Shipping Search - Archive

Economy May Develop Despite Multiple Problems

TURKEY – Whilst it can at times be difficult to see past the headlines of a country at the centre of a major crisis with a surge of refugees and a downturn in its tourism industry, it is often overlooked that the Turkish economy continues to move in a positive direction, having made good ground by the end of 2015. Companies worldwide continue to invest in the country, one such firm being John Good Shipping, one of the UK’s longest established freight and logistics groups, which recently analysed Turkey’s import/export market and its viability to maintain its growth.

MSC Comments on Changes to Asia/European Service Schedules

ASIA – NORTHERN EUROPE – Once again there are changes being made by the world’s two largest container ship operators with revisions to the freight services between Asia and North Europe. The routes jointly operated by shipping lines MSC and Maersk are undergoing revisions which MSC tells us will further strengthen reliability and provide enhanced transit times for its customers. Revisions include:

Acquisition but No Name Changes - As Yet

US – EUROPE – WORLDWIDE – Having received all the requisite antitrust approvals from regulators around the world, American parcel giant FedEx has now officially acquired its Netherlands based rival TNT Express in a massive freight and logistics deal. The €4.4 billion acquisition will see the existing FedEx portfolio expand with the addition of a European road network and the TNT brand name remaining for the ‘foreseeable future’.

Who is Going to Work Where in the Global Shipping Sector

US – CSX, which as a freight transport company incorporates rail cargo, trucking and intermodal logistics in its portfolio, has announced a series of changes to its senior management, including the retirement July 1 of Lisa Mancini, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, following nearly 13 years of service. Cressie Brown, currently Vice President-Labour Relations, will become Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, and Kathleen Brandt, currently Head of the company’s IT subsidiary, will become Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer. Both moves will be effective July 1, and both leaders will join the Executive Management team, reporting directly to CSX Chairman and CEO, Michael Ward.

Freight Transport Association Has Supported the Cause Since Inception

UK – The prestigious Hilton Hotel in London’s Park Lane was the venue for the FTA Everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards 2016 ceremony this week. Now in their 9th year the awards have been sponsored by the Freight Transport Association (FTA) for all of that time and continue to grow in importance as the years pass, with the principal aim being to consolidate and expand the influence of women within the industry.

Chinese Authorities OK Latest Deal

CHINA – FRANCE – WORLDWIDE – The world’s third largest container shipping line, CMA CGM, has received regulatory approval from China's Anti-monopoly bureau MOFCOM, of its planned acquisition of Singapore-based rival freight carrier Neptune Orient Lines (NOL). Having now received approvals in both China and Europe, CMA CGM is expected to make a formal offer by June 2.

Self-Employment, Tachograph Cards and Licences Are All Issues to Watch

UK – The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has expressed concern at the number of drivers believed to be claiming self-employment status when they are in fact working full time for a regular employer. There is no issue for genuine owner-drivers who have their own operating licence and haulage business, but anyone driving a lorry for another company who is not in this category is highly unlikely to be classed by HMRC as genuinely self-employed.

Another Home Run for Finnish Materials Handling Specialist

FINLAND – Another local order for materials handling group Konecranes which recently took instructions for the supply of four 16 tonne and one 10 tonne forklift trucks to be deployed at Euroports Rauma. The port has been a Konecranes customer since 1996 and the latest order brings the number of the manufacturers lift trucks in its fleet to 57. The new machines will continue to build on the port’s reputation for expert handling of  pulp and paper as well as sawn timber. The port is the largest export port of paper in Finland and has a specialised fleet of equipment for safe and gentle paper handling that maximises production and minimises damage to the heavy but delicate rolls.

Scheme Designed to Engage Young People in STEM Subjects

UK – Kingston upon Hull may well be the place to be for electric car enthusiasts in Summer 2017 when teams from the regions unemployed youngsters will unveil their creations made possible by a cooperation between the University of Hull, Associated British Ports (ABP), Hull City Council and East Riding Council working collaboratively as Green Port Hull. The Green Port Growth Programme is funding 10 Formula 24+ car kits at a cost of £20,000, which will be offered to groups of young people Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET).

Team of Logistics Companies Handle Freight Forwarding Project

CHINA – CANADA – Our picture shows one section of the enormous ‘mobile’ grain shiploader recently delivered to Port Metro Vancouver (PMV) by specialist multipurpose heavy lift operator AAL for installation at the Port’s Pacific Terminal run by Canada’s largest grain handler Viterra. The largest component was over 66 metres long and weighed 250 tonnes and, once assembled and operational, will increase the Terminal’s shipping capacity and allow for the loading of post-Panamax sized vessels.

With Sanctions Lifting More Companies Are Seeking Logistics Solutions

IRAN – With companies possibly contemplating the Iranian market now that sanctions are being removed, finding logistics providers with practical experience of operating in the Middle Eastern country will be a priority for many businesses. Independent freight forwarding group Davies Turner, believes that its recent shipment of over 95 tonnes of publishing material to the 29th Tehran International Book Fair and its well-established office in Tehran is proof of its extensive logistics experience in the region.

Finance for Development of Existing Site and Purchase of New Jones Act Vessels

US – Last month we illustrated the levels of investment that Crowley Maritime is putting into its Puerto Rico logistics operations and now more details have emerged of the latest tranche of cash it is making available to reinforce its position as the No. 1 ocean carrier between the island commonwealth and the US mainland where it has served the local market via its 75-acre Isla Grande freight terminal since 1954, longer than any other Jones Act carrier in the trade.

Financial and Professional Approval as Historic Ocean Freight Agency Continues to Grow in a New Sector

UK – John Good Shipping is of course a name which has been associated with shipping in general and ocean freight and liner agencies in particular for well over a century and now, through its specialist department, John Good Air, the company has again demonstrated that it keeps moving with the times with the news this week that the company has now received its IATA licence, recognising the company for its financial and professional competence as an IATA cargo agent in the airfreight industry.

South America, US and European Loop Opens Next Month

SOUTH AMERICA – US – EUROPE – Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has launched a new ‘premium’ service to commence 14 June 2016 with a southbound voyage of the MSC Brunella from Rotterdam. The new route replaces the replaces the USA East Coast to SAWC and North Europe to SAWC services, creating one competitive consolidation which the company has assured customers will continue to provide favourable transit times, in particular for reefer and project cargo customers.

Crane Rate Increases as Vessel Sizes Grow

SPAIN - Hutchison Port Holdings Limited (HPH) subsidiary Barcelona Europe South Terminal (BEST) achieved a new record last week in which 7,760 TEUs were moved on the call of the MSC Beatrice. The freight terminal has an average gross crane rate (GCR) of 40 moves per hour, one of the highest productivity ratios in the world and with eight ship-to-shore gantry cranes deployed simultaneously for the operation, a peak Vessel Operating Rate of 221.3 moves per hour was achieved.

Last of the Guilty Settles Before Class Action Federal Court Date

US – WORLDWIDE – And then there was none. Air India, the last defendant remaining among nearly three dozen air cargo carriers prosecuted in 2006 over a global conspiracy to artificially inflate the price of air freight services, has entered into a settlement agreement of $12.5 million, bringing the decade-long antitrust litigation to a conclusion. Just the plaintiffs’ cumulative recoveries alone in the multidistrict antitrust class action against air freight carriers now surpass $1.2 billion.

Subterranean Passage Carries More Than Le Shuttle

FRANCE – UK – Groupe Eurotunnel has been active this month demonstrating that the Channel Tunnel carries more than freight and passenger vehicles between the two countries with the announcement that the company has this week signed a conditional agreement with STAR Capital to acquire that company’s 51% share of ElecLink.

How Britain's Ports are Preparing to Cope with Method One Verified Gross Mass Calculations

UK – WORLDWIDE – The incoming Safety at Life at Sea (SOLAS) requirements have caused all manner of consternation and confusion amongst shippers, ports and container freight carriers alike. With a start date set in stone as 1 July 2016 it is not an exaggeration to say the mandatory rules, agreed by the members of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and subsequently ratified in January, has produced panic in some quarters, and a studious attempt to ignore their responsibilities in others. The new rules require shippers to produce a Verified Gross Mass for every loaded export container worldwide and, as the deadline approaches, we look at the current situation in the UK.

Initiative Aimed at Ex Forces Personnel Who Hit Hard Times

UK – We often hear how the US deals with its war veterans and over the past couple of years we have seen similar schemes in the UK such as Help for Heroes and the rise of the Invictus Games. Now Britain's hauliers have joined with partners in a practical move to help ex-service veterans who have hit hard times by training them up to drive trucks. Backed by the Road Haulage Association (RHA) Road to Logistics will create and maintain a national training programme to encourage new talent into the transport and logistics industry from sections of society where individuals need help and support to regain their self-confidence and independence.

Country's Central Position Encouraged Investment

TURKEY – DP World Yarimca has been officially opened for business by the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the presence of senior government officials and executives of DP World. As one of the biggest in the country, the new terminal can handle up to 1.3 million containers covering 460,000 square metres, enhancing Turkey’s connectivity with Europe and Asia and enabling trade from the heartland of the country's most industrialised region, Izmit Bay.

Arctic Foxes and a Star Fur Seal On the Move

RUSSIA – HONG KONG – CANADA – This week two very different stories about animal transport, a type of shipment which always requires the utmost from freight forwarding agent and carrier alike. Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) was set the task of shipping four Arctic foxes travelling from Hong Kong to Montreal, Canada whilst in Russia VST Logistic, ACEX logistics alliance member in Yekaterinburg, faced up to carrying a fur seal from Chelyabinsk to Sochi.

Announcements of Who is Headed Where and When

GERMANY – CAMBODIA – Deutsche Post has appointed Tim Scharwath to the Board of Management, responsible for DHL Global Forwarding, Freight. Scharwath joins the company from Kuehne + Nagel where he has been a Member of the Board responsible for global air freight, and will join DHL in the next 12 months. In the interim, Deutsche Post DHL CEO Frank Appel retains responsibility for the division.

Plane Sharing Deal Agreed with Network Cooperation

ASIA – EUROPE – Cathay Pacific and Lufthansa Cargo have entered into a joint business agreement which will see the two airlines cooperating on air freight routes between Hong Kong and Europe. Lufthansa has been party to a few similar collaborations with other cargo carriers the world over, somewhat reminiscent of the huge vessel sharing and alliances currently the fashion in the container shipping world. Cathay Pacific had much to celebrate recently when a European Commission fine of €57 million was annulled by the Court, a case brought about when Lufthansa successfully begged immunity from the authorities after revealing admissions of surcharge irregularities by various air cargo carriers.

Incumbent Operator Beats Off Serco Bid

UK – One of the British government’s favourite contractors, Serco, has failed in its bid to wrest control of the Clyde and Hebrides Ferries freight and passenger services which will continue to be run by Scottish state owned Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac). As we have reported previously the two bidders were vying for a new 8 year ferry contract which commences on 1 October.

BIMCO and ICS Release Notes Latest Geographic and Numerical Manning Statistics

WORLDWIDE – The Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) have released their latest five-year report on the state of the shipping industry’s global workforce, highlighting the imbalances between the supply of qualified and competent seafarers available for service on ships trading internationally, and the industry’s demand for seafarers to operate the world's merchant fleet. This newest report forecasts a serious future shortage in the supply of seafarers; a current shortfall of about 16,500 officers (2.1%) with a need for an additional 147,500 officers by 2025 to service the global merchant fleet.

Incoming London HGV Banning Schemes are 'Simplistic' and May Cause Business Failures

UK – The recent election of a new London Mayor saw Labour’s Sadiq Khan elected to the post formerly held by Tory Boris Johnson and such a change always causes concerns for sectors of the capital’s commercial community, not least this time for the freight and logistics groups which have cause to trade in the city, particularly road haulage operators.

Ethiopia Hosts FIATA Meeting to Unite Continent

AFRICA – WORLDWIDE – FIATA, the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations, has focused this month on what it considers potentially one of the world’s most successful markets and provided a ‘roadmap’ for African logistics policy makers as it sees signs of growth and political shifts on that continent. The trade organisation is calling for a ‘One Trade Facilitation System’ across all African countries to eradicate delays, bottle-necks and excessive costs.

European Flagged Ships Banned from Using Out of Date R22

UK – EUROPE – WORLDWIDE – British headquartered Oceanic Technical Solutions (OTS) has completed what it believes to be the first complete successful conversion of a reefer vessel to operate on refrigerant R407F. Under the entry in force of new F-Gas rules in January 2015 banning the entire use of R22 refrigerant on all European-flagged vessels, the traditional ozone depleting R22 and other Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are now completely outlawed across Europe.

Yet More Cash for the FMC's Coffers

US – The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has recovered a total of $840,000 in civil penalties after completing several compromise agreements with various ocean freight companies. The agreed penalties resulted from investigations conducted by the Commission’s Area Representatives from around the country and the parties involved, namely five ocean transportation intermediaries (both non-vessel-operating common carriers (NVOCCs) and freight forwarders), settled and agreed to the fines but did not admit violations of the Shipping Act or Commission Regulations. FMC Chairman Mario Cordero said:

Campaign to Persuade Shippers to Send More Goods Abroad

NORTHERN IRELAND – It’s good to see the UK government’s latest UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) initiative to promote export freight possibilities in the province. The ‘Exporting is GREAT’ campaign will see a 32-tonne ‘Export Hub’ truck call at five locations across Northern Ireland including Banbridge, Derry~Londonderry, Antrim and Enniskillen and host a series of seminars offering shippers and potential shippers export advice through talks, workshops and one-to-one meetings to encourage more companies and individuals to sell goods overseas.

As One Major Tenant Commits Another Box Terminal Management Changes Hands

UK – Much happening in the world of British ports of late besides the rush to comply with the incoming SOLAS regulations which take effect from July 1. Not only has one of the world’s largest metal recycling firms, EMR, has committed to remain in its existing facility in Tilbury Dock with the signing of a new 25 year lease, but the company has announced it will be upgrading its facilities and investing around £3 million in improved ship loading equipment. The site acts as an export freight hub for the company’s numerous depots around London and handles over 1 million tonnes of UK-produced scrap metal, mainly iron and steel, every year.

Q1 Shows Another Sharp Rise in Incidents as Under Reporting Continues

EUROPE – MIDDLE EAST – AFRICA – One of the ongoing problems with regard to crimes committed in the logistics sector is the reluctance of many victims to report or publicise their losses. Freight companies sometimes shy away from the negative publicity such events bring and now the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) have asked for more data both from victims and from law enforcement agencies to tackle the growing number of incidents in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. Thorsten Neumann, Chairman of TAPA EMEA, said:

Three New Feeder Types to Challenge Modern Operational Circumstances

DENMARK – THAILAND – WORLDWIDE – Whilst the world’s container shipping lines have been obsessing of late over ever larger vessels, Danish naval architect company Knud E Hansen has recently been developing a number of pioneering container feeder vessel ideas. The three new ship designs were conceived with the idea of solving problems at specific locations, the first being a 2,000 TEU box vessel to call at small, narrow, up-river ports, for example the Port of Bangkok, Thailand.

Part of Expansion Plans for Chelmsford Based Logistics Outfit

UK – Freight forwarding outfit Woodland Logistics has acquired Peterborough based Courier Elite, a same day and general road haulage operator with a 17 strong fleet of vehicles ranging up to 26 tonnes rigid plus crane and fork lift mounted artics to 44 tonnes. The Woodland Group has been expanding of late and now operates from numerous centres around the UK and overseas with 550 staff. Last year the company expanded its Chelmsford, Essex headquarters with a 155,000 Square foot supply chain facility.

Materials Handling Technology Moves On with Combination Reach, Counterbalance and Sideways Drive Units

US – SWEDEN – EUROPE – WORLDWIDE – Nowadays sensational and innovative new fork trucks are available which, if widely adopted, could well revolutionise suitable freight and logistics warehouse operations. One area of supply chain technology in which technology is constantly evolving is the field of materials handling with bespoke options often meaning a drastic cut in turn round times, as opposed to settling for a standard off the shelf package. All busy freight and wholesale warehouses and storage facilities need to keep loading and stacking times to a minimum in order to reduce truck waiting times and staff costs.

It's All Change as Confusion Rules the Waves

WORLDWIDE – In the wake of the recent major tie-ups in the container shipping industry, Nippon Yusen Kaisha, Hanjin, Hapag-Lloyd, K-Line, MOL, and Yang Ming have agreed to create a new alliance covering all East–West trade lanes. A binding agreement has been concluded by all partners and ‘THE Alliance’ (no reticence about the name then) is scheduled to begin freight operations in April 2017, for an initial term of five years, subject to approval of all relevant authorities.

Personnel Movements in the Industry

UK – We start this week’s announcements of staff moves in the logistics sector with the news that, after 12 years with the British International Freight Association (BIFA), Becky Thurtell is leaving to start her own exhibitions and events consultancy and to make use of her multi-lingual skills. Thurtell has worked at BIFA for almost half the life of the organisation and can be reached at becky@thurtell.co.uk.

Multi-Million Dollar Agreement Between Vessel Owner and Customer

US – The legal dispute which followed the grounding of the oil tanker Stena Primorsk in the Hudson River estuary some 10 miles south of Albany, New York in December 2012, was settled this week with the owners of the vessel, Concordia Maritime, agreeing to pay $9.25 million to the unnamed counterparty. The ship was managed by Scottish headquartered Northern Marine group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Stena AB Gothenburg and, unusually, this is not a tale of pollution from the stranded Stena P-MAX tanker but one which actually comes across as a triumph of modern ship design.

ISO Sized Boxes Now Provide Double Height Facilities

US – UK – WORLDWIDE – CakeBoxx Technologies, creators of innovative door-less shipping container, has now developed the two-storey ‘Q-Boxx’, which uses the patented CakeBoxx design to provide double height/two storey living/working space, to join the company’s unique range of boxes, which have been designed to provide increased security and improved business process to the global supply chain whilst conforming exactly to ISO specifications.

Cash Raised Whilst Executives Agree to a Forbidding Challenge

UK – AFRICA – Once more the freight and logistics community showed its appreciation for the good works of international transport development charity Transaid this week, when over £4,000 was raised by way of a table collection, at the FTA Multimodal Awards dinner on 10 May. The Charity also officially launched its new driving challenge, the ‘Training Trucks for Transaid’ initiative, a daring cross-continent challenge to source and drive a bulk liquid tanker and a coach from Europe to Africa and, like lambs to the slaughter, four industry professionals have volunteered to take on the challenge it offers.

Liverpool2 Attracts More Businesses to the Area

UK – FS Mackenzie (FSM), the UK member of the FPS Group network of independent freight forwarding agents and cargo consolidators, has relocated its Liverpool office to a new base in Waterloo, adjacent to the city’s newly-built £300 million Liverpool2 port development at Seaforth. The company was previously based in St Helens since opening 12 years ago. Its new base is now just 2 minutes from the Port of Liverpool and 10 minutes from Liverpool city centre.

As Brexit Vote Looms Concerns Voiced Over Possible Entry Points

UK – EUROPE – As the referendum as to Britain’s status in Europe approaches, and arguments for and against ‘Brexit’ become more animated, with threats and assurance in equal numbers from either side, the concern over the migrant situation continues. This week, as road haulage representatives identify new jumping off points in France for immigrants heading to the UK, an EU Commissioner revealed worries that Ireland was likely to enable the hordes fleeing mainland Europe to enter Britain by the ‘back door’.

TV Personality Hands Out the Trophies at Annual Event

UK – The VOX Centre overlooking the lake at Birmingham’s NEC was the scene for last night’s Multimodal 2016 Awards sponsored by the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and ably hosted by journalist and author and ex TV reporter John Sergeant, who gave a typically understated and witty speech to close the evening. A packed room responded well as he regaled the audience with tales of his times as a political reporter.

Only One Air Cargo Carrier Holding Out

US – NEW ZEALAND – And then there was one. Air New Zealand has entered into a settlement agreement in the large multidistrict antitrust class action against air freight carriers in New York. Subject to court approval, the airline has agreed to pay $35 million to settle claims that they colluded with several competitors to fix inflated surcharges on air freight shipments to and from the US and worldwide. This case, like so many of the other cartel and antitrust scandals to have hit the industry in recent years, seems to have run and run.

Regulations for Verified Gross Mass of Containers Gradually Falling Into Place

BELGIUM – WORLDWIDE – All around the world and just 6 weeks ahead its mandatory inception, all talk amongst shippers is about the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) amended SOLAS regulations requiring verification of a freight container’s gross mass. Now the global cargo handling NGO, the International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA) International is to hold a practical seminar ‘One Month to Go – Are You Ready?’ in Antwerp on June 1, hosted by port training institute OCHA, to discuss industry preparations around the three main themes of compliance, communication and contingency planning.

DP World Launches Scheme After MENA Survey Reveals Widespread Ignorance

DUBAI – WORLDWIDE – One of the big problems faced by the logistics industry is one of image, despite the fact the delivery of all goods relies on the freight supply chain, many people simply remain in ignorance of how much this sector affects every aspect of our lives, irrespective of who we are or where we live. Now a survey commissioned by DP World across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has confirmed this widespread misunderstanding of our trade and its role in everyday lives, value to economies and potential as a career option.

Specific Circumstances Dictate Bespoke Solutions

GERMANY – WORLDWIDE – Regular readers will be aware we have been fairly cynical regarding the uptake of drones as a practical cargo delivery method when we have trotted out all of the obvious drawbacks, small payloads, dangers to other aircraft and civilians, potential for disturbance by small boys with catapults and big boys with shotguns. There is however a case to be made for the technology to be useful in certain specific circumstances, vital medical supplies to a remote alpine camp or community for example, and one major freight forwarding group has continued to invest substantial sums to investigate the possibilities.

Box Terminal Claims First for Fully Integrated Vehicle Booking System

UK – A claim this week from the London Container Terminal (LCT) based at the Port of Tilbury that the company has this week launched the UK’s first fully integrated Vehicle Booking System (VBS) mobile app, uniquely designed for the terminal’s hauliers. Road haulage contractors can now make bookings and check the status of a freight container remotely using the app on their mobile phone.

New Materials Handling Outlet Adjacent to M25

UK – Fork lift truck and materials handling specialist Jungheinrich is to open its first new additional regional sales centre in almost 20 years at the Crossways Business Park, Dartford, Kent, a popular site for those in the logistics supply chain with a host of freight forwarders and warehousing suppliers in the vicinity, sitting as it does alongside the M25 motorway on the Kent/Essex border. The expansion of the sales and showroom network will be marked with a two-day product showcase on 18-19 May.

Old and the New Tie Up After Successful Initial Cooperation

UK – Eclipse Container Logistics, based in Grantham, Lincolnshire has been working closely with international freight forwarding outfit Röhlig Logistics since its inception last year, and now the two have tied the commercial knot tighter with the news that the road haulage outfit will henceforth display the distinctive Röhlig blue livery on its dedicated vehicles.

Message is Make the Decision and Sort Out the Environmental Problems As Work Proceeds

UK – In its report on airport expansion in the South East, the House of Commons Transport Committee, has criticised the UK Government for squandering the opportunity to end decades of ‘political dithering’ over a decision on the expansion of UK airport capacity, and urged the Secretary of State to set out a clear timetable for expansion, making clear the measures which have been accepted or rejected and the work which needs to be completed, with backing coming from sectors of the logistics community including freight forwarding and road haulage interests.

Financial Lift From Materials Handling Conglomerate

UK – AFRICA – Materials handling equipment manufacturer UniCarriers has become the latest member of the transport and logistics industry to pledge its support to Transaid as a corporate sponsor. The manufacturer will help bolster the international development charity’s lifesaving work in Africa, which includes professional driver training and maternal health programmes, through annual membership contributions. With these vital unrestricted funds, Transaid can test and implement new projects, aimed at helping even more people benefit from improved access to healthcare and livelihoods. Mark Gibb, Managing Director, UniCarriers, said:

New Exhibitors Join Seasoned Campaigners at UK's Most Popular Trade Show

UK – The freight industry is gearing up for the annual big exhibition at the NEC Birmingham between 10 - 12 May which has become the largest networking event in the British and Irish logistics calendar. Multimodal 2016 promises to be as important a date as ever this year with seemingly most of the regular stand holders returning for another year and joined by some prominent new faces. Independent freight forwarding group Davies Turner will appear for the first time as will several other notable names.

Monster Figures Educate Texas Drivers

US – Tired of seeing drivers flashing past them at unreasonable speeds, some even on phones when driving, construction workers at a North Texas highway project, the 35Express, decided to act for the third year running and inform the transgressors during what is in fact Safety Week 2016. As in previous years the gangs have used empty 200 litre barrels to construct something the motorists could not help but take notice of – this time a fifteen foot high ‘Frankenbarrel’ monster accompanied by a large, orange turkey.

Historic Site for New Facility

UK – Logistics group SEKO has opened its first UK Aerospace and Aviation ‘Centre of Excellence’ and where better suited than at historic Farnborough Airport which has borne witness to some of the world’s greatest advances in aeronautical technology. Within the SEKO Logistics network of over 120 offices in 40 countries, there are already Aerospace and Aviation centres of excellence in Europe, the Americas and Asia Pacific and the Cody Technology Park at Farnborough was chosen as the location for its UK team of specialists because of its standing as the home of UK aerospace.

A Day on the Estuary to Mark Company's Support

UK – Staff at ABP’s Humber ports had the chance to ‘go before the mast’ recently with a day’s sail out onto the Humber Estuary so they could learn how to crew the 80-foot gaff-rigged vessel Maybe. Fifteen staff from across the four ports of Hull, Goole, Grimsby and Immingham set sail from Hull Marina out onto the Humber Estuary to try out their sea legs in a training day trip as a thank you from seafaring charity Maybe Sailing which ABP has supported with free berthing and a charitable donation given to enable local schools to enjoy sailing days aboard the Tall Ship.

Latest Appointments and Departures in Logistics Sectors Around the World

TAIWAN – A sad start to our round-up of staff changes in the global freight and logistics industry with the news that Hermann Yu, President of container shipping line Yang Ming Marine Transport, died at the age of just 59. Yu joined Yang Ming in 1984 holding several senior positions before being made President in 2013. Holding a masters degree in maritime law Yu fell ill with cancer in 2013 since when he had been unwell and his demise was described as a loss to the whole industry by his colleagues.

Ten Sites Included In Seven Year Deal

UK – A coup for Staffordshire based handling group Briggs Equipment this week as it signs a contract with the Peel Ports Group to fulfil full service and maintenance support for in excess of 400 materials handling assets, the majority of which have been acquired on a long-term rental basis, in a deal worth £38 million over the next seven years with a three year extension option. Peel’s activities include a network of ports, freight and container terminals, hubs and services and its own shipping line, BG Freightline.

With New Safety Regulations Coming In Globally Different Approaches Around The World

WORLDWIDE – With the SOLAS launch date approaching rapidly, ports all around the globe are either rushing out their charges and solutions for weighing every container they are required to or, unfortunately in some cases, trying to avoid their responsibilities. This last batch may well be the long term losers if close geographical rivals agree to certify the mass of an export box for a reasonable rate by weighing it and issuing a Verified Gross Mass (VGM) certificate as required by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

FedEx TNT Deal Gets the Nod

US – EUROPE – CHINA – The Ministry of Commerce in the People’s Republic of China (MOFCOM) has given its unconditional approval of the proposed €4.4 billion acquisition of the Dutch parcel carrier TNT Express by express freight group and US rival, FedEx Corporation. The two companies have now gained all the relevant competition approvals needed for the merger as FedEx and TNT wait to close the deal. David Bronczek, President and CEO, FedEx Express, commented:

Waterway Gears Up for Traffic

PANAMA – Newly formed China COSCO Shipping has won the draw which we publicised last month, for the first transit through the Expanded Panama Canal during the waterway's inauguration on Sunday, June 26. The shipping line's 9,400 TEU container vessel Andronikos, which measures 8.25 metres in beam and 299.98 metres in length, will be making the inaugural transit. Panama Canal Administrator, Jorge L. Quijano, said:

Pentalver's Popular Pub Back for Second Year

UK – WORLDWIDE – With Mulitimodal 2016, Britain and Ireland’s favourite freight and logistics show rapidly approaching, one firm's exhibit which can be certain to attract a huge amount of attention once again is container specialist outfit Pentalver. The secret – simple, almost nobody at an event of this sort would rather be anywhere else than – you’ve guessed it – down the pub.

Little Publicity but Industry Stalwarts Maintain the Effort to Help Others

ECUADOR – UK – A couple of weeks ago we ran a short piece on some of the good work being done by logistics and multimodal groups around the globe which included help for those unfortunates stricken by the Ecuadorian earthquake on 16 April. Unfortunately, with all the bad news in the world such disasters rarely hold the headlines for more than a day or so, the work to help save and improve lives however continues unabated. With a follow up ‘quake raising the death toll over 650, yesterday came the miraculous news of the rescue of 72 year old Manuel Vasquez, trapped for 13 days under the rubble and pulled free, minus some toes, by a Venezuelan search team.

Latest Vessel Benefits from Technically Advanced Fuel Saving Design

NETHERLANDS – One of the world’s largest RoRo vessels designed for the transport of cars arrived this week at the Port of Amsterdam. The Höegh Tracer is the third in a series of vessels the shipping company Höegh Autoliners will be launching as part of its ‘New Horizon’ design line this year. With a deck area of 71,400 square metres and a carrying capacity of 8,500 cars and trucks, the Höegh Tracer is one of the world’s largest ro-ro ships designed to carry car equivalent units. Anthony van der Hoest, Cluster Manager Logistics at Port of Amsterdam commented: