Shipping Search - Archive

Unaccompanied Trailers Shipping Closer to the Capital

UK – FRANCE – There is to be a new daily freight ferry service launched by P&O which will run between Tilbury and Calais designed to give road haulage companies and shippers using unaccompanied trailers a route which terminates just 25 miles from Central London. Janette Bell, Chief Executive of P&O Ferries, said:

This Time its Artists Who are Targeted in Shipping Fraud

UK – A quick trawl through the Handy Shipping Guide News search facility will reveal several dozen articles about scams perpetuated on or in the freight and logistics sector. We have indeed had our own name quoted on false airway bills and other documents. Now another attempt at criminal deception has been brought to our attention.

Enhancement of Advance Information System

UK – Two users of the Advance Information System (AIS), which is free of charge to the users of the new CCS-UK module that helps speed up deliveries and collections of air cargo at Heathrow Airport, have collaborated with CCS-UK and the CCS-UK User Group to produce a system enhancement that enables them to send automatic status updates to airfreight forwarders and hauliers.

LPG Terminal Under Construction at Major Port

SOUTH AFRICA – The arrival of the Xin Si Lu, a 12,700dwt deck carrier from China last week at the Port of Richards Bay, signified a major leap forward for the advancement of lower emissions in the country. The cargo of four new 5,650 tonne liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage bullets will form part of the new gas terminal housing the largest storage tanks in the world.

Some Smaller but Interesting Items from the Industry News

WORLDWIDE – One of the big problems facing freight and logistics personnel who inhabit countries with developing economies is trying to better themselves whilst earning considerably less than their equivalent counterparts in better off states. Now the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is offering up to a 30% discount to those wishing to train for a career in the industry.

Commitment of Those Who Search the Oceans Receive Plaudits

WORLDWIDE – UK – Exceptional search and rescue teams, outstanding individuals and innovative technology from around the world have been recognised in the annual International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) Awards, held earlier this week during London International Shipping Week (LISW 2019).

Host of Acknowledgements for Companies and Individuals Throughout the Sector

UK – The annual Rail Freight Group (RFG) Awards for Excellence in the industry were announced during the ceremony and celebratory dinner held at the De Vere Latimer Estate Hotel, Chesham this week (12 September). PD Ports picked up the Business of the Year prize with the judges praising its outstanding commitment to its logistics customers and to the wider local community in the North East.

So Far a Happy Ending to a Potential Tragedy

US – The sight of the Golden Ray, the South Korean car carrier which capsized in Saint Simons Sound near Brunswick in Georgia last Sunday will have had chilling memories for UK readers, with the striking similarity of the images from the Herald of Free Enterprise which turned over in the English Channel in 1987 with the loss of 193 souls.

No Deal Doomsday Scenario Predicts Channel Ports Blocked for Up to Three Months

UK – The leaking of the government 'Yellowhammer' document which predicts cross Channel trade to be restricted initially to between 40-60% of current levels from Day 1 after leaving in the event of a no deal, has been understandably rather badly received by some of the UK's freight and logistics lobby. Operation Yellowhammer is the UK Treasury code name for departing the EU in such circumstances.

Scheme Managed by Trustees Familiar with the Industry

UK – As the only bespoke pension provider for the maritime industry, Ensign, which operates a not-for-profit model, was delighted this month to be awarded master trust authorisation from The Pensions Regulator (TPR). Master trusts must be authorised by TPR in order to operate, requiring schemes to demonstrate appropriate safeguards are in place to ensure the protection of 14 million savers in these schemes.

Brewing Up for Success as Coffee Sales Rise

UK – Britain's love affair with coffee seems to be growing endlessly, and not just in the hipster bars buzzing with baristas in London's Borough Market and Shoreditch. In just three weeks the Port of Tyne has offloaded enough of the beans to make four and a half million cups of the stuff, all imported for local tea and coffee merchant Ringtons.

Still Time to Nominate as Paralympic Athlete Announced as Event Host

UK – The British International Freight Association (BIFA) has announced Ade Adepitan, one of the UK's most well-known Paralympians and broadcasters, as the host for its annual Freight Service Awards competition. Entries to the awards, which are now in their 31st year, are still open. The appointment matches a succession of sporting heroes and heroines who have acted as BIFA hosts.

Danes Give Dutch - UK RoPax Routes Extra Capacity

DENMARK – UK – NETHERLANDS – DFDS has entered into an agreement with the Italian ferry company Moby to acquire the two combined freight and passenger ferries (RoPax) Moby Wonder and Moby Aki, to increase the capacity for both passengers and freight customers on the Amsterdam-Newcastle route. The ferries were built in 2001 and 2005, respectively.

Who is Responsible When You Get Hit by an Autonomous Vehicle?

GERMANY – US – Daimler Trucks and Torc Robotics have begun actively developing and testing highly automated trucks with SAE Level 4 intent technology on public roads. This at a time when driverless vehicles are under scrutiny, particularly from the insurance industry. The question being who pays if you are hit by an autonomous truck?

Range of Scenarios Studied in Depth on How to Reduce Future Pollution from Ships

WORLDWIDE – UK – DNV GL - Maritime has released the third edition of its Maritime Forecast to 2050 at London International Shipping Week (LISW 2019). The Maritime Forecast examines the future of the shipping industry in a rapidly changing global energy landscape, with this year's report focusing on the challenge of reducing the carbon intensity of the global fleet to meet the ambitious targets set by the IMO's greenhouse gas reduction (GHG) strategy. Remi Eriksen, Group President and CEO of DNV GL, commented:

Ships Receive Service Which Also Has Socio Economic Benefits Built In

SOUTH AFRICA – Two new AgustaWestland helicopters manufactured by Italian global high-tech company, Leonardo, have gone into service at the Ports of Durban and Richards Bay. The pair will service the KwaZulu-Natal ports where they will transfer marine pilots onto and off visiting ships for vessels to be guided in safely and efficiently.

Charity Wants a Permanent Floating Source of Assistance

UK – CARIBBEAN – The plan to launch a futuristic vessel to support disaster relief operations and train suitable staff, which we gave full details of in our August article, received some heavyweight support this week when it was officially launched at London International Shipping Week (LISW 2019).

Hurricane Dorian Shatters the Island Paradise

BAHAMAS – The halcyon, millionaires playground image of the Bahamas has been destroyed by the news coming out of the islands in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian which devastated many of the 700 or so islands and islets which make up the coral archipelago. Those on the scene report horrific scenes with all dwellings in some of the thirty or so inhabited islands totally ruined. A death toll of just 7 is likely to rise sharply as the first aid workers, including inevitably some from the freight and logistics community, arrive on the scene.

Low Carbon Projects Get a Cash Boost during LISW 2019

UK – As London International Shipping Week (LISW 2019) proceeds apace, the British government has announced further funding to support new low-carbon maritime shipping technology projects through Maritime Research and Innovation UK (MarRI-UK), a consortium of leading maritime organisations.

IMOIIMAX Merchant Ship Design Proving a Success

SWEDEN – WORLDWIDE – The widening range of classes of merchant ships as new technologies find their way into the industry are to be celebrated as they tend toward cutting emissions and reducing costs for ship operators and shippers alike. One company certainly celebrating this week is Gothenburg oil tanker fleet operator Concordia Maritime AB which is to receive a $5 million payout for its IMOIIMAX concept.

Pirates, Hijackers and People Smugglers to be Under the Eye in the Sky

UK – Worldwide – A new Memorandum of Understanding has been agreed between Reading headquartered Horizon Technologies and the Harwell based Satellite Applications Catapult, with the National Maritime Information Centre (NMIC), to provide government end-users with crucial maritime information allowing law enforcement agencies to pinpoint and potentially intercept law breakers at sea. The concept is to form a security umbrella for container ships, tankers and indeed any merchant vessels potentially at risk of attack whilst at sea.

Worries Expressed for Post Brexit Computer Records Prompt Calls for Delay to CDS

UK – With rhetoric over the imminent prospect of Brexit, hard, soft, no deal or otherwise ramping up by the day, the British International Freight Association (BIFA), which represents the views of Britain's freight forwarding and logistics professional community, has come forward to express its concerns over progress of the development of a new computer system that will replace an existing system used for processing Customs declarations.

Post Brexit Optimism from Government Ministers

UK – At the start of London International Shipping Week (LISW 2019) the event has been hailed by government as an indication that, no matter the result of Brexit, the UK is open for business and has a bright future in international trade. Maritime trade will take centre stage this week as 20,000 industry leaders head to the capital for a host of individual events, exhibitions and seminars all concluding on Friday September 13.

Call for Apprenticeship Levy as Government Unlocks Funds to Train HGV Drivers

UK – The government has announced its support for the not-for-profit 'Road to Logistics' scheme, a brainchild of the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and fleet telematics and management systems outfit Microlise. The pair have been working together for three years to put together a plan to fill the tens of thousands of vacancies which exist for commercial drivers. Now official sanction comes in the form of a £1 million investment from the Department for Transport.

As Some Crew Freed so Balance Sufficient to Run the Ship Remain as Hostages

IRAN – Quite what the Iranian authorities hope to achieve by their patently illegal detention of the Swedish owned 50,000 dwt bulk tanker Stena Impero, which was seized by its armed military forces some fifty days ago, remains a mystery to all concerned. This week five Indians, one Latvian and one Russian crew were allowed to leave and arrived, apparently safe and well, in Dubai.

Paucity of Staff Moves in This Holiday Period

HONG KONG – Kerry Logistics Network has appointed John Parkes as its Managing Director – Integrated Logistics, with immediate effect. Based in Hong Kong, Parkes will oversee the overall management of Kerry Logistics’ global integrated logistics (IL) business.

Some of the Smaller Items on the Logistics Agenda in the Past Seven Days

GERMANY – WORLDWIDE – With the news that according to the Transported Assets Protection Association (TAPA), cargo theft is at record levels, Danish headquartered maritime security information group Risk Intelligence A/S is expanding its products and services to cover land transportation. Announcing all new LandRisk, the company will offer companies involved in land-based logistics, by road, rail or in-land waterways a variety of sought-after tools to mitigate risks to employees, assets and cargo.

Bulk Carrier Held in Port After Accusations of Wage Theft and Bullying

AUSTRALIA – Another case of a company not paying wages to the crew of a merchant ship this week as the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) reveals it has detained the Chinese owned bulk carrier Fortune Genius at the Port of Gladstone after a series of allegations regarding the treatment of those on board.

Second UK Port Seizure in Under a Month

UK – An international investigation has resulted following the largest ever seizure of heroin in the UK this week, denying vast sums of money to organised crime groups and breaking a record that had only been set a mere few weeks prior. The National Crime Agency (NCA) has announced that nearly 1.3 tonnes of the Class A drug were recovered from a container ship, the Maersk Gibraltar, after she docked at the Port of Felixstowe on August 30.

Environment in Mind for Infrastructure and Intermodal Matters

UK – Two of the leading lights in the British rail freight sector have announcements this week, with a multi-million pound investment programme to improve track and rail infrastructure from DB Cargo UK, whilst GB Railfreight is to commence a new intermodal service from one of the country's leading container ports. Keywords DB Cargo UK GB Railfreight intermodal track infrastructure rail freight container ports

Acoustic Signature Monitored to Detect Changes

AUSTRALIA – US – WORLDWIDE – Ping Services has launched a device that uses acoustic analysis, machine learning and the Internet of Things (IoT) to continuously detect wind turbine blade damage. Ping has also partnered with fellow South Australian space start up, Myriota, a satellite communications company, to allow it to transmit data in remote areas without internet or mobile phone coverage. Whilst this may seem to have little to do with the logistics industry in fact Ping is investigating the development of applications for the rail freight industry.

More Efficient Fleet Management Using Internet of Things

FINLAND – WORLDWIDE – Digitalisation is bringing a revolution to the entire logistics sector ranging from tracking consignments right across the world, to artificial intelligence sorting Pick and Pack orders and drones providing security in rail transit facilities. One of the most useful aspects however is another form of security, providing safety for road haulage operators, with telematics offering more efficient truck fleet control with real time information. Now a major tyre manufacturer has introduced a product to boost tyre management options.

Partnership with Domestic Airline Seeks Emission Free Air Travel

UK – NORWAY – Industrial technology company Rolls-Royce, a name we are increasingly associating with environmental matters as opposed to prestigious cars and jet engines, and Scandinavian domestic airline Widerøe, have launched a joint research programme on zero-emissions aviation. The programme is part of the airline's ambition to replace and electrify its regional fleet of 30+ planes by 2030.

Scandinavian Mooring and Water Environment Specialists Combine Talents

SWEDEN – DENMARK – Trelleborg's marine and infrastructure operation has announced that it will collaborate with Danish water environment specialist, DHI, enabling marine consultants and port owners to more realistically simulate vessel movements in ports and increase port efficiency.

Base and Lid Design Means Ease of Securing Bulky Cargoes Properly

UK – Most people who know about the unique design of the containers produced by CakeBoxx Technologies think immediately of their use as high security boxes. The very fact that the two part units have no doors to be pried open make them a near impossible target for thieves not at least armed with heavy duty angle grinders, not the tools of choice for villains trying to keep quiet.

Memorial to the Dead Brings Criticism of Standards in Ocean Freight Carriage Today

UK – AUSTRALIA – WORLDWIDE – This year's Merchant Navy Day, September 3, is being widely celebrated, particularly by maritime unions at home and abroad. Australia is one place witnessing ceremonies commemorating the sacrifice of the one in eight Australian merchant seafarers who lost their lives during World War II, fighting to maintain the supply chain of goods and materials so essential to maintain the war effort.

Concerns at Leading European Airport Over Half Year Statistics

NETHERLANDS – WORLDWIDE – A deterioration of the air freight market coupled with the lack of suitable capacity has been blamed and is concerning the management at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol following the release of figures showing how total cargo volume decreased by 9.2% to 767,519 tonnes, compared with 2018, but total belly cargo volume increased by 0.9% as the mid-year figures were released.

Merchant Navy Medal Winners Include an Heroic 93 Year Old Year Veteran Captain

UK – As an island race the British have a long association with the sea and, in an age when crews tend to have an international flavour, there is still room to celebrate those sailors from home and abroad who have contributed, particularly on this, Merchant Navy day (September 3), with the announcement of the recipients of the 2019 Merchant Navy Medal awards.

Channel Tunnel Carries Over 25 Percent of British European Trade

UK – FRANCE – As confusion continues amongst the political elite in London and Brussels the Channel Tunnel authorities have been at pains to point out that, no matter the result of the shenanigans in Westminster and beyond, the pipeline which carries a quarter of the goods traded between the UK and Europe is Brexit ready.

Airlines and Forwarders Served by New Facility

FRANCE – This month sees Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), which claims the title of the world's largest air cargo handler, open its new €10 million Pharma Centre in its home town of Paris. The company already operates its range of services for airline and freight forwarding customers from the chosen venue of Charles de Gaulle airport. The investment figure quoted also includes equipment and supplies for the next decade.

Desire to Maintain a Pristine Environment with Sustainable Energy

UK – With the protection of the environment currently very much to the fore, one of the places in Britain which sees a diverse abundance of wildlife in land, sea and air is the group of islands which lay off Scotland's west coast. Now a study has been conducted to evaluate the use of hydrogen powered RoRo ferries on the lifeline freight and passenger routes which service them from the mainland in a bid to protect this unique habitat.