Industry News

News from Lloyd’s List – Containers

• PSA leads DCT Gdansk acquisition May 21, 2019
  The infrastructure fund of Australia’s Macquarie group agreed to sell DCT Gdansk in a deal worth more than $1.3bn in...      Related StoriesContaminated Urals cargoes stranded in Europe head for AsiaFincantieri reconsiders UK support vessels decisionFincantieri may reconsider UK support vessels decision 
• Box shipping faces more than one elephant in the room May 21, 2019
  As the box shipping sector prepares for the impact of IMO 2020, it must also look further down the road...      Related StoriesFrom the Newsdesk: Revolutionary ideas, trade woes and a debt dilemmaIMO does not have time on its sideTrade war seen as significant as emission cuts and digitalisation push 
• Trade war seen as significant as emission cuts and digitalisation push May 21, 2019
  As the US-China trade conflict appears to be moving into a longstanding wrestling match between the nations, its fallout on...      Related StoriesFrom the Newsdesk: Revolutionary ideas, trade woes and a debt dilemmaIMO does not have time on its sideBox shipping faces more than one elephant in the room 
• Trade war dims charter market sentiment May 21, 2019
  Owners will have to withdraw transpacific capacity if proposed tariffs come into effect, leaving chartered tonnage due for expiry in...      Related StoriesIMO faces ticking clock on GHG emissions measuresContainer shipping’s debt dilemma exposedTranspacific rates feel weight of tariffs 
• Zeaborn eyes fleet expansion with appointment of chief executive May 21, 2019
  Company says the appointment of a new chief executive is part of its strategic goal of expanding its managed fleet...      Related StoriesPetronas completes world's first FLNG relocationUS Midwest exports hampered by weather, tariffs and diseaseTOTE to manage construction of MARAD's new vessel 
• Bangkok port area halved under redevelopment plan May 21, 2019
  The remaining parts of Klong Toey port will be redesigned with new automated equipment and storage areas to turn it...      Related StoriesPetronas completes world's first FLNG relocationUS Midwest exports hampered by weather, tariffs and diseaseTOTE to manage construction of MARAD's new vessel 
• Container shipping’s debt dilemma exposed May 20, 2019
  Carriers can no longer hide lease costs as operating expenses, leading to questions about the sustainability of their debt levels      Related StoriesTrade war dims charter market sentimentIMO faces ticking clock on GHG emissions measuresTranspacific rates feel weight of tariffs 
• Transpacific rates feel weight of tariffs May 20, 2019
  US shippers are reportedly reluctant to commit to forward bookings with profit margins set to tighten      Related StoriesTrade war dims charter market sentimentIMO faces ticking clock on GHG emissions measuresContainer shipping’s debt dilemma exposed 
• Hapag-Lloyd’s complex conversion to LNG May 20, 2019
  Converting an existing large containership to run on LNG is not a simple task, even if it is LNG-ready      Related StoriesTrade war dims charter market sentimentIMO faces ticking clock on GHG emissions measuresContainer shipping’s debt dilemma exposed 
• Braemar suffers after technical services disposal May 20, 2019
  Revenue increased 14% to £117.9m, compared with £103m in 2018, with the company highlighting a 25% increase in underlying operating...      Related StoriesPetronas completes world's first FLNG relocationUS Midwest exports hampered by weather, tariffs and diseaseTOTE to manage construction of MARAD's new vessel 
• How Trump is affecting transpacific trade May 20, 2019
  America’s newfound determination to trade on a level playing field has led to a reconfiguration of some marine trafic and...      Related StoriesTrade war dims charter market sentimentIMO faces ticking clock on GHG emissions measuresContainer shipping’s debt dilemma exposed 
• Court freezes Antong Holdings assets May 20, 2019
  Antong has seen its financial results worsen amid the financial unrest, as well as recent market dismay      Related StoriesPetronas completes world's first FLNG relocationUS Midwest exports hampered by weather, tariffs and diseaseTOTE to manage construction of MARAD's new vessel 
• Yildirim blames failed LBCT bid on geopolitics May 20, 2019
  Macquarie and Yilport offered virtually the same price for the Long Beach terminal concession, but Mr Yildirim believes China's Cosco...      Related StoriesPetronas completes world's first FLNG relocationUS Midwest exports hampered by weather, tariffs and diseaseTOTE to manage construction of MARAD's new vessel 
• Yilport close to sealing $500m Gulfport terminal deal May 20, 2019
  Group president and chief executive Robert Yildirim regards Gulfport as strategially well-located for handling trades from South America as he...      Related StoriesPetronas completes world's first FLNG relocationUS Midwest exports hampered by weather, tariffs and diseaseTOTE to manage construction of MARAD's new vessel 
• Yildirim reaffirms commitment to CMA CGM May 20, 2019
  Robert Yildirim’s initial investment in CMA CGM in 2011 was only expected to last five years initially, but is now...      Related StoriesPetronas completes world's first FLNG relocationUS Midwest exports hampered by weather, tariffs and diseaseTOTE to manage construction of MARAD's new vessel 
• Carriers’ digital standardisation lobby means business May 17, 2019
  CMA CGM, Evergreen Line, Hyundai Merchant Marine, Yang Ming and ZIM joined the DCSA’s four founders this week to bring...      Related StoriesTrade war dims charter market sentimentIMO faces ticking clock on GHG emissions measuresContainer shipping’s debt dilemma exposed 
• The Lloyd’s List Podcast: Global Liner Shipping conference May 17, 2019
  Listen to the latest edition of Lloyd’s List’s weekly podcast — your weekly briefing on the stories shaping shipping in...      Related StoriesPetronas completes world's first FLNG relocationUS Midwest exports hampered by weather, tariffs and diseaseTOTE to manage construction of MARAD's new vessel 
• Between the lines: front-loading heavily tilted towards US west coast May 17, 2019
  West coast ports won a bigger share of growth than east coast rivals in the last quarter of 2018, but...      Related StoriesTrade war dims charter market sentimentIMO faces ticking clock on GHG emissions measuresContainer shipping’s debt dilemma exposed 
• Tariffs likely to affect US port throughput, but not revenues May 17, 2019
  Forecast by Fitch Ratings says that US port throughput might fluctuate as Sino-US tariff spat continues and also says that all-water...      Related StoriesPetronas completes world's first FLNG relocationUS Midwest exports hampered by weather, tariffs and diseaseTOTE to manage construction of MARAD's new vessel 
• Grimaldi appeals for greater controls on ro-ro and container cargoes after blaze May 16, 2019
  Incident involved two fires that broke out in separate vehicles, says Italian operator, citing frequency of cargo fires      Related StoriesPetronas completes world's first FLNG relocationUS Midwest exports hampered by weather, tariffs and diseaseTOTE to manage construction of MARAD's new vessel 

News from JOC Journal of Commerce

• Video: More than cost, more than speed November 25, 2019
  Along the supply chain, the freight forwarder is the link between multiple parties and integrator of data, Samuel Shapiro & Co.’s Director of Supply Chain Angela Czajkowski noted at the 2018 JOC Logistics Technology Conference. In this interview, Czajkowski discussed the steps freight forwarders need to take to remain relevant...
• Panama Canal postpones new draft limits due to rainfall May 21, 2019
  [caption caption="The Panama Canal Authority has postponed its plan to limit the draft on its neo-Panamax lock from 44 feet to 43 feet until June 12. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com."][/caption]The Panama Canal Authority has postponed its plan to restrict draft limits by another foot for a further two weeks after receiving...
• Capacity peaking at large US truckload carriers May 21, 2019
  [caption caption="Truck counts at some of the largest US truckload carriers appear to have peaked late last year, increasing 9 percent in 2018, according to the JOC Truckload Capacity Index. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com"][/caption]The surge in new Class 8 tractors ordered by some of the largest US truckload carriers in 2018...
• Dual-rail entry into Mexico’s Veracruz ready by 2020 May 21, 2019
  [caption caption="Port officials say the new rail link under construction will improve efficiency in the delivery and removal of cargo from the largest port on the country. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com"][/caption]The Mexican port of Veracruz says it expects to complete by the end of the year a new rail link that...
• CMA CGM pledges Gulf solutions if Houston ship sizes limited May 21, 2019
  [caption caption="The legislation, prompted by the energy industry’s concerns that tanker calls were being disrupted by ever-growing container ships, has been sent to Governor Greg Abbott for his signature. Photo Credit: Port of Houston Authority."][/caption]Editor's Note: This story has been updated to include comments from Roger Guenther, executive director of...
• Werner expands transloading at US-Mexico border May 21, 2019
  [caption caption="Werner first entered the cross-border market in 1999, and will approach $400 million in US-Mexico freight revenue this year. Photo credit: Werner Enterprises."][/caption]Shipments crossing the US-Mexican border may be delayed and supply chains disrupted at times, as happened in April, but trade continues to grow, with trucks rolling across...
• Amazon, Walmart look to insource railroad deals May 21, 2019
  [caption caption="Walmart and Amazon use trailers for their truck transportation, but these companies are now exploring a greater intermodal footprint, including the purchase of their own 53-foot containers. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com."][/caption]Major retailers Amazon.com and Walmart plan to begin insourcing more of their transportation needs, with both meeting with Class I railroads...
• HK logistics firms eye South China FTZ May 21, 2019
  [caption caption="The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau (HKZM) crossing will allow transport operators to cut truck transits between Hong Kong and the western Pearl River delta by up to 75 percent. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com."][/caption]Logistics firms operating in Hong Kong are eyeing the possibility of investing in warehouses and related facilities in a free...
• Toy shippers wait for next tariff shoe to drop May 21, 2019
  [caption caption="US toy imports rose 2.4 percent in 2018, down from 3.8 percent growth in 2017. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com."][/caption]Toys account for roughly 4 percent of all US containerized imports, so the level of tariffs on such goods (and, just as importantly, on their constituent components) will impact costs for shippers...
• Project carriers positioning for US offshore market May 21, 2019
  [caption caption="Specialized wind installation vessel Brave Tern installed a wind turbine at the Block Island wind farm in 2016. Photo credit: turnto10.com"][/caption]Carriers long busy with Asian and European offshore wind installations see strong potential in the United States emerging offshore market. Fred. Olsen Windcarrier, part of the Norway-based Fred. Olsen...
• Carrier fails to abide by negotiated rate deal May 21, 2019
  Q: Without identifying any companies, I was doing business with an LTL company, Carrier A, and had a tariff with them. Carrier A was bought out by Carrier B in 2014.Carrier B revised the tariff with its name on it as we continued to ship with them. Shortly after getting...
• India, Afghanistan weigh discounts to drive Chabahar trade May 21, 2019
  [caption caption="India's government has been asked to lower current tariffs at JNPT and Kandla for vessels operating to and from Chabahar to incentivize regular container carrier routings. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com"][/caption]India and Afghanistan are considering offering concessions on transport costs to reinvigorate containerized trade between the two countries via the Chabahar...
• Autos still under the tariff gun May 21, 2019
  [caption caption="US imports and exports of vehicles and auto parts rose 7 percent year over year to 2.2 million TEU in 2018. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com."][/caption]The United States’ protectionist posture on trade and related tariffs have challenged US cargo owners regardless of their industry, but perhaps no sector faces as much...
• Founder of Knichel Logistics, William “Bill” Knichel, is in need of a lifesaving kidney donation. May 21, 2019
  GIBSONIA, PA, May 20, 2019 – We are looking for a hero. The founder of Knichel Logistics, William “Bill” Knichel, is in need of a lifesaving kidney donation. He has been living with severe chronic kidney disease/failure for over the past four years. Due to the severity and progression of the illness,...
• J.B. Hunt pushes against asset-, non-asset trucking boundaries May 20, 2019
  [caption caption="Box360 will make 500 trailers available for drop-and-hook service on J.B. Hunt’s digital brokerage platform. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com."][/caption]For many smaller US trucking companies and shippers, the ability to pre-load trailers dropped at a dock and pick them up without a wait or hassle has long been desired but just...
• Lawmakers back maximum ship size in Houston channel May 20, 2019
  [caption caption="A bill moving forward in the Texas legislation would, if passed, prohibit any ship longer than 1,100 feet from sailing up the Port of Houston channel unless the port pilots give approval to do so. Photo credit: Shutterstock."][/caption]Texas state legislators have dropped a plan to limit to no more...
• Little headway made on IMO ship speed plan May 20, 2019
  [caption caption="Slower vessel speeds have contributed to lower fuel consumption and an 18 percent reduction in CO2 emissions over the past 10 years, according to the ship broker Clarksons. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com."][/caption]A proposal to reduce ship speeds to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) moved forward last week, but faces an...
• Headwinds strengthening in heavy machinery transport May 20, 2019
  [caption caption="The five-year compound annual growth rate for the US heavy machinery trade climbed 0.3 percentage points to 2.7 percent in 2018. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com."][/caption]A strong US economy last year and construction activity overseas underpinned containerized trade in heavy machinery, a category that includes engines, earthmovers, and mining and manufacturing...
• US wind energy projects blowing through challenges May 20, 2019
  [caption caption="The Brave Tern completes installation of the fifth wind turbine at the Block Island Wind Farm off the coast of Rhode Island. Photo credit: turnto10.com."][/caption]Coastal states are racing to establish offshore wind farms in the US, but the process is far more complex than building onshore, said Luke Lewandowski,...
• Cargo equipment back in the tariff crosshairs May 20, 2019
  [caption caption="Port officials worry placing a 25 percent tariff on cranes, which cost $10 million to $15 million each, will slow investments in terminal upgrades. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com."][/caption]US port and intermodal proponents worry newly threatened tariffs from the Trump administration on ship-to-shore (STS) cranes and containers will dampen investment and...

News from Container Management

• Hamburg Süd adds new Europe-Central America, Caribbean and South America West Coast service May 21, 2019
  Hamburg Süd, in collaboration with Maersk, has launched a new stand-alone service to enhance and expand its services on the Europe-Central America, Caribbean and South America West Coast trade. The new service (SAWC1) will consist of eight post Panamax 4,500 teu wide beam ships, fitted with 1,400 reefer plugs each, and is set to begin […]
• Damietta Port ready to handle 14,000 teu vessels May 21, 2019
  Deepening works at Damietta Port Authority (DPA) has been completed, enabling the Egyptian port to handle container vessels of up to 14,000 teu in capacity and 15 m in draught. The works deepened the navigational channel to 16 m and the turning circle and container berths to 15.5 m. Captain Tarek Shahin, chairman of the […]
• CMA CGM launches Reefer Pharma division May 20, 2019
  CMA CGM has launched its Reefer Pharma division which is specifically designed to cater for temperature-controlled transportation of pharmaceutical products and aims to guarantee optimal safety. To meet health and safety requirements, CMA CGM ensures limited handling of containers during transport and utilises the newest containers which are inspected before they leave the warehouse, sealed […]
• Prince Rupert unveils plan to boost capacity by 6-7m teu May 20, 2019
  Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) has completed a container terminal master plan outlining the addition of 6-7m teu in capacity through the development of multiple terminals. The master planning concluded the potential for further expansion of Fairview Terminal and the development of a second container terminal at the Port of Prince Rupert’s South Kaien Island […]
• Panama Canal receives largest container ship to date May 17, 2019
  The Panama Canal has completed a trial transit of Evergreen’s Triton, a Neopanamax container vessel with a capacity of 15,313 teu, making it the largest to pass through the expanded canal since it opened in June 2016. In July 2018, the canal increased the maximum allowable beam for vessels transiting the Neopanamax locks from 49 […]
• Phoenix launches versatile crane and terminal light May 17, 2019
  Phoenix Lighting has launched the Wayfinder, the latest edition to its durable LED product line, which has been specifically designed for ports with safety in mind. The Wayfinder projects a wide beam angle to allow fewer fixtures to cover more surface area for effective and efficient lighting as it delivers 1,100 lumens to access ways, […]
• COSCO finalises agreement to develop US$3bn Peruvian multi-purpose port May 16, 2019
  COSCO Shipping Ports Ltd (CSP) has signed the subscription and investment agreement with Volcan to acquire stake in the Port of Chancay, where it has planned to develop a US43bn multipurpose terminal. Port of Chancay is located 58 km to the north of the Peruvian capital of Lima where, combined with the surrounding areas, 60% […]
• Konecranes launches 11-tonne empty container handler May 16, 2019
  Konecranes has launched its first empty container handler with a double stack capacity of up to 11 tonnes, specifically designed for heavy-duty double handling application. The SMV ECC 6/7 110 DS has been dubbed the “no limitations empty container handler” by the manufacturer as it makes full use of an 11-tonne telescopic side lift spreader […]
• Port of Buenos Aires bidders required to invest US$760m over next ten years May 15, 2019
  Argentina’s transportation ministry has approved the bidding documents for the public tender for the Port of Buenos Aires, with the winning company required to continue the ongoing expansion works representing an investment of US$760m in the first ten years. The country’s General Administration of Ports is expected to call for bids in the coming days. If the process proceeds according to schedule, […]
• Port of Valencia converts existing Konecranes RTGs to fully-electric operation May 15, 2019
  The Port of Valencia has implemented Spain’s first busbar retrofit of its Konecranes Rubber Tyre Gantry (RTG) cranes with the aim to improve its sustainability, safety and efficiency. In addition to purchasing new busbar-ready Konecranes RTGs, MSC Terminal VLC (MSCTV) converted its existing RTGs to fully electric operation through the busbar retrofit. MSCTV terminal manager […]
• Dublin Ferryport Terminals to add two AutoRTGs from Kalmar May 14, 2019
  Kalmar has concluded an agreement with Dublin Ferryport Terminals (DFT) to extend the Kalmar AutoRTG system at the terminal with two new AutoRTG cranes. The order, which was booked in Cargotec’s Q2 2019 intake, forms part of DFT’s ongoing investment programme, and delivery of the machines is scheduled to be completed during Q2 2020. Part […]
• PSA to collaborate with SATS on sea-air connectivity in Singapore May 14, 2019
  PSA International and airfreight services provider SATS have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide cargo owners and logistics service providers with greater connectivity for supply chain efficiency, aiming to boost Singapore’s status as a key multimodal transport hub. The pair will collaborate on a wide range of cross-industry initiatives, particularly in the perishables, electronics, and e-commerce spaces. Combining […]
• AAPA hits out at latest US tariffs on Chinese goods May 13, 2019
  The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has called for the Trump administration to rescind its decision to increase tariffs to 25% on around US$200bn in goods exported from China. It also recommends the administration postpone the process now underway to impose 25% tariffs on the remaining US$325bn in Chinese imports. Susan Monteverde, AAPA’s vice president […]
• Rise in volume leads to higher revenue for ICTSI May 13, 2019
  International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) are off to a strong start in the first quarter of 2019 as revenue from port operations increased 18% year-on-year to US$383.8m. The growth was mainly attributed to a rise in volume, tariff adjustments at certain terminals, new contracts with shipping lines and services as well as an increase […]
• Hapag-Lloyd: Strong Q1 results May 10, 2019
  Hapag-Lloyd has ended the first quarter of 2019 on a high as operating profit rose to €214m (US$240.4m) from €51m (US$57.3m) in 2018. The group net result increased to €96m (US$107.9m) – a vast improvement on 2018’s Q1 result of -€34m (US$38.2m) while revenues increased by 17% to €3.1bn (US$3.5bn) and transport volumes increased by 2% […]
• Yilport to roll out Navis’s Compass application in five terminals May 10, 2019
  Yilport Holding will roll out Navis’s Compass visual workflow management application to five terminals that use Navis N4, in an effort to enhance visibility and collaboration in the planning process across terminals. The Compass application digitises the workflow and standardises the way terminals work, aiming to improve the quality of the planning and tracking process […]
• Ismailia tunnel inaugurated, connecting SCCT with industrial zones in Cairo May 9, 2019
  Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has inaugurated the Ismailia tunnel, aiming to ease the flow of traffic and cargo to and from the Sinai Peninsula. The tunnel is meant to significantly improve connectivity between Suez Canal Container Terminal (SCCT) and key industrial zones in Greater Cairo. A second tunnel connecting Port Said is scheduled to open this […]
• Noatum Logistics expands warehouse network in Spain May 9, 2019
  Noatum Logistics has opened its largest logistics warehouse in Ribarroja (Valencia), expanding the company’s total storage capacity in Spain to approximately 33,000 sq m. As part of the company’s diversification process it aims to create a network of its own warehouses and the new 10,000 sq m facility, which has 16 docks, has joined four […]
• PSA acquires terminals in Canada and the US May 8, 2019
  PSA International has agreed to acquire Halterm Container Terminal in the Port of Halifax, Canada, and Penn Terminals in Pennsylvania, USA from Macquarie Infrastructure Partners, a fund managed by Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets. The Singapore-based operator overcame a joint bid by Canada National Railway and CMA CGM, Logistec and others for Halfterm, the biggest […]
• BEST receives six new Konecranes ASCs May 8, 2019
  Hutchison Ports’ Barcelona Europe South Terminal (BEST) has increased its capacity with a delivery of six new automated stacking cranes (ASCs) supplied by Konecranes. The facility now has a storage capacity of 27 automated blocks, up from its previous 24 automated blocks, which are being assembled and tested and are expected to be fully operational […]

News from CN – Container News

• Port truck gate schedule for Memorial Day weekend May 22, 2019
  Terminals at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have announced schedules for the Memorial Day Holiday w... The post Port truck gate schedule for Memorial Day weekend appeared first on Container News.
• Kerry Logistics expands food cold chain business in China May 21, 2019
  Kerry Logistics Network Limited has expanded its food-related cold chain capability in Mainland China throug... The post Kerry Logistics expands food cold chain business in China appeared first on Container News.
• Wärtsilä inks energy-research agreement May 21, 2019
  The technology group Wärtsilä and Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT, a Finnish public univer... The post Wärtsilä inks energy-research agreement appeared first on Container News.
• Hapag-Lloyd announces SWX service changes May 21, 2019
  Due to various operational reasons the European coastal schedule of the M/V “San Clemente” Voyage 9112N ... The post Hapag-Lloyd announces SWX service changes appeared first on Container News.
• CEPAL votes ICTSI Honduras as CA-4’s best port May 21, 2019
  The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (Comisión Económica par... The post CEPAL votes ICTSI Honduras as CA-4’s best port appeared first on Container News.
• New rules on plastic waste exports May 21, 2019
  Country representatives voted to add plastic waste to the scope of the Basel Convention, which regulates the... The post New rules on plastic waste exports appeared first on Container News.
• EU affected by China-US trade war May 21, 2019
  A quarter of European companies with activities in China say that they are affected by the trade dispute bet... The post EU affected by China-US trade war appeared first on Container News.
• Saudi Customs celebrates blockchain milestone May 21, 2019
  On May 13 , Saudi Customs witnessed the arrival of the first shipment powered the blockchain technology. The... The post Saudi Customs celebrates blockchain milestone appeared first on Container News.
• Hamburg Süd christens another Polar-class ship May 21, 2019
  Hamburg Süd christened the “Polar Ecuador” container ship on May 20 in Antwerp. The sponsor of the “P... The post Hamburg Süd christens another Polar-class ship appeared first on Container News.
• Hamburg Port enjoys strong first quarter growth May 21, 2019
  Seaborne cargo throughput reaches 34.6 million tons (up 6.0 percent) The post Hamburg Port enjoys strong first quarter growth appeared first on Container News.

News from Tradewinds

• Lack of one-off gains pushes Pyxis into the red May 22, 2019
  But Valentios Valentis-led pure play product tanker firm expects to see better earnings later this year.
• Transpacific freight rates battered by US-China tussle May 21, 2019
  Containerships continue to bear the brunt of trade tensions
• Giannakoulis out at Morgan Stanley May 21, 2019
  Veteran analyst is latest departure in series of analyst casualties as banks turn away from shipping.
• Exmar’s Tango FLNG poised to produce first LNG May 21, 2019
  YPF-chartered floater expected to load commissioning shipment this week and ramp up for first commercial cargo
• Golar LNG homes in on Brazil for FSRU breakbulk play May 21, 2019
  Chairman Tor Olav Troim outlines his plans to ‘make Golar great again’
• CarVal exits shipowning with sale of bulker duo May 21, 2019
• Crew member attacked during LNG carrier raid May 21, 2019
• Greece's Meadway Shipping returns to S&P with bulker sale May 21, 2019
• Trafigura adds fuel-efficiency charter clause and support for slow-steaming May 21, 2019
  One of the world’s largest charterers chimes in the industry debate over which measures can best reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Pangaea dividend could broaden shares float May 21, 2019
  Rhode Island owner seeks to leverage its consistent profitability while hoping to attract more investors into the stock.

News from The Loadstar

• April import boost for US ports may be the ‘quiet before the tariff storm’ May 21, 2019
  Container imports last month at the 10 largest US box terminals increased by 6.6% year on year to 1.65m teu. According to Blue Alpha Capital, this follows a 4.7% uplift in imports in March and a 2.3% increase over the past three months. However, April was very much a tale of two coasts, as east […]
• Environmentalists slam MEP74 lack of decision-making on ship emissions May 21, 2019
  “Shipping industry associations no longer represent the best interests of shipping companies,” was one damning indictment as environmentalists responded angrily to the outcome of the IMO’s Maritime Environmental Protection Committee meetings last week in London.  The week-long discussions (MEPC 74) were set to consider proposals to cut GHGs produced by shipping, targeting a 50% reduction […]
• Elbe upgrade signals opportunity for port of Hamburg to regain former glory May 21, 2019
  It appears the port of Hamburg has “something to sell” again, after the German gateway announced a 6.4% increase in first-quarter container traffic. Hamburg’s growth rate far exceeded “noisy neighbour” Antwerp’s 0.7% upturn – in recent years the rival has held Hamburg’s traditional crown as the second-busiest container gateway in north Europe. A spokesperson for […]
• Social climbers ‘Team Loadstar’ will attempt to reach their peak – 24 times May 21, 2019
  In July, an intrepid Loadstar team will undertake the 24-Peak Challenge on behalf of Seafarers UK, the charity which provides vital support to seafarers in need and their families.  It is, quite frankly, going to be difficult; challenge is the right word. Our team of five has to climb 24 peaks in the Lake District, all over 2,400 feet, in […]
• Zeaborn Ship Management appoints veteran Rob Grool as new CEO May 21, 2019
  Zeaborn Ship Management, which has announced plans to grow its fleet, has appointed Rob Grool as its chief executive, to take over from interim CEO Holger Strack.  Mr Grool has been in the industry for nearly 40 years, most recently at Vroon Group, which he left in January. Prior to that he was president of ship management for Seaspan for […]
• Dachser opens Sweden office, with Anna Bergdahl at its head May 21, 2019
  Dachser, the growing mid-sized forwarder, has expanded its operations to Sweden.  It has opened an air and sea freight office in Gothenburg, and appointed Anna Bergdahl (pictured third from left) to head it. It currently has eight staff there, but hopes to increase this to 20.  “For us, Dachser Air & Sea Logistics Sweden is a further investment in […]
• Panalpina board must resign and DSV will cherry-pick best staff to keep May 20, 2019
  DSV looks set to pick out the best of Panalpina’s staff and keep them, but others will face a DSV-led committee to decide how the companies will be integrated. The set-up has been detailed in DSV’s offer prospectus for Panalpina, which also reveals that DSV insists all Panalpina’s board members resign and, following an extraordinary shareholders’ […]
• Carrier relief as MEPC fails to agree plan for mandatory speed limits for shipping May 20, 2019
  The 74th sitting of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) ended on Friday without agreement of any of the proposals put forward to reduce GHGs (greenhouse gas emissions) from shipping. They included a French and Greek proposal, supported by 120 shipping companies, to impose a mandatory speed limit on shipping. However, the IMO did […]
• Peel Ports moves into forwarding arena with acquisition of Quality Freight May 20, 2019
  The blurring of supply chains continues, as Peel Ports moves into the forwarding business with the acquisition of UK-headquartered Quality Freight. The takeover of the freight forwarder was announced today, and a spokesperson said the company would continue to operate as Quality Freight with Sebastian Gardiner as managing director Peel chief executive Mark Whitworth said: “Our […]
• Maersk and Hamburg Süd restructure Latin America-North Europe services May 20, 2019
  Maersk and Hamburg Süd are set to launch a new service between the west coast of Latin America and North Europe next month as part of a comprehensive restructure of their joint network between the regions. The CLX service by Maersk, and SAWC by subsidiary Hamburg Süd, offers offers Latin American perishables exporters direct calls […]

News from Transport Topics

• $2 Billion Invested In Trucking Tech Firms So Far In 2019 May 21, 2019
  Trucking technology firms are raking in cash as investors look to get in on a hot industry and capitalize on a U.S. economy that remains strong.
• XPO Shareholders Vote Down Teamster Plan to Split CEO, Chairman Roles May 21, 2019
  A union proposal to separate the CEO and chairman positions at XPO Logistics Inc. was defeated in a May 15 vote by the company’s shareholders, who instead extended the chairmanship of XPO’s current leader.
• XPO Logistics’ Joseph Hicks returns to defend crown at Rhode Island Truck Driving Championships May 21, 2019
  Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but that doesn’t mean it lacks talented truck drivers.
• Three-peat Would Be Sweet Feat for FedEx Freight’s Gragg Wilson May 21, 2019
  Different class, same goal in the Nevada Truck Driving Championships. FedEx Freight driver Gragg Wilson is setting his sights on capturing a third consecutive Nevada Grand Champion crown, this time by besting the field in the Straight Truck class on June 1. Last year, he prevailed in the Sleeper Berth division en route to claiming the […]
• Ford Truck Profits Hide Need for More Cuts, Morgan Stanley Says May 21, 2019
  Ford Motor Co. may need to cut more than the recently announced 7,000 salaried workers to compensate for slowing auto sales, a situation that’s not readily apparent because its F-Series pickup helped “cover industry blemishes” with $10 billion in pretax earnings last year, Morgan Stanley said.
• Home Depot Results Mixed as Wet Weather, Calendar Shift Weigh on Shares May 21, 2019
  The Home Depot Inc. failed to fully rebound from a lackluster end to last year, with the company saying a calendar adjustment added to the drag from wet weather. Tariffs also weighed on the stock, with the company saying that a recent increase in duties isn’t included in its guidance.
• Approval of Amazon Air Cargo Complex in Lakeland, Fla., Gets Mixed Reception May 21, 2019
  City commissioners are excited to sign a deal with Amazon to build an air cargo facility at Lakeland’s airport. Residents were less enthusiastic.
• Mark Knight Looks to Double Down on Alabama State Titles May 21, 2019
  Will big wheels keep on turning for Alabama’s defending Grand Champion? That is what an estimated field of 120 competitors will find out when the Alabama Truck Driving Championships are held May 31 in Pelham.
• Oil Giant Chevron Offering Electric Car Charging at Stations May 21, 2019
  Chevron Corp. is offering electric car charging ports at a handful of gasoline stations in its home state of California, according to a statement May 20.
• Oregon’s Infrastructure Earns a C- on ASCE Report Card May 21, 2019
  Oregon’s infrastructure received a C- on its report card from the American Society of Civil Engineers.
• Ford Slashing 7,000 Jobs as Disruption Sweeps Auto Industry May 20, 2019
  Ford Motor Co. plans to eliminate about 7,000 salaried jobs — about 10% of its global white-collar workforce — as pressures mount on automakers to keep pace with massive technological shifts amid signs global car demand has peaked.
• Diesel Inches Higher to $3.163 a Gallon May 20, 2019
  The U.S. average retail price of diesel rose 0.3 cent to $3.163 a gallon, the Department of Energy reported May 20. Crude climbed to $63.14, the highest level in almost three weeks.
• EPA Aims to Accelerate Environmental Permitting Process for Infrastructure Projects May 20, 2019
  WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has stepped up its efforts to mitigate delays in the permitting process for environmental infrastructure projects, Administrator Andrew Wheeler said.
• Survey Reveals Ambivalence Over Washington, D.C.-Area Tolls May 20, 2019
  A recent poll surveying Washington, D.C.-area residents on transportation issues reveals mixed support for toll roads in the region.
• America’s Road Team Captains Project Safety Image at Trucking Championships May 20, 2019
  SANDUSKY, Ohio — Truck driving championships bring out the best of the best in the industry. Whether it is lifetime competitors, former champions or Road Team captains, Ohio has them all.
• Supreme Court Rejects UPS Appeal That Postal Service Should Raise Delivery Rates May 20, 2019
  The U.S. Supreme Court turned away a UPS Inc. appeal that aimed to force the U.S. Postal Service to raise its prices for delivering packages.
• Tesla Shares Breach $200 as Analyst Says CEO Elon Musk Faces a ‘Code Red’ May 20, 2019
  Tesla Inc. shares plunged below $200 for the first time in more than two years on concerns the carmaker faces a “Kilimanjaro-like uphill climb” to hit profitability goals in the second half of the year.
• Infrastructure Week Encore: Trump, Democrats to Discuss Funding May 22 May 20, 2019
  President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats agreed on April 30 to proceed with a $2 trillion infrastructure package, yet, they haven’t announced how to pay for the measure. That may change when they meet May 22 to discuss funding. Here's your Capitol Agenda look ahead at the week for trucking on Capitol Hill.
• Ohio Grand Champion Scott Woodrome Attributes Win to Faith, Family, Competitors May 20, 2019
  SANDUSKY, Ohio — It sure seems that Scott Woodrome of FedEx Freight has figured out the key to winning. It starts with his faith in God, adds a full dose of love and support from his wife and the FedEx team, and tops it off with a diligent work ethic that gets him competition-ready.
• TuSimple Self-Driving Trucks to Haul Mail for Postal Service in Two-Week Pilot May 20, 2019
  Self-driving trucks operated by startup TuSimple will haul mail and packages across the Southwest in a two-week pilot program with the United States Postal Service.