Industry News

News from JOC Journal of Commerce

• Canadian ports struggle to recover from rail blockades February 26, 2020
  [caption caption="Rail service to the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert has been restored, but the Port of Montreal has only limited service from Canadian National Railway. Photo credit: shutterstock.com"][/caption]Limited cargo flowed through the Port of Montreal on Canadian National Railway (CN) Wednesday as ports on both Canadian coasts took...
• Drayage tech momentum rolls on with $10 million Dray Alliance investment February 26, 2020
  [caption caption="Multiple technology providers and investors have trained their sights on the drayage industry, seeing it as a critically node in supply chains that has been digitally underserved. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com."][/caption]A Los Angeles-based drayage marketplace provider on Wednesday landed its second funding round in just over a year on the...
• January volumes give 3PLs glimmer of hope in weak intermodal market February 26, 2020
  [caption caption="Despite domestic intermodal volume rising in January, few shippers are interested in converting freight from truck to intermodal this year. Photo credit: Ari Ashe/JOC.com."][/caption]US intermodal providers desperate to find something to feel good about can take some solace in recent volume data, but there is very little else to...
• New berth to expand Port Canaveral’s breakbulk capacity February 26, 2020
  [caption caption="Port Canaveral's 44-year-old North Cargo Berth 3 (foreground) will soon be replaced by a $38 million multipurpose wharf. Photo credit: Port Canaveral."][/caption]Port Canaveral, Florida, just eight miles south of the Kennedy Space Center, will demolish its 44-year-old North Cargo Berth 3 (NCB3) and replace it with a multipurpose wharf...
• LA-LB ports warn Asia volume plunge could deepen February 26, 2020
  [caption caption="Terminal operators in the largest US port complex are expressing concern about a buildup of empty containers. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com."][/caption]Port and terminal interests in Los Angeles and Long Beach say the plunge in cargo volumes in February could get even worse in the coming months if the coronavirus disease...
• TPM20 is just days away February 26, 2020
  We are now just four days from TPM20hasht, the 20th anniversary of TPM. We are excited to be welcoming more than 2,500 attendees to Long Beach for an event that will dive deeply into the major issues confronting the container shipping supply chain. There is certainly no shortage of issues...
• Maersk secures $5 billion in credit to help fund sustainability efforts February 26, 2020
  [caption caption="The terms of a $5 billion credit line are linked to Maersk's performance in keeping to its sustainability plan. Photo credit: Hugh R. Morley."][/caption]Maersk Line has secured a $5 billion revolving credit facility linked to sustainability projects as the company seeks to become carbon neutral by 2050.The $5 billion...
• Coronavirus sends idle container fleet to record high February 26, 2020
  [caption caption="With little demand coming from a coronavirus-hit China, almost 9 percent of the container shipping fleet has been withdrawn from service by the carriers. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com."][/caption]The 2016 collapse of Hanjin Shipping and the fallout from the global financial crisis pale in comparison to the scale of removed capacity...
• Ex-Wilhelmsen chair Wilhelm Wilhelmsen dead at 82 February 25, 2020
  [caption caption="The WWO Parsifal delivers high and heavy cargo to the Port of Baltimore. Photo credit: Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean."][/caption]Wilhelm Wilhelmsen, long-time chairman of the namesake group that grew under his watch from a traditional liner carrier to a maritime industry mainstay with 15,000 employees in 70 countries, died this week...
• Southern California spot truck rates fall on declining LA-LB port demand February 25, 2020
  [caption caption="The impact of the Chinese coronavirus appears to have reached outbound spot rates from Los Angeles. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com."][/caption]The reduction in containerized freight shipped from China caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak appears to be affecting spot rates in certain truck lanes in the United States. Spot...
• LA-LB expand cooperation to enhance productivity February 25, 2020
  [caption caption="Los Angeles-Long Beach will look to cooperate in five areas: cargo transfer predictability, digital connectivity, cybersecurity, establishing productivity metrics, and workforce development. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com."][/caption]Aiming to reverse a 22 percent loss in market share over the past 18 years, the neighboring ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have...
• UK would lose $32 billion in EU exports in no-deal Brexit: UN February 25, 2020
  [caption caption="A new cross-channel trade agreement must be reached by Dec. 31, when a Brexit negotiation transition period ends. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com."][/caption]A no-deal Brexit could knock $32 billion, or 14 percent, off the value of exports from the United Kingdom to the European Union, according to a United Nations study...
• Fraser Surrey Docks deal allows DP World to maximize Centerm February 25, 2020
  [caption caption="Fraser Surrey Docks (pictured) handled 350,000 TEU last year, in addition to steel and other breakbulk cargoes. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com."][/caption]DP World’s finalized acquisition of the Fraser Surrey Docks from Macquarie Infrastructure will not only expand its Vancouver capacity, but allow it to focus Asian service calls with bigger vessels...
• Coronavirus container impact to spread far beyond blank sailings February 25, 2020
  [caption caption="As of Feb. 23, the number of blank sailings announced by carriers equated to an estimated total demand shortfall of 1.7 million TEU. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com."][/caption]As the container shipping industry entered 2020, all eyes were on the potential disruptive effects of IMO 2020 and the phasing-in of low-sulfur fuel....
• US port reefer trade slows as import growth declines February 25, 2020
  [caption caption="Exports of refrigerated cargo from the US jumped by 14 percent in 2020. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com."][/caption]The volume of containerized refrigerated cargo moving through the United States grew 5.8 percent in 2019, about half as much as the year before, as import volumes were diminished in part by the United...
• 3Gtms joins the parcel TMS fray with acquisition February 25, 2020
  [caption caption="The landscape of which modes shippers need to manage has shifted toward smaller shipments and parcel, mandating that TMS providers give shippers the ability to manage those modes in tandem with truckload and international. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com."][/caption]Transportation management system (TMS) provider 3Gtms has acquired multicarrier parcel software specialist Pacejet...
• Breakbulk February 25, 2020
  ...
• JNPT walks back direct terminal handling fees February 24, 2020
  [caption caption="Direct port delivery (DPD) cargo accounted for approximately 56 percent of Jawaharlal Nehru Port’s (JNPT's) laden import volume in the first 10 months of the port’s fiscal 2019-20 year. Photo credit: Ungureanu Catalina Oana/Shutterstock.com."][/caption]Indian regulatory measures to address nagging shipper concerns about “arbitrary” terminal pricing have begun to yield...
• US truckload capacity shrinks for third straight quarter: JOC index February 24, 2020
  [caption caption="Large truckload carriers, including Covenant, say they are reallocating capacity to the most profitable freight. Photo credit: Ari Ashe."][/caption]Large US truckload carriers made deeper cuts in their Class 8 truck capacity in the fourth quarter, driving the JOC Truckload Capacity Index (TCI) down 110 basis points from the third...
• Police dismantle rail blockade as Canada cargo diverted to US ports February 24, 2020
  [caption caption="Freight trains operated by Canadian National Railway may soon be running more freely to the ports of Montreal and Halifax after the removal of a protest blockade. Photo credit: Shutterstock.com."][/caption]Canadian police on Monday morning dismantled a blockade of a Canadian National Railway line at Tyendinaga, raising hopes for an...

News from Lloyd’s List – Containers

Warning: A non-numeric value encountered in /home/clients/325d7315aa3ca7b3f8ce7e55a707111b/web/wordpress/wp-includes/SimplePie/Parse/Date.php on line 694

Warning: A non-numeric value encountered in /home/clients/325d7315aa3ca7b3f8ce7e55a707111b/web/wordpress/wp-includes/SimplePie/Parse/Date.php on line 694

Warning: A non-numeric value encountered in /home/clients/325d7315aa3ca7b3f8ce7e55a707111b/web/wordpress/wp-includes/SimplePie/Parse/Date.php on line 694

Warning: A non-numeric value encountered in /home/clients/325d7315aa3ca7b3f8ce7e55a707111b/web/wordpress/wp-includes/SimplePie/Parse/Date.php on line 694

Warning: A non-numeric value encountered in /home/clients/325d7315aa3ca7b3f8ce7e55a707111b/web/wordpress/wp-includes/SimplePie/Parse/Date.php on line 694

Warning: A non-numeric value encountered in /home/clients/325d7315aa3ca7b3f8ce7e55a707111b/web/wordpress/wp-includes/SimplePie/Parse/Date.php on line 694

Warning: A non-numeric value encountered in /home/clients/325d7315aa3ca7b3f8ce7e55a707111b/web/wordpress/wp-includes/SimplePie/Parse/Date.php on line 694

Warning: A non-numeric value encountered in /home/clients/325d7315aa3ca7b3f8ce7e55a707111b/web/wordpress/wp-includes/SimplePie/Parse/Date.php on line 694

Warning: A non-numeric value encountered in /home/clients/325d7315aa3ca7b3f8ce7e55a707111b/web/wordpress/wp-includes/SimplePie/Parse/Date.php on line 694

Warning: A non-numeric value encountered in /home/clients/325d7315aa3ca7b3f8ce7e55a707111b/web/wordpress/wp-includes/SimplePie/Parse/Date.php on line 694

Warning: A non-numeric value encountered in /home/clients/325d7315aa3ca7b3f8ce7e55a707111b/web/wordpress/wp-includes/SimplePie/Parse/Date.php on line 694

Warning: A non-numeric value encountered in /home/clients/325d7315aa3ca7b3f8ce7e55a707111b/web/wordpress/wp-includes/SimplePie/Parse/Date.php on line 694

Warning: A non-numeric value encountered in /home/clients/325d7315aa3ca7b3f8ce7e55a707111b/web/wordpress/wp-includes/SimplePie/Parse/Date.php on line 694

Warning: A non-numeric value encountered in /home/clients/325d7315aa3ca7b3f8ce7e55a707111b/web/wordpress/wp-includes/SimplePie/Parse/Date.php on line 694

Warning: A non-numeric value encountered in /home/clients/325d7315aa3ca7b3f8ce7e55a707111b/web/wordpress/wp-includes/SimplePie/Parse/Date.php on line 694

Warning: A non-numeric value encountered in /home/clients/325d7315aa3ca7b3f8ce7e55a707111b/web/wordpress/wp-includes/SimplePie/Parse/Date.php on line 694

Warning: A non-numeric value encountered in /home/clients/325d7315aa3ca7b3f8ce7e55a707111b/web/wordpress/wp-includes/SimplePie/Parse/Date.php on line 694

Warning: A non-numeric value encountered in /home/clients/325d7315aa3ca7b3f8ce7e55a707111b/web/wordpress/wp-includes/SimplePie/Parse/Date.php on line 694

Warning: A non-numeric value encountered in /home/clients/325d7315aa3ca7b3f8ce7e55a707111b/web/wordpress/wp-includes/SimplePie/Parse/Date.php on line 694

Warning: A non-numeric value encountered in /home/clients/325d7315aa3ca7b3f8ce7e55a707111b/web/wordpress/wp-includes/SimplePie/Parse/Date.php on line 694

• Germany maintains place in shipowning league February 26, 2020
  ‘Most shipping companies at least have a cautiously optimistic outlook for the future,’ says Verband Deutscher Reeder president Alfred Hartmann      Related StoriesChina port calls show signs of return to normalBox shipping will face long-lasting effects from coronavirusInvesting in the next generation of seafarers 
• Shipping struggles with exposure to coronavirus February 26, 2020
  A recovery will come but the hope is this battle against the epidemic won’t be longer than expected      Related Stories‘We need a smaller group of better capitalised clubs’Shipping comes to terms with its futureLloyd’s List Awards 2020: Recognising and rewarding excellence 
• China port calls show signs of return to normal February 26, 2020
  Vessel calls start to resume but idle fleet remains shows disruption continues for now      Related StoriesGermany maintains place in shipowning leagueBox shipping will face long-lasting effects from coronavirusInvesting in the next generation of seafarers 
• Box shipping will face long-lasting effects from coronavirus February 26, 2020
  Carriers should not expect any return to normal growth levels this year, says BIMCO      Related StoriesGermany maintains place in shipowning leagueChina port calls show signs of return to normalInvesting in the next generation of seafarers 
• Investing in the next generation of seafarers February 26, 2020
  With the rise of digital technology and training in cutting-edge skills, a career in maritime should prove more appealing to...      Related StoriesGermany maintains place in shipowning leagueChina port calls show signs of return to normalBox shipping will face long-lasting effects from coronavirus 
• Matson expects a $15m dent from coronavirus impact February 26, 2020
  Chief executive Matt Cox expects an overall improved consolidated financial performance led by the reduction in fleet deployment to nine...      Related StoriesKlaveness Asia board member joins SCMAPolaris VLOC stranded off northeast BrazilGolar LNG says low gas prices will boost Brazil projects 
• Maersk credit facility linked to environmental performance February 25, 2020
  New revolving credit facility will see Maersk pay lower rates if it meets or exceeds carbon reduction targets      Related StoriesKlaveness Asia board member joins SCMAPolaris VLOC stranded off northeast BrazilGolar LNG says low gas prices will boost Brazil projects 
• Soft demand continues for China’s international freight February 25, 2020
  Post-coronavirus ‘cargo rush’ risks creating a shortage in shipping capacity with the prospect of spikes in rates      Related StoriesGermany maintains place in shipowning leagueChina port calls show signs of return to normalBox shipping will face long-lasting effects from coronavirus 
• Between the lines: Cargo owners feel impact of coronavirus February 25, 2020
  The coronavirus outbreak and continued closure of various manufacturing entities has taken a significant bite out of container shipping demand...      Related StoriesGermany maintains place in shipowning leagueChina port calls show signs of return to normalBox shipping will face long-lasting effects from coronavirus 
• US opens trade talks with Kenya February 25, 2020
  Trade talks with Kenya could mark new engagement with sub-Saharan Africa      Related StoriesGlimmer of hope for the bleak dry bulk market?The week in charts: Libyan oil exports stall and trapped tanker finally sailsTonne-mile demand for US gulf crude shipments contracted last year 

News from Container Management

• Evergreen Line launches GreenX February 27, 2020
  Evergreen Line has launched the ‘GreenX’ platform in response to the need for greater efficiencies through digitalisation, helping to fulfil its mission to provide the most optimised service to its customers. GreenX allows users to enjoy seamless booking capabilities, providing a digital portal for Evergreen customers to get instant quotes and secured space with prioritised […]
• West Africa Container Terminal orders 20 Konecranes RTGs February 27, 2020
  APM Terminals’ (APMT) West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) has ordered 20 rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes from Konecranes as it upgrades its handling operations, aiming to achieve greater stacking density, throughput and productivity. Delivery is scheduled for Q4 2020 – Q2 2021 at the facility in Onne Port, part of the Onne Oil and Gas Free […]
• OOCL calls at DaChan Bay Terminals on its KTX3 service February 26, 2020
  Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) has begun calling at DaChan Bay Terminals on the south bound routing of its Japan Indonesia service, KTX3. The arrival of the OOCL Guangzhou at DaChan Bay marked the start of the service, which calls at the terminal every Tuesday. The KTX3 service consists of four Panamax vessels and its […]
• Los Angeles and Long Beach ports to work closer together February 26, 2020
  The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will strengthen collaborative measures on cargo movement efficiency, connectivity, workforce development, cybersecurity and metrics under an agreement approved by their respective Harbour Commissions. Port of Long Beach executive director Mario Cordero, said: “Our two ports are the fastest way to move goods between Asia and US markets […]
• DP World acquires Fraser Surrey Docks February 25, 2020
  DP World has completed the acquisition of Fraser Surrey Docks from Macquarie Infrastructure Partners (MIP) alongside its partner Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ). The acquisition complements DP World’s other Canadian terminals, which includes operations in Vancouver, Nanaimo, Prince Rupert and St. John’s. The integrated coast-to-coast platform provides customers with bulk, breakbulk and […]
• Ashdod Port sets target to become self-sufficient for energy needs February 25, 2020
  Ashdod port company has formed a joint venture with Israel’s Ministry of Energy in an effort to provide for all of the port’s energy needs within a few years, making it the country’s first green port. The process, which will begin this year, will include the implementation of innovative energy production, the use of natural […]
• APM Terminals commences Phase 2 upgrade at WACT February 24, 2020
  The West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) is set to commence the Phase 2 upgrade within the next 18 months to meet growing volumes. The phase 2 upgrade includes adding a lot of new equipment including three additional mobile harbour cranes (MHCs), bringing the total in operation to five, 20 rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes, three reachstackers, […]
• New infrastructure at Congo Terminal inaugurated February 24, 2020
  Congo Terminal’s new infrastructure in Pointe-Noire Port has been inaugurated, in an effort to help the port in the Republic of Congo become a central African transhipment hub. The developments include extension and reconstruction work on 800 m of the G dock and in parallel construction of the 700 m of the D dock. Congo Terminal, […]
• Maersk wary of impact of coronavirus on 2020 volumes February 21, 2020
  The COVID-19 virus could dampen 2020 volumes due to the extension of the Chinese New Year holidays and emergency measures to curb the spread of the virus, A.P. Moller-Maersk has reported. The outbreak of the virus has introduced additional challenges and risks to Maersk’s operations and the shipping company has already undertaken specific measures to […]
• London Gateway secures new feeder service February 21, 2020
  A new weekly service, operated by Unifeeder, will start calling at DP World London Gateway at the end of February 2020, providing an additional service for the logistics trade hub. The Anna G will be the first vessel to visit, marking the start of the new service, which offers connectivity from northern England and Scotland […]
• Navis expands into inland freight with Biarri Rail acquisition February 20, 2020
  Navis has agreed to acquire the assets of Australia-based Biarri Rail, a provider of planning and scheduling optimisation software for freight railroads. This acquisition comes on the heels of the Jade Logistics acquisition made at the end of last year, and marks the first step into Navis offering inland solutions to its customers to further […]
• Real-time data exchange between ship and port achieved at Hamburg February 20, 2020
  The Hamburg Vessel Coordination Center (HVCC) has started a joint-digitalisation project with the maritime technology company Wärtsilä and the cruise group Carnival in order to help ensure reliable ship arrivals and more efficient ship handling and port logistics. As a central, neutral and cross-company coordinating unit, HVCC has been optimising vessel traffic into and out […]
• Port of Rotterdam to collaborate on climate neutral transport infrastructure February 19, 2020
  E.ON, the Port of Rotterdam Authority and DeltaPort Niederrheinhäfen are working together to create an infrastructure for climate-neutral transport routes. Freight and passenger ships with climate-neutral propulsion can exchange battery containers or refuel hydrogen in the ports. The partners’ goals include climate protection, improved air quality and the long-term optimization of logistics costs. The infrastructure […]
• HPH Trust appoints new independent non-executive director February 19, 2020
  Hutchison Port Holdings Trust (HPH Trust) has appointed Dr. Fong Chi Wai Alex as independent non-executive director. Fong replaces Kevin Anthony Westley, who retired from the board on February 11, 2020. Canning Fok, chairman of the board, said: “We are pleased to welcome Dr. Fong to the board, who brings with him rich experiences in […]
• China Merchants Port Holdings appoints new executive director and chairman of the board February 18, 2020
  China Merchants Port Holdings Company Limited (CMPort) has appointed Deng Renjie to succeed Fu Gangfeng as executive director and the chairman of the board. Fu resigned from his position as executive director and chairman of the board of CMPort, effective February 13, 2020, due to a change of work arrangement. The board as expressed its […]
• DP World to delist and return to private ownership February 18, 2020
  DP World is to delist from Nasdaq Dubai, with its parent company offering to acquire the 19.55% of its shares currently traded there, returning the port operator to private ownership. The move is meant to enable the company to focus on its medium-to-long-term strategy of transforming from a global port operator to an infrastructure-led end-to-end […]
• Vado Gateway terminal begins operations February 17, 2020
  The new Vado Gateway terminal, located in Vado Ligure has received its first commercial service, with the arrival of the M/V Maersk Kota at the €450m (US$490m) facility. The vessel is the first of seven ships from Maersk’s weekly ME2 service connecting the Mediterranean with the Middle East and India. Managed by APM Terminals Vado […]
• PIL exits trans-Pacific market to focus on North-South trade February 17, 2020
  Pacific International Lines (PIL) has decided to withdraw its services from the trans-Pacific market, as part of its efforts to optimise network efficiency. As a result of this service re-alignment, the carrier’s last trans-Pacific sailing will be in March 2020. Henceforth, PIL will focus on further strengthening its position in the North-South Trade such as […]
• Port of Rotterdam handled 14.8m teu in 2019 February 14, 2020
  The Port of Rotterdam’s container throughput increased 2.1% year-on-year to 14.8m teu in 2019, having experienced negligible container transport growth during the second six months of the year. Thanks to a good start to the first six months of the year, the Port of Rotterdam matched the transhipment volume recorded in 2018. However economic growth […]
• Port of Long Beach experiences slight fall in January volumes February 14, 2020
  Cargo volume dropped slightly by 4.6% in January at the Port of Long Beach compared to the same month in 2019. The port handled 626,829 teu in January 2020 as imports decreased 4.3% to 309,961 teu while exports dropped to 108,624 teu. Additionally, empty containers sent overseas declined by 3.7% to 208,244 in the same […]

News from CN – Container News

• Belarusian-Latvian road transport cooperation is discussed in Riga February 27, 2020
  On 26 February a delegation of the Belarusian Association of International Road Carriers was welcomed at the Freeport of Riga Authority. Representatives of the Ministry of Transport and Latvian transit and logistics industry took part in the meeting with the aim to discuss co-operation between the two countries in multimodal cargo transportation via Latvian ports. […]
• Maersk revises IHI tariffs from Trogir to Rieka February 27, 2020
  Maersk is revising the inland haulage import charges (IHI) for all dry cargo from Trogir to Rijeka (Croatia), effective from 26 March 2020. The tariff levels are as follows: Port Inland Point Mode (SD) Container Size Type Cargo weight (tons) New Rates (US$) RIJEKA Trogir TRK ALL_20_DRY 0-22 870 RIJEKA Trogir TRK 40_STD 0-22 870 […]
• CMA CGM announces latest THCs in Papua New Guinea February 27, 2020
  CMA CGM has announced the following terminal handling charges in Papua New Guinea (ports concerned as listed below), effective from 24 February 2020 (date of loading in the origin ports) until further notice (24 March 2020 for US trades): Ports: Madang, Rabaul, Kimbe, Motukea & Lae Perimeter: Import/Export Cargo: Dry & Reefer Import amounts Port […]
• Hapag-Lloyd announces new export fee in Malaysia February 27, 2020
  Hapag-Lloyd will implement a late shipping instruction fee for exports from Malaysia. Effective from 1 April 2020, the late shipping instruction fee of MYR100 (US$23.66) per bill of lading will be applicable for shipping instructions received after the respective submission closing time. The post Hapag-Lloyd announces new export fee in Malaysia appeared first on Container […]
• CMA CGM announces PSS from Europe & Med February 26, 2020
  CMA CGM has announced the following peak season surcharge, effective from 15 March 2020 (date of loading in the origin ports) until further notice: Origin range: European & Mediterranean ports Destination range: Australia & New Zealand ports Cargo: Dry & Reefer Amount: US$ 100/20′ | US$ 200/40′ | US$ 500/20’Reefer | US$ 500/40’Reefer The post […]
• World Bank experts advise Ukraine on port sector strengthening February 26, 2020
  Analysis by the World Bank with the Ukrainian Sea Port Authority has found that the most appropriate structure for the country’s terminals, the landlord port management model, similar to many other parts of Europe. Experts from the World Bank, on request from Ukraine’s Ministry of Infrastructure and with the active participation of the Ukrainian Sea […]
• CMA CGM applies fresh rates from India & Sri Lanka February 26, 2020
  CMA CGM has applied new freight of all kinds (FAK) rates as follows as from 4 March 2020 (date of loading in the origin ports) until further notice: These new FAK rates will apply as follows: Origin Range: India & Sri Lanka base ports (offered in direct on CMA CGM services) Destination Range: All North […]
• Transparency is key to safer seas February 26, 2020
  Passengers boarding flights at almost any airport in the world today will be faced with significant security measures, including x-rays of luggage, scrutiny of travel documents and checks on stowed bags. In contrast if you book a container load of hazardous chemicals, liable to heat up, explode and catch fire you can tell the carrier […]
• SM Line executives take salary cut as COVID-19 hits February 26, 2020
  South Korean liner operator SM Line Corporation has asked executives to take a 10% salary cut as the company suffers from falling container volumes amid the COVID-19 outbreak. SM Line was established in 2016, after the Samra Midas Group acquired the remaining portfolio of bankrupt Hanjin Shipping. The company operates intra-Asia and trans-Pacific services, using […]
• Contship Italia continues normal operations as Coronavirus hits Italy February 26, 2020
  Contship Italia confirms operational continuity at Group’s maritime and intermodal terminals amidst the Covid-19 outbreak. Following the recent actions implemented by Italian Authorities to contain the Coronavirus outbreak, Contship Italia Group announced that terminal operations in La Spezia (LSCT), Ravenna (TCR) and Melzo (RHM), as well as all intermodal transport services run by Hannibal and […]

News from Tradewinds

• Seals take a timeout on Andriaki tanker's bulbous bow February 27, 2020
  TradeWinds’ column taking a sideways look at shipping
• New refinery trade sparks MR2 buying despite timid S&P market February 27, 2020
  Chinese product tanker owners see lucrative backhaul opportunities opening up
• Maria Prevezanou: The accidental insurance broker February 27, 2020
  The woman with one of the best contact books in Greek marine insurance
• LNG charter rates head lower as shipowners start to feel a floor February 27, 2020
  Cargo shipments continue to face headwinds and tonnage build-up grows in virus-hit market
• Valles inks product tanker deal at South Korean yard February 27, 2020
  Hong Kong owner signs up for firm LR2 and an option at Daehan Shipbuilding
• Idan Ofer looks on the bright side with future-proof office makeover February 27, 2020
  Eastern Pacific Shipping’s offices and vessels are getting a makeover, and it’s not just cosmetic
• Tanker attacked off UAE illegally boarded en route to demo yard February 27, 2020
  Indian authorities catch intruders in the act in what is second incident involving tankers off Gujarat in three months
• TT-Line switches Flensburger ropax contracts to Rauma Marine February 27, 2020
  Australian ferry operator cancels German order over concerns about the yard’s ability to complete ships on time
• Oza takes the helm at Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration February 27, 2020
• Unix Line pleads guilty to US pollution charges February 27, 2020
  Singapore-based subsidiary of Japanese owner set to learn its fate at sentencing hearing in March

News from The Loadstar

• Flight cancellations and factory closures hit South Korea trade as coronavirus erupts February 26, 2020
  Coronavirus in South Korea has prompted flight cancellations and factory closures, with reports of capacity problems at ports and airports. Reminiscent of China’s sudden isolation in late January, airlines around the world have cancelled or suspended Korea flights following a surge in virus cases in the city of Daegu, North Gyeongsang province. As of today, […]
• Carrier bosses angry as scrubber fitting delays start to impact earnings February 26, 2020
  Even before the coronavirus outbreak, scrubber retrofits on container vessels at Chinese yards were subject to substantial delays. According to Alphaliner data, pro-scrubber carrier MSC has seen its ships “severely delayed”, with the longest stay to date the 19,437 teu MSC Erica, which has been idle for 175 days. The consultant also notes that MSC […]
• Coronavirus hits India’s shipping, while empty containers get scarcer February 26, 2020
  Coronavirus is beginning to impact shipping operations in the Indian subcontinent. Blanked westbound Asia-North Europe sailings mean export containers out of India that tranship at Colombo are not being picked up. In addition, the widespread closure of automotive component production facilities is having a severe impact on India’s burgeoning car manufacturing industry. Sujan Roy, head […]
• Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to ‘collaborate’ on cargo February 26, 2020
  To an outsider it is often difficult to know precisely where the port of Los Angeles ends and neighbouring Long Beach begins, so often does it look like one homogenous mass of terminals, and it comes as little surprise to see Logistics Management reporting that the two have signed an MoU that will  effectively turn […]
• As coronavirus goes global, Maersk prepares for a major financial hit February 25, 2020
  As the coronavirus crisis continues, and begins to impact global share prices, Maersk’s guidance for a mid-point lower ebitda of $200m less than 2019 looks increasingly inadequate. However, in fairness to the Danish logistics giant, no economics experts can realistically claim to accurately predict the final financial damage from Covid-19. And its peers, like MSC, […]
• Ripples from coronavirus still spreading – more supply chain chaos to come  February 24, 2020
  The weekend saw the number of recorded coronavirus cases globally soar to 78,000, with new clusters of the disease emerging in Iran, South Korea and Italy, putting further strains on global supply chains. The ramifications of what is now on the verge of being a pandemic are being felt far beyond China, with further cuts […]
• HMM joins THE Alliance’s three-loop Asia-Middle East network February 24, 2020
  HMM has muscled its way into THE Alliance’s Asia-Middle East offering in the newly launched network. However, the South Korean carrier has still not decided to participate in THEA’s transatlantic network, after it pulled out of its slot charter deal with the 2M in May 2018, following months of heavy losses and being obliged to […]
• Better communication and data sharing key to establishing JIT shipping February 24, 2020
  The maritime industry is ramping-up efforts to optimise port calls and introduce just-in-time (JIT) shipping. If successful, the IMO and IAPH-led initiatives could tackle two of liner shipping’s biggest challenges: improving schedule reliability and meeting the industry’s ambitious decarbonisation targets. For example, a major cause of potentially unnecessary emissions and wasted fuel is the amount […]
• Analysis: APMM & Hapag-Lloyd versus CMA CGM – apples and oranges… February 24, 2020
  2019 container shipping results were good, judging by the fourth-quarter (Q4) and annual numbers released by market leader AP Møller-Mærsk (APMM) and smaller rival Hapag-Lloyd last week. Despite soft revenues and reported net losses, the Danes generated over $500m in net earnings from continuing operations… …while the Germans’ preliminary net income figures weren’t disclosed. Although […]
• Spot rates hold fairly steady as carriers get ready to surcharge February 21, 2020
  Container spot rates from China fell slightly this week, as carriers decided it was futile to discount cargo that is currently unavailable. Moreover, container lines are receiving numerous booking enquiries for the end of March onwards and are understood to be considering a peak season surcharge (PSS) from 1 April. The North Europe component of […]

News from Transport Topics

• New TMC Chairman Stacy Earnhardt Is Trucking Industry Lifer February 27, 2020
  ATLANTA — The appointment of Stacy Earnhardt as next chairman of the American Trucking Associations’ Technology and Maintenance Council is a natural step in a lifetime spent around trucks and trucking.
• Highway Bill Coming in March, Rep. Peter DeFazio Tells AASHTO February 26, 2020
  WASHINGTON — Congressional Democrats’ version of a bill that would update highway operations around the country will be unveiled in March, the leader of the U.S. House of Representatives’ highway panel indicated Feb. 26.
• New Autonomous Mileage Reports Are Out, but Is the Data Meaningful? February 26, 2020
  Alphabet’s Waymo and General Motors-backed Cruise saw their autonomous vehicles require less help from human drivers on California’s public roads in 2019.
• Experts: Fleets Should Expect Even Higher Insurance Costs February 26, 2020
  Trucking insurance premiums have been on the rise in recent years and are expected to get worse.
• Trump to Pare Biofuel Waivers for Oil Refineries on Court Ruling February 26, 2020
  The Trump administration has decided to pare exemptions for oil refineries from U.S. requirements to use biofuels in response to a federal court ruling last month, according to two people familiar with the matter.
• Amazon Merchants Spooked by Coronavirus Fallout Curtail Ad Spending February 26, 2020
  Amazon merchants are shifting sales tactics in the face of shortages caused by effects of the coronavirus.
• BP Quits Three Oil Lobby Groups on Differing Climate Policy February 26, 2020
  BP Plc will leave three U.S. oil-industry lobby groups due to differences on climate policy, after the company’s new chief pledged to eliminate its greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
• New-Home Sales Climbed 7.9% in January February 26, 2020
  WASHINGTON — U.S. sales of new homes jumped 7.9% in January to the fastest pace in more than 12 years, a positive sign for economic growth.
• Volvo to Share Fleet Performance Details With Dealers February 26, 2020
  ATLANTA — Volvo Trucks North America has developed an internal tool called Expert Analysis for reviewing fleet operational performance and will put it in the hands of dealers and some customers later this year.
• Jacobs Looks to Cylinder Deactivation to Reduce Emissions February 26, 2020
  ATLANTA — Jacobs Vehicle Systems has completed testing of its cylinder deactivation technology with a third-party laboratory funded by the Environmental Protection Agency, the company announced Feb. 25.
• More Fleets Move Toward Freight Matching February 26, 2020
  The trucking industry is seeing an increased shift toward freight-matching platforms as some major fleets become the latest users.
• Panasonic Scraps Solar Panels Partnership With Tesla February 26, 2020
  TOKYO — Panasonic is pulling out of its partnership with Tesla to produce solar panels at a factory in New York state, the Japanese electronics maker said Feb. 26.
• Experts Identify Benefits, Challenges of Battery Power February 26, 2020
  ATLANTA — The effectiveness of lithium batteries depends on a host of issues for trucking industry representatives to consider, according to a panel of experts.
• Peugeot Maker Sees Record Profit, but Coronavirus Clouds Horizon February 26, 2020
  PARIS — Despite record profits last year, Peugeot maker PSA Group said Feb. 26 it lost 700 million euros ($760 million) in China — and that was before the new virus hit a key manufacturing center.
• AIRman Unveils Automated System for Trailer Landing Gear February 26, 2020
  ATLANTA — AIRman Products has unveiled an automated cranking system that eliminates the manual labor required to raise and lower a trailer’s landing gear.
• Michigan Governor Signs Orders to Advance Mobility February 26, 2020
  DETROIT — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed executive orders Feb. 25 to create a council on future mobility and electrification, establish the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and to appoint a chief mobility officer.
• Moody’s Downgrades Auto Sales Forecast on Coronavirus Fears February 26, 2020
  FRANKFURT, Germany — Ratings agency Moody’s is lowering its forecast for global auto sales because of the new coronavirus outbreak.
• Lowe’s Sales Trail Estimates Despite Strong Housing Market February 26, 2020
  Lowe’s Cos. reported two key sales measures that missed analysts’ estimates last quarter despite a buoyant U.S. housing market.
• Army Corps to Hold Hearing on Proposed Battery Plant at Lordstown, Ohio February 26, 2020
  Plans to build a $2.3 billion electric battery assembly plant near General Motors Corp.’s shuttered automobile plant in Lordstown, Ohio, will be reviewed during a March 12 public hearing in Lordstown.
• Second Coast-to-Coast Trek Planned for Shell Starship Initiative Truck February 26, 2020
  ATLANTA — Shell Lubricants is planning a second coast-to-coast run for its Starship Initiative truck, which is designed to study and test fuel-saving technologies for heavy-duty trucks.