Shipping Search - Archive

Maritime Rescue Half Century Ago Inspired Creation of Training Centre

TARAWA – GERMANY – Around 200 guests celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Marine Training Centre (MTC) on the Kiribati island of Tarawa in the South Pacific last week. Amongst the guests were representatives from Hamburg Süd, who co-founded the school for training seafarers 50 years ago following a maritime rescue.

Heinous Murders in Wartime at the Birth of the Sailors' Society

NORTHERN IRELAND – The great fear of going to sea is the ever present risk of drowning, but when this fate is avoidable yet perpetuated as an act of war on a helpless merchant ship such an act sends shivers through history, and today (July 31) marked a particularly inauspicious centenary, the mass murder of the crew of the freighter SS Belgian Prince,a heinous act which would have been lost to history was in not for the indefatigable nature of three of the crew who survived against all odds.

New Routes Aimed to Encourage More Continental Customers to Choose AA

UK – US – EUROPE – American Airlines Cargo has expanded and extended its European freight trucking network this summer to better serve an even greater number of customers. The trucking services operate using flight numbers, connecting offline cities and online points with the rest of the airline's global network, via the company's 450-plus flights that depart from Europe every week.

Daimler Hopes its New Offering Will be a Quiet Success (Whilst Cynical About the Opposition)

EUROPE – AMERICAS – ASIA – Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), a brand of Daimler Trucks Asia, has celebrated the start of production of its first all electric light-duty truck, the Fuso eCanter, in Europe. The event was held at the production plant in Tramagal, Portugal, where all eCanter for the European and US markets will be produced in line with the conventional Fuso Canter freight truck. The event featured various VIP's, with the President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, joining members of the government and Mitsubishi FUSO Truck Europe and MFTBC executives at the event. Marc Llistosella, President and CEO of MFTBC and Head of Daimler Trucks Asia said at the occasion:

All the Pieces You May have Missed This Week

WORLDWIDE – This week's look at some smaller topical items in the world of freight and logistics begins with the news that, following their Advice on Towage article, the Shipowners' Club has now produced an infographic for those seeking further guidance on the subject of ocean towage. The infographic includes information on customary and uncustomary towage, the fitness to tow survey, manning requirements and procedures and systems that should be in place prior to departure.

Appointments and Departures for the Week

US – The week's staff announcements in the realms of freight transport start with the news that shipping group Crowley Maritime has named Daniel Vargas to the newly created role of Vice President of International Business Development, to support the company's liner and logistics services groups. Based at Crowley's office in South Florida and will report to Steve Collar, Senior Vice President and General Manager, International Liner Services.

Complex Planning Required to Move Multimodal Cargo to Certain Destinations

UK – MIDDLE EAST – Although best known for its exploits in the world of project freight forwarding the recent expansion of Allseas Global Logistics has included extending its general cargo services, often working in the very areas which are the hardest to cover, simply because the experience gained working regularly in such contentious territories leads to a deeper understanding of local customs, practices and the difficulties which can trip up the unprepared.

Maritime Security Manufacturer Has Completed Installation on 150 Ships

UK – WORLDWIDE – Anti-piracy and maritime security product manufacturer Easi-Chock says it has now completed the fit out of a landmark 150 shipping vessels. The company was founded by ex-UK Special Forces member Wayne Harrison after he was subjected to a Somali pirate attack in 2010. Wayne and his security team survived and also kept the crew safe using improvised devices to lock doors and portholes and create a citadel which proved impenetrable to the attackers.

Dachser Building Custom Designed Depot for Central Europe

AUSTRIA – Bavarian headquartered freight group Dachser has held a ground breaking ceremony for a new terminal the company is building in Stans, Austria, which is scheduled to begin operations in late 2017 and will create 40 new jobs. The new 20,000 square metre facility will cost some €6.5 million. The new centre will provide comprehensive transport and warehousing logistics, replacing Dachser's existing site in Hall. The facility will have 30 gates and a storage and logistics area covering approximately 4,700 square metres. Another section of the building offers space for additional loading stations and parking spaces.

KP Goes Nuts for Narrow Aisle Fork Lift Trucks

UK – There will be hardly a consumer in the country who is not familiar with KP Snacks as a brand, it manufactures and distributes such iconic snack names as McCoy's, Phileas Fogg, Hula Hoops, and of course, KP Nuts and employs some 8,000 staff at 30 locations throughout the UK and Europe. Due to the consistently high demand for its products, the company recently undertook a major upgrade of the intralogistics processes at its Ashby-de-la-Zouche warehouse that has resulted in a significant increase in the store's pallet volume which prompted a search for the most efficient storage and materials handling systems.

Better Standards Ensured for Thousands of Drivers Aims to Bring Down Death Toll

UGANDA – International development organisation and favourite charity of the road freight industry, Transaid, has commenced a major project to build the capacity of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) and passenger service vehicle (PSV) driver training in Uganda. Transaid's involvement was secured as a result of its proven ability to raise the driving standards of thousands of commercial vehicle drivers in Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia, life-saving work which it began in 2008 thanks to the support of the UK haulage, air and sea transport and logistics sectors.

Original Tender for Defense Department Supply Chain Works Upheld

US – Following a series of protests from freight trade competitors and subsequent legal challenges, the US Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), a part of the US Department of Defense (DOD), this week confirmed a large, multi-year supply chain contract award to Crowley Logistics Inc. to provide transportation and related services supporting the department's activities throughout the United States and Canada.

...................but are we clear on how that will happen?

UK – The long awaited results of the government's consultation regarding the reduction of pollution in the atmosphere caused by road vehicles, the DEFRA Air Quality Plan, has now been published following the draft version which came out in May, and amongst road haulage and freight interests there is likely to be some scratching of heads and a considerable amount of invective aimed at the authorities. The full report ignores all mention of the horrendous logistical problems which will beset urban areas unless a clear path of how the supply chain is maintained is set out.

SAL Shipping Sold to Near Neighbours

GERMANY – Bremen-based ship management company Harren & Partner (H&P) and Japanese shipping group K Line, have reached an agreement for the German company to acquire fellow national carrier SAL Heavy Lift on 27 July 2017. H&P state that they intend for SAL, with its available fleet of suitable vessels to become the new dominant player in the super heavy lift freight segment.

Subject to Approval Vessel Charters and Staff Transfer in New Deal

NETHERLANDS – NORWAY – Samskip has signed an agreement with the DSD group to acquire Nor Lines, in a major expansion of its shipping, transport and logistics businesses in Norway. Subject to approval by the Norwegian Competition Authority, the deal is expected to close around the beginning of September. Samskip is headquartered in the Netherlands as a holding company but its roots lie firmly in Icelandic territory with regular cargo and container services throughout Europe. Nor Lines became a fully owned subsidiary of DSD in 2011 having had links between the companies for several years previously.

DHL Concerned that Demand for Supply Chain Professionals Exceeds Supply by Six to One

US – WORLDWIDE – DHL has called upon industry leaders to recognise the growing talent gap crisis in the supply chain sector, saying that the impact of digitalisation and the status of the supply chain profession are driving a global industry talent shortage. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that jobs in logistics are estimated to grow by 26% between 2010 and 2020. Furthermore, one global study estimated that demand for supply chain professionals exceeds supply by a ratio of 6:1, with some predicting that ratio could be as drastic as 9:1.

Intends to Combat Crime Against Asian Sea Freight

ASIA – The safety of navigation is vital to the safety, security and economic activities of all stakeholders traversing sea routes in Asia – the region with some of the busiest seas in the world. Following the release of its report on the piracy and armed robbery in Asian waters, the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia Information Sharing Centre (ReCAAP ISC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) to boost the fight against such attacks in the region.

Victim Hit in Head with Brick

FRANCE – A lorry driver has been seriously injured by migrants who hijacked his lorry in a vain attempt to cross the Channel into the UK. According to reports the driver was forced to stop on the A16 motorway outside Calais and hit in the head with a brick when he dismounted his vehicle. The migrants then took the lorry and attempted to reach Calais before being stopped by the Police five miles down the road. The driver is currently in hospital with a serious head injury.

Recovery of World Trade Sees Port Operator Boost Loads

WORLDWIDE – DP World handled 34 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) across its global portfolio of container terminals in the first half of 2017, with gross container volumes growing by 8.2% year-on-year on a reported basis and 7.7% on a like-for-like basis, with second quarter growth rates accelerating to 10.7% year-on-year on a reported basis and 10.4% on a like-for-like basis.

Private Motorist and Road Haulage Lobby Group Switches Issues

UK – 'tis a brave man who speaks up against the proposition of any anti-pollution measures these days but FairFuel UK, which organisation had an original brief to try and reduce the cost to private motorists and road haulage operations alike by persuading governments to act on fuel duty and ramped up prices, has now moved into a considerably more contentious area.

New Statistics Reveal that Cardiovascular and Depression Major Causes of Medical Failures for Sailors

WORLDWIDE – The latest version of the Sailors' Society's Wellness at Sea app for seafarers hopes to further combat high rates of cardiovascular conditions and mental health disorders among seafarers. The enhancements to the free app, sponsored by Bernhard Schulte Ship Management (BSM), now gives users a range of healthy living tips, recipes and exercises to help monitor and maintain their physical and mental health at home, in port and at sea. Sandra Welch, deputy CEO and director of programme at the Sailors's Society said:

Warehouse Expansion Reinforces Davies Turner Scottish Presence

SCOTLAND – Davies Turner, one of the leading independent freight forwarders, has completed the expansion of its regional distribution centre at Cumbernauld. The development has seen an additional 20,000 square feet of warehousing added which has doubled the capacity of the existing warehouse. New dock-levellers and another two floor-loading doors have also been added giving increased capability to one of the most established British names in the industry, particularly in one specific product sector.

Newest Terminal Gets Materials Handling Refurbishment

UK – The deep water Port of Felixstowe has ordered two new gantry cranes for its Berths 8&9, and work has started to raise the height ten of the existing cranes on Trinity Terminal at the port. The new cranes will bring to twelve the number on the port's newest terminal. They will have a 59.5 metre outreach from the quay, sufficient to allow them to handle future generations of container vessels with containers stowed up to 24-wide across the deck.

Port of London Getting Waterborne into Line Over Air Quality

UK – When the horrifying statistic was published recently that around 40,000 people die every year as a direct result of the air quality in Britain, 9,400 of them in London, the result was an immediate response, most noticeably affecting regulation covering emissions from road vehicles, particularly freight haulage trucks and passenger carrying buses and coaches. Now the Port of London Authority (PLA) is working with the Mayor of London and Transport for London on new research to help it develop an Air Quality Strategy for the tidal Thames.

Crew Reported as Drinking Seawater with Stale Food in Modern Day Slavery Scenario

UK – TURKEY – Following our recent piece on the M/V Seccadi, a freighter registered under a flag of convenience and held by the British authorities after non-payment of crew wages and the discovery of disgusting conditions on board, comes more information regarding this and two other ships similarly flagged as Panamanian and also crewed by personnel abandoned by the vessels owners and operators. In each case the crews have been supported by the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) which equates the cases to a culture close to modern day slavery.

Trade Show and Festival Prompts the Most Worthy of Charity Donations

UK – Trade shows are one thing whilst public festivals quite another yet the Poole Boat Show manages each year to combine the two, with serious buyers looking for a deal on that luxury yacht or sailing dinghy whilst locals and travellers share a day or more celebrating the sunshine (hopefully) and this year viewing the four tall ships moored in the harbour alongside a vast array of smaller vessels, plus a Royal Navy presence including HMS Hurworth, a mine countermeasures vessel which opened to visitors for two days of the three day event.

Experienced Team Open New German Backed Project in the UK

UK – There is to be a new entrant in the British logistics industry with the news that leading European freight forwarding outfit Robert Kukla GmbH has launched a UKsubsidiary targeted at the beverage sector. The Munich based group specialises in multimodal shipping and also heads up tank, truck and warehouse operations which span both Eastern and Western Europe. This latest venture opened its first office in Brentwood, Essex in April and has taken over the German parent company's existing transport business in the UK.

All the Pieces that Did Not Make the Headlines

UK – County Antrim-based Woodside Motorfreight, part of the Woodside Group, has taken delivery of a new Mercedes-Benz Actros 1836. Supplied by Northern Ireland Dealer MBNI Truck & Van, the 18-tonne Actros is the latest addition to the motor vehicles moving specialists fleet. Managing Director Tim Woodside, said:

Research into Organic Cleaning Methods Could be Revolutionary

WORLDWIDE – Whales, sharks, butterflies and lotus leaves are some of the creatures that might hold the secret to saving the shipping industry millions of dollars and help protect the planet, according to a marine biologist at the University of Portsmouth. Environmental microbiologist Dr Maria Salta is examining how animal's ability to self-clean might give scientists solutions which could provide the next generation of anti-fouling technology.

A Summary of Who Has Moved Where

UK – Mark Bromley has taken up his new role as the National Chairman of the British International Freight Association (BIFA), for a two year period, succeeding Fred Osborn, who becomes Immediate Vice-Chairman, also for a two year term. John Stubbings, Group Director and Company Secretary of the Woodland Group, has been elected Vice-Chairman to work alongside Osborn. Sir Peter Bottomley, MP, remains as BIFA President.

Stena Line to Boost UK – Netherlands Service

UK – NETHERLANDS – In response to demand on their route from Rotterdam (Europoort) to Harwich, Stena Line is to increase capacity by changing to larger ships. The current RoRo ships, the Capucine and Severine, which currently operate twice daily from Europoort in the Netherlands and Harwich in the UK, will be replaced by larger vessels, the RoRo ships MV Misada and MV Misana, when their present charter contracts expire in January 2018. The overall freight capacity of the route will be increased by some 20% with the change.

Move Welcomed by Freight and Road Haulage Reps

UK – The British Government today announced that they would be scrapping tolls on the Severn River Crossing, which is the primary road link between England and Wales, from next year. The decision was announced by Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns, who said:

Latest Range of GST Charges Rationalise Contributions but has detractors

INDIA – As Europe puzzles over how segregation from Britain will work after Brexit, particularly the question of border controls in a divided Ireland, it seems somewhat curious that any sovereign country would introduce legislation destined to cause queuing at points between individual internal states. This however is India, a country in which the government made 86% of India's banknotes void overnight, plunging the economy into a downward spiral which is still having repercussions, and now shipping interests say a new range of taxes will also directly affect exports.

Murder of Vietnamese Crewmen Sparks Concerns and Warning

ASIA – The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia Information Sharing Centre (ReCAAP ISC) has reported a total of 36 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships for the first six months of 2017 in Asia, down 22% compared to the same period in 2016, due to the decrease in incidents at ports and anchorages in India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. However, ReCAAP is advising that all ships use extreme caution on routes through Sulu-Celebes Sea and waters off Eastern Sabah, calling on ships to re-route, over concerns of incidents involving the abduction of crew from ships while underway in the region and the recent executions of Vietnamese sailors at the hands of extremist groups.

Walker Logistics Paying for C-47 Restoration

UK – Walker Logistics is undertaking a unique project to commemorate the role of the Berkshire village of where the freight forwarder is now based, during World War 2. Membury Airfield, where Walker Logistics' 200,000 sq ft multi-user warehouse is sited, had been the base for the United States Army Airforce (USAAF) 436th Troop Carrier Group and the departure point for hundreds of American paratroopers heading for Normandy to take part in the D-Day landings and on the ill-fated 'bridge-to-far' attack on Arnhem in the Netherlands in 1945.

ITC Wants Priority for Concerns from Negotiations

UK – The Independent Transport Commission (ITC), a think tank that addresses long-term strategic issues in the fields of transport and land use, has issued a report addressing key Brexit concerns for the UK transportation industries to assist policymakers and representatives to champion the UK transport industry in the ongoing EU-UK negotiations.

Tales of Gun Running, Murder and Mayhem Bring Finger Pointing Report

AUSTRALIA – WORLDWIDE – There are few subjects in the field of labour relations that are more contentious than the use by ship owners and managers of flags of convenience solely for the purpose of cutting overheads, particularly crew wages. We have touched on this many times over the years and, whilst the tactic is not necessarily a sign of a poor operator, union bodies frequently cite the practice when condemning it as an excuse to circumvent negotiated wage agreements.

Seizure Violated UN Convention and Ordered to Pay Compensation

RUSSIA – NETHERLANDS – The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) has ordered Russia to pay upwards of 5.5 million Euros in damages following what was found to be the illegal detention of the Dutch-flagged Greenpeace icebreaker, the Arctic Sunrise, in 2013. The environmental organisation used the vessel to stage a protest at the Russia offshore oil platform Prirazlomnaya, located in the south-eastern part of the Barents Sea, and in response, Russian authorities boarded, seized, and detained the vessel, and arrested the thirty people aboard.

GAC Handle Giant Shipment

UK – NETHERLAND – GERMANY – RUSSIA – GAC has completed delivery of an urgent multi-origin shipment for pile driving and swaging works in the Northern Caspian Yuri Korchagin oil field being developed by one of Russia's largest oil companies. The project required great co-ordination efforts across several boarders and saw GAC overcome some logistical problems along the way, in this time-critical shipment.

Bahri and Bollore Partner Up

SAUDI ARABIA – The National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia (Bahri) has signed an agreement with the French transport and logistics firm Group Bolloré to establish a new logistics joint venture to serve Saudi Arabia and the wider region. The agreement marks another step of Bahri's and Bolloré Logistics' expansion into the fast-growing logistics and supply chain management market within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Threat to Ecosystem Can Lurk Below the Waterline

WORLDWIDE – These pages have often told in the past of the horrors which inadvertent biological pollution can cause when the ballast tanks of a vessel are emptied into a foreign environment without proper treatment. The fluctuating payloads on cargo ships, from container vessels to bulk carriers as they load and unload, make the use of such ballast essential and the threats have culminated in suitable regulations being introduced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

....so what can those in the supply chain do about it?

UK – WORLDWIDE – Two points which come up time and again at logistics related trade and industry events are firstly, the continuing gender imbalance and secondly, the age of many senior executives at the larger freight transport related companies. Both of these factors have negative connotations for the sector and certainly many are working to, if not smash the glass ceiling, then certainly render it some serious damage through events such as the everywoman and Women in Logistics organisations.

Drop in Incidents in Gulf of Guinea and Philippines Largely Responsible

WORLDWIDE – According to a report by the independent, global risk consultancy, Control Risks, there has been a 15% decrease in global maritime security incidents in the first half of the year, compared with the same period in 2016. This has been driven by a significant decline in maritime piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, which in 2016 experienced the highest levels of piracy and armed robbery ever recorded in the region. There was also a notable decline in kidnap incidents from vessels in South-East Asia compared to the latter half of 2016, partly due to the successful efforts of the Philippines military against the militant Abu Sayyaf Group on land, reducing their capability to kidnap victims at sea.

APL Smashes Intended Target and Plans for More

WORLDWIDE – Container shipping line APL, has recorded its highest reduction of fleet carbon dioxide emissions, down 48% in 2016 compared to its base level in 2009. Verified by Lloyd's Register Group according to the Clean Cargo Working Group (CCWG) verification protocol and ISO14064-3:2006 standard, this achievement marks APL's seventh consecutive year of improvements. APL Chief Executive Officer, Nicolas Sartini who champions APL's sustainability course, said:

Doft and PostEverywhere Partner Up

US – Doft, the Silicon Valley-based truck-sharing app company, has announced it is integrating with online load-posting platform PostEverywhere. Doft says that the integration will now give customers of both companies a more simplified freight posting process, with the company stating that instead of shippers and truckers spending upwards of four hours arranging matters via fax or phone, the new service will significantly speed up the process. Now Doft drivers can see thousands of loads featured on PostEverywhere, and carriers, brokers and shippers using the load-posting platform can now post freight information directly to Doft's online platform. Doft CEO Dmitri Fedorchenko, said:

Europoort and Zeebrugge See Growth in Track Traffic

UK – EUROPE – In what it describes as a further sign that trade flows to and from Britain remain robust, P&O Ferries has reported a leap in freight volumes at its two continental rail hubs, Zeebrugge and Europoort, in the first half of 2017. Between January and June the ferry and logistics company handled 42,421 units which were being shipped from the two rail hubs across the North Sea to the east coast of Britain. Zeebrugge accounted for 30,154 units with Europoort making up 12,087.

Providing Logistical Support to National Teams

GERMANY – Deutsche Bahn has extended its partnership with the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) and the National Paralympic Committee Germany (DBS), renewing its deal to serve as official partners for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in Pyeongchang in 2018 and Tokyo in 2020. Deutsche Bahn has been named the official partner for mobility, with subsidiary DB Schenker, the official partner for logistics. Dr Niklas Wilmking, Head of Air Freight at Schenker Deutschland said:

K+N Buys Up CFI and Trillvane

SWITZERLAND – US – KENYA – Kuehne + Nagel has expanded its share of the perishable commodities market by acquiring Commodity Forwarders Inc. (CFI), US based airfreight forwarder specialising in the transportation of perishable products worldwide, and Trillvane, the in-house freight forwarding and logistics firm of Kenya's agribusiness, Flamingo Horticulture. The purchases means K+N expands its global perishables network and further strengthens its position in providing end-to-end international and domestic fresh chain solutions.

Expansion on Existing Operations in Region for Logistics Group

INDONESIA – DP World and the Indonesian government and port officials have signed an agreement on the development of the Kuala Tanjung greenfield port and logistics zone and Belawan port in North Sumatra. As part of a Technical Assistance Contract, DP World will share its expertise and experience in increasing efficiencies, training and development for employees and developing multi-modal transport hubs.

Liverpool2 Expansion Continues with Hopes of Taking Trade from Southern Rivals

UK – Peel Ports Group, owner of the Port of Liverpool, has authorised the second phase of its expansion programme at Liverpool2. The company is to invest in container handling equipment and port infrastructure works at the deep water site to expand the terminal facilities and capabilities and introduce cutting-edge port technology.

Shareholders Happy with Changes at the Top as Latest Finances Revealed

UK – It would appear peace may be breaking out over the future of the DX Logistics Group following last month's merger news and the announcement last week that the organisation will be split in two, henceforth to be DX Express and DX Freight. Having renewed the contract with HM Passport Office the latest staff changes and financial report have met with the approval of financial group and leading shareholder Gatemore Capital Management. Gatemore CIO Liad Meidar commented:

Near Million Dollar Penalties Hit Unlicensed and Conniving Carriers

US – The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has recovered a total of $950,000 in civil penalties after completing several compromise agreements with eight non-vessel-operating common carriers (NVOCCs) and an unlicensed entity. The agreed penalties resulted from investigations conducted by the Commission's Area Representatives in New York, Seattle, and South Florida, and by Washington D.C. headquarters staff, and as is usually the case, the parties settled and agreed to penalties, but did not admit to violations of the Shipping Act or Commission regulations.

Who Is Going Where in the World of Freight Transport

JAPAN – SINGAPORE – Ocean Network Express (ONE), the proposed container shipping joint venture between K Line, MOL and NYK has formally announced its senior team. Jeremy Nixon, Chief Executive Officer - Global Liner Management Division of NYK Group South Asia and Corporate Officer at NYK Line, has tendered his resignation ahead of his new role as the Chief Executive Officer of ONE, which will be headquartered in Singapore. Additionally, a Director from each company: NYK's Yasuki Iwai, MOL's Hiroki Tsujii, and K Line's Noriaki Yamaga, will each become a Director of the joint venture.

Industry Snippets from Around the Globe in the Past Few Days

UK – Container logistics specialist Pentalver informs us that its Tilbury terminal is now operating a dual lane entry into its facility at the port which will bring overall improvements to yard performance and allow freight bearing vehicles to be processed more quickly. Pentalver states that this will also reduce the amount of queuing out of the depot and impacting the port estate. Another change which has been made at the site is the introduction of a new inspection area for containers. This will allow incoming boxes to be taken off hauliers visiting the depot immediately, allowing the customer to get reloaded or leave the yard empty ensuring quicker turnaround times.

UK Manufacturer Has Success in Middle East

UK – SAUDIA ARABIA – Narrow Aisle, the UK producer of the Flexi fork lift truck range, maintains a presence in the Middle East and John Maguire, the company's Commercial Director is shown here looking particularly pleased with himself after hearing of the latest order for the company. International sales now account for some 40% of Narrow Aisle's business and now Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health has just added another 30 Flexis to its fleet of articulated forklift trucks.

FORS Adds New Service to Support Road Hauliers

UK – The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) has launched a Driver Licence Checking Service in partnership with Licence Bureau, the first FORS Affinity Partner. Affinity Partners are supporters of FORS who supply a FORS branded product or service directly through the scheme, enabling operators to comply with legal or contractual requirements and/or improve on safety, emissions, security and operational efficiency.

Encouraging the Next Generation at an Early Age

UK – British all-cargo airline, CargoLogicAir (CLA) has joined forces with the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) to support this year's Payload Challenge for aspiring international aviators and engineers. Organised by the British Model Flying Association (BMFA), the competition was held at the National Flying Centre at Buckminster Lodge in Lincolnshire.

CILT Offering Places at One Day Course for UK Industry Stakeholders

UK – The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) is preparing to host its first ever Road Transport Training Event on 16th August 2017. The event, held at the Institute's Head Office in Corby, will provide transport professionals and fleet operators with invaluable industry advice. CILT's leading, expert trainers will be on hand to discuss the importance of operating a compliant fleet, and the legal, moral and economic responsibilities that compliance with road haulage regulations entails. In a statement concerning the training CILT said:

Future Proofing Labour for the Logistics Sector is a Major Task

UK – According to a report by the Strategic Transport Apprenticeship Taskforce (STAT), up to 35,000 apprenticeship opportunities are set to be created over the next 5 years thanks to major investment in road and rail infrastructure and technology. The UK's freight and logistics industry has for years struggled to attract the younger generation to this most important of industries, repeatedly calling on the government for some much needed assistance. In response, the government launched STAT in April 2016 to help the transport sector address skills challenges and take forward the government's commitment to treble the number of apprenticeships in the transport industry, particularly the creation and maintenance of infrastructure for the road haulage and rail sectors, by 2020.

Companies Operating in Three European Ports Under Antitrust Investigation

EUROPE – The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has launched an antitrust investigation into a possible cartel in the bunker sector, where several companies are alleged to have 'concluded illegal price-fixing agreements. In the bunker sector, marine gas oil and fuel oil used to power numerous types of ships are produced, processed, traded, stored, and transported. This investigation involves companies that are active in the ports of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Antwerp.

Authorities Issue Warning of Hulk Presenting Hazard to Shipping

MADAGASCAR – The officers and crew of Evergreen Line's containership Ever Diadem, a 4,211 TEU box vessel deployed on the carrier's Far East - Africa Express (FAX) service, joined forces with another ship to successfully rescue thirty seafarers forced to abandon their burning fishing vessel off the coast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean on the 9th of July.

New Electro-Magnetic Powered Vacuum Carried Test Vehicle Also Revealed

US – Hyperloop One, the potentially revolutionary (and somewhat controversial) new transportation system has taken an important step in it's development. Yesterday a test sled ran for the first time on the company's Nevada test track for a total of 5.3 seconds and reached speeds of 70 mph (110kph). Hyperloop One utilises an electro-magnetic propulsion system that runs a capsule within a tube that has the air pumped out of it to reduce/remove air resistance, thus improving maximum speed potential whilst minimising energy expenditure. The capsule levitates above magnetic rails and a theoretical speed of between 700 and 800 hundred miles per hour is possible.

New Report from WSC Shows Substantial Decrease

WORLDWIDE – The World Shipping Council (WSC) has released the latest update to its survey and estimate of containers lost at sea, which found a 48% drop in the three years since the previous report was published in 2014. While containers lost overboard represent a mere fraction of the roughly 130 million container loads shipped each year, the worldwide ocean freight industry has been actively supporting a number of efforts to enhance container safety that should help reduce the number of containers lost at sea.

CMA CGM Try and Make a Difference on top of their Usual Business

FRANCE – LEBANON – The CMA CGM Corporate Foundation has announced the winning associations from its 2017 call for proposals Improving the quality of life for ill children and children victims of trauma. Thirteen French and Lebanese programmes have been chosen this year, and their initiatives aim to improve the living conditions, well-being and development of children victims of trauma and illness.

Trade Enabler Continues to Gather Plaudits

AUSTRALIA – CHINA – UK – DP World, the global port and infrastructure operator, is celebrating two developments today. In Australia the company has signed a new agreement with Cosco Shipping Lines to be their stevedore of choice on their major services into Australia. Cosco is the fastest growing container liner company in Asia and has major services calling at DP World Australia terminals in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. DP World Australia Chief Commercial Officer, Brian Gillespie, said:

Speed of the Essence for Logistics Industry

UK – EUROPE – With the commencement of talks beginning last Friday to negotiate Britain's exit from the EU, concerns over the real effects which will impact on freight trucks passing into and out of the UK were raised by the two trade associations most concerned with such traffic. Both the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and the Freight Transport Association (FTA) spoke up to point out the immense problems which will ensue if matters are not well handled by both sides.

60th Anniversary Sees Prince Charles Visit Mark Special Occasion

UK – Trailer builder Gray & Adams launched its 60th anniversary celebrations in style by hosting a visit from HRH Prince Charles and announcing its intention to build the UK's first, maximum-length, lifting-deck semi-trailer. The precise specification of the temperature controlled trailer, commissioned by a well-known customer, has yet to be confirmed. However, it will feature four separate temperature zones and offer a capacity of 60 pallets, comfortably more than double the number that can be carried on a standard, 13.6 metre single-deck trailer.

Outsourced Data Group Has Over 1,000 Vessels Signed Up

WORLDWIDE – With pollution avoidance high on everyone's agenda (except perhaps Mr Trump's) all the major shipping group's have been keen to implement systems to monitor the emissions emanating from ocean freight carriers of all types. Whilst some choose to calculate the noxious matter produced by their own fleets, others turn to specialists which report back with the relevant key performance indicators and, in the case of ports in the EU, reporting verified emissions from large vessels will be mandatory from next year.

Unions Describe Appalling Conditions Aboard Turkish Vessel

UK – TURKEY – Maritime unions are up in arms over the pay and conditions allegedly being endured aboard the general cargo ship Seccadi which has been detained by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency at a lay-by berth at Manisty, Ellesmere Port, where it was recently moved to from Runcorn by Peel Ports after languishing there for some time. The Turkish owners, Voda Shipping, have apparently just recently responded to questions from the authorities regarding the status of the Turkish and Indian crew aboard the Panama registered vessel.

UKWA Welcomes Household Names to the Association

UK – Originally established as a trade body for the third party warehousing and logistics sector, the United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA) membership has, until now, only been open to those companies that provide outsourced third party logistics (3PL) services together with suppliers of products and equipment used by the warehousing industry. As we mentioned in a piece last week now UKWA membership is no longer restricted to companies operating in these traditional trade sectors. Essentially this means companies that undertake warehousing and logistics tasks but for whom such operations do not represent their core business, such as retailers, manufacturers and wholesalers, are now free to join the association.

LNG Study Shows Potential for Gas as a Practical and Available Marine Fuel

SPAIN – PORTUGAL – EUROPE – WORLDWIDE – The change in anti-pollution regulations which come into force under the revised MARPOL Annex VI, means the global sulphur cap will be reduced from the current 3.50% level to 0.50%, effective from 1 January 2020, subject to a feasibility review to be completed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) no later than 2018. This forthcoming change is having a dramatic effect on ocean going vessels, from tankers and container ships to cruise liners, with Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) the favoured future fuel choice for many.

Week Long Operation Aims at Hitting Dangerous Distraction

UK – The Handy Shipping Guide has reported in the past on British police officers calling for truck drivers to be sacked if using their phones whilst behind the wheel and about how some foreign Police forces actively request dash cam footage from the public to help them prosecute road users who are breaking the law. Now the trend has reached the UK in an attempt to curb accidents caused by drivers distracted by their phones, whether calling, texting or even watching videos.

Ocean Network Expresses its Structure and Strategy

JAPAN – WORLDWIDE – So what's the difference between a vessel sharing agreement, a container freight alliance and an integrated box shipping business? The plethora of different arrangements usually lead to a blank when it comes to taking a look at the web pedigree of the latest flush of cargo transport cooperation's, however in the case of the formative ONE Network, the Ocean Network Express, things are much simplified, particularly for a humble trade journalist, as the three companies involved have actually already established an independent website.

Around 55,000 TEU a Year to be Managed

WORLDWIDE – DHL International Supply Chain, the specialist supply chain management team of DHL Global Forwarding, has signed an exclusive five-year contract extension with JYSK Nordic, part of the JYSK Group. As an international chain with Scandinavian roots, JYSK sells everything for the home in over 2,500 stores in 48 countries.

Philippine Militants Demonstrate Ruthless Brutality with Decapitation of Innocents

PHILIPPINES – Though much attention over the last few years has been paid to the threat that Somali pirates have presented to shipping around the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, recent developments have swung attention to the dangers of falling into the hands of Islamist extremists operating around the Philippine coast. Last week the decapitated bodies of two Vietnamese sailors, Hoang Trung Thong and Hoang Va Hai, were discovered along a road on the island of Basilan, a strong hold for the terror group Abu Sayyaf, an affiliate of ISIS.

Chinese Interests Look for Approval from Shareholders and Regulators

CHINA – WORLDWIDE – Orient Overseas (International) Limited (OOIL), the Hong Kong headquartered holding company which owns Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) will become the property of state owned, Shanghai based, COSCO Shipping if shareholders and regulators agree. The combined COSCO Shipping Line, a subsidiary of COSCO Shipping Holdings, and OOIL will operate more than 400 vessels over a much expanded network, with capacity exceeding 2.9 million TEUs including vessels currently on the order book.

News Pieces that Did Not Make this Weeks Headlines

LUXEMBOURG – ECUADOR – Cargolux Airlines inaugurated scheduled all-cargo services to Quito on 2 July 2017. All four weekly Cargolux flights, that originate in Luxembourg and operate through Curitiba, Viracopos and Mexico respectively, before arrival in Quito, connect Ecuadors capital to Amsterdam, Luxembourg and beyond. Cargoluxs direct flights from South and Central America to Amsterdam were introduced in 2016 and serve the perishable and flower markets.

New Jobs and Retirements and Sad Departures

ASIA – We open this week’s staff changes in the freight and logistics sector with some sad news, particularly for those who represent the millions of workers in the trade around the world. The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has announced the death of Hanafi Rustandi, its Asia Pacific region Chair, and President of the Indonesian seafarer’s union, KPI, at the age of 72. Mr Rustandi died suddenly on July 3, in Tokyo, where he was part of the ITF delegation representing the world’s seafarers and dockers at a meeting of the International Bargaining Forum.

African Carriers Report Largest Growth

WORLDWIDE – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for global air freight markets showing that demand, measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTKs), grew by 12.7% year-on-year in May 2017, up from the 8.7% annual growth recorded in April 2017 and is more than three times higher than the five year average growth rate of 3.8%. Industry-wide FTKs have now grown by 10.2% in annual terms so far this year to date. Allowing for the extra day in February 2016 due to the leap year, this is equivalent to annual growth of just under 11%. IATA says that it is the strongest start to the year since the rebound from the global financial crisis in 2010.

MFA Signed between Aramex and Logix Express

ETHIOPIA – UAE-based freight forwarding and express delivery outfit, Aramex has announced the expansion of its operations across Ethiopia through a Master Franchise Agreement with Logix Express PLC, to cater to the countrys rapidly growing needs for innovative logistics and last-mile delivery solutions. With this expansion, Aramex is now present in 23 African countries. Aramexs operations in Ethiopia include door-to-door delivery and pickup, customs clearing, freight forwarding, and e-services, including Shop & Ship and Drop & Ship.

Success of Rotterdam Link Pushes Increase

NETHERLANDS – SWITZERLAND – BELGIUM – Schweizerzug, a multimodal offering by Frenkendorf-based container terminal operator Swissterminal AG, has announced that from July 10, it is expanding its service portfolio to include the Port of Antwerp, in addition to the current Port of Rotterdam link. As such, Swissterminal will switch its service connection from the inland hub of Duisburg, Germany, to the Neuss Trimodal container facility in Germany, to offer links between Switzerland and two of Europes most important sea ports. Roman Mayer, President and Delegate of the Board at Swissterminal, said:

Two Important Launches Announced - One Home and One Very Much Abroad

UK – The United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA) Annual Awards luncheon was held today in the prestigious setting of the Dorchester Hotel in London's Park Lane and once again didn't disappoint. The meal follows the morning's Annual General Meeting which saw John Munnelly of the John Lewis partnership join the UKWA board. This is a sign of the times as membership of the organisation, so long the priority of trading warehouse keepers, has been opened up to others with an interest in the storage and movement of goods such as John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and Homebase.

European and African Trials Demonstrate Success

WORLDWIDE – A European Commission sponsored project designed to create and implement new security measures to protect the European supply chain has developed a new low-cost, digital seal. The Babbler has been developed for the CORE (Consistently Optimised REsilient Secure Global Supply-Chains) European Research Project by Dutch software specialists Itude Mobile.

Singapore GRT Prototype Entrusted to Heavy Air Freight Specialist

NETHERLANDS – SINGAPORE – All-cargo operator AirBridgeCargo Airlines' (ABC) has successfully delivered the newly-developed Group Rapid Transit (GRT) prototype autonomous vehicle to Singapore. Working on behalf of French freight forwarder Geodis, ABC sent off-size freight experts to the production factory of the Netherlands-based technology company, 2getthere, to work out a special loading plan to ensure the safe transportation of the off-size shipment. Nico Kors, Head of Sales, The Netherlands, Denmark & Ireland at AirBridgeCargo said:

Seafarers UK Have Helped Countless Mariners and Families in One Hundred Years

UK – Celebrating its centenary today is Seafarers UK, a charity set up in the midst of World War One to assist families of seafarers lost or injured at sea, a mission that has changed little since. Seafarers UK has played a vital role over the past 100 years to provide both current and former seafarers from the Merchant Navy, Fishing Fleets, Royal Navy and Royal Marines, along with their families, a huge range of services ranging from care and accommodation for ex-seafarers to providing young people with the training needed for a potential career at sea.

P&O Records Continued Growth in Traffic

UK – P&O Ferries say that the company carried more freight across the English Channel in the first six months of 2017 than in any first half of the year in its modern history. The ferry and logistics firm's six ships on the Dover-Calais route transported 710,813 lorries between January and June. This figure represents a 10.4% increase on 2016, which was the previous best ever year. Janette Bell, Managing Director of P&O Ferries, said:

Numbers Encouraging Despite Pockets of Hijacks, Violence and Kidnapping

WORLDWIDE – A continuing decline in the number of reported incidents of maritime piracy and armed robbery against ships has been revealed in the second quarter piracy report of the ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB), always a useful benchmark of criminal activity on the world's oceans. According to the report, the first half of 2017 saw a total of 87 incidents reported to the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre compared with 97 for the same period of the previous year.

New Back Up Will Allow Customs Clearance Unhindered in Event of Crash

UK – The recent hacking attacks that paralysed parts of the ocean freight community, notably Maersk, have all too clearly illustrated the danger posed by such events and the resultant damage to the communications infrastructure that modern logistics and the supply chain relies on implicitly to conduct business. Now a new electronic fall back system has gone into operation that is intended to prevent a meltdown in the UK's vitally important air cargo industry in the event of a prolonged outage of HMRC's vital CHIEF (Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight) system.

Addition of New Bulk Cargo Terminal as Deep Water Facility Develops

UK – The Port of Tilbury unveiled its plans to reinvigorate its intermodal cargo offering at the latest Rail Freight Group conference hosted at Orsett Hall, Thurrock, last week. With three rail terminals in the port and the Essex Thameside rail corridor already accounting for approximately 10% of the UK's rail freight traffic, the port showcased the three pillars to its strategy to revitalise its rail freight options to an industry audience of 80 delegates.

Thirteen Companies from Across the Maritime Industry Sectors Sign Up to Initiative

UK – WORLDWIDE – The headquarters of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) were the scene for the launch of a new public-private initiative which aims to support the actions undertaken by the ocean shipping sector and its related industries toward a low-carbon future. The 'Global Industry Alliance' (GIA) is designed to identify and develop innovative solutions to identify and address common barriers to the uptake and implementation of energy efficiency technologies and operational measures.

Tensions Continue to Escalate as Cargo Ship Fails to Stop

TURKEY – GREECE – The seemingly perpetual row between Greece and Turkey has once again taken a turn for the worse as a Turkish freighter has been fired upon by a Greek coastguard vessel in the Aegean Sea. The Turkish Foreign Ministry has condemned the incident, saying that, 'There is no justification... for firing on an unarmed commercial ship carrying freight between two Turkish ports. Our sole consolation is that nobody was killed or injured as a result of the incident'.

New Apprenticeship Partnership Aimed at Transport Sector Staff Problem

UK – After questioning last month how employers could approach the problem of filling the increasing numbers of vacancies for commercial vehicle drivers, the Road Haulage Association (RHA) has now taken a practical step toward solving the problem with the inception of a partnership programme aimed at assisting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) secure the skills they need for future growth by recruiting young drivers into the freight transport sector.

Freight Trucks Using Increasing Amounts of World Oil Supply

WORLDWIDE – A new report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) has concluded that improving the efficiency of road freight transport is critical to reducing the growth in oil demand, carbon emissions and air pollution over the coming decades. According to The Future of Trucks: Implications for energy and the environment road haulage trucks are a major contributor to the growth in transport fuel consumption, as well as being responsible for rising carbon dioxide and air pollutant emissions.

Platform to Enable Virtual Testing of All Aspects

EUROPE – Four major players in the modern maritime market have joined together to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the aim of creating an open source digital platform for use in the development of new ships. The platform would allow the creation of so called 'digital twins'. A digital twin is a digital copy of a real ship, including all its systems that synthesizes the information available about the ship in a digital world. This allows any aspect of an asset to be explored through a digital interface, creating a virtual test bench to assess the safety and performance of a vessel and its systems, both before its construction and through its lifecycle.

Woodland Rebrand Refreshes Colour Scheme

UK – Following its recent rebrand and the introduction of its newly refreshed website, forwarding agent and road freight specialist the Woodland Group has unveiled the first set of newly branded trucks at its headquarters in Chelmsford. The Group's tagline "WE DELIVER" takes a prominent spot on both sides it what Woodland says it highlights their commitment to the company's customers. In a statement the company said:

Integrity of Hull Containing 40,000 Tonnes of Petrol Maintained

UK – FRANCE – The Dover Strait, the 'neck' of the English Channel, is known as the busiest waterway in the world, and with good reason by way of the 400 plus commercial vessels which transit every day. On Saturday July 1 two vessels collided in what could have proved one of the most serious incidents ever seen in an area where maritime accidents were once commonplace. Fortunately this occasion passed by with no injuries to the crews of either vessel, a tanker headed for Puerto Barrios in Guatemala and a bulk carrier, destination Lagos, Nigeria.