Shipping Search - Archive

Personnel Changes Within the Commercial Transport Industry Worldwide

DENMARK – SWITZERLAND – After the recent acquisition of Panalpina by DSV, the Board of Directors has resolved to further downsize Panalpina's Executive Board by eliminating the positions of Chief Commercial Officer, Chief Legal Officer, Chief Information Officer, Executive Vice President - Air Freight, and Executive Vice President - Ocean Freight.

News on Freight and Logistics Stories at a Glance

AUSTRIA – We start the weekly look at some of the shipping and general transport items you may have missed recently with the announcement that logistics outfit Gebrüder Weiss has taken over freight forwarder Koler, Kuhn & Merk Speditions Ges.m.b.H (KK+M), an established Tyrol based freight forwarding company with over five decades of history.

More Government Money Available to Successful Bidders

UK – Following the announcement today (August 30) that the UK Government has opened a new grants scheme for infrastructure modifications at ports in preparation for a 'no deal' Brexit, the British Ports Association has welcomed the funding but, unsurprisingly, has suggested that at this late stage a deal would still be the best way to avoid potential disruptions at the border.

Huge Fines and the Threat of Prison for Conspirators

US – The US District Court of the Virgin Islands has convicted and sentenced Greek shipping companies, Ionian Shipping and Trading and Lily Shipping, along with individual ships officers from one of the tanker fleet, Stamatios Alekidis, Athanasios Pittas and Rey Espulgar, for various pollution, recordkeeping, and obstruction of justice crimes on the MT Ocean Princess after an elaborate conspiracy designed to hide the facts from the maritime authorities.

Electronic Cargo Booking Services Created

WORLDWIDE – International freight forwarder Kuehne + Nagel and air freight carrier Air France KLM Martinair Cargo have joined forces to improve integration of their electronic booking processes. In a proof of concept that was recently brought to conclusion, the two companies enabled total host-to-host connection through application programming interface technology (API) allowing for a system-based, integrated and interactive match between available capacity and demand.

Stakeholders and Ministry Set Out to Change the View of the Marine Sector

UK – Maritime UK, working alongside the Department for Transport (DfT) and Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) have a launched a new 'Maritime and Me' campaign to profile women in maritime and encourage girls to join the sector.

Second Largest Irish Port Foresees Longer Processing Times for Freight

IRELAND – In preparation for the seemingly ever more likely fact that the UK will depart the European Union in October without any deal, something which will have major repercussions for the whole of the island of Ireland, the Port of Cork has announced that it has doubled the size of its customs facilities in preparation.

Multi-Million Dollar Investment in Supply Chain Clean Up

WORLDWIDE – Global logistics company Agility, has announced that, so far, it has invested $18 million in green supply chain technologies through its corporate venture arm Agility Ventures. The announcement came as part of Agility's launch of its latest sustainability report, 'Values into Action'. This follows the news that the company has committed to adopt science-based targets for greenhouse gas emissions reduction and engendered third-party certification for its shipment emissions reporting.

Dangerous Goods in the Spotlight but the Ability to Penalise Shippers Queried

SWITZERLAND – WORLDWIDE – The recent announcement from major ocean container shipping lines including Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM)and OOCL that they will henceforth 'fine' those shippers which misdeclare cargo prompted an immediate response from the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) which called for discussions to clarify the matter.

Who Fancies an Autonomous Air Taxi to the Office?

AUSTRIA – CHINA – Newly merged global freight forwarding and logistics company DSV Panalpina is transporting some futuristic freight - autonomous aerial vehicles (AAVs) for moving people or goods efficiently in cities. Under a partnership between Austrian aerospace group FACC and Chinese technology company EHang, the transport specialists shipped the first prototypes by air freight between the two countries, also taking care of customs brokerage and last-mile delivery in Austria.

Born Free Lobby Wins Vote to Ban Heinous Global Trade

AFRICA – SWITZERLAND – WORLDWIDE – Never, since Hannibal crossed the Alps in 218BC, have elephants likely played such an important role in the region after the recent UN Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Geneva passed a ban to end the barbaric practice of capturing live wild baby and juvenile elephants in Zimbabwe and Botswana, for trade to zoos and circuses around the world.

More LNG Use and Major Policy Initiative Announced Despite Commercial Advantages

FRANCE – WORLDWIDE – Before he headed off to meet other world leaders at the G7 summit, French President, Emmanuel Macron invited a variety of stakeholders in the global shipping industry to discuss climate change and both the country's, and the industry's, plans on how to deal with the environmental problems the world will face in the coming decades.

Middle Eastern Deal Sees New Link Forged in Belt and Road Strategy

DUBAI – Port and logistics group DP World has announced a partnership with the Zhejiang China Commodity City Group Company (CCC) to develop what the pair term a 'Traders Market' in the Jebel Ali Freezone (JAFZA) and they say, create the first smart Freezone market place in the Middle-East for the retail and wholesale industries aiming to serve the wider region with a population base of over 2 billion.

Authorities Proceed Against Third Line for Antitrust Behaviour

AUSTRALIA – Following continuing investigations by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Norwegian headquartered shipping company, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean (WWO), a substantial part of whose business is specialising in deep sea automotive transport, is the latest of the car carriers to be charged with criminal cartel conduct.

HR News from Around the Industry

UK – Appointments announced recently in the shipping and logistics sector start with the news that the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) has appointed Nicola Ridges-Jones, Managing Director of MS Holdings (South), as the association's new Chair. She succeeds Stobart Aviation's Graeme Undy, who has served in the role since 2016.

What You May Have Missed in the Shipping Sector

UK – The week's round up of snippets of freight and logistics news you may have missed begins with the relocation of Eastern Caribbean shipping firm Geest Line which is returning to Portsmouth just two years after relocating to Dover. The company says it moved its cargo handling operation to the Kent port due to scheduling difficulties at Portsmouth, which have now been resolved.

What Import and Export Shippers Should be Doing in Case of a No Deal

UK – EUROPE – With the likelihood of the UK departing the European Union without a formal deal on trade, advice continues to pour in from all quarters, some good, some misplaced. One freight forwarding outfit which has come out with some sensible points is international operator Rhenus Logistics, which has produced a handy checklist for international shippers of goods to help them manage their requirements in the run-up to Britain's exit.

Charity Has Big Ideas for One of a Kind Vessel

UK – A comprehensive group of British stakeholders and supporters are to get behind an ambitious initiative from Britannia Maritime Aid (BMA), a registered charity which aims to build a futuristic, £150 million training and disaster relief vessel in the UK. The official plans will be launched at the UK Chamber of Shipping on Monday September 9 during London International Shipping Week (LISW2019) but a foretaste of what is scheduled has been released.

Hijackers Sneaked Aboard During the Night

CAMEROON – Eight members of the crew of the MarMalaita, the 679 TEU multi-purpose cargo vessel operated by the Hamburg based company MC Schiffahrt and attacked by pirates during the night of August 14, are still being held by their captors. Four of the crew remained on board after the criminal gang sneaked aboard just before midnight and hijacked the crew whilst she was at anchorage in Douala. The company issued a statement saying:

Computer Controlled Semi's on US Freight Forwarding Route

US – The venture capital arm of parcel and logistics giant UPS, UPS Ventures, has made a minority investment in San Diego-based autonomous driving company TuSimple. Together, both companies are testing self-driving tractor trailers on a route in Arizona to determine whether the vehicles can improve service and efficiency in the UPS network. This is an extension of the ongoing commercial relationship between UPS and TuSimple in which UPS has purchased transportation services from TuSimple.

EU Will Hand Ammunition to Brexiteers if it Fails to Stop Animal Shipments

EUROPE – WORLDWIDE – Wildlife charity the Born Free Foundation has lashed out at the European Union over its reported intention to vote against wild animal protection. This week, in a landmark decision, 46 governments voted in committee to end the barbaric practice of capturing live wild baby and juvenile elephants, mainly in Zimbabwe, for trade to zoos and circuses around the world, at the UN Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Terminal Working to be Made More Flexible

GEORGIA – The container handling facility of APM Terminals Poti has commenced the implementation of uninterrupted 24/7 operations to maximise berth utilisation, increase efficiency and speed up vessel handling. The introduction of a flexible workforce management solution will take place in two phases. Phase one will apply to single berth occupancy. The workforce currently allocated to the free berth will be assigned to the operational berth to cover break times and support a smooth and uninterrupted workflow.

Shipping and Refining Interests Produce Helpful Advice

WORLDWIDE – With the imposition of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Sulphur Cap just months away a number of shipping, refining, fuel supply and standards organisations have worked together with the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) to produce a free to download Joint Industry Guide on the supply and use of 0.50% sulphur marine fuel.

October Schedules Published

AUSTRALIA – SOUTH EAST ASIA – The advent of containerisation was a revolution for many shipping lines, not least one with a history stretching back almost 150 years. Australia and New Zealand were trial markets for the new system and Hamburg Süd was one of the first to adapt to it, since when trade in Oceania has become a key element in the company's service portfolio.

AEO Status Achieved by Five Dock Operations

UK – One of the few certainties regarding the country's post Brexit status upon which most people in the logistics profession are agreed is that achieving Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status is likely to be important factor in being able to trade more freely than otherwise. This certification assures the authorities that the operator involved has a secure supply chain with suitable efficient and compliant Customs procedures in place.

Sluggish Reaction of National Authorities Angers Association

SLOVAKIA – EUROPEAN UNION – The European rail cargo sector has been involved in controversy for years, with accusations, including the exchange of funds between infrastructure interests and rolling stock management, coming from a variety of sources. States flaunt EU rules and objectors say this is both anticompetitive and harmful to consumer interests. Now a new row has erupted after the European Rail Freight Association levelled its sights at the Slovakian authorities.

New Units Save on Emissions as Against Euro VI Trucks

AUSTRIA – EUROPE – Freight forwarding firm Gebrüder Weiss has taken delivery of its third gas powered truck as the company continues to test the waters of new technology with regard to its search for eco-friendly drive technologies in everyday logistics work. The latest vehicle runs on compressed natural gas (CNG) and will be used to carry freight for consumer goods manufacturer Henkel between the customer's plants in Vienna and Kruševac in Serbia.

Information and Operational Technology Systems Attempt to Negate Cyber Crime

SOUTH KOREA – WORLDWIDE – More used to applying for standards affecting some of the world's heaviest engineering such as new ship design, Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has received type approval from Lloyd's Register (LR) for the network security digital component of its Integrated Smartship Solution (ISS), confirming that the approved component performs its functionality seamlessly. This is the first ever type approval of a digital component.

Lorry Drivers Must Watch Out for Visibility Regulations

UK – Whether or not he leaves office in May 2020 having completed the mandatory period of service, or survives like his only pair of predecessors in the job, to manage two terms of four years, London Mayor Sadiq Khan will likely be best remembered for his impact on transport in the city. Public fares aside, the Mayor's extension of predecessor Boris Johnson's dabble with transport policies means Khan's legacy will probably centre on his effect on vehicle emissions and accident prevention.

Training for Mechanics to Support the Saving of Lives in Africa

ZAMBIA – UK – Go-Ahead, the local bus operator which has evolved into one of the UK's major passenger carriers tells us that one of its staff, Senior Vehicle Engineer Robert Watson, has completed his first placement with international development charity, Transaid's Professional Driver Training programme. The voluntary secondment delivered an intensive mechanical training course designed to help improve road safety and reduce the number of transport-related deaths in Africa.

Logistics Company Sees Largest Ever Box Vessel Make Historic Voyage

EUROPE – CHINA – Earlier this month the MSC Gülsün transited the Suez Canal en route from Northern China to Europe before docking in Algeciras. At a hair's breadth under 400 metres the ship is claimed as the largest container vessel in the world and is the first of a new class of 23,000+ TEU vessels to be added in 2019-2020 to the global shipping network of MSC, a world leader in transportation and logistics and the shipping industry's second largest box carrier.

Share Swap Completed to Amalgamate Two Transport Giants

DENMARK – SWITZERLAND – As expected the final stage of DSV's acquisition of Panalpina went through today (August 19) with the completion of the previously announced public exchange share offer. The deal sees Panalpina shareholders today receive 2.375 DSV shares (with a nominal value of DKK 1 per share) for each Panalpina share as the two freight forwarding, haulage and logistics groups combine.

Specialist Transport Lawyer Recommends UK Signs Up - But Will All Governments Honour It?

UK – WORLDWIDE – The law, as it relates to the shipping industry, can be a complicated and expensive beast. Now specialist shipping and logistics lawyer John Habergham of Humber-based Myton Law has put the case for the UK to sign up to a new United Nations Convention relating to the settlement of international commercial disputes through mediation.

Next Step as Global Online Retail Market Expansion Continues

SOUTH AFRICA – Tigers South Africa, part of the global e-commerce fulfilment, transportation, and supply chain solutions specialist group headquartered in Hong Kong, has officially opened a dedicated e-commerce centre at its Johannesburg, South Africa, warehouse facility, as the online retail market continues to grow globally.

Anti-Counterfeit Crime Fighting Tool Welcomed by Hong Kong Group

WORLDWIDE – Few companies in the history of logistics can claim to have had such a wide reaching influence on the industry as Amazon. The e-commerce company now covers the world with its services which allow consumers direct access to a plethora of products available for rapid delivery straight to their doors.

Port Glasgow Group Deal Delights Transport Unions

UK – The troubled Ferguson Marine Engineering shipyard in Port Glasgow has been taken into public ownership after the Scottish Government agreed to nationalise it following two years of extensive discussions with partners to try and find a workable commercial solution to its demise. The agreement ensures that the two ferries being built there for Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL), and scheduled to supply lifeline island freight and passenger services, will be completed.

Trans-Atlantic Tie Up Moves to Next Level

UK – US – Two of the world's major airlines have announced a routes tie up which the pair say will see cargo customers their best-ever choice of trans-Atlantic capacity, routes and frequencies. The new Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines cooperation will boost flights from next summer with a move that sees Delta join Virgin Atlantic at Gatwick Airport for the first time, an expansion which will doubtless please air freight clients.

Staff Moves Within the Transport Industry

UK – For the third year in a row, the British International Freight Association (BIFA) has expanded its training team with the appointment of Liz Sumner as Trainer - Freight and Customs Procedures. Sumner, who joins from DSV Air and Sea, will be based in the Midlands, and has over 30 years of experience in freight forwarding and logistics, the majority with DB Schenker, including supervisory roles, covering imports, customs, customer service and key account management.

It Seems Road Haulage Companies Wish to Avoid the New Technology

UK – EUROPEAN UNION – The figures released recently by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show a jump in new HGV registrations in both of the last two quarters, increases the SMMT ascribes to a piece of EU technology legislation regarding the mandatory fitting of 'smart' tachographs to all new commercial vehicles.

Win for Trucking Lobby After Threats of Price Increases

US – CHINA – The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has announced that it is pleased to have won the argument against increased US tariffs on Chinese produced 53 foot domestic intermodal shipping containers. In June, the ATA told the US Trade Representative (USTR) that the only two manufacturers of these kind of containers, used commonly in intermodal transportation, were located in China, and as such, freight transportation companies would have no choice but to pay the additional cost because no domestic alternative existed.

Weekly Update of Some Less Well Publicised items from Around the Industry

UK – US – We start the regular update of some lesser known news from around the world of freight and logistics with the announcement that mobile marketing agency Purplegator is taking aim at the UK HGV driver market with the same sales technique used in the US, which it claims has been having considerable success in attracting passive job seeking drivers, that is those who aren't actively looking for work but may be interested in knowing about suitable opportunities.

New Money Available for Express Freight Service

UK – EUROPE – The Department of Health and Social Care is strengthening its Brexit preparations with a £25 million contract to set up an express freight service to deliver medicines and medical products into the country. The so called pharma shipments have been the source of concerns with regard the maintenance of an effective import supply chain after extra Customs checks are likely to be instigated when Britain exits the EU.

Series of Communications and Physical Attacks Spawn Latest Advice

US – IRAN – The US Maritime Administration has issued its latest advisory notice, 2019-012, superseding any previous documents, regarding the heightening of military activity in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea and Red Sea. The document is aimed squarely at the behaviour of Iranian military forces since May 2019 and is very specific as to the type of threat which merchant vessels are under from that country.

Freight Stakeholders Investigate How to Work Collectively in the Supply Chain

EUROPE – After three years of research and development the Shared European Logistics Intelligent Information Space (SELIS) will be brought to a close. The principals say this is a successful outcome producing collaborative, open and cloud-based intelligence platform that encapsulates built-in industry knowledge. Given the input of such freight industry luminaries as DHL, the Port of Rotterdam and A.P. Moller - Maersk, one would hope that is indeed the case.

Things Not So Amicable with Anglophile French Port Boss Over Brexit Speech

UK – As the saying goes, a week is a long time in politics, it follows therefore that five of them is more like an aeon, and it is that long since former Department for Transport Secretary Chris Grayling fell out so badly with Road Haulage Association (RHA) Chief Executive Richard Burnett over the latter's publication of the thinly veiled threat from the DfT official to exclude the freight lobby group from any further involvement in Brexit discussions.

Multimodal Distribution Options Available from New Facility

GERMANY – SWITZERLAND – DENMARK – Panalpina's newly opened Healthcare Logistics Centre in Weiterstadt near Frankfurt/Main has obtained Good Distribution Practice (GDP) certification and says it is ready to assist healthcare customers with the handling, transport and storage of their temperature-sensitive medicinal products. Frankfurt is Panalpina's third logistics facility in Germany's Rhein-Main region, alongside Moerfelden and Neu-Isenburg. However how long the Swiss group's name stays above the door is a matter of conjecture.

Massive Crane and Pipe Laying Vessels Get the Digital Observation Treatment

NORWAY – ITALY – DNV GL's maritime software portfolio includes its ShipManager Hull technology, now installed on more than five hundred vessels worldwide. The programme enables users to employ 3D digital twins for full lifecycle management of the hull structure of the chosen vessel. All data is centralised and easily accessible for steel and coating calculations and predictive analytics, which DNV GL says enables significant cost savings, especially in dry-dock procedures.

Big Brother Proposal for Citizens to Report Idling HGVs

UK – The recent report on air pollution from the Liberal Conservative outfit Bright Blue, 'Emission Impossible', has been roundly dismissed by the lobby group FairFuelUK which has successfully campaigned for some considerable time to ensure duty levels on fuel for private motorists and trucking companies remains at current levels. FairFuelUK is sponsored by both the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and the Freight Transport Association (FTA).

International Gang Fixing to Sell Drugs Transhipped in Antwerp Throughout Europe

UK – BELGIUM – NETHERLANDS – An international law enforcement investigation has resulted in one of the largest ever seizures of heroin in the UK. National Crime Agency (NCA) intelligence had identified a container vessel suspected of carrying a large drugs shipment en route to Antwerp, Belgium hidden in one of the inbound boxes.

Ships Made to Leave Port for Treatment

US – The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency has recently intercepted several vessels, including car carriers and an LNG tanker, each with suspected traces of the destructive invasive species, the Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM), after each vessel made port calls in Japan, during the country's AGM high risk season. According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the AGM is among the most damaging pests of hardwood forests and urban landscapes, defoliating over a million forested acres annually, and the CBP agriculture specialists are working hard to keep the moths from establishing in the US.

Self-Employed Drivers Allegedly Forced to Accept Terms

UK – The transport union GMB has slammed parcel group Yodel's tactics in signing up its self-employed drivers for 28 days or, according to the union, undergo a threat of no further work and potential contract termination. The GMB says Yodel should follow the lead set by Hermes in February this year when the group set up its 'self-employed plus' status in which Hermes workers can choose to take up to 28 days of paid leave, compared with Yodel which says drivers must arrange holiday cover for their rounds when they wish to go away.

England and Wales May See Technology Banned

UK – The controversy regarding the use of mobile phones when behind the wheel has entered a new phase with a report published today by the Commons Transport Select Committee stating that use of a hands free option, currently permissible, presented ' the same risk of collision', something that will doubtless be disputed by many, including many HGV and van delivery drivers who use the devices routinely in the course of their daily work.

Kids Studying Far from Home Had No Beds to Sleep On

AUSTRIA – CHINA – Fischamend headquartered cargo-partner, which offers a full suite of logistics optimisation services to supply chain customers, has been supporting children studying at a remote school in the Chinese mountains after learning that 520 of the 590 students attending classes were sleeping in the school as their family homes were simply too far way to travel on a daily basis.

German Industry Initiatives to Cut Emissions

GERMANY – WORLDWIDE – One of the biggest things in the minds of freight and passenger air carriers alike is undoubtedly climate change, and what the industry can do to mitigate this. Unlike road, rail and ocean travel the opportunities for revolutionary motive units powered in vastly different ways and using different fuel sources are, currently at least, extremely limited.

Record Ever Month for TEU Traffic in 92 Years of Trading

US – Amongst all the talk of trade wars one place which certainly seems to be receiving a boost due to projected rising import tariffs, however temporary, is the West Coast Port of Oakland in California which has reported its busiest ever month in the port's 92-year history for containerised import cargo. The July figure saw the 90,000 container threshold for a month broken for the first ever time, and it wasn't imports alone which rose.

Industry Staff News from Around the Globe

SWITZERLAND – At its extraordinary general meeting earlier this week, freight forwarding and logistics group Panalpina has elected Kurt Larsen as Member and Chairman of the Board of Directors as well as Thomas Plenborg, Jens Bjørn Andersen and Jens Lund as Members of the Board of Directors, effective as of the settlement of DSV takeover bid, which is expected to occur on or around August 19.

A Few of the Smaller Items Relevant to the Logistics Sector This Week

PANAMA – We begin our weekly global look at some of the smaller freight and logistics news items with evidence that slow steaming isn't only environmentally friendly as it means ships using less fuel, hence lower emissions. Until 30 November the Panama Canal will promote the implementation of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) annual recommendations on speed and maritime transit aimed at protecting cetaceans, which include whales, dolphins and other large aquatic mammals, during their nearby seasonal migration.

Where Are the Advantages and How Does One Keep Out the Criminal Elements?

UK – It seems that the new Conservative administration is prepared to happily talk its way through uncharted territory as it charges toward a very possible no deal Brexit scenario. The latest initiative has been mentioned by the uninspiring figure of the Right Honourable Elizabeth Truss MP, the new Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade, namely the establishment of Free Ports in the UK.

From Ferries to Offshore Wind Farm Support Vessels 120 Year Old Group Looks Forward

BELGIUM – EUROPE – JAPAN – The Antwerp headquartered diversified shipping and logistics group CMB has released a plethora of information as it progresses its plans to develop hydrogen powered vessels to service a variety of industries. Formed in 1895 CMB has a history of always staying ahead of the game and looking to the future.

Major Freight Interests Join in Partnership

NETHERLANDS – The Port of Rotterdam Authority has launched its new company, PortXchange Products, which will focus on offering the digital shipping app, Pronto, to ports around the world over the next few years. Pronto is a joint platform that can be used by shipping companies, agents, terminals, port authorities and other maritime service providers, intended to enable them to optimally plan, execute and monitor all activities during a port call based on the exchange of standardised data.

Hefty Fines for Those Shippers Who Transgress

WORLDWIDE – The fire aboard the Yantian Express fire earlier this year, shipping line Hapag Lloyd has announced it will levy a penalty charge of $15,000 on any shipper who misdeclares dangerous cargoes loaded in containers. To do so is a violation of Hazmat regulations as laid down by such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The carriage of dangerous goods in packaged form must comply with the relevant provisions of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code which is considered and extension to the provisions of SOLAS chapter VII.

Driver Shortage and Brexit Fears Not On the Agenda

UK – International freight and logistics Group DHL Supply Chain has announced a significant fleet investment in the UK. The investment, worth £90 million, will put over 1,000 new road haulage vehicles into service in the UK during 2019, and will include tractor units, as well as specialised rigids and multi temperature-controlled vehicles. All vehicles will be equipped with the latest safety features, including cameras, Microlise telematics and the latest engine technology.

Further Demonstrations to Take Place This Month

UK – There will be more protests this month by the maritime union RMT against crewing with non-union labour aboard ferry services from the UK. The protests will be organised under the banner of RMT's SOS 2020 campaign which requires equal rights in employment, equality and immigration law for UK seafarers, statutory training targets for UK ratings, protection for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary's Merchant Seafarers from privatisation, and legislation in the style of the US 'Jones Act'.

Africa the Only Bright Spot on International Carriers' Cargo Record

WORLDWIDE – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released data for global air freight markets showing that demand for services has decreased for the eighth consecutive month of year-on-year decline in cargo volumes, and the organisation is largely putting the blame at the feet of the US president and the politicians responsible for a heightening of tensions over world trade.

Ships at Sea or Anchorage Will Always Prove a Target for Criminals

ASIA – AFRICA – Although the rash of serious pirate attacks off the Somalian coast which we reported on almost a daily basis in the years leading up to 2017 have since diminished, that does not mean the seas of the world are now always a safe place to ply one's trade. It was a concentrated, internationally coordinated policy of increased naval surveillance which managed to largely control the hijacking of container ships and tankers in the Indian Ocean, but elsewhere every day brings the risk of assault on the innocent.

Four Major Companies Say Their New Venture Will Have a lot of Leverage

JAPAN – Asahi Tanker, Exeno Yamamizu Corporation, Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), and the Mitsubishi Corporation have announced their agreement to create a strategic partnership to provide new infrastructure services within the marine shipping industry that focus on electrically powered vessels. Their newly established company, e5 Lab, will work to develop and promote the greater use of this relatively clean mode of maritime transport.

3PLs Bad at Innovation with an Inflated Self Image. It's Not Pretty

UK – In a report which will give pause for thought to many in the logistics profession, consultancy firm SCALA has outlined some findings we all in the trade should be aware of. The report examines the role and success or otherwise of UK third party logistics providers, 3PLs. It is important to firstly examine fully the meaning of that term in this context.

Warehouse Experts Concerned for Food Imports and Xmas Rush at Brexit Time

UK – The head of the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) has made some pertinent points regarding the HM government's promise to release a £2.1 billion funding package, asking for precise details of where the money will be spent. The UKWA is in consultation with the government's Border Delivery Group to provide insight from the logistics industry and to gather the latest information on no-deal preparations to disseminate to its members. CEO, Peter Ward, said:

Japanese Groups Strive for More Efficiency and Lower Emissions

JAPAN – WORLDWIDE – With the International Maritime Organization's mandatory sulphur cap fast approaching, liquefied natural gas (LNG) is rapidly being adopted as an alternative fuel to the familiar heavy oil which traditionally powers every large vessel class, from container ships to bulk carriers and tankers of every type. Now K Line and Namura Shipbuilding say they have joint approval in principle from DNV GL for a new concept design.

Shipping Services Expansion Continues Despite Unrest in Hong Kong

HONG KONG – With a general strike under way in the 'special administrative region' of China, things must be particularly stressed there at the moment as tensions rise after the people's backlash against proposed extradition laws. Life however goes on, and for Hong Kong Air Cargo Industry Services Limited (Hacis), the internal trade links have just been strengthened.

Record Penalty Imposed Even After Mitigation for Guilty Plea

AUSTRALIA – The Federal Court of Australia has convicted Japanese shipping line Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K-Line) of criminal cartel conduct and ordered it to pay a fine of A$34.5 million, the largest ever criminal fine imposed under the country's Competition and Consumer Act. The Federal Court found K-Line engaged in a cartel with other shipping companies in order to fix prices on the RoRo shipments of motor vehicles between 2009 and 2012.

New UK Brexit Team Starts the Appointments and Departures

UK – After last week's change in Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has named several new appointees to the top jobs affecting the freight and logistics sector. As we reported previously, Chris Grayling has left his job as Transport Secretary and is replaced by Grant Shapps.

A Look at Some Supply Chain Tales You Might Have Missed

UK – The first item in this week's look at some smaller stories in the world of shipping and freight related matters will doubtless divide readers, having as it does a whiff of Big Brother about it (or more efficient processing dependent on one's point of view). Supply chain and online fulfilment specialist Walker Logistics has invested in labour tracking software from Kronos at its 250,000 square foot multi-user storage facility in Berkshire.

Winners of Safety at Sea to be Honoured as Finalists Announced

WORLDWIDE – UK – There is little as fascinating in the world of international shipping as reading the stories of those who have put their own safety at risk in the service of others. This week the judges for the International Maritime Rescue Federation Awards 2019 have announced their shortlist, following careful consideration of the range of extremely compelling entries from around the world.

London Ceremony in October will See CILT Winners Crowned

UK – The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) has announced the finalists for its prestigious CILT Annual Awards for Excellence 2019, as the association celebrates its centenary year. An important date for many in the logistics and transport professionals' calendars, the CILT awards ceremony celebrates those individuals and organisations who have delivered outstanding innovation, tangible societal benefits and proven commercial success within the UK logistics, transport, and productions and operations management sectors over the last 12 months.

Growth in Trade Prompts New Office Opening

UZBEKISTAN – Tashkent has assumed a greater significance with the expansion of trade along the Silk Road and now Austrian headquartered transport and logistics company Gebrüder Weiss has reinforced its dedication to becoming a specialist on the route by opening a representative office in the Uzbek capital.

First Such Facility in Italy for Turkish Group Aiming for Top Ten

ITALY – Yilport Holding signed a concession agreement with the Port Network Authority of the Ionian Sea (PNAIS), the managing institution of the Port of Taranto in Italy for the multipurpose terminal. The agreement appoints Yilport to undertake all operations at the multipurpose terminal of Taranto Port for 49 years.

Market for Container Ships, Tankers and Gas Carriers Studied

WORLDWIDE – VesselsValue has partnered with Oslo based shipping consultancy firm ViaMar to provide Forecasted Market values for each individual vessel in the Tanker, Bulker, Container and LPG fleet. These Forecasted Market Values are quarterly forecasts for individual vessels provided until the end of their predicted economic life.

Customers Get a Guarantee They Can Reinforce Their Own Green Credentials

UK – Another UK based packaging and materials handling supplier has set up a free recycling scheme for customers which have bought any of their range of Plastic Pallets, Plastic Containers, Boxes and Crates. Kinross based Exporta has teamed up with the Plastic Expert recycling company, headquartered in Towcester, Northamptonshire, but with depots dotted around the UK.

Automation and Subcontract Labour at the Heart of Dispute

AUSTRALIA – It seems industrial action is in vogue in the transport industry at the moment, with British Airways pilots winning the right to strike in the UK Courts whilst, across the other side of the world, the dispute between logistics outfit DP World Australia (DPWA) and those employed in its four countywide container freight terminals remain at loggerheads over the growth of automation in the docks and the use of subcontract labour.