Shipping Search - Archive

Survey Reveals How the Sector Assesses its Vulnerability

UK – WORLDWIDE – Shipping is a risky business. There are many complex parts to an industry which can be physically dangerous for those at the sharp end who we rely on to ensure goods from every point on the globe reach their respective destinations no matter the weather, the political situation or, in these troubled times the roving gangs of maritime pirates who would look to profit by interrupting safe passage.

Rickmers Wind Up Completes

SINGAPORE – WORLDWIDE – Rickmers Trust Management has completed the process of winding up its container vessel owning arm, Rickmers Maritime, following the final payments to its unsecured creditors. With no plans for further distributions, Rickmers Maritime has been delisted from the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading since August 30, as the company and its subsidiaries cease to exist.

Weather Has Now Lifted but Backlog to be Cleared

INDIA – While much media attention has been paid to the terrible situation in Texas and the southern United States, on the other side of the world torrential monsoon rains have caused chaos across swathes of south Asia. Days of incessant rain have hit Mumbai, the heaviest the city has seen in over a decade, flooding vast areas of the city and causing at least five deaths.

Flexi Supplies Handling Equipment for Express Consignment Group

UK – Everyone in the freight industry knows that certain parameters are critical to success. Time and space are what it is all about, consignments collected and delivered promptly and the best use of the facilities available to minimise costs and maximise profits. It is, unequivocally, a dog eat dog world when one is involved with modern logistics. These two factors apply particularly if a company sells its services as time critical, as does Midlands based JJX Logistics, which specialises in the 'same day' concept.

All Women Team Raise Awareness of Everyday Marine Pollution

UK – An all women team which is sailing around the British coastline has arrived in the River Thames and is kicking off local awareness-raising activities with a discussion panel made up of crew members, a scientist and young environmental activists, to try and combat the ever growing threat of pollution, particularly from micro plastic and an array of chemicals. The project follows on from the Port of London Authority's (PLA) own Cleaner Thames Campaign which says over 300 tonnes of rubbish, largely made up of plastic bottles, comes out of the river every year. Think of the weight of those and you have some idea how serious the problem has become.

Lack of Female Role Models Investigated by everywoman

UK – The transport and logistics industry continues to be heavily gender weighted with many more men than women in key roles and now you have a chance to express your opinion with a new survey from the everywoman organisation. Whether you are involved with the ocean carriage of freight, road haulage or even driving a bus, everywoman wants to know your views.

White Paper Studies New Technology

UK – DENMARK – US – WORLDWIDE – It is around a year since logistics technology company Marine Transport International (MTI) said it was deploying the first blockchain solution applicable to the global freight forwarding and shipping industry. That's blockchain you understand, not block train, and if anyone out there doesn't understand that expression, trust me, you're not alone.

Nor Line Buy Out by Samskip to Proceed

NETHERLANDS – NORWAY – The Norwegian Competition Authority has cleared the proposed acquisition of Norwegian freight shipping firm, Nor Lines, by Dutch logistics company, Samskip. The competition commission found that the acquisition of activities associated with Nor Lines AS would not result in a significant impediment to effective competition.

Evolving Threats to the Industry Requires Evolving Response

WORLDWIDE – With the threat from cyber-attacks and the heavy cost they can incur on shipping lines still all too fresh in the industrys minds Airbus Defence and Space is partnering with CSO Alliance, a maritime community of Company Security Officers (CSOs), to build a tailor-made, secure online reporting platform to help counter maritime crime on a global scale. The platform will be ready for launch in early October and will provide CSOs and Company Information Security Officers (CISOs) with a worldwide, voluntary and anonymous incident reporting portal for assessing physical, as well as cyber, threat activities and the respective risk levels so as to assist with decision-making and action-taking. In a statement about the new cooperation, Airbus said:

Blames Continued Problems between Operator and Union

SWEDEN – The Port of Gothenburg has reported an unprecedented fall in container volumes for the first six months of the year, recording a 22% fall in the number of containers shipped, the biggest decrease in the history of the port. The decline was particularly noticeable in June with volumes down by 60%. Magnus Kårestedt, Gothenburg Port Authority Chief Executive, attributes the unprecedented fall in container volumes to the ongoing labour dispute, which is now into its second year. He comments:

Hutchinson to Oversee Running Port of Basra

IRAQ – Hong Kong based port operator Hutchison Ports has agreed to partner with North America Western Asia Holdings (NAWAH) Port Management (NPM) to manage existing and future operations at the Port of Basra in southern Iraq. Hutchison Ports will assume oversight of day-to-day commercial and operational activities at NPM, operating under the name of Hutchison Ports Basra. Eric Clark, CEO of NPM, commented:

Can Now Handle Biggest Ships Afloat

CANADA – DP World has completed the Phase 2 North expansion project designed to increase container throughput of Prince Rupert's Fairview Container terminal. DP World Group Chairman and CEO, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem and The Honourable François -Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade, Government of Canada, marked the occasion in a ribbon cutting ceremony in Prince Rupert today, in the presence of First Nation representatives, senior government and state officials.

What a Tangled Web We Weave (When Cooperation Makes Sense)

CHINA – Whilst in Europe Amazon plans to manage all its own deliveries, the tentacles of Eastern giant Alibaba stretch even further when it comes to logistics. The e-commerce group has dozens of subsidiaries and two transport companies in which it has a stake have just completed what is claimed to be the first $1 billion dollar merger between Chinese and Hong Kong registered partners. Mind you the announcement came first on the South China Morning Post - and Alibaba owns that too.

(although they won't see it like that)

SOUTH KOREA – The country's authorities were seriously stung when Hanjin Shipping collapsed earlier this year, the container giant fell unsupported, and the ramifications are still being felt. Earlier this month we witnessed a gathering of the tribes with the announcement of the Korean Shipping Partnership (KSP) although many say, whilst this presented a show of unity by the 14 independent container and bulk carriers, none have actually moved from the insular positions traditionally adopted by the native freight carrying lines.

Survey Shows Staff Problems Continue Whilst Transport Manager Training Courses Announced

UK – The two organisations most responsible for looking after the interests of the British trucking community, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and the Road Haulage Association (RHA), both have something to say this week about the continuing shortage of lorry drivers, a reoccurring theme with the realities of Brexit drawing closer.

Ship Heading for Repairs When Disaster Struck

TURKEY – The eleven crewmembers of the 144 metre long general cargo vessel, Leonardo have been rescued after the vessel started buckling before eventually breaking in two, during the evening of August 27, while at anchor off Istanbuls Kilyos coast in the Black sea. En route from Rostov-on-Don, Russia to Tuzla, Turkey, the Mongolian-flagged vessel was built in 1975 and was reportedly on her way to the Tuzla dockyard for repairs.

Also Reports Additional Ship Put onto South Baltic Route due to Demand

CHINA – SWEDEN – A ceremony has been held at the AVIC Weihai Shipyard in China to mark the start of the construction of the first of four RoPax vessels ordered by Gothenberg-based Stena Line. The vessels have a planned delivery timetable during 2019 and 2020 with Stena having an option on a further four vessels as part of the overall contract. According to Stena the vessels will be 50% larger than today's standard RoPax, as well as the most fuel efficient vessels in their class. Niclas Mårtensson, CEO of Stena Line, said:

Norwegian Scottish Cooperation Signs Heads of Agreement

UK – Forth Ports Limited and AF Offshore Decom UK have signed Heads of Agreement intending to establish a new joint venture, AF Dundee, which it is proposed will create a North Sea oil and gas decommissioning hub in the city of Dundee, with its nucleus at the port. AF Offshore Decom UK, a subsidiary of AF Gruppen, has a notable track record as a decommissioning contractor and operates the AF VATS Environmental Base in Norway, which the company claims is the North Sea's most advanced facility for decommissioning offshore installations. President Bengt Hildisch commented:

Freight and Logistics Facilities at a Standstill with Many Homeless as Death Toll Rises

US – With the Port of Houston, along with many other freight and logistics facilities, remaining closed to all traffic at the time of writing Hurricane Harvey has had a huge impact on the southern state of Texas with that city suffering both howling winds and a deluge of water which saw thousands of calls to emergency services which so far have rescued over 1,000 people. There are said to be around a dozen reported fatalities with many left homeless as up to 50 inches of rain fall according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami.

Trip Without Icebreakers Raises Concerns with Environmentalists

RUSSIA – ARCTIC – NORWAY – SOUTH KOREA – We have written many times with regard to the many attempts to sail the Northern Route transiting between Europe and Asia along the edge of the Arctic Ocean itself, something the Russians have become quite proficient at using their fleet of nuclear powered icebreakers. As global warming extends the ice free season in the Northern hemisphere, more attempts have been made in order to make the journey feasible for a route which would improve both cost and time taken for tankers and merchant vessels ferrying freight between the continents.

Government Pledges 22 Million Pounds for Biofuels - but is it Enough?

UK – There have been various stories regarding the powering of planes and trucks with fuels extracted from waste materials of all sorts over the past few years, British Airways for example reiterated in 2014 that from this year it would purchase 50,000 tonnes of such from the now defunct 'Green Sky' project. Now as part of its 'Future Fuels for Flight and Freight' policy to promote clean alternative fuels, the government is offering funding for projects in the UK to develop low carbon waste-based fuels for planes and trucks, with matching funding from industry, somewhat ironic as BA blamed the government for the collapse of the scheme just last year.

The Stories that did not make the Front Page

WORLDWIDE – AirBridgeCargo Airlines (ABC) has reported a 16% increase in volumes in the first half of 2017 to 335,000 tonnes, boosted by particularly strong demand across its Asia Pacific network. ABC also achieved a 13% rise in freight tonne-kilometres and a 4pp increase in its load factor to 71% in this period.

DHL Expands Facilities and Fleets in Region for Future Growth

ASIA – DHL Supply Chain will invest more than €70 million in growing its regional footprint in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar by 2020. DHL Supply Chain already benefits from a well-established position in Thailand and Vietnam, and will concentrate on Cambodia and Myanmar, for further growth opportunities. Over the next three years, the company plans to build new facilities, expand its fleet of trucks, and invest in new technology, creating an additional 5,000 jobs in the four countries. John Gilbert, CEO DHL Supply Chain, commented:

Tesla and VW both Looking at Zero Emission Market

US – GERMANY – We have covered on multiple occasions the competition between the manufacturers of freight vehicles for their concepts to replace fossil fuelled trucks, whether with electric-, alternative- or fuel cells. Now two makers of proposed electric freight vehicles have released details of their soon to be produced offerings; one that is so revolutionary it is raising questions on its viability, and another that seems to harken back to the builder's golden age.

Major Conferences Bring Heavy Hitters to the Stage to Discuss the Big Issues

UK – It can be more than a little confusing when one is faced with how to approach an industry event as comprehensive as the forthcoming London International Shipping Week (LISW) 2017. With unrivalled opportunities for networking within the freight and logistics sectors and understanding the current state of play in the domain of shipping in general, attendees will want to make the most of their precious time.

New Government Trial to Test Out New Technology

UK – Regular readers will remember the major exercise last year which saw 6 independent truck manufacturers carry out a successful trial of platooning in which autonomous vehicles travelled in convoy right across Europe, followed by subsequent successful trials in the US. Now the Freight Transport Association (FTA), members of which operate more than 200,000 trucks on Britain's roads, have given full support to the announcement today that there will be an £8.1 million feasibility study funded to trial the system fully in the UK.

Fujairah Terminal Receives First Vessel

UAE – The newly established Fujairah Terminals, under the management of Abu Dhabi Ports, has welcomed its first container feeder vessel, the 319 TEU Dubai Alliance. This is the first ship to arrive at the terminal, which is wholly owned by Abu Dhabi Ports, the master developer, operator and manager of commercial and community ports within the emirate of Abu Dhabi, Fujairah Port and Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD), following the signing of a 35-year concession agreement with the Port of Fujairah in June, earlier this year.

Move to New Fuel Expected to Accelerate in Next Few Years

UK – Flogas Britain, the UKs leading LNG provider, has partnered with Associated British Ports (ABP) to bunker a ship with liquefied natural gas (LNG) for the first time ever in the UK. The pioneering project, which mirrors similar successful schemes in other European countries, saw the 110-metre carrier Ireland, operated by Norwegian shipping firm KGJ Cement AS, refuelled with LNG at the Port of Immingham on Wednesday 16th August.

Arrests and Injuries as Migrants and Police Clash But No End in Sight

FRANCE – UK – No matter which statistics you believe as the press reports the situation it is impossible to ignore the parlous state of migrants from countries such as Eritrea and Afghanistan currently aiming to make the crossing from France to the UK in search of their vision of safety, independence and the chance of a new life, however misguided this might be. The latest wave of violence, in which both police and migrants have been injured, has led for renewed calls from the Road Haulage Association (RHA) for the French military to intervene and bring the situation under control.

Logistics and the Supply Chain May be About to Get a Lot More Efficient

ISRAEL – WORLDWIDE – With increasing integration in the supply chain thanks to the internet and cloud based technologies, a new start-up is looking at trying to streamline international logistics by taking techniques that have shaken up the tourist industry, and applying it to the worldwide freight sector. Israeli-based Freightos is aiming to use the model used by Expedia to make finding a freight forwarder and getting a quote much more quickly and easily.

Hyster Using New Technology to Interconnect Port Loads and Machinery

WORLDWIDE – Materials handling equipment and forklifts manufacturer, Hyster has started fielding the results of their development programme to explore and develop a range of options for truck-to-truck, truck-to-object and truck-to-pedestrian detection systems with the aim of improving the awareness of lift truck drivers in port terminals and other freight handling areas. The intention is to combine cameras, telematics and other technologies to connect Hyster vehicles so as to improve safety, productivity and visibility for the smart ports of tomorrow. Ed Stilwell, Functional System Leader for Hyster, said:

Part of Continuing Investment Scheme

SOUTH AFRICA – Transnet National Ports Authority's (TNPA), which operates the major ports in South Africa, has reported a number of new developments to enhance their service offerings. Firstly, the company's new, fully integrated e-commerce platform has gone live. The new Order to Cash system replaces TNPA's nine year old PortsOnline customer system for online submission of cargo documentation. TNPA Chief Financial Officer and Executive Sponsor of the project, Mohammed Abdool, said:

USCG Inspections Allow No Room for Cheats

US – A federal grand jury in Portland, Maine, has returned a nine-count indictment charging ship management firm, MST Mineralien Schiffarht Spedition Und Transport (MST) and corporate vessel owner, Reederei MS Marguerita with failing to keep accurate pollution control records and falsifying records.

Over 80 Million Pounds in Fines Outstanding

UK – A report by Highways England has revealed that since the tolls booths were removed at the Dartford Crossing east of London and replaced with an automatic system based on number plate recognition in 2014, over one million non-UK drivers have managed to avoid paying the Dart Charge.

Complements Creators Back Load Service

UK – Returnloads.net, a web-based service that helps road freight operators find loads for empty returning trucks, has launched a new service to help marry up those needing warehouse space with those with space to offer. The Warehouse Exchange enables warehouse operators to sell their space quickly and easily by advertising how much space they have available, the types of goods they can store and what additional facilities or services they offer. Potential customers can either search for a warehouse provider or submit a space enquiry and let the warehouse providers come to them.

Operators Seeking New Routings Urgently

GERMANY – SWITZERLAND – ITALY – BELGIUM – NETHERLANDS – On the 12th of August, a land slip at the construction site of the new 3 mile Rastatt rail tunnel in Germany, caused major damage to the construction site and to the adjacent railway track. Since then roughly 12 miles of critical railway from Rastatt to Karlsruhe on one side and Rastatt to Basel on the other has been impassable to trains, a huge issue for rail freight which averages 200 freight train per day as it is the primary north-south link between the ports of Rotterdam, Hamburg and Antwerp to Italy and Switzerland. As a result European rail freight users are suffering losses running at millions of Euros per week.

Vehicle Needed for Ugandan Training Program

UK – UGANDA – International development organisation Transaid has launched a nationwide appeal to find a second-hand tractor unit and trailer to support its new driver training project in Uganda. Transaid urgently requires an artic combination to bolster its training fleet from early 2018, and is calling on manufacturers, dealers, used vehicle retailers and operators to come forward with potential assets which could be donated.

Guilty of Colluding on RoRo Rates

SOUTH KOREA – The South Korean Fair Trade Commission (FTC) has imposed a total fine of 43 billion won (around US$37.8 million) on nine international shipping companies following allegations that the shippers violated the country's competition laws by colluding to segment the market of ocean shipping services for RoRo cargo. The carriers involved have all seen heavy fines previously levied against them for a variety of anti-competitive practices worldwide, with each collecting several million dollars in fines as they go.

Ceva Opens New Controlled Environment Facility in Dublin

IRELAND – Ceva Logistics has enhanced its capabilities in Ireland with the introduction of a 15,000 square foot temperature-controlled facility at its Dublin warehouse. The new building has been constructed as an insulated building-within-a-building on the city's airport industrial park and will allow it to better serve customers with medical products requiring to be kept within a constant temperature range of 15-25 degrees. Ceva's Managing Director Ireland, Gary O'Connor, said:

Ten Sailors Reported Missing after Collision near Singapore

SINGAPORE – Two months after the USS Fitzgerald collided with an NYK container ship, comes the news that the US Navy destroyer, the USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), has collided with the Liberian-flagged 30,000 gross tonne tanker, the Alnic MC, both en route to Singapore. At this time the US Navy is reporting that ten of its sailors are missing and another five are injured, four of whom were evacuated to Singapore for treatment.

Automation of Processes Requires Adaptations of Attitude Says Women's Group

UK – With the build up to London International Shipping Week 2017 (LISW) (11-15 September) well under way, so the main attractions begin to announce their approaches to what is an almost unique chance to highlight the concerns and innovations in the logistics industry. LISW of course does not just deal with maritime concerns exclusively, as some of the topics up for discussion range right across the supply chain, and so it is with this year's presentation from the Women's International Shipping & Trading Association UK (WISTA UK).

Supply Chain Items from Around the Globe

UK – The weekly round'up of freight and logistics news starts with the announcement that AtZ Marine Technologies will feature at the London International Shipping Week 2017, which runs this year between 11 to 15 September, where they will, in conjunction with National Maritime, deliver a MIT Technical Talk session focused on reducing the environmental impact from international shipping oil pollution.

Industry Loses a Female Stalwart to Cancer

US – We begin this week's appointments and departures in the shipping and logistics sector with the sad news that Dame Helen Alexander, DBE, died on 5 August, aged 60, after a long fight with cancer. Dame Helen's achievements in the world of business were exceptional to say the least but she will be best remembered in this industry for her term of office as chair of the Port of London Authority (PLA) and her links with UBM's Seatrade, which led in turn to her appointment to the London Shipping Week (LSW) 2013 Board of Advisors where she was the only woman appointed as such.

Pre-Treatment of Heavy Fuel Oil Can Reduce Engine Wear

WORLDWIDE – Earlier this year the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published its usual 5 year standard revised edition of its ISO 8217 specifications for marine fuels, in which it still maintains a 60 mg/kg limit for 'catfines'. These are the catalytic fines, the hard aluminium and silicon oxide particles that are normally present in heavy fuel oil and this 60 parts per million level is regularly broken when ship owners purchase fuel oil with higher concentrations. Meanwhile major engine manufacturers recommend less than 15ppm when the oil enters the engine which means the necessity for an efficient treatment method prior to combustion to avoid long term engine damage.

Finally Technology Takes its Place Following Federal Mandate

US – The truck driving community is about to witness a revolution with the compulsory advent of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to monitor the times and distances which trucks, and their drivers, cover in a working week. The path to modern technology has been a long and painful one with many in the road haulage sector fighting against the 'spy in the cab', yet when tachograph technology was introduced to the UK when ordered under an EEC regulation in 1985, most drivers subsequently welcomed the fact it ensured they could not be asked to work excessive hours by unscrupulous bosses.

Work Commences on Phase Two of Pentalver Facility

UK – Not exactly like London buses, but you wait all week for one DP World London Gateway story then two come along at once! Having just heard the announcement that Wincanton are to occupy a site on the logistics park in the hinterland of the River Thames deep water container port, so comes the news that Pentalver, the specialist group when it concerns anything to do with containers, has commenced work on Phase 2 of the its new facility at Berth 7.

Despite Row between Gulf Arabs - Business is Business

QATAR – KUWAIT – Though Qatar is being effectively blockaded by its neighbours, who have forbidden Qatar-based freight operations from using their airspace and suspending ocean shipping with all container services withdrawn and road haulage cargo movements suspended, there are those in the Arab world demonstrating the old adage of 'a crisis also represents an opportunity'.

Proximity to Quayside of Deep Water Port Proving Tempting

UK – Logistics and well known road haulage operator, Wincanton, has announced plans to establish a 2.5 acre container haulage base at DP World London Gateway, marking the first phase of the much heralded logistics facility's new, dedicated 13.5 acre freight park. With operations expected to begin in early 2018, the site will provide truck parking alongside office facilities housing an on-site operations team. Chris Fenton, MD Industrial & Transport, Wincanton said:

Plans for 170 Metre Long Car Carrier Take Shape

GERMANY – Lloyd's Register (LR) has joined the Quadriga sustainable shipping project, an initiative from Hamburg-based Sailing Cargo which aims to build the worlds biggest sailing cargo ship. The project outlines a plan to build a 170-metre car carrier, capable of carrying between 1,700 and 2,000 cars, which will be equipped with four DynaRig masts and will operate on hybrid propulsion with sails and diesel-electric engines, and an optional battery system for peak loads. The vessel will be capable of sailing at 10-12 knots with the aim of reaching 14-16 knots in the next few years through combined expertise.

But Freight Shipping Giant is Bouncing Back despite Heavy Hits

DENMARK – As AP Moller-Maersk reports its financial results for the first half of the year, the Danish transportation and logistics conglomerate has revealed the extent of the damage caused by the massive cyber-attack in June that crippled several of Maersk's businesses and raised questions about the security in the container shipping industry and the wider supply chain. The second quarter performance of Maersk was mainly driven by the profitability of Maersk Line with an expected negative financial impact of $200-300 million to be realised in the third quarter results from the cyber-attack.

New Handling Facility Begins Operation

UK – The first train has arrived at Hutchison Ports London Thamesport bringing steel coil for UK shipping agent and logistics company, The Armitt Group. Operated by DB Cargo, this was the first train to use the Groups fully integrated 120,000 square feet specialist handling facility at the port.

Meeting at IMO Headquarters Will Also Honour a BIC Safety Champion

UK – WORLDWIDE – Anyone with an interest in the shipping of goods by container, trailer or any 'cargo transport unit' (CTU), which obviously means just about anyone in the freight supply chain, may be interested in the forthcoming gathering at the offices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on September 12 when a session hosted by four of the major organisations concerned with safety in the supply chain, the Global Shippers Forum, ICHCA International, TT Club and World Shipping Council, will take a hard look at the IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTU Code).

Bans Handed Out to Both HGV Drivers and Offending Transport Manager

UK – The Traffic Commissioner for Wales, Nick Jones, has warned road haulage operators that HGV drivers will face strong action if they are caught tailgating in any circumstances. After adding an extra month to the professional driving bans to two truck drivers who have been found guilty of the offence, Mr. Jones said that professional drivers across the industry should know that engaging in this kind of behaviour, particularly in a commercial vehicle, is a serious offence.

Son of Trolley Bus Makes a Reappearance

GERMANY – Siemens has been commissioned by the German state of Hesse to build an overhead power line for electrified freight transport on a ten kilometre stretch of autobahn. The contact line will supply electricity for the electric drive of a hybrid truck. Siemens originally presented its 'eHighway' concept in 2012. The system will be installed on the A5 federal autobahn between the Zeppelinheim/Cargo City Süd interchange at the Frankfurt Airport and the Darmstadt/Weiterstadt interchange.

Manufacturer Hopes for USCG Clearance Later This Year After Successful Tests

US – UK – The SeaCURE Ballast Water Management System (BWMS), an electro chlorination based solution pioneered by Evoqua Water Technologies, has successfully completed all biological efficacy US Coast Guard Type-Approval tests. Tests were carried out under the supervision of classification society Lloyd's Register and the independent laboratory NSF International, which will now compile test data for submission to the USCG for imminent approval. Matt Granitto, Business Manager, Ballast Water, said:

Funding for Essential Rescue at Sea Technology and Training

AFRICA – The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF), global focal point for maritime search and rescue technology and operations, has been awarded $450,000 by The TK Foundation to support its work building vital maritime search and rescue (SAR) capability across 29 countries in Africa as part of its global SAR development project (GSD). The funding will be spread over three years with a focus on building the capability of Rescue Coordination Centres (RCCs), Rescue Sub-Centres (RSCs) and SAR Mission Coordinators.

Trump's Announcement of Theft of Intellectual Property Investigation draws Communist Party Ire

US – CHINA – Officials in the American government have announced that they are considering launching an investigation into possible Chinese theft of US technology and intellectual property. The suggestion has caused concern amongst logistics interests plus a flurry of protests and criticism from the Chinese government and press, who have called on the Americans, and President Trump in particular, to not start what they describe as a 'trade war'. In a statement Hua Chunying, a foreign ministry spokeswoman, said:

Big Four Industry Voices Are Best Qualified to Guide Politicians

UK – EUROPE – As Brexit negotiations begin slowly to take shape with the various factions jostling for an advantage the freight and logistics lobbyists are setting their individual stalls out but with a generally collective message to the British government - listen to us as the only ones who really understand the realities of intra community trade. The four leading associations in the country have all been stating their individual and collective cases in the hope that those charged with seeing through a deal realise just how much rides on the outcome, particularly in terms of costs and jobs.

Cold Chain Services Included in 365 Day a Year Contract

HONG KONG – Another home win for Kerry Logistics as the locally based group announced the securing of a long-term contract with Maxim's Caterers Ltd., Hong Kong's leading food and beverage company. The freight forwarding outfit will supply a range of integrated logistics requirements, including cold chain services, in support of the caterer's more than 780 outlets within the Chinese Special Administrative Region, every day of the year.

EU Horizon Programme Will Utilise Virtual Reality and Penguin Technology to Aid Northern Transits

EUROPE – ARCTIC – Recent years have seen a rapid increase in shipping operations in Arctic regions, as ice cover has reduced due to global warming. While this offers the potential to save significantly on voyage times, the harsh environment poses new challenges to seafarers and vessels: extreme temperatures, icing of vital equipment, remoteness, fast-changing sea ice covers and a lack of search and rescue infrastructure are very real risks to passengers and crew. These challenges are exacerbated by a lack of accurate sea ice forecasting, an absence of ship bridges specifically designed for the Arctic and often a lack of Arctic-specific training for the navigation crew.

New Agent and New Service for Third Party Logistics Group

UK – NORTH AMERICA – With the predominance of international corporate logistics operations in the shipping business these days the independent freight forwarding companies need to ensure that their traditional advantages, personal service, readiness to accommodate a client's specific requirements etc. are freely available. That however is not the whole story and the need to modulate services and change markets are factors to which they have to always pay attention.

Expansion by Acquisition Policy Continues

AUSTRIA – Freight forwarding and logistics outfit Gebrüder Weiss has continued its policy of expansion by acquisition with the takeover of Kapeller Internationale Spedition GmbH (KIS). In January the Lauterach based group picked up the German Deutsche Transport Compagnie Erich Bogdan GmbH & Co. KG (DTC) shortly after the split with long-time partner Röhlig.

The Weekly Summary of Some Smaller Items you May Have Missed

UK – Dematic, a leading global supplier of integrated automated technology, software and services to optimise the supply chain, has announced the completion of the transfer of Egemin UK Ltd. which produces automated warehouse and vehicle systems for the logistics industry, and all its assets and activities to Dematic Ltd. The transfer, which took place on August 1, is part of the global integration process of Egemin Group into Dematic. Stuart Stables, Managing Director of Dematic Northern Europe said:

Ex US Government Executives Amongst Appointments and Departures

AUSTRALIA – We begin the shipping and logistics staff announcements this week with the news that Jarrod Paterson has joined Virgin Atlantic Cargo as Account Manager – Melbourne, to support the launch of the new Melbourne services by the airline’s Partner, Virgin Australia. Paterson joins Virgin Atlantic after nearly four years with GSA Australia Cargo, most recently serving as Station Manager Victoria.

The World's Biggest Pinata?

US – A truck driver is facing a citation after he got his semi-truck stuck on a railroad crossing in the City of Locust Grove, Georgia yesterday which subsequently got hit by a freight train. Fortunately no one was hurt in the incident but what has caught the attention of the American media is a passing motorist's video of the incident which shows the train ploughing into the trailer and spraying its load of soft mints and candy across the tracks.

Cargo Sector Seemingly Unruffled by Largest Ever Grouping of Single Nationality Lines

SOUTH KOREA – The agreement between fourteen of the country's leading shipping lines which came into effect this week has been more than a little lacklustre in both its presentation and reception. Whilst the cooperation, officially considerably more than a vessel sharing agreement, and to be known as the Korean Shipping Partnership (KSP), was unveiled by the Korean Shipowners's Association (KSA) principally as a major challenge to the established international container carriers, the agreement has been met with considerable cynicism by the ocean freight community at large.

Twice Weekly 747s from Stanstead to Mexico City

UK – MEXICO – British all-cargo airline, CargoLogicAir (CLA) is to launch its first scheduled cargo route on August 19, 2017, providing main deck services connecting the UK and Mexico. Twice-weekly Boeing 747-400 flights will depart from CLA's base at London Stansted Airport every Wednesday and Saturday. Flights will operate to Mexico City International Airport via Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

BISON Launch New Lifting System

NEW ZEALAND – Container tech company BISON this week launched the C-Lift P32, a new portable container lift system that equips shipping, logistics, and military operators to lift containers in any location. Recognising that conventional container handling equipment is typically big, heavy and expensive, BISON has developed a compact, portable and more economic alternative aimed at extending the benefits of intermodal logistics to new frontiers. The P32 is easily transported between sites, sets up in minutes and allows containers of all sizes and weights up to 32 tonne (70,000 lb) to be lifted on and off trailers safely and efficiently. Greg Fahey, BISONs CEO, said:

The Global VGM Standards Should be Universal - but are they?

WORLDWIDE – Over a year ago we saw the introduction of compulsory declarations of gross weight for export containers, a ruling which is truly global having received full implementation under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) with the ratification of the extension of the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations. In countries such as the UK different protocols were introduced at all of the country's ports to ensure that a Verified Gross Mass or VGM was either supplied by the exporter or could be calculated at the dock itself. So how does the accurate weighing of freight stand now globally?

Multimodal Growth Since Recession Revealed

US – The US Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) has shown that all but one of the major freight modes grew in volume since the recession that ended in June 2009 with rail intermodal growing the fastest, rising 50.6% from the end of that month to December 2016 in a comprehensive seven and a half year study of North American multimodal freight.

Air and Ocean Chartering Included in Biggest Ever Energy Order

IRAQ – 3PL freight outfit Panalpina has gained its largest award with a specific oil and gas major to date, with the Swiss logistics company awarded a long-term contract to manage transportation for a gas project in Iraq. The contract will run over a minimum of five years and involve high air and LCL (less than container load) ocean freight volumes. Work has already begun and besides transport Panalpina will also provide customs clearance, light warehousing, full order management and in-house staffing for the customer. Additionally, the supply chain group will handle ad hoc air and ocean chartering for this project.

Be Aware of the Risks, Costs and Limits to Avoid Legal Problems

UK – WORLDWIDE – We return again to the thorny question of insurance, a subject which should always be uppermost in the minds of both shippers and forwarding agents when dealing with any consignment, but particularly when high values and/or delicate commodities are involved. Many shippers still live with the belief that, when they hand over their precious goods, the agents or shipping companies involved automatically will reimburse them in full for any losses or damage. The truth of course is that most operators in the supply chain who UK shippers come across are bound by such terms and conditions as CMR, The British International Freight Association (BIFA) or the Road Haulage Association (RHA).

To Build Bespoke Temperature Controlled Facility at UKs Newest Port

UK – Luton-based fruit importers and ripeners, SH Pratt Group is to take a lease on a bespoke temperature-controlled distribution facility at DP World London Gateway. Its new business, named Halo, will be sited at the 108,555 square foot, state-of-the-art, multi-chambered warehouse within DP World London Gateway Logistics Park's West Zone, where it will handle multi-temperature products, before distributing them to the UK consumer market. David Bateman, Managing Director, SH Pratts Group, said:

Crowley Offers New Weekly Sailings

US – PANAMA – COSTA RICA – Crowley Liner Services will begin fixed-day, weekly sailings on Wednesday, August 9, directly between Florida and Costa Rica and Panama. The new service will offer fast transits to speed cargo to market at peak times, with Crowley's vessels sailing southbound from Florida on Wednesdays from the Port of Jacksonville, and Fridays from Port Everglades, and will arrive on Tuesdays in Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, and on Wednesdays in Manzanillo, Panama.

What Vehicles Will be Allowed on City Streets in Four Years Time?

UK – The recent decision by the government to largely place the emphasis on local authorities when it comes to cutting emissions from road transport has left confusion amongst haulage interests as to how to plan the structure of their fleets for the future. In a bid to offer guidance the next series of Freight Transport Association's (FTA) Transport Manager Conferences will attempt to steer operators in the right direction.

How to Prove the Case for Amps over Diesel Will Work for You

UK – Road haulage operators can be an innovative bunch, but not when there is a risk to business, and this, quite rightly, is exactly how the switch to electric vehicles is perceived by many truck operators which have relied on diesel powered lorries and vans for generations. Now however there may be a simple way to calculate what percentage of a fleet may safely make the change without encountering that obvious fear of literally running out of juice when still away from base.

Simple Vandalism Could Present Challenge to Future Technology

US – WORLDWIDE – Recent reports of major computer hacks and bitcoin ransomware has illustrated the vulnerability of modern technologies and the latest work undertaken by US students will do nothing to boost confidence. The Handy Shipping Guide has covered on multiple occasions developments in autonomous road haulage trucks and other vehicles that do not require a driver in order to make their deliveries. Despite a whole host of development currently being undertaken there is no doubt that there is a long way to go, as a team from several American universities has just demonstrated.

French Vehicles Chosen to Deliver UK Post

UK – Having decided to opt for electrically powered vans for its urban delivery routes the Royal Mail has signed an agreement with the French manufacturer to purchase 100 zero-emission Peugeot Partner L2 Electric vans. The vehicles will go into service from December 2017 at delivery offices around the UK, supported by a comprehensive rollout of charging infrastructure, including fast chargers.

Formal Planning Consent Sought Later This Year

UK – The consultation process undertaken by the Port of Tilbury we mentioned last month into the development of the new Tilbury2 port terminal has now been completed. The consultation invited the views of all statutory consultees and the surrounding communities and the results are under review by the port's owners, Forth Ports, prior to submitting a formal application for a development consent order (DCO) to the Planning Inspectorate (acting on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport) in the Autumn this year.

River Thames Celebration for an Old Warhorse

UK – Last week saw a celebration in the Pool of London with one of the last coal fired twin-screw steam tugs in the world saluted by the Royal Navy to mark her 90th birthday. The ST Portwey, which was built on the Clyde in 1927, came under the command of the Royal Navy during the Second World War when she was based in Dartmouth and carried out rescues of vessels and crews sunk by enemy action in the Channel.

Death of a Maritime Industry Stalwart

DUBAI – UK – A sad start to our weekly roundup of staff changes in the freight and logistics sector with the death of Sir Anthony Colman, Chairman of the Emirates Maritime Arbitration Centre (EMAC), who died on July 27, at the age of 79, after a short illness. Sir Anthony, who split his time between London and Dubai, has been described as a driving force from the very beginning for EMAC, overseeing settlement of disputes within the maritime sector in the UAE. He spent over 50 years paving the way to enhancements within the legal industry. Paying tribute to Sir Anthony, Majid Obaid Bin Bashir, Vice Chairman and Secretary General, EMAC said:

Some of the Stories that Didn't Headline this Week

UK – CCS-UK User Group, the body which manages, and commissions enhancements to, the CCS-UK community system, is working on a new module that will speed up deliveries to, and collections from, transit sheds at London Heathrow Airport. It follows the recent launch of CCS-UK Fallback, which provides an electronic safety net in the event of a major outage of the Customs computer.

More High Street Brands Join Campaign

MADAGASCAR – A campaign by the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) to put pressure on the Government of Madagascar has been boosted by the news that member brands of the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) including household names such as Marks and Spencer, Skins Ltd, Next Plc and Mens' Warehouse UK have all joined the labour organisation's campaign to see that ethical standards applies to dock workers in the country in future and see the reinstatement of 43 workers who were dismissed for joining a union. Paddy Crumlin, president of the ITF said:

Negotiations Will Impact on Whole Communities

UK– Brexit is likely to remain the major topic in the country for the next few years and the outcome of negotiations will have a major impact on the lives and businesses in all communities. None are likely to be more affected than the key points of import and export trade and, of these, the smaller ports around Britain which handle both specialist ferry services and general freight and passenger traffic are likely to feel the results of the discussions and changes more than most.

New Technology for Drivers Looks to be Gaining a Foothold in the Logistics Market

US – Three months after soft launching their to-order freight app in Texas, Uber Freight has announced that they are expanding the range that their service reaches. Now Uber Freight's full load road haulage booking service will be available across some of the biggest logistics markets in the US with California, Arizona, the Chicago-Midwest region, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina all now being linked to the booking service. Bill Driegert, director of Uber Freight, was extremely positive on the rapid development:

CILT Announces Finalists for 2017

UK –The finalists for the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT UK) 2017 Annual Awards for Excellence have been announced. Hosted by British journalist, broadcaster and former Member of Parliament, Michael Portillo, CILT will be celebrating the best and brightest in the UK's transport and logistics industry at the Royal Lancaster Hotel on October 19.

Federal Court Imposes Second Biggest Antitrust Penalty in History

AUSTRALIA – JAPAN – The Federal Court of Australia has convicted Japanese shipping line Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) of criminal cartel conduct and ordered it to pay a fine of A$25 million, the second-highest imposed in Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) history. The cartel involved collusion in fixing the freight rates and market shares for the RoRo shipments of motor vehicles to Australia.

DHL Reports Trials Showed Substantial Improvement in Picker Productivity

WORLDWIDE – Following on from an extensive global trial DHL Supply Chain has announced that it intends to expand its 'Vision Picking' solution in more warehouses around the globe, which the company says will 'establish a new standard in order picking for the industry'. The freight operator says smart glasses provide visual displays of order picking instructions, along with information on where items are located and where they need to be placed on a cart, freeing pickers hands of paper instructions and allowing them to work more efficiently and comfortably.

Operations to Cease This Year Subject to Financial Conduct Authority Permission

UK – WORLDWIDE – The Baltic Exchange, based in London but owned these days by the Singapore Exchange which bought it in November 2016 for a reported £87 million, is to cease its freight derivatives platform, Baltex, at the end of the year. The 600+ global member companies which make up the Exchange are responsible for a large proportion of all dry cargo and tanker trade deals as well as the sale and purchase of merchant vessels, overseen by the Exchange code of conduct.

Colon Free Zone is Hub for 1,000 Stores

PANAMA – The Unicomer group, headquartered in San Salvador and which has witnessed phenomenal growth, particularly in Central and South America, since entering the appliance and furniture retail sectors in 2000, has continued its partnership with freight forwarder and logistics specialist Kuehne + Nagel and this has led to the Swiss group opening a new Panamanian facility for the reception, storage and distribution activities of Unicomer's 1,000 plus stores in 24 countries.

Growth Rate Almost Triple Industry Average for Past Lustrum

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 10.4% in the first-half of 2017 compared to the same period last year. This was the strongest first half-year performance since air cargo's rebound from the Global Financial Crisis in 2010 and nearly triple the industry's average growth rate of 3.9% over the last five years.

Meanwhile Specialist Containers Hit the Tracks and Scottish Policy 'Encouraging'

EUROPE – UK – In rail freight news there is concern that users of rail may be in for a summer and autumn of discontent with a vast amount of infrastructure projects across the continent leading to cargo returning to road haulage. Meanwhile in the UK, Network Rail has placed a second order with CakeBoxx Technologies, manufacturers of the innovative container design we have often featured on these pages.

Major Boost for VisionDrive

UK – Lincoln-based vehicle transportation specialists VisionDrive have signed a prime partner agreement with international logistics company GEFCO. VisionDrive, the brainchild of Directors Ian Smith and Jack Davies, was founded in August 2016 and current makes more than 300 movements of vehicles every month across the UK. Service Delivery Manager at GEFCO Deborah Young said:

Promises Five Years of Stability

US – The decision by West Coast longshore workers at 29 ports in California, Oregon and Washington have to extend their collective bargaining agreement with the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) for three years, has been warmly greeted by port operators. Early reporting from local unions indicates the contract extension will pass by 67% and the unions Coast Balloting Committee will announce the official results on August 4. If ratified as expected, the extended ILWU-PMA agreement, which was scheduled to expire on July 1, 2019, will now expire on July 1, 2022, giving a five year window clear of labour disputes.

Captains McGee and Phillips Recognised

WORLDWIDE – US – The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has named two members of the Houston Pilots, Captains Michael McGee and Michael Phillips, as recipients for the 2017 Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea. The first harbour pilots ever to be nominated and named recipients of the prestigious IMO award, the pair will be recognised for their role in averting a major tragedy when the ship they were piloting broke down and burst into flames after colliding with mooring dolphins.