Shipping Search - Archive

First New Freight Terminal at Airport in Three Decades

US – Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) has opened a new cargo handling centre at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (H-JAIA), the first new facility at the airport for over 30 years. WFS hopes that the new cargo handling centre will support its focus on network expansion, facility investments and sustainability.

A Quick Run Around the Globe to See What the Industry is Up To

UK – WORLDWIDE – TR Lady Shipping Ltd, a portfolio company of Tufton Investment Management, has signed an agreement with specialist in wind assisted propulsion for commercial vessels, Anemoi Marine Technologies, to supply and fit the bulk carrier TR Lady with three large Rotor Sails and Anemoi's patented Rail Deployment System.

Asian Headquartered Company Converts Another Smart Distribution Hub

HONG KONG – U-Freight Logistics has completed the conversion of its 21,000 square foot eCommerce fulfilment centre (EFC) in Kwai Chung into a smart warehouse. One of five freight hubs the facility has been equipped with an automatic guided vehicle (AGV) and Intelligent Racking system, and associated operating software, to improve the efficiency of operations and reduce costs.

UKWA Details Radical Shift from 2015

UK – The latest edition of the United Kingdom Warehouse Association (UKWA) publication 'Newsrack' carries a link to its latest report on the size and make-up of the UK warehousing market and compares it to the state of play in 2015 when it commissioned a similar review.

Covid Vaccine Delivery in Africa to be First Priority

RUSSIA – KENYA – Volga-Dnepr Group and Astral Aviation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the aim to foster cooperation in the humanitarian sector. The cooperation will look to strengthen the capabilities of both parties and contribute to uninterrupted and stable supply chains of healthcare products, among which Covid-19 vaccines will be taking priority.

Autonomous Barge Project Also Claims Zero Emissions

NETHERLANDS – Wärtsilä is to develop an autonomous, zero emission barge for Port of Rotterdam. The technology group is part of an international alliance, headed by the Port of Rotterdam Authority, which has this month been awarded nearly €25 million in EU funding to implement projects aimed at sustainable and smart port logistics.

MoU Commits Partners to Build and Test Vessel

SOUTH KOREA – Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with LOTTE Fine Chemical, Lotte Global Logistics, steel maker and technology company POSCO, the Korean Register (KR), and Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE) to seek feasible solutions to the green ammonia supply chain.

Improper Packaging Suspected as Initial Cause Whilst Ports Refused Entry to Ship

SRI LANKA – The tragedy of the X-Press Pearl which continues to burn off the coast illustrates once more the problems of container shipping and fire at sea, and raises suspicions over the misdeclaration and improper packing and stowage of cargoes yet again.

Latest Podcast Has Expert Advice for Shippers and Logistics Groups

UK – WORLDWIDE – Whilst the TT Club provides mutual insurance and related risk management services to the international transport and logistics industry, it also spends much of its time trying to educate those at risk in methods designed to prevent claims.

Charter Agreement Means Trailers Can Board the First Sailing

UK – FRANCE – P&O Ferries and DFDS have reached an agreement to make freight space on their Dover-Calais ships available to one another as the two companies aim to maintain customer service levels on the route and ensure its continued resilience.

M7 Guests to Replicate Invited Countries Listed

UK – WORLDWIDE – The UK Chamber of Shipping is to host its first ever maritime G7 event. The online meeting, dubbed 'M7' will look to mirror the G7 Summit taking place in the UK in June and will focus on digitising trade and green research and development projects. Launching the event, UK Chamber of Shipping President John Denholm said:

Many Seafarers Trapped On Board as Pandemic Sweeps Subcontinent

INDIA – With the country's health system teetering on the brink of collapse in the wake of the unprecedented Indian Covid-19 outbreak, the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) Seafarers' Trust is offering much needed support by providing oxygen concentrators and emergency supplies for affected seafarers and their families.

English Intermodal Services from the Two Major UK Ports

UK – Mediterranean Shipping Company (UK) Ltd. (MSC) and GB Railfreight (GBRf) have signed a new five-year deal, further strengthening their long-established relationship and joint commitment to delivering sustainable solutions for customers.

Guilty Plea to Charges Which Could Mean Ten Year Sentence

US – An Idaho man has pleaded guilty to lying to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and to making an illegal repair to a cargo tanker truck in violation of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act.

Logistics UK Report Finding a Resilient Industry But Age Old Issues Still at Play

UK – Logistics businesses have shown impressive resilience throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, adapting their operations swiftly and efficiently in the face of extreme pressures to keep the nation stocked with the goods and services it needs.

MSC to Open New Facility at the Port of Liverpool

UK – Mediterranean Shipping Company (UK) Limited, (MSC), has announced a new transport yard at the Port of Liverpool to support the shipping and logistics giant's growing landside volumes in the UK, and further enhance its national road network.

Staff Moves in Transport and Logistics

WORLDWIDE – BIMCO has elected Sabrina Chao of Wah Kwong Maritime Transport Holdings as President at the organisation’s online general meeting. Chao takes over as the 45th President of BIMCO. She succeeds Şadan Kaptanoğlu, Managing Director of Kaptanoglu Shipping, who has completed her two-year term.

Those Smaller Stories Linked to the Freight Transport Industry

UK – Astronaut and former test pilot Major Tim Peake CMG will be the keynote speaker at the Logistics UK Future Logistics Conference at the Innovation & Technology in Transport Hub (ITT Hub) being held on 30 June and 1 July 2021 at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre. He will kick off the event with a session challenging the way that logistics, public transport and technology operates, both now and in the future.

Two Centuries After the Luddite Revolution the Same Arguments Rage

US – Total Terminals International (TTI) met with leaders of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) at the beginning of the week to announce that it intends to pursue automating Pier T at the Port of Long Beach. The move has prompted a backlash from the ILWU which has raised concerns about the impact on the US and local economies and on matters of cyber security. Ramon Ponce de Leon, ILWU Local 13 President, explained:

Danger of Being Left Behind as Electrification Becomes the Norm

UK – With the release of its latest report, ‘The challenge of future carbon and emissions reduction for rural communities’, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) has warned that a one-size-fits-all approach to net zero carbon emissions is likely to have disproportionate societal effects on already challenged rural communities.

Biggest Overhaul in a Generation to Services

UK – The news that Britain's rail sector is to see the biggest reforms introduced in a generation has been met with wildly different opinions from a variety of stakeholders, not least those involved in freight operations.

160 Years of Building for Britain

UK – Harland & Wolff, the iconic shipyard with an extraordinarily lengthy maritime and offshore engineering pedigree, welcomed The Prince of Wales on May 18 to mark its 160th anniversary by unveiling a celebratory plaque to commemorate the momentous milestone.

Discussion Illustrates the Need to Educate Crews on Best Practice Bunkering

UK – WORLDWIDE – As is the way of things at the moment with conferences and face-to-face seminars cancelled or postponed a recent discussion regarding the complexities of bunker fuels, Bunkering Challenges 2021, saw 100+ participants tune in to a webinar on the subject and it threw up some interesting views and facts.

New App Offers Those On Board and Ashore Full Data Reports

NORWAY – WORLDWIDE – With safety the ever present and most important facet of life at sea the current trend for digitalisation is having a beneficial impact on the management systems of ship operators, making it simpler and more efficient to ensure that checks and audits are accurately undertaken and kept up to date.

Pandemic Threw Freight and Passenger Sectors Into Confusion

WORLDWIDE – April 2021 may be remembered by some as the month in which at least part of the air cargo figures returned to some kind of normality, according to data provided by WorldACD.

River - Sea Based Route to Cut Transport Emissions

TURKEY – ASIA – A new container and breakbulk shipping line from Marmara to the Caspian Sea, via the Russian inland waterways, will be jointly launched by P&O Maritime Logistics (now a member of the DP World setup) with the support of DP World Yarimca and several other group companies.

But Who Will Prosecute Those Who Spawned the Problem?

GULF OF GUINEA – In response to growing concerns and increasing attacks on merchant ships in the region, a taskforce of stakeholders from across the shipping industry has drafted the Gulf of Guinea declaration on the Suppression of Piracy. The declaration has been signed by organisations across the maritime industry including flag state administrations, ship owners, charterers, and shipping associations.

Family Run Road Haulage Outfit Takes Up Residence

UK – Another gain this week for DP World's London Gateway freight and logistics hub with the announcement that the family run Swain Group is to utilise a 2.25 acre distribution facility at the deep water port site.

Pandemic Has Doubled Workload

UK – SCALA, the supply chain and logistics consultancy, has partnered with food redistribution charity FareShare to assist the organisation with its logistics strategy after it saw a major increase in received food volumes over the past year. FareShare's team of 2000 volunteers has distributed the equivalent of 132 million meals with a value to the charities it serves of £18 million in the last year.

Questions Remain Over Foreign Income Shortfall

UK – Ever since the construction and opening of the original Dartford Tunnel some 58 years ago the crossing point of the River Thames at its lowest point before the open sea has always been a controversial project.

Ferry and Passenger Ports Are First to Demand Cleaner Air

MALTA – Cavotech SA, a Swiss headquartered company specialising in decarbonising ports and other industrial sites, has been awarded a contract by Nidec ASI as part of a €12 million deal to provide shore power to five cruise liner berths at Malta's Valletta Grand Harbour. The project is part of a major EU funded initiative by Infrastructure Malta to electrify the entire harbour and reduce harmful portside ship emissions by 90%.

Smaller Items That May Prove of Interest to Readers

UK – This week the Road Haulage Association (RHA) launched a new campaign 'RHA Heroes' to encourage the recognition of staff and teams who have gone the extra mile over the last year. The five-week annual campaign, formerly HGV Heroes, has been expanded to include the coach and van sectors to reflect the RHA's new membership base and all are urged to nominate for the awards.

Way Forward Envisaged to Beat Pandemic Spread

WORLDWIDE – As the US, Netherlands, Australia and other nations begin to roll out vaccines to all seafarers, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has published a Vaccination Roadmap framework to help establish vaccination hubs dedicated to seafarers across the world, alongside other major maritime NGOs.

Oldest Driving Force for Shipping Makes a Comeback

BRAZIL – WORLDWIDE – For any who had doubts about the new enthusiasm for the century old Flettner rotor technology which sees huge vessels harness the power of the wind as a driving force, it might well be time to reconsider.

Third Phase of Planned Development Under Way

UK – Last month saw container specialist Pentalver commence work on Phase 3 of its terminal development at Berth 7, DP World London Gateway, promoted as the largest automated and fastest growing deep-sea container port in the UK.

Loneliness and Anxiety Face Seafarers

UK – WORLDWIDE – Maritime union RMT has called for new action to protect seafarers' mental health following a survey of its seafaring membership as part of the activities it is undertaking for Mental Health Awareness Week (10th-16th May). The challenges faced by seafarers are compounded by the fact they are isolated from family for weeks or months at a time, in what may become an oppressive environment where isolation abounds.

Campaign Highlighting Covid Risk Begins to Come to Fruition

AUSTRALIA – In an Australian-first, NSW Health will provide Covid-19 vaccinations to a small number of foreign seafarers on board vessels that transport gas between Australian ports in an effort to reduce the risk of the virus entering the community. The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) sees this initiative as a small win having campaigned relentlessly for increased Covid-19 measures, but finds that more needs to be done to protect seafarers in the ongoing pandemic.

Final Details of Deal Approved

EUROPE – ASIA – The deal set up in February which saw Swiss group Kuehne+Nagel acquire the assets of the Chinese headquartered Apex International Corporation has been finalised after all closing conditions, including the receipt of unconditional regulatory approvals from the competent authorities, were satisfied.

New Destinations on Cargo Routes

EUROPE – US – MIDDLE EAST – French shipping and logistics group CMA CGM, is accelerating the development of its air freight division CMA CGM AIR CARGO, by adding three new destinations: Dubai, Beirut and Istanbul. They will complement its existing Airbus A330-200F-operated services to and from Liège, Chicago, New York and Atlanta.

Vigilance Needed to Avoid Clever Scams

WORLDWIDE – The International Transport Intermediaries Club (ITIC), indemnity insurer for transport professionals, has issued a number of warnings on the increasing prevalence of documentation fraud and advises that members implement robust systems and controls to ensure that they minimise any exposure.

Inland Waterborne Zero Emission Logistics Becoming a Reality

FRANCE – IKEA France is to set up a new logistics warehouse at the port of Limay-Porcheville. As the winner of a call for projects organised by HAROPA-Ports of Paris, IKEA now has a 16 hectare site at the river-sea port that will allow it to set up a logistics warehouse at Limay. This new customer distribution centre will aim to boost IKEA's growth in addition to promoting its goal to develop its activity on the basis of sustainability.

Another Huge Cache of Weapons Seized As Shots Fired in Strait of Hormuz

NORTH ARABIAN SEA – As the situation in Gaza deteriorates, with talk of all-out war between Israel and Hamas our picture shows a huge cache of arms seized from a 'stateless dhow' by US forces, a parcel of munitions which poses several questions.

Doubts Raised Over Potential Crime Sites in New University Study

UK – Whilst both the government and the respective proponents of the eight new Freeports to be established in England by the end of the year enthusiastically support the schemes, a note of caution is advised by a new study.

New Deal to Improve Safety and Routing Options

WORLDWIDE – NORWAY – StormGeo, a global provider of weather intelligence software and decision support services, has increased its partnership with Ocean Network Express (ONE), the sixth largest container carrier in the world. This cooperation will look to give ONE access to a wider range of ship routing services, with the aim of ensuring the safety of its fleet, maintenance of its operating schedules and close monitoring of all related performance criteria as it works toward its supply chain goals.

Artificial Intelligence Makes Working Safer and Easier on A14 Project

UK – The A14, the road which carries vast amounts of freight traffic from Britain's busiest container port at Felixstowe to the Midlands, has been the bane of many truck drivers for decades. Now Highways England is crediting artificial intelligence (AI) for a huge boost in both safety and productivity at the conclusion of the latest upgrade works.

However Security Training Needed as Lobby Group Responds to Government Survey

UK – Last week saw the government's recent consultation on a 'New Plan for Immigration' close for submissions. Amongst those replying in detail was the Road Haulage Association (RHA) whose members have a special interest given the problems of migrants smuggled aboard import trailers.

Port Group Concentrates Rotterdam Activities

NETHERLANDS – APM Terminals (APMT) has agreed to sell off its Rotterdam terminal operations (APMTR) to Hutchison Ports Netherlands B.V., a subsidiary of Hutchison Ports. APMTR is located adjacent to Hutchison Ports existing ECT Delta terminal in the Maasvlakte area of Europe's largest port. It has 1,600 metres of deep-water quay serviced by 13 ship-to-shore gantry cranes.

Transport and Logistics Award Finalists Announced

UK – Having just witnessed a year like no other, the logistics profession has been thrown into the limelight for its role in ensuring life and society continue as normally as possible in the circumstances accompanying a deadly pandemic. Now the opportunity to celebrate those who have continued to achieve throughout comes with the announcement of finalists for the 2021 Amazon everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards.

Some of the Freight News You May Have Missed

US – In another holiday shortened week our picture shows one of the crew from the fishing vessel Nobska being hauled into a US Coast Guard rescue helicopter last Friday after the wheelhouse and bow were engulfed in flames when the 100 foot stern trawler was working off Cape Cod.

More Cooperation Between Software and Logistics Companies

US – As autonomous vehicles and systems continue to spread across every transport mode comes the news that two companies, from very different heritages, are again collaborating to lift the process of escorting and positioning the largest container ships and tankers into a new era of technological control.

Vessel Capacity of 200+ TEU Will Take Trucks and Pollution Off the Roads

SWEDEN – This month sees the start of the first inland waterway cargo barge shuttle service in Sweden intended to reduce congestion on the crowded road network in the region, as well as substantially reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Services are scheduled to commence before the end of May, with two sailings each week.

Two Decade Relationship Extended Again

UK – The Port of Tyne has been awarded a long-term, strategic import and export logistics contract with Tetley following a competitive tendering process. The contract covers the movement of thousands of tonnes of raw tea plus finished product each year.

Those Appointments and Departures in Brief

WORLDWIDE – UK – Mark Dickinson has been re-elected as General Secretary of Nautilus International to serve a five year term of office to 2026. Dickinson’s candidacy was unopposed. This will be his fourth term in the role.

California Test Bed for Latest Technology

US – XPO Logistics has partnered with Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) to test Daimler's battery-electric commercial trucks under real-life operating conditions in California.

Opening of Airfreight Division Adds Another Mode to Portfolio

EUROPE – Global logistics company Samskip has established a dedicated air freight business, adding significant new options to a service portfolio that already includes rail, road, shortsea and inland waterway links throughout Europe and global cargo logistics solutions.

Some Benefit for Starving Airlines

WORLDWIDE – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its March 2021 data for global air cargo markets showing that air cargo demand continued to outperform pre-Covid levels (March 2019) with demand up 4.4%. March demand reached the highest level recorded since the series began in 1990. Month-on-month demand also increased albeit at a slower pace than the previous month with volumes up 0.4% in March over February 2021 levels.

Consortium Selected to Begin Reconstruction Project

FRANCE – Last month we told how HAROPA - Port Le Havre was investing in communication technology and now one of the names mentioned in its 'Smart City' consortium, that of energy giant Siemens, has come up again with regard to an even bigger project at the Normandy port.

Brexit, Covid and Climate Change All on the Agenda

EUROPE – The Belgian based European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) is getting its ducks in a row with a series of conferences across the continent with a view to assessing how its members will react to the current and future changes being brought about by events such as the pandemic, climate change and Brexit.

Maritime Workers Feel Resentment After Commitment Shown During Pandemic

WORLDWIDE – Talks on setting a new minimum wage for seafarers around the world broke down last week at the International Labour Organization (ILO), after seafarers' unions made the decision to shut down pay discussions calling it a 'slap in the face', when ship owners representatives demanded that the industry ditch the established practice of using objective ILO minimum wage calculations before they would approve any pay rise.

Current Tenant Set to Double Uptake

UK – DP World has announced that one of the largest occupiers at its London Gateway Logistics Park, which lies in the hinterland of Britain's newest deep water container port, will more than double its onsite capacity by exercising an expansion option in its lease agreement.