Shipping Search - Archive

Trans-Siberian Multimodal Route Starts Operations

RUSSIA – SOUTH KOREA – EUROPE – Russian Railways Logistics (RZD), together with the FESCO Transport Group is expanding its network with the launch of a transit route from the Republic of Korea to Europe. These initiatives are part of the development of the Trans-Siberian LandBridge Accelerated Delivery Service. The initial inter-modal chain of Trans-Siberian Landbridge was organised by way of the Port of Yokohama to Vladivostok Port, then via the Trans-Siberian railway into Europe.

Currency Fluctuation Always a Challenge for Import/Export Balance

UK – TURKEY – As the pound continues to fall against many currencies, another frequently fluctuating rate is that of the Turkish Lira. Although sterling has dropped off against it in recent days the current position equates to roughly where it was a year ago. And considering the current rate of around 6.7 lira to the pound eclipses the 3.5 or so the pound would have bought you five years past, things probably aren't as bad for UK exporters at the moment as they might be.

All the Separate Parts of the Freight Transport and Shipping Professions Address UK Government

UK – Nobody could accuse the freight and logistics community representatives of sitting on their heels as the Brexit No Deal scenario looms ever larger day by day. After our earlier report detailing the response of road haulage professionals comes comment from those of an ever wider perspective, starting with the response to the new Cabinet by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT).

East African Port Boldly Advertises Services Illegally Obtained

DJIBOUTI – DUBAI – UK – In a case which seems destined to run and run, and has many in the legal profession scratching their heads, debate continues as to what more can be done. The strange situation which arose when the government of Djibouti decided to take port and logistics group DP World to Court in London, lost that and several subsequent actions brought against it, and then refused to accept those decisions, continues to unfold.

No Deal in October Will Require Action Now on Systems, Training and Attitude

UK – In a forthright letter to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove MP, the Road Haulage Association (RHA) has set out what it wishes the government to do in preparation for exit from the European Union in October without a deal. In the letter RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett outlines the measures he says would ensure high volumes of freight could continue moving if customs controls are introduced on the fateful day.

Strategic Alliance to Assist Materials Handling Interests

UK – Two of the leading associations in the field of materials handling have joined together as the Association of Industrial Truck Trainers (AITT) and the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) announce a strategic alliance aimed at maximising the flow of information, guidance and resources to those working within the forklift truck industry, as well as those owning and operating equipment on site. Adam Smith, Managing Director of AITT, commented:

More HGV Driving Trainers Trained Thanks to Transport Charity

TANZANIA – Two driver trainers from road haulage and logistics group Fowler Welch, Paul Hughes and William Robertson, have completed a fortnight's placement at transport charity Transaid's Professional Driver Training project at the National Institute of Transport (NIT) in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. A core part of Transaid's road safety work, the project aims to harmonise HGV driver training best practice and expertise across several African countries, to help improve standards and systems.

HGVs Can Use Latest Kit as Authorities Ignore Calls to Train the Potential Victims

UK – It has been our sad task on many occasions to report the deaths and injuries which occur in urban areas when cyclists and pedestrians fall foul of HGVs involved in road haulage activities and particularly the construction industry. Despite a variety of measures, some mandatory and almost exclusively aimed at trucks and their drivers, to reduce the sad toll, there are still more steps to be taken which can help alleviate the problem.

Military Expert Looks at the Situation Today

PERSIAN GULF – Following the success of our recent piece on the situation with regard to shipping in the region (one of our most read ever), as the conflict escalated after the seizure of the British flagged (but foreign owned and crewed) tanker Stena Impero we asked military tactical expert Ed Nash and lead writer at Military Matters, to give an overview on the current situation. He writes:

New PM Has Set a Course Which Only the EU (and Possibly Parliament) Can Change

UK – Suddenly the stagnating mess which was Brexit is starting to become a cogent picture. The new government formed by incoming Prime Minister Boris Johnson is packed with entrenched leavers and, despite the very real wishes of the players in the logistics supply chain desperately wanting a settled exit, the spectre of a no deal scenario now looms large.

Multimillion Dollar Boost for Logistics

US – The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced $855,950,000 in proposed grants through the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) discretionary grant programme. The appalling state of some of the nation's vital highways and bridges has been a source of particular concern to US trucking companies for some time, even prompting talk of killing the sacred cow that is the price of gas. Secretary Elaine Chao, commented:

Scheme Reported to be Particularly Successful

UK – Goplasticpallet.com has recorded what it says are 'staggering' recycling figures for the first half of 2019. Since making its Recycling pledge in February this year, promising to recover and recycle all of the plastic pallets and boxes it supplies to customers, the company has recycled 124 tonnes of plastic waste. In the current climate wooden pallets are normally seen as more environmentally acceptable and this tactic gives new life to an industry otherwise likely to be frowned upon in future years.

Brexit Spurs Rail Terminal and RoRo Facilities on 40 Hectare Site

BELGIUM – The Turkish logistics company Ekol Logistics and the Belgian groupage firm Transuniverse Forwarding are together building a 40 hectare multimodal site at Kluizendok in Ghent, part of North Sea Port. The development will include 10 hectares for a cross-docking platform, 20 hectares for a rail terminal and 10 hectares for a RoRo terminal.

Gantry and Ship to Shore Order Will Increase Throughput by Millions of

SAUDI ARABIA – King Abdullah Port has received 28 state-of-the-art Liebherr cranes to start the expansion of the container terminals as it looks to increase the port's annual capacity to 5 million TEU. The cranes that were supplied in this deal will join their operational counterparts in the port. The port says that the quay cranes are the largest exported by Liebherr and can easily and seamlessly serve the newest mega container ships.

Some General News Items from Around the Industry

INDIA – Our weekly look at some items of freight and logistics news you may have missed starts with an alert for those shipping goods in or out of India's largest container port, Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNP) in Mumbai, which faces strike action due to commence on 5 August 2019.

Heroes of the Maritime World Recognised Once More

WORLDWIDE – Petty Officer Michael Kelly, a rescue swimmer with the United States Coast Guard (USCG), will receive the 2019 IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea, for his courage, perseverance and skill in rescuing four survivors from a life raft, in extremely high winds and heavy seas. A panel of judges decided that the rescue merited the highest award, a decision that was also endorsed by the IMO Council at its 122nd session in London last week.

Third Year Sees Bigger Crop of Candidates Than Ever

UK – The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has announced the 58 finalists in the running to win an accolade at the prestigious FTA Logistics Awards 2019, following a record number of entries this year. The awards, now in their third year, celebrate the companies and individuals who have made a significant contribution to the logistics and supply chain industry, and have become acknowledged as an important celebration of one of the UK's vital industry sectors. David Wells, Chief Executive of the FTA, commented:

Transport Minister Goes Before He is Pushed

UK – Amidst several ministerial changes under the new Boris Johnson premiership, Chris 'Failing'Grayling as he was known to the industry, has finally left his role as Transport Secretary. A Minister that has for so long been embroiled in controversy after controversy (akin to the new Prime Minister) Grayling will undoubtedly not be missed by many, if any, in the UK's freight and logistics sector, or indeed the wider transportation field, finally falling on his sword thus disappointing those in the business one last time, as he only decided to step down with the change in leadership, and seemingly not as a result of his litany of failures having spent 3 disastrous years in the role.

Dubai Cash to Fund Development

UAE – INDONESIA – DP World has signed two preliminary agreements with Indonesian conglomerate Maspion Group which will see the Dubai headquartered port operator create a $1.2 billion container port and industrial logistics park in East Java.

Multi-Million Dollar Orders Boost Cargo Handling Productivity Potential

PHILIPPINES – International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI) recently took delivery of another new ship to shore quay crane and eight new hybrid rubber tyred gantries (RTGs) for its flagship Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), establishing the terminal as having the largest fleet of modern container-handling equipment in the Philippines today with 18 QCs and 58 RTGs.

First Hand Report on Transiting the Strait of Hormuz in a Merchant Vessel

PERSIAN GULF – As with the case of piracy in the waters off the Somali Coast, nothing brings the realities of dangers at sea whilst transiting the seas in the region like the first-hand accounts of those who have experienced the terrors of passing through the Strait of Hormuz whilst anticipating an attack from armed forces.

Road Haulage Industry Index Shows Some Resilience However

US – The American road haulage sector has long counselled that trucking serves as a barometer of the US economy, representing 70.2% of tonnage carried by all modes of domestic freight transportation, including manufactured and retail goods. Now the latest figures from the American Trucking Associations' (ATA) advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index shows a small decline.

Logistics Industry Dubious That Politicians Comprehend No Deal Consequences

UK – As the Conservative Party leadership contest reached its conclusion with Boris Johnson beating Jeremy Hunt to be elected as the new Prime Minister, the organisations which represent the logistics industry are lining up to put the case for ensuring continuity of trade with both the road Haulage Association (RHA) and the Freight Transport Association (FTA) keen to bend the new Conservative party leader's ear.

Dutch Training Craft with Colourful Pasts Meet Again

UK – As the River Thames continues to regain former glories with ever larger ships and increased freight tonnages calling at the ports of London Gateway and Tilbury so the old Royal Dock complex has seen its continued success in its latter day role of a site for social events and family entertainments.

Cargo Association Promotes Environmental Aspirations

WORLDWIDE – The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) is calling for entries for its first Sustainability Award, part of its Sustainability Programme, focused on recognising companies addressing challenges in environmental, social, and economic fields. The award, which is free to take part in, is open to any person or company related to any aspect of the air cargo industry, and entries will need to address issues relating to the sustainable development of air freight.

Decarbonisation and Second Hand Rolling Stock Market Prioritised

EUROPE – In preparation for the first meeting of the TRAN Committee, the two independent rail company groups, the European Rail Freight Association (ERFA) and ALLRAIL have submitted a letter detailing their wish list of changes and improvements to be considered the new legislative period. Considering that the development of the rail market share is key for the European sustainable development, the pair are keen to address all the Members of European Parliament suggesting the way ahead at the starting point of the new legislative period.

'IMO Joe' Gets Prize Awarded for Contribution to Shipping Community

WORLDWIDE – The prestigious International Maritime Prize for 2018 is to be awarded to Joseph J. Angelo, a former United States Coast Guard (USCG) and International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO) Senior Executive who participated in International Maritime Organization (IMO) meetings for many years, providing leadership on a number of key regulatory developments.

Police and DVSA Checks Set to Increase

UK – Load consignors, road haulage and other vehicle operators and drivers of goods vehicles are being reminded of the importance of transporting dangerous goods safely and load security ahead of a national police-led enforcement campaign that began on Monday 22 July.

Experienced Industry Coach Will Pass On Experience

UK – The chronic shortage of able personnel which is blighting the logistics industry has of late commanded some serious attention from the bodies responsible for the various sectors of the industry. Training and apprenticeship courses are proliferating around the country, driven by the knowledge that professions such as road haulage are rapidly running out of HGV drivers, doubly concerning in the light of Brexit uncertainty.

Object is to Combine Sun, Wind and Aquaculture

BELGIUM – A consortium of Tractebel, the Jan De Nul Group, DEME, Soltech and Ghent University has launched what it says is an revolutionary project in the field of marine floating solar technology. The partners believe that solar photovoltaic (PV) panels in offshore waters will be one of the essential future green energy sources. Combined in the same location with aquaculture and offshore wind power, this innovative technology allows for a more efficient use of available space.

Iran, the UK and US See Worsening Situation as Seized Tanker Crew Detained

IRAN – UK – The seizure of the oil tanker Stena Impero by the Iranian authorities last week unsurprisingly continues to dominate the headlines, being as it is a tangible risk to world peace. History shows us more minor incidents than this have initiated major conflicts and some have even expressed the opinion that this is aggression by proxy, the incident being spawned by the British seizure of the Grace 1 off Gibraltar, in the name of US oil sanctions.

What is Occurring in the World of Logistics HR

NETHERLANDS – Logistics appointments and departures this week start with the news that intermodal short sea specialist Samskip has appointed Kari-Pekka Laaksonen as the Group Chief Executive. Laaksonen, who takes up his post at Samskip’s Rotterdam headquarters on August 1, is the former CEO of Samskip competitor Containerships. He will lead the management board of six executives, including Ásbjörn Gislason who will become Group Deputy CEO.

Some of the Stories This Week You May Have Missed

UK – As our photograph shows, this week's look back at logistics industry news shows that boys still like to mess around with toy boats, even if they are a fully working, scale model of a Suezmax oil tanker. The latest addition to the Solent University School of Maritime Science and Engineering's eleven strong fleet is the Respect, a 10.95-metre model used for training ship's officers and marine pilots when simulating passage through the Suez Canal.

Big Hitters Lined Up for Major Event

UK – London International Shipping Week (LISW) is well attended by interests from around the globe and the operation can claim that its one day Conference is seen as one of the most important and influential shipping industry events anywhere in the world. Building on this year's overarching theme of 'International Trade in a Changing World' the full list of speakers has now been announced.

IATA Audit Group Award for Performance

WORLDWIDE – Virgin Atlantic Cargo's commitment to'best-in-class' customer service and operational resilience has been recognised by the awarding of its first Cargo iQ certification following an independent audit by SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA on behalf of Cargo iQ, the IATA interest group creating and implementing quality standards for the worldwide air cargo industry.

EU Code of Conduct Group Advises Tax Acceptance

EUROPE – MARSHALL ISLANDS – The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), which claims to be the world's leading ship registry (last figures we have put them in third place) got a major boost this week when the European Union (EU) Code of Conduct Group decided the RMI has warranted its removal from the list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes.

Swedish and Korean Groups Cooperate on Battery Power

SWEDEN – SOUTH KOREA – It seems the vow which Volvo made in 2017 that by this year it would not produce any cars entirely reliant on carbon based fuels may also have relevance in the world of HGVs. The cars are produced by Chinese owned Geely Holdings but truck manufacturing remains in the hands of AB Volvo, which has just entered into a strategic alliance to develop battery packs for Volvo's electric trucks with Samsung SDI to accelerate the speed of development and strengthen the long-term capabilities and assets within electromobility, to the benefit of customers in different truck segments and markets.

Winners to be Announced at London International Shipping Week

UK – The contenders for the 2019 International Seafarers' Welfare Awards have been announced ahead of this year's awards ceremony on September 11, 2019, during London International Shipping Week (LISW). Organised by the International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), the awards aim to recognise excellence in ships' crew welfare provision, and encourage all maritime organisations to raise their standards.

Deep Water Port Volumes Generate Demands to Increase Container Transport Options

UK – Maritime Transport has launched two new dedicated rail services from DP World London Gateway to its rail terminals in Trafford Park and Wakefield, advancing its expansion into the intermodal freight market in response to rising customer demand. The deep water port and vast logistics site at the side of the River Thames continues to expand with a string of services and customers added in the past few months. James Leeson, Head of Port Commercial at DP World London Gateway, said:

A Policy of Mergers and Acquisitions Have Served DSV Well for Over 40 Years

DENMARK – SWITZERLAND – WORLDWIDE – As its takeover of the Panalpina logistics operation proceeds, so it seems somebody at road haulage and general freight group DSV has obviously decided to put their potential new colleagues collective minds at rest when the Swiss company becomes part of the other's operation.

Automation Means Safer but Less Jobs

AUSTRALIA – It appears the row between dockers unions and container terminal managers at four of the country's most significant ports, which we reported recently, has taken a turn for the worse, with the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) threatening to escalate its campaign of industrial action against the nation's largest stevedore.

Safer Faster Facility to Handle Materials

SINGAPORE – Tetra Pak, the company behind the iconic, tetrahedron-shaped plastic-coated paper carton which has led the business to be the largest food packaging company in the world by sales, has used logistics giant DHL Supply Chain to open the first smart warehouse for the freight group in the Asia Pacific region, deploying 'digital twin technology', which involves using digital models to better understand and manage physical assets.

Fifty Two Million Dollar Project Gets Go Ahead

US – The Commissioners of the Port of Oakland have approved the final permit associated with one of the most anticipated industrial developments in Port history. They voted last week to approve a vertical permit, industrial vernacular for a building construction permit, at a long-awaited Seaport Logistics Complex. The $52 million project would include a logistics campus planned for 180 acres at the decommissioned Oakland Army Base. The Port inherited the property 15 years ago and has been planning for its use utilising a freight element ever since.

Less than Container Load Cargoes Consolidated to Good Effect

COLOMBIA – Last year saw Swiss logistics group Panalpina set up what it claimed as the first ocean freight hub in Cartagena for Central and South American LCL (Less than Container Load) cargoes. The Port of Cartagena, the country's premier port, is drawing an increasing number of multinational companies, with ranges from cosmetics, shampoo, chocolates and canned food to sportswear, cars, automotive parts and washing machines, passing through its gates daily.

Twenty Tonnes of Space Available Daily on New Flights

UK – ISRAEL – US – Virgin Atlantic Cargo has awarded contracts to WTA Aviation and Swissport in Israel to support the launch and growth of the airline's new daily flights between London Heathrow and Tel Aviv, which commence on 25th September. As one of Israel's leading air cargo general sales agents, WTA will be responsible for selling the 20 tonnes of daily cargo capacity on board Virgin Atlantic's Airbus A330-300 flights.

Eight Weekly Sailings For Swedish - European Routes

EUROPE – SWEDEN – The multimodal division of container shipping outfit Unifeeder has upgraded its services to better connect the Swedish market with its network in Europe. Starting in August, Unifeeder will offer 8 weekly sailings between Sweden and major intra-European hubs in Poland, Germany, Russia and the UK. This service upgrade adds significant capacity and flexibility to its offering for local businesses. Along with inland opportunities it says this will facilitate new routing options for Swedish exporters to reach the global markets in a reliable, cost-efficient and 'climate smart' manner.

Chance for a Youngster to Collect the Most Prestigious World Logistics Award

WORLDWIDE – As the collaboration between, leading international insurer, the TT Club and the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) passes its twentieth year, the nominations for the Young International Freight Forwarder of the Year Award, commonly known as the YIFFY, and sponsored by the pair, have been released this week and as ever, the standards of entry are maintained at a very high level by the four youthful logistics professionals chosen.

Insurance Group Offer Free Online Guide to Spare Both Blushes and Cash

UK – Cyber Crime – A phrase that sends a shudder down the spine of any executive charged with running a company, and for those in the shipping and logistics spheres and, as history has proved, something which even the biggest and best in the business can fall victim to. Now an excellent free online guide offers a step by step walk through of how to prepare for an attack by criminal elements.

Even Gender Imbalance is Changing in the Most Unlikely Places

UK – This week saw the annual Road Haulage Association (RHA) Awards, held in this its 75th Anniversary year, and the celebrations at the London Hilton in Park Lane certainly lived up to a very special occasion. Truckers are a tightly knit bunch in an industry often viewed as having a misogynist agenda. Not so if the attendees here are representative, with a larger female contingent than hitherto, indeed if the audience balance was decided upon raffle winners the ladies outnumbered the men!

Oldest Technology Making a Comeback

US – NETHERLANDS – The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Netherlands based research institute, MARIN have launched a Joint Industry Project (JIP) to investigate transparent and validated methods to assess performance of wind-assisted shipping propulsion technologies, which they say will be a key driver in owners/operators future investment decision-making.

Hardy Unit Aims to Prevent Discharge and Maintenance Problems

US – Never has the humble battery been elevated to the status it now has as a variety of cell types control aircraft, power cars and trucks and provide a means to communicate worldwide. Now an Arkansas based company, Purkeys, has come up with a device to preserve the life of batteries used in the cold chain by monitoring and maintaining an optimal charge level in accessory batteries serving trailer refrigeration and heating units.

Little Bits of Freight and Logistics News You May Have Missed

UK – The weekly round-up of smaller freight and logistics stories starts with the announcement that the Port of Tyne has partnered with Greggs Foundation to fund two Breakfast Clubs within the Port's community in South and North Shields. The Clubs will support 150 primary school children at Silverdale Primary in Wallsend and Marine Park Primary in South Shields.

Island facilities Secured for a Further Term

AUSTRALIA – The Port of Brisbane and Australian logistics operator, Qube Logistics, have agreed to a 33-year extension of Qube's existing lease on Fisherman Islands, incorporating an expanded area, taking the total lease area to 36.2 hectares.

New Cargo Facility to Handle Ambient and Cool Traffic

BELGIUM – Swissport is investing in a state-of-the-art air cargo facility at Brussels Airport. While Brussels Airport Company is constructing the building, Swissport has signed a long-term lease and is investing several million euros in equipment and fittings for the new facility. The building will consist of a 25,000 square metre warehouse, a material handling system, office space and 3,620 square metres of end-to-end facilities in the new Swissport Pharma Centre.

Minister Launches New Incentive

UK – Thousands of children across the UK could be inspired to take up a career in maritime thanks to lessons being rolled out across the country. Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani has announced £40,000 of funding for expanding the 'Why Shipping Matters' programme during a lesson at St Peter's London Docks Primary School. The funding will allow the lessons to be developed for use in secondary schools.

Meanwhile Commons Select Committee Tells Chris Grayling to 'Learn'

UK – Just as the British International Freight Association (BIFA) criticises it, so another government faux pas gets the same treatment, this time from the road haulage sector, after the Commons Public Accounts Committee concluded that the Department of Transport's (DfT) rushed procurement of ferry freight capacity has cost the taxpayers dearly.

US Facilities Look Forward with a Nod to the Past

US – As container cargoes hit record highs there, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has unveiled its Port Master Plan 2050, a comprehensive document that lays out a flexible roadmap for the next generation of land-use and infrastructure development projects at the Port which will dramatically affect the way freight of all types and passengers are dealt with in the future.

Too Few Sign Up After Government Ignored Advice

UK – In August 2018 the British government issued a notice, and subsequently launched a scheme intended to protect VAT revenues on the two million or so foreign parcels which are imported into the country every day should it exit the EU with no deal. In order for the scheme to be successful it had expected overseas businesses to sign up in their tens of thousands. Less than four hundred have in fact registered. An HMRC statement said:

Five Day a Week Container Service from London Gateway for Yorkshire

UK – DP World's Thames side deep water port of London Gateway was the scene this week for the naming of the new Class 66 locomotive Made in Sheffield which will run from the port to the Rotherham terminal of Newell & Wright. The dedicated ceremony saw the unveiling of the new addition by John Smith, Managing Director of GB Railfreight as the two transport groups celebrated.

Billion Dollar Drugs Smuggling Prompts US Authorities to Hold Vessel and Some Crew

US – News that the American authorities have seized the MSC Gayane which was found to have a consignment of narcotics aboard when she called at the Port of Philadelphia last month, will open a debate regarding the validity of such a move. A judge apparently authorised the seizure on 26 June, a week after the illicit cargo was found within seven shipping containers. The warrant to seize has only now become public knowledge after it was served to the captain on 4 July.

Technology to Aid Overseas Truckers is Long Overdue

UK – In a move which many will consider well overdue, the country has just seen the first multi-lingual advisory highway signs installed. The signs are being displayed in different languages on an approach to the M6 in Cumbria to help lorry drivers from overseas. The portable electronic messages have been placed along the A66 and A69 to near Carlisle to warn of overnight junction closures, and reduce the risk of drivers causing mayhem by taking the wrong routes.

Every Aspect of a Shipment Needs to be Right

US – THAILAND – AirBridgeCargo Airlines (ABC) has been consistently developing its dedicated 'abc care' product to cater to the needs of customers wishing to transport live animals. With special attention towards well-being and comfort of 'special passengers' on board, ABC says that it strives for improvement of its services, deepening of its knowledge and expertise and opting for working only with reliable and trustworthy customers.

Offshore Weapon Stash Has Echoes in Past Case

SRI LANKA – In a case which bears echoes of the infamous Seaman Guard Ohio incident, the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) has appealed this week to the Sri Lankan government to immediately release seafarer Captain Gennadiy Gavrylov and allow him to return to his home in Ukraine. Captain Gavrylov was the master on board the Avant Garde which, like the Ohio was a vessel engaged in maritime security and piracy prevention with firearms and ammunition stores kept on board for the purposes of this role.

Gulf of Guinea Now the Most Dangerous Place at Sea

WORLDWIDE – Following our story last month detailing both the current state of piracy against merchant ships off the coasts of Nigeria, Guinea, Togo, Benin and Cameroon, and some of the reasons that the Gulf of Guinea has now become the world's hotspot for the hijacking of vessels and the kidnap of their crews, comes the latest report from the Piracy Reporting Centre at the International Maritime Bureau (IMB).

Wharfies Down Tools Over Automation and Outsourcing

AUSTRALIA – Dock workers, or 'wharfies' as they are referred to locally, are striking for 48 hours at DP World's Brisbane, Sydney and Fremantle container terminals, and for 96 hours in Melbourne, to fight against 'automation, outsourcing and cuts to income protection insurance', in the words of the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA), a division of the Construction Forestry Maritime Mining & Energy Union (CFMMEU).

New Kite Sail Technology Fitted to RoRo Vessel Following Successful Trials

FRANCE – The level of interest in using wind-assist and primary wind propulsion solutions in shipping is gaining momentum. The need to reduce fuel costs and future-proof vessels in preparation for decarbonisation costs is growing and the embrace of technology solutions that can deliver double digit savings for retrofit installations and significantly higher savings for optimised new builds makes a lot of sense.

Cleaner Air and Now Cleaner Cars, Vans and Trucks!

UK – Parcel delivery company DPD has appointed eco-friendly car wash company Dropless, in an innovative, new partnership. 'Water-free' vehicle cleaning service Dropless will be responsible for ensuring the logistic company's fleet of vehicles at DPD's all-electric Westminster parcel depot remain spotless.

The World of Shipping Acronyms is About to Evolve Again

WORLDWIDE – Incoterms, the shorthand of shipping, the acronyms which, to the initiated, graphically sum up a picture of the status of a consignment and are the common language of the industry. Or are they so common? Like all language, over time the words (or in this case letters) become corrupted, with new unofficial phrases added to the well-worn old timers. Meanwhile changes caused by new technologies or the inception of different facilities which involve the movement of cargo can require additional terms where none existed before.

Who is Heading Where

OMAN – KUWAIT – Emirates SkyCargo has announced the appointment of Alyazeya Saeed and Fatma Ahli to the key positions of Cargo Managers of Oman and Kuwait respectively. The two appointees, who graduated from Emirates SkyCargo's Commercial Management Programme, will manage the airline's cargo operations in the two countries.

A Quick Walk Along What Is Happening Down the Global Supply Chain

UK – We begin the weekly look at some smaller shipping and logistics stories in Britain where the Freight Transport Association (FTA) is to hold an event in Belfast next month as part of its Van Excellence programme. Operating a van in an unsafe manner can lead to large fines, imprisonment, injury, or even loss of life and the programme was conceived to negate any such problems.

Iconic Project Celebrates Anniversary of Eurotunnel

UK – FRANCE – Celebrations are under way with the 25th Anniversary of Eurotunnel, now Getlink, and to mark the occasion two monumental artworks have been created, one at the French entrance to the Channel Tunnel and the other on the seafront at Sunny Sands Beach in Folkestone.

US and EU Support Gibraltar Operation to Seize Iranian - Syrian Cargo of Oil

GIBRALTAR – SYRIA – UK – The government of Gibraltar has confirmed that in the early hours of July 4, Gibraltar Port and Law Enforcement agencies, assisted by a detachment of British Royal Marines, boarded and detained a super tanker allegedly carrying a cargo of crude oil to Syria, in violation of European Union sanctions, with further speculation suggesting that the vessel had sailed from Iran, in contravention of the US ban on Iranian oil exports.

Deal with MSC and Maersk Extended by ZIM

ISRAEL – WORLDWIDE – Israeli container shipping line, ZIM, is launching two direct services between Asia and the US Gulf, further expanding its strategic operational cooperation with the members of the 2M Alliance Maersk and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). Although the move potentially doubles the freight carrying capacity as against current agreements, it will only partially cover the deficit which will occur when HMM leaves the 2M Alliance to join THE Alliance as anticipated.

Once Again Scottish Transport is Involved in a Major Dispute

UK – Today (4 July) a subsidiary of the Serco group, Serco Geografix Ltd (SGL), will appear in Court with the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), in a bid to gain approval for a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) which will see the company pay a fine of £19.2 million together with £3.7 million related to the SFO's investigation costs. SGL has accepted responsibility for multiple charges of fraud and false accounting and the RMT Union has called into question the Scottish Government's relationship with Serco as the lifeline Northern Isles freight and passenger ferry service contract renews next month.

Alcohol Barrier Aims to Cut Road Haulage Drink Drive Incidents

SWEDEN – Ten years ago we first wrote extolling the benefits to the road haulage industry of alcolocks, the breath testing devices which can be fitted to any vehicle to check that the driver is not about to 'drink and drive'. Failure to pass the test simply means the vehicle will not start yet, besides this being a seemingly excellent idea, governments and freight companies have both been lamentably slow in adopting the technology.

Emission Reduction at the Heart of Road, Rail and Ocean Shipping Advances

NORWAY – FINLAND – JAPAN – Technology group Wärtsilä, Japanese ship builder Oshima Shipbuilding, and the classification society DNV GL have delivered the first results of their joint industry development project. At the recent Nor-Shipping exhibition held in Norway, the project partners announced a next-generation 62,000 dwt Ultramax Bulk Carrier design that is optimised according to actual operating profiles, and that will meet the 2030 emissions legislation utilising everything from LNG through solar panels and Flettner hard sail type technology.

Let the World Know Just How Good You Are!

UK – Entries are now open for the British International Freight Association (BIFA) annual Freight Service Awards competition. Now in its 31st year, BIFA's Freight Service Awards are open to all members of the trade association, which represents traditional freight forwarders and UK logistics companies engaged in, and associated with, the international movement of freight by all modes of transport.

CEO on Television to Explain Potential Problems of No-Deal Planning

UK – This week Chief Executive of the United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA), Peter Ward, had the chance to spread that organisation's message regarding the stockpiling of goods in British warehouses in a bid to avoid potential problems post Brexit. The CEO of the UKWA was speaking on BBC Newsnight on Tuesday July 2nd regarding the looming possibility of a no deal scenario.

Energy Support Company Purchased for Over a Billion Dollars

DUBAI – DP World has announced the acquisition of 100% of locally run company Topaz Energy and Marine, an 'international critical logistics and solutions provider' to the global energy industry, from Renaissance Services SAOG and Standard Chartered Private Equity/Affirma Capital for an enterprise value of $1,079 million.

Third Party Couriers are an 'Extension of Brands'

UK – Parcel delivery courier outfit Hermes UK has taken a major step towards achieving its digital transformation goal by implementing mobile barcode scanning and augmented reality (AR) technology from Scandit, the mobile computer vision experts, for consignment verification and proof of delivery.

Another Two Major Box Carriers Sign Up to System

DENMARK – WORLDWIDE – The adoption of TradeLens across the global shipping supply chain continues as Hapag-Lloyd and Singapore-based Ocean Network Express (ONE) announced they will join the blockchain-enabled digital shipping platform, jointly developed by AP Moller - Maersk and IBM.

For Absolute Cargo Security Nothing Beats a Physical Barrier

WORLDWIDE – Although not always suitable for every variety of cargo there is much to be said for the unique shipping container types available from CakeBoxx Technologies. As the name suggests, the two-piece deck and lid designed containers offer something radically different which will appeal to anyone shipping high value freight as the lack of doors precludes the normal type of larceny which can occur.

Three Become Four as Box Carrier Signs up to THE Alliance

SOUTH KOREA – WORLDWIDE – Members of the THE Alliance, Ocean Network Express (ONE), Hapag-Lloyd, and Yang Ming have announced a fourth member, South Korean container shipping company Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM), to join the THE Alliance as a full member, from April 1, 2020, subject to necessary regulatory approvals. Through this, the members of the THE Alliance have also decided to establish new cooperation details with four members and a term until 2030.

Multimodal and Container Specialists Included in Sale as Union Concerned

US – EUROPE – AUSTRALIA – In a huge deal which will come as little surprise to many, a consortium led by Canadian financiers Brookfield Infrastructure and Singapore based GIC, have agreed to purchase international railroad group Genesee & Wyoming Inc (G&W), a company which owns or leases 120 freight railroads, principally in the US, but with interests across the world including the UK's largest rail maritime intermodal operator and second-largest freight rail provider, Freightliner.

Multimillion Dollar Investment to Secure Future in Africa

MOROCCO – Mention Morocco to the average person and it will doubtless conjure up a vision of Casablanca, tagines and bustling souks, but the country is fast becoming one of the most important transhipment locations in the world, with around two hundred cargo vessels passing through the Strait of Gibraltar daily on major liner services linking Asia, Europe, the Americas and Africa.

Port and Terminal Sector Drives Demand

UK – Finnish materials handling provider Konecranes has been doing well of late, with recent reports of orders for a mobile harbour crane for continuous duty bulk freight handling in Poland, four barge handlers to the Port of Lille for container work and two Noell NSC 644 E Straddle Carriers for container train loading and unloading at Birmingham Intermodal Freight Terminal (BIFT). Most of the company's recent sales are repeat orders, with the prime reason for this quoted as the quality of after sales support offered.