UK – There will be heartfelt digital sobs from many quarters of the British freight forwarding community as the event many look forward to as their one chance every year of a really fine square meal will, as with so many other awards, conferences and social events, be a virtual ceremony this time round.
UK – The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Road Freight and Logistics has recommended that the Government pauses the rollout of Clean Air Zones (CAZ) whilst it undertakes a review to consider if they are still required given the efforts by truck and car makers to minimise emissions.
WORLDWIDE – The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) has launched a survey to try and understand the current gender balance in search and rescue (SAR) organisations around the world. The NGO is asking members of the industry, whether paid professionals or volunteers, national, regional or local, to provide details so they can better understand the issue.
GHANA – Waters just five nautical miles from the Western perimeter of the Gulf of Guinea witnessed yet another kidnapping from a merchant vessel as four crew from a complement of 23 were seized by pirates. This was the 24th such incident in 2020, a year which so far has seen a reported 122 crew taken in such a way.
CHINA / AUSTRALIA – The Chinese attempt to bully Australia into toeing the party line has been gaining some attention recently in the international press. Most reports focus on the value of the approximately 5.7 million tonnes of coal currently sitting in the holds of sixty-six bulk carriers that are languishing off the Chinese coast after being refused permission to dock.
WORLDWIDE – Despite all the talk of international bodies, governments and vessel owners resolving the problem the Trade Union Nautilus International, which represents thousands of maritime professionals, says the situation involving suspended and extended crew changes during the Covid-19 pandemic remains critical.
UK – The ever popular Multimodal Show which was originally scheduled to take place on 16 -18 June 2020 and rescheduled to 23-25 March 2021, has now been postponed to 22-24 June 2021 at NEC, Birmingham. The decision was made with regard to the safety of customers, attendees, staff and suppliers and based upon both governmental directions and general public health advice.
UK – As the lines dividing traditional roles in the industry become ever more blurred the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has confirmed the launch of a new rail service connecting the East Midlands and the Port of Liverpool. The deal is another step for the deep sea container companies to expand their interests into other branches of logistics.
NORWAY – An old veteran of the Norwegian coast is to retire from service and take on a new role. After nearly six decades the MS Lofoten is slated to leave the Hurtigruten fleet and become a training ship - educating future generations of seafarers.
UK – With the government having written to every business in the country to advise what they can expect, and prepare for, as Britain leaves the EU, one might hope that everyone is on the same page and ready to seamlessly move to a position where they are comfortable with the country's new independence.
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