storage Specialists with Maritime Interests

NETHERLANDS – Investment organ the Rotterdam Port Fund (RPF) has taken an interest in EST‐Floattech, a Dutch technology company that develops and supplies energy storage systems for fully electric and hybrid maritime applications as well as mobile land‐based applications. RPF says that EST‐Floattech is one of the leading parties in the field of energy storage systems in the maritime sector worldwide with battery systems based on Li‐NMC cell technology characterised by a very high level of safety and DNV‐GL type approval.

Once Again a Hand (Very Slowly) Goes Up

AUSTRALIA – Japanese shipping firm Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line), has entered a guilty plea in the Federal Court of Australia to criminal cartel conduct, following an investigation by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions laid charges against the shipper in relation to cartel conduct concerning the international RoRo shipping of cars, trucks, and buses to Australia, an antitrust conspiracy charge the company has faced several times before in different countries.

The Vampire Economy Begins to Bite

US – UK – It seems the world is becoming ever more aware that very often the best time to conduct logistics operations is during the hours of darkness when traffic levels tend to be much lower. This nocturnal habit is a natural progression as pressure on the supply chain rises and is affecting fields from ocean freight consolidations to urban cycle movements because of the ever increasing amount of online shopping, and can be clearly illustrated by two vastly differing examples.

Ships in Port Will Operate on Cleaner Fuel

GERMANY – LATIN AMERICA – With emissions from cargo ships a big health concern for people living close to ports, Hamburg Süd and its Swedish customer Electrolux have decided to expand a pilot project to reduce pollution from high levels of sulphur oxides (SOx) in port areas. During layovers in Manzanillo (Mexico), Callao (Peru), Iquique and, Puerto Angamos (Chile) between March 11th and 24th, the 7,114 TEU Santa Catarina used cleaner marine gas oil (MGO) instead of standard heavy fuel oil (HFO) to operate its auxiliary engines and boilers.

Flags of Convenience Exert Undue Influence is the Claim

WORLDWIDE – The non-government organisation, Transparency International, has heavily criticised the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and its governance, expressing concerns that private shipping-industry stakeholders could have undue influence over the policymaking process at the London headquartered specialised agency of the United Nations.

Merchant Vessels Must Comply with IMO Guidelines

SAUDI ARABIA – The Saudi Administration has decided to widen the scope of ballast water sampling to all commercial ports in Saudi Arabia. Previously, ballast water sampling was only undertaken in ports operated by Saudi Aramco, the national energy company. Under the International Maritime Organization's Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM), which came into force last year, all ships undertaking international traffic are required to manage their ballast water and sediments to a certain standard, according to a ship-specific ballast water management plan.

Supply Chain Initiative to Control from Design to Logistics and Ship Operations

NORWAY – Wilhelmsen and Kongsberg say the two established maritime group's are joining forces to take the next step in autonomous shipping by offering a complete supply chain for autonomous vessels, from design and development, to control systems, logistics services and vessel operations, by establishing what they say is the world's first autonomous shipping company, named Massterly. Thomas Wilhelmsen, Wilhelmsen group CEO, said:

ONE Alliance Sets Sail This Month

JAPAN – WORLDWIDE – Ocean Network Express (ONE), the result of an integration of the container freight operation of three Japanese shipping lines, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK), has announced the commencement of its shipping operations on April 1. Having initially announced plans to attempt to secure the future of the Japanese container market in October 2016, following the fallout from the bankruptcy of South Korean rival, Hanjin two months prior, the three Japanese lines have invested a total of $3 billion into the joint venture, with the hope of addressing the problem of overcapacity within the container shipping sector.

Register by June or Face Penalties

UK – With the inception of HMRC's Fulfilment House Due Diligence Scheme the government has announced a comprehensive package of measures to disrupt and deter a fraud which it estimates may be costing the Revenue around £1.5 billion annually. The way the scheme is set up means there are serious implications for freight forwarding and warehousing operations which distribute goods on behalf of a client.