Shipping Search - Archive

Claim is Now Before Competition Appeal Tribunal

UK – EUROPE – Regular readers with an eye on the road freight industry will be aware of the accusations of cartel activity aimed squarely at some of the continent's major truck manufacturers, accusations which resulted in €2.9 billion fines for four of the five companies involved two years ago. Subsequently fines for Scania, which had pled innocence, pushed this up to €3.8 billion. With the Road Haulage Association (RHA) subsequently coordinating a legal class action on behalf of its members, and indeed other operators, the latest developments see the long legal battle begin to take shape and substance.

France and Spain to Control Operations

EUROPE – GULF OF ADEN – The Council of the European Union has extended the mandate of EU Navfor Somalia Operation Atalanta until 31 December 2020, and in doing so, also announced the decision to relocate the operational headquarters of EU's anti-piracy missions off the Horn of Africa, from the UK to France and Spain upon the UK's exit from the European Union. At the same time, Vice Admiral Antonio Martorell Lacave from the Spanish Navy will become the new Operation Commander.

UK Chamber Has Concerns Over Vessel Routes

UK – WORLDWIDE – The proliferation of wind farms to maximise renewable energy resources can bring associated problems and, with the government poised to green light millions of pounds' worth of new offshore developments, the UK Chamber of Shipping is warning that coordination and forward planning for such developments is essential to ensure new wind farms do not endanger vessels, lives or the environment.

Truck Permits, Border Controls, Customs Clearance Points - All Need Answers

UK – As anyone in the country knows now, there is nothing simple about leaving the European Union. Whether you believe that EU representatives are making the whole process as difficult as possible for fear the entire institution might collapse, with other member nations seeking deals similar to Britain's, or just that the UK's politicians simply lack the backbone and the nous to get a decent deal, Brexit has turned into an administrative nightmare with still no clear end in sight, satisfactory or otherwise.

Trade Wars and Fuel Prices May Mean Alliances and Larger Lines Will Do Best

WORLDWIDE – Whilst Brexit preoccupies the freight shipping sector in the UK, the broader scope of world trade is of more import to the global industry. European credit rating agency Scope Ratings GmbH has been taking a look at the state of the international container shipping market and it seems, as far as financial credibility is concerned, big is beautiful, in the case of both individual lines and the alliances and partnerships we have witnessed flourishing in the past couple of years.

Charity Ride for BBC Children in Need Appeal

UK – A team from logistics provider GEFCO UK is raising money for BBC Children in Need by cycling 300 miles from the company's UK headquarters in Coventry to the Corporate headquarters in Courbevoie near Paris, France. The group of 52 cyclists made up of employees from all parts of the freight company will take part in the four-day challenge starting September 7 and will be accompanied by eight support vehicles along a route that includes stops at Blenheim Palace and Chris Evans' The Mulberry Inn, in Sussex.

Another Tranche of Penalties for US Carriers

US – The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) completed compromise agreements with eight non-vessel-operating common carriers (NVOCCs), recovering a total of $618,000 in civil penalties. The agreed penalties resulted from investigations conducted by the Commission's Area Representatives in Houston, and New York/New Jersey, and by Washington DC headquarters staff, and as to be expected, the parties settled and agreed to penalties, but did not admit to violations of the Shipping Act or Commission regulations. The Respondents and the alleged violations are:

Some of the Things You May Have Missed

UAE – WORLDWIDE – Figures released this week from port and logistics group DP World shows the operation increased the number of containers handled in the first 6 months of 2018 against the previous year. The company moved 35.6 million TEU across its global portfolio of container terminals in the first half of 2018, with gross container volumes growing by 4.8% year-on-year on a reported basis and 6.0% on a like-for-like basis.

Court Case Ends with Settlement

JAPAN – WORLDWIDE – Back in October 2016 we published an article in which we revealed that, in the preceding month, false rumours regarding the financial health of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line) were being spread throughout the freight industry. The ocean container carrier was quick to refute the claims and these were found to have emanated from an industry rival, APL Logistics (APLL).

Vehicle Maker Loses the Man Who Saved the Brand

WORLDWIDE – Freight and logistics staff news this week opens with the sad demise of the head of car and commercial vehicle maker Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) which has announced the death of its Chief Executive Officer and the person responsible for turning the company around, bringing the global automaker back from the brink of bankruptcy. Sergio Marchionne died on Wednesday 26 July, at the age of 66, after unexpected complications from surgery. Marchionne was planning to retire next year.

After NotPetya Maersk Case US Operations for Chinese Line Affected

CHINA – US – Chinese container shipping giant Cosco has reportedly been hit by a cyber-attack affecting the company's operations in the US, leading Cosco US to shut down its connections with its other regions as a safety precaution. Though the shipper provided very little information in regards to the situation, Cosco released a statement informing customers of a 'local network breakdown' within its American region.

More Disruption Likely as Heatwave Continues

FRANCE – Commercial drivers (and indeed private motorists) should be aware that the excessively hot conditions in Paris this week caused a two day minimum ban (Wednesday and Thursday) for trucks over 3.5 tonnes due to the reduced air quality. The ban exists in the low emission zones which were introduced last year. Vehicles with the Crit'Air badges 4 and 5 as well as all vehicles without a vignette may no longer enter at the time of writing.

Partners Gather to Revolutionise Purchase and Traceability of Marine Fuel

WORLDWIDE – Whilst blockchain remains a mystery still to many involved in freight and logistics, multimodal or otherwise, some of the leaders in the ocean cargo sector are taking the process very seriously indeed and now six major companies with such interests have come together as blockchain technology and governance experts Blockchain Labs for Open Collaboration (BLOC) today announced, through its subsidiary Maritime Blockchain Labs (MBL), the establishment of a consortium to address traceability and transparency in the marine fuel supply chain.

After Years of Acrimony Two Sides Sit at the Table

TURKEY – GERMANY – It seems after an age of promises DHL may finally be taking some of the accusations against the Deutsche Post owned operation by international unions seriously. In January 2014, a host of international complaints regarding working practices led to an undertaking by the company to look at the problems. One of the bones of contention was workers' rights in Turkey and now, after losing a decision in Court, the two sides are to sit round the table.

New Agreement to Site 1000 Hectare Facility

REPUBLIC OF MALI – Continuing its policy of extending its interests Africa (despite current setbacks in Djibouti) Dubai based DP World has signed a 20-year concession with an automatic 20-year extension with the authorities in the Republic to build and operate a 1000-hectare modern logistics hub outside of Bamako, the capital and largest city of Mali. The multimodal logistics platform, Mali Logistics Hub (MLH), will have inland container depots (ICD) and Container Freight Stations (CFS) that will facilitate the import and export of goods.

A Chance to Win an Archie

UK – Everyone involved in the freight game is familiar with the ubiquitous fork lift truck. One might well wonder how quickly cargo worldwide could move without the vast range of the wheeled beasts which are to be seen in every warehouse, port and terminal. Now, in a contest open to all, not just its members, the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) reveals ways companies and individuals which operate trucks can reward excellence (and be rewarded, too!)

New Report Fails to Tell Full Story for Commercial Vehicle Drivers

UK – Truck stops and lorry parking generally are always contentious issues, and the paucity of reasonable facilities in Britain, and indeed in other countries, is something which the road haulage sector, and other commercial vehicle users, would like properly addressed. One would imagine then that the latest report this week from transport watchdog Transport Focus, which finds over 95% overall customer satisfaction at UK motorway services would be met with satisfaction by freight industry lobbyists.

Competition This Year Hotter Than Ever

UK – The finalists for the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT UK) 2018 Annual Awards for Excellence have been announced. The challenge for this year's judging panel was apparently greater than ever before, with the Institute receiving more than 100 outstanding entries. The Annual Awards encompass all areas of distinction throughout the profession, and celebrates talent, innovation and success across each of the nine sectors that the Institute represents. Kevin Richardson FCILT, Chief Executive, CILT (UK) said:

Rebrand Will Follow Acquisition

UK – Following the acquisition of UK Mail by Deutsche Post DHL Group in December 2016, the company will begin rebranding to DHL Parcel UK. The rebrand is part of the company's growth plans as it aims to leverage the DHL brand and its name as a global logistics giant. This is the second change of identity for UK Mail (formerly Business Post) as in April 2016 it reverted to using its former company strapline in a bid to boost its services.

DVLA Calls for More Self Testing

UK – For a road haulage driver particularly, eyesight is something which needs checking regularly and the DVLA's latest call for all motorists, whether commercial vehicle or private drivers, should be heeded by all. A condition of the Operator's Licence for transport companies is to ensure anyone in charge of their vehicles has regular checks, yet often this is overlooked or simply ignored. In 2017 the Government announced that the DVLA would include an eye test reminder when motorists renew their photocard driving licence.

State Owned Corporation Grants Integrated Supply Chain Duties

MALAYSIA – After a competitive tendering process Kuehne + Nagel has been awarded a three year logistics and supply chain contract with the government owned Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), which pursues Oil and Gas operations in over 50 countries worldwide. Under the agreement the freight and logistics outfit will assume end-to-end integrated supply chain responsibilities for the FORTUNE Global 500 company.

As Two Week Suspension Ends the Threat of More Delays Appear

NIGERIA – The problems within the country's ports which we reported on in June and earlier this month seem set to continue in yet another form. The continued blockages of the approach roads to and from Apapa continue as industrial action causes delays with lorries crammed around the port entrances and promises from authority that police will be deployed to clear the illegally parked vehicles. In other news the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) suspended and latterly permitted, with conditions, the operations of two major container shipping lines whom they blame for much of the problem.

Safety at Sea Heroes Honoured

WORLDWIDE – There can be few awards on the seafaring calendar more prestigious than those from the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF). The Awards, formerly known as the HERO Awards, celebrate the heroic feats undertaken every year by ordinary men and women and offer an invaluable way to raise awareness of the excellent work done by all those involved in maritime search and rescue. With this year's nominations due to close on Tuesday 31 July, there is little time left to put someone forward.

Some Items You May Otherwise Miss from Across the Transport Spectrum

INDIA – The deal between Dubai based DP World and the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) via the pair's joint venture, Hindustan Infralog Private Limited (HIPL) to acquire 90% of multimodal logistics provider Continental Warehousing Corporation (Nhava Seva) Ltd (CWCNSL), and which we gave full details of in a previous article, has now been finalised. The UAE port specialist and its partner have looked to invest up to £3 billion in freight transport infrastructure and operations in the subcontinent.

Recruitments Around the Globe

UK – The British International Freight Association has announced that Susanne Oud has joined its Board of Directors, replacing Roy Baker who has stepped down from the Board after 13 years. Oud is the Operations Director EMEA - Verticals at BIFA member company OIA Global and is based at the company's head office in London.

New Protocols and Equipment will be Built Into Future Plans

UK – A new report commissioned by Aberdeen Standard Investment's fund Airport Industrial and Property Unit Trust (AIPUT ) has highlighted the scale of progress and future potential for the adoption of automated transport and logistics technology at the Britain's airports, including London's Heathrow, which recently received the formal support of Parliament for its third runway plans. AIPUT currently holds 2 million square feet of buildings at Heathrow, dedicated to supporting the airport's freight and logistics service providers.

Apprenticeship Numbers in Overall Sector Rise but Road Freight Lags Behind

UK – According to the Strategic Transport Apprenticeship Taskforce's (STAT) 'Transport Infrastructure Skills Strategy: Two Years On' report, the transport industry is leading the way in unlocking careers and tackling the need for the engineers of the future in the UK. 2,784 apprenticeships have been created in road and rail in the past year, despite a wider fall in in the total number of apprenticeships embarked on since the new levy was introduced. Mike Brown MVO, Commissioner, Transport for London and Chair of STAT, said:

Rationalising of Capacity as Big Two Share and Extend Popular Cargo Loops

ASIA – US – In a continuation of the recent policy of rationalising container shipping services and forming strategic co-operations, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), along with 2M alliance partner Maersk Line, have announce a new strategic cooperation with Israeli shipping line, ZIM to improve freight services for shippers moving cargo between Asia and the US East Coast (USEC).

Another Notch in the Belt and Road Initiative

UAE – With China as Dubai's main trading partner last year, and in the light of the Asian country's Belt and Road initiative which the government is pushing hard, port and logistics group DP World has signed an agreement with the Zhejiang China Commodities City Group for the construction of a 'Traders Market' within the Jebel Ali Free Zone Area located in Jafza South next to the Dubai Expo 2020 site.

As Low Emission Zones Target Commercial Vehicles Perhaps the Truth Should Come Out

UK – The current debate on airborne pollution, particularly in urban areas, is clearly getting to be a contentious affair. Lorries are seen as a prime cause of damage to health as the government acts, quite rightly to reduce the impact of vehicles on the environment. Meanwhile the road haulage industry pleads that it is doing all it can, but economic reasons demand that this is a wheel which turns slowly. HGV Operators fear, with good reason if history is anything to go by, that giving power to local authorities to introduce low and ultra-low emission zones (ULEZs) may turn out to be a cash cow for councils - and commercial vehicle operators are an obvious and easy target.

As Situation Improves So New Threats Like Cyber Crime Present Themselves

WORLDWIDE – According to Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty SE's (AGCS) Safety & Shipping Review 2018, large shipping losses have declined by more than a third over the past decade, with this downward trend continuing in 2017. Yet recent events such as the collision of the oil tanker Sanchi and the impact of the NotPetya malware on harbour and related logistics underline that the shipping sector is being tested by a number of both traditional and emerging risk challenges, with cargo vessels globally representing the class of vessel usually lost.

Logistics Event Again Sees a Gold Medal Winner in Charge

UK – Entries to the British International Freight Association's (BIFA) Freight Service Awards are now open and BIFA Director General, Robert Keen says that any logistics associated company looking to prove their industry prowess in these awards can have no finer example to follow than someone who struck Olympic gold twice in Athens in 2004, with double Olympic Champion Dame Kelly Holmes as the host for its annual awards, now in their 30th year.

Improvements in Crimes Against Anchored Ships

ASIA – The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia Information Sharing Centre (ReCAAP ISC) has produced a comprehensive report showing a total of 40 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia during the first half of the year, a 15% decrease when compared to the first six months of 2017 and the lowest number of incidents reported among the 10-year first half reporting periods between 2009 and 2018.

Huge Rise in Global Aircraft Foreseen by Manufacturer

UK – As usual the Farnborough International Airshow has this week drawn the big hitters of the aerospace and aviation sectors and Brexit was of course on everyone's lips as the government squeezed its latest proposals through parliament. Amongst the deals done Boeing certainly appeared to be the happiest of the major manufacturers with some sizeable freight carrying aircraft amongst the several billions dollars in sales announced to date.

German Owned Box Line Christens Ship in the UK for First Time in Two Decades

UK – WORLDWIDE – DP World's port London Gateway saw the Christening of one of container line Hapag-Lloyd's latest vessels this week, with the honour of naming the new ship, Afif, going to the UK's shipping minister, Nusrat Ghani, who took just one (mechanically operated) swing of the champagne bottle to complete the task. The 15,000 TEU vessel joins a fleet of over 220 box carriers run by the German owned group.

Seemingly the Silly Season for the Southbound Shipping

SUEZ CANAL – Several reports coming in regarding problems this week as vessels transited the Canal. Tugs had to be deployed to clear the channel when on July 15 a 63,000 tonne container ship, the Aeneas grounded when it was near the end of a 27 strong convoy heading south. Four vessels behind the ship were delayed as she was towed to the Suez outer anchorage with her engines out of operation and apparently the cause of a calamitous series of problems.

Individuals Sought for Strategic Group and Public Consulted

UK – This week International Trade Secretary, Dr Liam Fox, set out major new proposals ensuring that MPs, the Devolved Administrations, businesses and the public can influence Britain's post-Brexit trade, moves designed to ensure future agreements create prosperity across the whole of the UK. A new Strategic Trade Advisory Group will also be created, advising DIT ministers and trade negotiators on trade policy and negotiations. The Group will be made up of 14 experts drawn from different groups such as business, civil society and unions, with an interest in Britain's future trading relationships and their impact on the UK, from the workplace to consumer choice and the environment.

Sites and Offices to Use Only Environmentally Favourable Sources

UK – DB Cargo, the rail freight operator which is a subsidiary of German state owned group Deutsche Bahn, and which claims the title of Britain's biggest track borne cargo company, is to power all its rail sites and offices with 100% renewable electricity courtesy of a three-year agreement with SSE Business Energy. Roger Neary, Head of Sales at DB Cargo UK, explained the company's motivation, saying:

Investment Was Needed to Stay Ahead of Ever Bigger Box Ships

UK – The DP World container terminal at Southampton recently saw the final installation of their latest handling equipment, two giant electric quay cranes manufactured and assembled by Liebherr and readied in time for the arrival of the JeanMermoz, at 20,954 TEU the CMA CGM vessel the largest ever to call at the terminal to date.

London Waterway Revival as Construction Boosts Traffic

UK – Despite all talk of the Northern Powerhouse and areas such a Salford seeing massive regeneration projects, it seem the thirst for property, both commercial and private in London and the South East, continues to drive the revival of the River Thames as it aims to return to primacy as the busiest waterway in the country. The construction of DP World's London Gateway deep water port and logistics project and the development of Tilbury docks are obvious signs that imports and exports are returning to the capital via the river running through its heart.

Some Stories from the World of Freight and Beyond

WORLDWIDE – We travel beyond the usual mix of multimodal logistics stories this week which you may have missed and start with a look at a scheme that offers hope for the future in the current debate over plastic pollution in our oceans, something we have often featured and which has an influence beyond the maritime industry alone. The five great subtropical gyres, the whirlpools of junk circulating in the world's oceans, are under attack from organisations which comprehend the potential devastation should we ignore the problem.

Staff News in the Supply Chain This Week Start with Ongoing Row

UK – In a story which runs and runs, the staff news in freight and logistics this week continues an ongoing tale after the situation at Stobart came to a head at the company’s recent Extraordinary General Meeting, which ultimately saw the re-election of Iain Ferguson as a Director and Chairman, following efforts from a group of shareholders holding in excess of 33% of the stock to install a replacement. Additionally, Richard Laycock decided to step down as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director.

How the Industry Reviews That Chequers Meeting

UK – US – EUROPE – As the giant inflatable orange baby proceeds through the capital protesting his policies, it seems the mainstream press wishes to somehow make President Donald Trump's comments on the future of any trade deal between the UK and US as controversial. In the President's interview with the Sun newspaper, he made it clear that the Chequers agreement on terms of Brexit as they stand would prevent a direct deal with his country. Now the views of those representing the home market freight and logistics community on the recent White Paper have been made public after due consideration.

Organisation Built in Wartime to Ensure Vital Transport Services Operated

UK – A special celebration this week for one of the oldest established institutions of what might be termed the modern logistics era. During the dark days of 1944, as the second World War turned to favour the Allies, so it was decided that land transport services needed to be organised and a team put together to help repair the ravages of war and ensure the resupply of vital provisions throughout the country. From those initial meetings came, four years later, the official inception of the Road Haulage Association (RHA) which met for its annual lunch and awards this week in this, its 70th year.

Product Information Gathered, Recorded and Streamed via a PC

EUROPE – The latest in a line of products designed to speed up and augment supply chain efficiency within a warehouse environment comes with the news that Toshiba has announced the arrival of its latest enhanced 'Assisted Reality' smart glass solution, xPick, a 'pick-by-vision' order picking capability designed to improve workflow efficiencies within the warehousing and logistics sector.

Zero Emissions the Target of Environmental Demo as Import Cargo Booms for Fear of Trade War

US – News in from two of the key North American west coast container ports this week of a very different nature. Whilst import freight volumes hit a record high in Oakland, export cargo is down, something seemingly a result of two different factors. Firstly however, as part of its commitment to transition to zero-emissions operations, the Port of Long Beach (POLB) is to use a $5.3 million grant from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to deploy hydrogen- and electric-powered cargo-handling equipment at two of its shipping terminals.

Air Transport Body Drops Price of Training for Developing Nations

SWITZERLAND – WORLDWIDE – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that, to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it will introduce new pricing of most of its training courses to make them more accessible to developing nations. From 15 July 2018 almost all of IATA's aviation training catalogue, including more than 350 courses in 17 subject areas of the business, will be offered at a 30% discount to aviation professionals residing in one of the developing nations. The policy will particularly aid many youngsters aiming to make their way in both air freight and passenger sectors.

Drilling Rig Towed Half Way Around the Globe

WORLDWIDE – AP Møller Maersk subsidiary Maersk Supply Service (MSS), which provides a range of services to the energy sector including deep water operations and rig moving, has just completed a tow of epic proportions, the haulage of a semi-submersible from Las Palmas to North-Western Australia. Minimising fuel costs for the vessels involved is always the priority in a long distance tow, 10,230 nautical miles in this case, so MSS deployed the new-build Anchor Handling Tug Supply vessel Maersk Masterof the Starfish series for the job as its energy efficient design kept running costs to a minimum.

Quartet of Industry Interests Speak Out

UK – After DEFRA and the Department of Transport (DoT) recently released their supplement to the UK plan for tackling roadside NOx, adding a further 33 local authorities to the 27 already tasked to clean up their air, and now making a total of 60 towns and cities that have to take some action to tackle the air quality in their areas, there has been a concerted set of objections from the road haulage and freight lobby. At the time the additions were made Road Haulage Association (RHA) chief executive Richard Burnett said:

Awards Offer Support and Praise for Next Generation of Logistics Professionals

WORLDWIDE – In the year that international freight insurer TT Club celebrates its 50th anniversary, FIATA's Young International Freight Forwarder of the Year Award (YIFFYA) also passes a significant milestone, as the 2018 competition witnesses the 20th year of support and collaboration between TT Club and International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA).

Two Companies Collaborate to Spread the Internet of Things

UK – Hampshire based Onecom has signed a UK partnership agreement with Sony Mobile Communications to sell, support and develop its Internet of Things (IoT) products and services. The agreement will see the two work collaboratively on a range of smart connected device systems, the first of which may prove useful to warehouse operators and logistics businesses needing to track valuable assets.

(Well You Wouldn't Want to Eat Your Prawn Sandwich Standing Up)

RUSSIA – With all eyes on the FIFA World Cup this month once again the intermodal talents of the 'forgotten industry' helped make it all possible. Doubtless there were many last minute panics to have everything ready for what has proved an undoubtedly successful event, and one example came to light when RZD Logistics, an arm of the country's rail freight carrier RZD, received an official letter of gratitude from the Moscow Branch of Match Hospitality AG, the Hospitality Rights Holder for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Forget the Niche Markets of Airships and Drones the Hyperloop Has Real Potential for Wider Use

INDIA – US – WORLDWIDE – There are always those random modes of transport which every now and again are suggested as a panacea for shifting goods to almost anywhere, and just as supporters can be most vocal, so detractors can denigrate with equal force. We have airships and drones for example, both excellent for certain limited functions when it comes to carrying freight, heavy loads to remote comparatively windless areas for one, small urgent supplies like medical essentials to a ship at sea for the other. One idea however persists and still shows much potential for both cargo and passenger links - the Hyperloop.

Freight Forwarding Group Paints a Vision of Future Logistics Services

SINGAPORE – Panalpina, the Swiss based freight forwarding and logistics company, has opened a new, purpose-built logistics centre in Singapore. Strategically located at Pioneer View, the new facility is constructed over six floors and offers 25,800 m²of usable warehouse space, which, using a current reference, is equivalent to 3.5 FIFA-standard football pitches. Speaking at the official opening of the facility, Panalpina CEO Stefan Karlen said:

Fourth Purchase Since Joining AIM in August 2017

UK – As we reported last month, logistics group Xpediator has been positively avaricious when it comes to acquiring freight forwarding outfits, particularly in its home county of Essex. After the two purchases of Benfleet and Anglia Forwarding there the group has returned to Hampshire, where it bought Regional Express in 2017 and has now picked up contract logistics warehousing outfit Import Services Limited (ISL) for a total consideration of around £12 million.

GE9X Engine Aims to Transform Air Travel

US – WORLDWIDE – All industries have a Holy Grail, for many the target is efficiency, with computer technology it's often making things smaller, but in the world of transport, by land, sea and air, so often biggest is best. Whilst we have seen the immense growth in the size of container ships of late, the air freight industry has to rely on older equipment when something abnormally large needs carrying, the options are the single Antonov An-225 left in service and the handful of An-124-100 freighters.

Business on the Move Launches Latest International Version

UK – WORLDWIDE – Seven years after first getting the idea to start a not-for-profit social enterprise to inspire 9 to 19 year olds about business and international supply chains, and four years after its initial launch, Business on the Move, the educational board game which we have watched evolve, has been unveiled in its latest incarnation, designed to put across the concepts and processes of multimodal logistics and the supply chain to a competitive and globalised world, without losing the essential simplicity and fun of the popular UK edition.

Launch of 3,600 TEU Vessel Celebrated - but America Still Imports Major Engineering Stock

US – Much has been made in the American trade press lately about the christening of the Daniel K Inouye, the largest container ship ever built in the US, constructed as she has been at the Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia. The new vessel is the first of four new state-of-the-art ships due to enter service by 2020 as part of a larger $1 billion investment in modernising shipping company Matson's Hawaii service. However at only 3,600 TEU capacity, just how big a step is this in the development of President Trump's 'America First' policy?

Tragic Death of Modern Aviation Pioneer as Elsewhere Others Continue Careers

CHINA – This week’s round-up of staff changes in the freight and logistics sector begins with the sudden death of HNA Group’s co-Founder and co-Chairman, Wang Jian, who died at the age of 57, in an accident in Provence, France, whilst on a business trip with local police said that Wang accidentally fell from a parapet while taking photographs on July 3. Co-Founder Chen Feng will become the company’s sole Chairman and will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer.

Some of the Stories You May Have Overlooked in the Past 7 Days

UAE – AFRICA – DP World led the spirit of Ramadan with the organisation of a range of food donation drives during the Holy month. The port and logistics provider says its efforts benefitted over 120,000 people in the UAE, Senegal, Indonesia, Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Mozambique and Republic of Somaliland. The process meant deliveries such as 34 tonnes of dates to schools and businesses in Djibouti and the Republic of Somaliland and a variety of foodstuffs to the elderly, orphans and underprivileged children.

Rolls-Royce Sells Off Marine Subsidiary

NORWAY – UK – Norwegian headquartered Kongsberg, which offers technology solutions across a range of sectors from oil & gas to fisheries, has signed an agreement to acquire Rolls-Royce Commercial Marine, the maritime technology arm of Rolls-Royce, in a deal worth £500 million. The transaction will see Kongsberg acquire the marine products, systems and aftermarket services businesses carried out by subsidiaries of Rolls-Royce. The deal does not include Bergen Engines nor Rolls-Royce's Naval Business.

Political and Societal Changes Must Prompt Industry Evolution

UK – The United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA) Awards, which we reported on at some length earlier this week, gave Peter Ward the CEO an opportunity to address some of the most influential in the freight and logistics markets, warning that current global political and economic uncertainty, allied to societal shifts and changing consumer behaviour, is creating a perfect storm that is driving an unprecedented pace of change within the logistics sector. This was tempered however by his view that the future offers tremendous opportunities for those companies capable of adapting their working practices to the needs of the modern commercial landscape. He said:

Relocation from South to North Side of Humber Estuary

UK – ICELAND – Short sea specialist Samskip Iceland has announced that it is changing ports in the UK on July 16, moving just a few miles 'up the road' from Immingham to Hull. Samskip says that it is already the Port of Hull's largest customer, where transportation to and from Iceland and the company's logistics network in Europe will now meet. Each year Samskip transports over 100,000 container units through the Port of Hull, making it Samskip's second largest port, following Rotterdam. Guðmundur Þór Gunnarsson, Samskip Iceland's COO of Operations, commented:

Two New Companies Formed to Help Battle Everything from Disasters to Brexit

WORLDWIDE – The Maritime Group, Inc. (TMG), first formed in 1990 in the US, has since expanded globally to incorporate, as its name suggests, a range of services for the seagoing community, mainly concerning a raft of technical and security matters. Now Maritime Group (International) Ltd of London (not to be confused with container specialists Maritime Transport) has launched two subsidiary companies, both of which unsurprisingly are of interest to the ocean freight shipping community.

Novel Process Will See Trucks Loaded Direct from the Water

UK – Eureka Shipping, a pneumatic cement vessel firm part of SMT Shipping and the CSL Group, has based its multipurpose floating bulk terminal Vesper at the Port of Tilbury under a four year agreement with London Container Terminal and Cemineral. The 125 metre long Vesper has a storage capacity of 10,000-tonnes across its four holds, and is equipped to receive bulk powder from both self-discharging pneumatic cement carriers and from bulk vessels in a dust-free manner, store the material and then load directly to powder tanker trucks for delivery to customers. Commenting on the agreement, Kai Grotterud, CEO of Eureka Shipping, said:

Quarterly Analysis Reveals Potential for Escalation of Problems

US – CHINA – WORLDWIDE – According to shipping consultancy, Drewry, the risk to container freight from US led trade wars after import duty tariff rises, has the potential to be very damaging. Though the current risk is considered as low, the consultancy's quarterly container market analysis report, Container Forecaster looked into three potential scenarios for eastbound Transpacific container trade and found that if the situation were to escalate any further, the effects of the trade wars could derail the progress the improvements the sector has seen in the first half of the year. Simon Heaney, Senior Manager, Container Research at Drewry and Editor of the Container Forecaster, commented:

It Seems the Desire to Cheat is Endemic in the Air Cargo and Ocean Supply Chain

US – In yet another set of cartel accusations to hit the shipping industry, the US Department of Justice has announced the arrest of two executives in Miami on charges of conspiring with competitors to fix prices for international freight forwarding services. A criminal complaint was unsealed last week in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana against Roberto Dip, owner and CEO of Dip Shipping, and Jason Handal, the company's Sales Manager. At a detention hearing before a magistrate judge in Florida on July 3, Dip was ordered detained pending trial, and Handal was released on conditions including a $500,000 personal surety bond.

Andrew Marr Answers the Questions as an Unusual Character Makes a Guest Appearance

UK – The Dorchester Hotel in London's Park Lane was once again the venue for the annual United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA) Awards, and the event was as successful as ever, attracting a big crowd of professionals from throughout the supply chain. Main speaker for the day was broadcaster, historian and journalist Andrew Marr, who for a change was the one answering questions from UKWA Chief Executive, Peter Ward, after the latter had addressed a record breaking gathering of logistics executives, an apology for the 'tight tables' being a plausible demonstration of the popularity of the event.

Cargo and Ro/Pax Ferry Deals Deemed Illegal

PHILIPPINES – The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has nullified the acquisition by Chelsea Logistics Holdings of Trans-Asia Shipping Lines and imposed a PHP22.8 million (approximately $427,000) fine for their failure to notify the antitrust commission about the transaction in December 2016, after the PCC found that the deal would have constrained the local maritime trade.

A First for UK Company and Change of Roles for 'Hook and Haul' Firm

UK – GB Railfreight (GBRf) has been awarded the operating and maintenance contract for three custom built engineering trains on the newly-built Elizabeth line, agreeing a five-year deal with the potential for a three-year extension. A new rail milling train and two multi-purpose engineering trains with bespoke machinery attachments will be delivered to London later this year, ahead of the new link's official opening in December.

Like a Penalty Shoot Out Some in Logistics Can Hardly Bear the Nervous Wait for Brexit

UK – Like a nation facing a penalty shoot-out, British businesses are beginning to get ever more nervous as Brexit approaches. There is a distinct concern that the government is wavering over the precise nature of the deal it will be able to extract from a Brussels administration perceived by many as doing its utmost to make life difficult. The freight forwarding and road haulage sectors both continue to comment and offer advice, but a section of the transport community is pushing forward to ensure that businesses are as ready as possible post Brexit, whatever the terms agreed.

Sound Technology Used to Fight Bio-fouling

WORLDWIDE – Bio-fouling is one of the main problems faced by every type of vessel at sea, with bio-film forming the base for marine growths such as algae, barnacles, and mussels which in turn can cause further issues for vessels leading to decreased ship performance, increased fuel costs, and corrosion, as well as problems for the wider environment with the potential introduction of invasive alien species to a new ecosystem. Traditional antifouling techniques have become outdated as their toxicity was realised but the dangers presented to the environment by hulls coated with unwelcome foreign invaders mean global authorities are starting to take notice.

Half a Century of Service for both Ocean Carrier and System that Cools Sea Freight

TAIWAN – SINGAPORE – A Carrier Transicold customer since 2002, Evergreen Line, the Taoyuan City headquartered container carrier, has opted to increase its fleet of reefers with an order for 3,000 Carrier Transicold PrimeLINE® units to cool replacement boxes ordered by the Taiwanese line which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Coincidentally it is half a century since Carrier Transicold invented the, now ubiquitous, front-wall refrigeration unit design which controls reefer units and trailers. The majority of the newly ordered units are being installed on 40 foot high-cube containers with the balance mounted on 20-foot containers.

Plan Looks to Environmental and Maritime Trade Future

UK – Before disappearing ahead of Parliamentary vote on the Heathrow Expansion in the House of Commons recently, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson unveiled an ambitious plan to bring together all of the Government's international oceans work under a single strategy for the first time. The central pillars of this will feature energy, environmental and shipping interests.

New IT System at Felixstowe Costs Supply Chain Users Dearly

UK – Whilst the Port of Felixstowe is keen to point out the improvement in performance after the recent delays to services caused by the unsuccessful integration of the new terminal management system (TMS) which was installed at the beginning of June, others are less than enthusiastic about the lack of responsibility shown by the port operator for the incident which has cost road haulage operators, container shipping lines and freight forwarders alike time, credibility and money.