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Global News
Shandong Port Group creating port cluster of over 40 million teu
Shandong Port Group (SPG) is to accelerate efforts to establish a world-class port cluster in the Chinese province. Michele Labrut | Aug 23, 2023 “Currently, a coastal port cluster has formed in Shandong, with Qingdao Port as the leader and Rizhao Port and...
Ports Without the Right Infrastructure Need a New Shore Power Solution
PUBLISHED AUG 20, 2023 8:49 PM BY ROBERT SCHLUTER There's a growing demand for shoreside power, but many ports lack the electrical infrastructure to support traditional systems. A new solution is required. A series of global supply chain shocks have tested the...
Transporting people & cargo through space may start in Maine
Green 4 Maine is negotiating with HyperSpace Propulsion to make the former Loring Air Force Base their headquarters for their future SPACESTAR spaceplanes. There must be an easier way to space!” — Richard Lugg, FounderPORTLAND, MAINE, UNITED STATES, August 16,...
Taiwan inaugurates first automated container terminal at Kaohsiung port
The seventh Taiwanese container terminal - jointly developed by Taiwan International Ports Corporation and the shipping line Evergreen Marine Corporation – has been officially inaugurated at the port of Kaohsiung. Katherine Si | Aug 15, 2023 With a depth...
Shipping Industry Joins Relief Efforts for Maui Delivering Supplies
PUBLISHED AUG 11, 2023 5:29 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE The shipping community is joining in to provide relief and support after the devastating fires swept parts of the island of Maui this week. Even before the fires have been fully extinguished, the industry...
Road Freight Transportation Market Is Thriving Worldwide During The Forecast Period 2023-2030
PUNE, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA, August 11, 2023/EINPresswire.com/ -- "Road Freight Transportation Market" [2023-2030] Research Report Analysis and Outlook Insights | Latest Updated Report | The Road Freight Transportation Market is segmented into Regions, Applications...
Russian Warship Fires Shots to Stop Neutral Merchant Ship: Kremlin
PUBLISHED AUG 13, 2023 7:40 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE In a step change for the escalating war risk for shipping in the Black Sea, a Russian patrol ship has fired upon and boarded a foreign-flagged ship on the route from the Bosporus to the Danube, according to...
New Tech Makes Maritime Domain Awareness Affordable for Small Nations
PUBLISHED AUG 6, 2023 4:50 PM BY THE STRATEGIST [By David Brewster] Understanding what’s happening in the maritime domain, known as maritime domain awareness or MDA, is an essential element for any country that wishes to govern its maritime zones. But in the...
Govt decision makers need to value shipping’s key role: UGS
Be it war, pandemics or other global disruptions, it is shipping that links the world, allowing for the smooth flow of vital goods, and the link that keeps the global economy ticking, declared Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) President Melina Travlou. David Glass | Aug...
Panama Canal’s Limits Force New “Largest” Boxship to Offload Before Transit
Ever Max became the largest capacity containership to transit the Panama Canal on August 1 but was required to offload boxes due to the draft restrictions (AMP) PUBLISHED AUG 2, 2023 6:11 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE The transit of the new containership Ever...
Panama Canal to reduce daily vessel transits due to drought
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has announced it will reduce daily vessel transits due to an ongoing drought and help conserve water. Michele Labrut | Jul 27, 2023 Starting from 30 July 2023, the daily transit capacity of the Panama Canal will be adjusted to an...
China Launches First 700 TEU Electric Containership for Yangtze Service
PUBLISHED JUL 28, 2023 4:06 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE China completed the float out of its first 700 TEU pure power containership. The vessel, which is being built for COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry, is part of an effort to use electric-powered vessels...
Four Companies in Shipping and Logistics Emerge as Bidders for HMM
PUBLISHED JUL 26, 2023 3:55 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE Four bidders have emerged as potential buyers from HMM as the first round of the process begins in South Korea. Media reports are suggesting that the government favors one of the largest conglomerates to...
Dry bulk shipping market outlook H2 2023
Any hopes that the dry bulk shipping market would improve in the first half of 2023 have failed to materialise as a bounce back in Chinese demand did not happen as expected. So, what does the second half of the year hold in store? Marcus Hand | Jul 21, 2023 In the...
Armed robbery on the rise in Singapore Strait
SINGAPORE (ANN/THE STRAITS TIMES) – An Asia sea crime watch group has reported seeing a rise in armed robbery in the Singapore Strait for the first half of 2023, amid a worsened socio-economic situation in the region. There had been 38 incidents in one of the world’s...
Op-Ed: Black Sea Grain Deal Must Resume, Even if it Means Concessions
Grain terminal damaged by Russian missile strike, July 2023 (Ukrainian Ministry of Agriculture) PUBLISHED JUL 23, 2023 3:48 PM BY THE LOWY INTERPRETER [By John Denton] Earlier this week, Russia announced that it would suspend its participation in the Black...
Port of LA box volumes continue rebound in June, down 24% in H1
Container volumes at the Port of Los Angeles continued to bounce back in June and were just 5% below the record number seen a year earlier. Marcus Hand | Jul 13, 2023 The Port of LA handled 833,035 teu in June this year its strongest month since July last year, and 5%...
Is IMO 2020 shipping regulation worsening global warming?
Pollution-reducing regulation may be having negative side effect It is scorching out there. High-temperature records are being broken daily. Oceans off some shores are as hot as bathwater. What is to blame? The list of culprits and possible culprits includes fossil...
Work Resumes at Canadian West Coast Ports as Federal Terms End Strike
The nearly two-week old strike at Canada's West Coast ports came to an end as federal mediators presented terms to the union and employeers (file photo) PUBLISHED JUL 13, 2023 5:55 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE Canada’s 13-day port strike impacting more than 30...
Australia Bans Second Briese Heavylift Ship in Ongoing Safety Effort
Australia banned the BBC Pearl for 180-days in an ongoing safety effort (AMSA) PUBLISHED JUL 10, 2023 2:00 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE Australia is continuing what its safety authority is calling “a crackdown on unsafe and unseaworthy vessels,” issuing the fifth...
California Will Invest $1.5 Billion in Port Infrastructure Upgrades
California announced plans to invest $1.5 billion in the states ports and supporting infrastructure (file photo) PUBLISHED JUL 6, 2023 5:55 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE California announced plans for a statewide investment program designed to enhance the...
China container ports handle 122 million teu in Jan – May
The ports in China have achieved positive growth both in container and cargo throughput during the first five months of this year. Katherine Si | Jul 03, 2023 From January to May, China’s ports posted a container volume of 122 million teu, an increase of...
Autonomous learners and autonomous ships
Equipping seafarers with better language skills is essential for shipping’s transformation and enables the next generation of maritime leaders, writes Catherine Logie, Director, Direct to Consumer Services, Ocean Technologies Group. Catherine Logie | Jun 30, 2023...
Canadian dockers issue strike notice
Members of the International Longshore Workers Union (ILWU) Canada have issued a 72-hour strike notice that that will see industrial action begin around 0800 hrs on 1 July. Nick Savvides | Jun 29, 2023 Unionised dockers voted overwhelmingly for strike action on 9 and...
How could sooner-than-expected Russian defeat impact shipping?
Speculation grows on post-Ukraine war scenarios for ocean shipping The situation in Russia and Ukraine — and its potential effect on global trade flows — is changing fast. On Friday, the EU released details on its new sanctions package targeting Russia’s crude exports...
World Moves Closer to a Global Plastics Treaty
PUBLISHED JUN 25, 2023 5:05 PM BY CHINA DIALOGUE OCEAN [By Emma Bryce] Each year, an estimated 200 tonnes of plastic drifts down the River Seine through Paris and into the sea. It’s a tiny fraction of the 14 million tonnes that tips into the...
Day of the Seafarer 2023: A Message From Wallem
PUBLISHED JUN 23, 2023 6:39 PM BY JOHN-KAARE AUNE On the Day of the Seafarer 2023, Wallem would like to express its gratitude to the many talented men and women worldwide whose unwavering commitment to their profession helps to keep ships sailing and goods...
Asia-Med container rates settle $1,000 per feu over Asia-Northern Europe
The volatile spread of container rates between Mediterranean and Northern Europe routes from Asia looks to have steadied around the $1,000 per feu mark. Gary Howard | Jun 22, 2023 Analysis from Xeneta showed that operators on the Asia – Med route are paying a premium...
Digital solutions for Smart Bunkering
Short deliveries are a real issue in bunkering and Ascenz Marorka is the first to introduce a digital monitoring solution for mass flow meters. Ascenz Marorka | Jun 19, 2023 Introduction In 2022, an independent study[1] conducted by the consulting company BLUE Insight...
System Demonstrators: Swedish Ports as a Case Study for Innovation
PUBLISHED JUN 18, 2023 8:03 PM BY MIKAEL LIND ET AL. [By Mikael Lind, Wolfgang Lehmacher, Andreas Netz, and Richard T. Watson] A country’s ability to improve its standard of living over time depends almost entirely on its ability to raise its capital...
West Coast port labor deal reached; peak season chaos averted
Tentative agreement on new 6-year contract, subject to ratification Negotiations on the West Coast port labor contract dragged on for months longer than expected, with tempers flaring along the way. Work disruptions began affecting ship schedules and container...
81% drop in first quarter container line EBIT
First quarter container line EBIT dropped by 81% on-year in the first quarter 2023, but still remains above pre-pandemic levels. Gary Howard | Jun 09, 2023 Figures from Sea-Intelligence showed that while revenues decline 35-70% year-on-year in the quarter, EBIT of...
Port of Seattle Suspends Container Operations Due to ILWU Actions
PMA reports Port of Seattle is shut down due to actions by the ILWU (Seattle file photo) PUBLISHED JUN 10, 2023 6:47 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE Container operations at the Port of Seattle, Washington have been suspended since Friday, June 9, and did not resume...
Panama Canal takes water saving measures in face of ‘unprecedented drought’
With draught restrictions already in place the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) is implementing water saving procedures as it battles one of the worst droughts the waterway has seen. Michele Labrut | Jun 07, 2023 The arrival of the “El Nino’ phenomenon could worsen the...
Container export dwell time at Chinese ports falls 62%
Dwell times for export containers at China's ports have fallen to under five days while import dwell times have risen in recent weeks. Gary Howard | Jun 05, 2023 According to data from FourKites, ocean dwell times – the difference between gate times and vessel...
Shippers Calls for Biden to Intervene to Reopen West Coast Ports
Port of Los Angeles highlights that it is open with no vessels backed up while the current labor dispute continues (Port of Los Angeles) PUBLISHED JUN 5, 2023 4:27 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE With uncertainty over how long and how wide the disruptions will be in...
Trans-Pacific spot container shipping rates are inching up
Shipping lines’ latest round of general rate increases partially successful Shipping lines have pulled Asia-U.S. spot rates off the floor, but it’s a slog: two steps up, one step back, another two steps up, a slide back again. The general rate increase (GRI) on...
Ship financing in uncertain times
A long-term perspective is essential for financing maritime portfolios in a period of extraordinary market volatility. Michael de Visser | May 26, 2023 Discussing ship finance, one of the key themes at Europort 2023, Michael de Visser, Managing Director of...
Protecting Ports for a Secure Global Supply Chain
A recent Wall Street Journal article highlighted the importance of defending against port cyber attacks. The article outlines upcoming regulations which will encourage more action to prevent attacks. Ports are a significant point within the maritime supply...
Study: Melting Antarctic Ice Could Slow Vital Ocean Currents
A new study has found that melting Antarctic ice is slowing one of the world’s significant deep ocean currents, which could have a wide-reaching impact on marine ecosystems. Antarctica is a unique landscape and its environment has a huge impact on the rest of the...
Hamburg Container Throughput Declines Due to Loss of Russia Trade
Hamburg cited the loss of Russian trade contributing to a soft first quarter 2023 (file photo) PUBLISHED MAY 19, 2023 5:42 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE Leading ports in Europe continue to be impacted by the loss of Russia-related business due to sanctions. The...
Container freight market normalisation is ‘not really normal’
Article-Container freight market normalisation is ‘not really normal’ There’s been a lot of talk of normalisation of container shipping markets, but Xeneta analyst Peter Sand doesn’t believe it is normal at all. Barry Parker | May 18, 2023 “Then again, it’s not really...
Houston’s Export Levels Grow as Port Rises in U.S. Rankings
Houston rose to 5th in the U.S. rankings based on the strength of its 2022 volumes PUBLISHED MAY 16, 2023 7:10 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE The Port of Houston, Texas continues to outpace the industry showing strong volumes than many other U.S. ports due in part...
Ammonia-Fueled Bulkers Could Start Australia’s Green Corridor by 2028
Pilbara Ports handled 279 vessels and has the potential to be a first mover in ammonia-fueled vessels (pilbara Ports Authority) PUBLISHED MAY 15, 2023 7:33 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE A feasibility study on the potential for the Australia-East Asia Iron Ore...
Recession, geopolitics and costs top supply chain fears
A recession in the US, geopolitical tensions and rising operating costs were the top concerns among supply chain professionals, according to a recent survey. Gary Howard | May 10, 2023 Container xChange surveyed 1200 supply chain professionals, asking what disruptions...
Container line schedule reliability returning to pre-Covid levels
Container line schedule reliability is continuing to improve returning to pre-pandemic levels according to analysts Sea-Intelligence. Marcus Hand | May 09, 2023 After a dramatic 7.7 percentage points increase in reliability between January and February this year...
Lifeboats on Cargo Ships Need to Be Redesigned to Improve Crew Safety
While there have been significant advancements in developing lifesaving equipment, the Container Ship Safety Forum says there are far too many injuries to crewmembers aboard cargo ships while launching lifeboats. The industry association, which has a goal to improve...
Imports Continue Slow Climb Despite Cuts in 2023 Forecast
Retail import levels are continuing a slow but steady rise from the three-year lows experienced at the beginning of 2023. The National Retail Federation however continues to lower its forecasts cutting its projections for the second quarter and for the first half of...
As oil tumbles, marine fuel gets cheaper — and so do tanker stocks
VLSFO-HSFO marine fuel spread sinks below $100 threshold Russia — one of the world’s top energy providers — is mired in war. The OPEC cartel is cutting production. And yet, oil prices continue to tumble, weighed by global recession fears and concerns on Chinese...
AD Ports Group expands dry bulk fleet, moves into tankers
AD Ports Group is expanding its shipping fleet with the acquisition of five bulk carriers and three crude oil tankers. “The five bulk carriers, to be purchased for $125 million, form part of the long-term agreement with Saif Powertec, signed in April 2022, for the...
Local News
Saifuddin Nasution: Home Ministry signs 14 contracts with local firms worth over RM2b
KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 — The Home Ministry (KDN) has inked 14 contracts with local companies valued at RM2.156 billion in conjunction with the Defence Services Asia (DSA) Exhibition & Conference 2024 and National Security (Natsec) Asia 2024. Home Minister Datuk Seri...
Iran is using Malaysian providers to move sanctioned oil
ran’s capacity to transport its oil is reliant on service providers based in Malaysia, with oil being transferred near Singapore and throughout the region, a senior US Treasury official told Reuters on Tuesday. The US Treasury is scrutinising the financing...
Transport minister: Ship allegedly owned by Israeli firm has changed ownership to HK company
PUTRAJAYA, May 9 — Transport Minister Anthony Loke today said the ship claimed to be owned by an Israeli company while using the port in this country has actually changed ownership to another company based in Hong Kong. He insisted that his ministry had inspected and...
Miti: Semiconductor industry offers Malaysia chance for exponential growth
BATU KAWAN: The semiconductor industry presents Malaysia with a 'once-in-a-generation' opportunity for exponential economic growth and industry players are advised to capitalise on this billion-dollar sector. Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister (MITI) Liew...
Maybank IB: Johor-Singapore SEZ has competitive advantage in attracting fresh FDI
KUALA LUMPUR, May 10 — The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) could be a formidable competitive advantage in attracting fresh foreign direct investment (FDI) from multinational companies (MNCs). This can be achieved by integrating Singapore’s global...
Rail route connects China, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia
(KPL/VNA)The first China - Laos - Thailand - Malaysia express freight train recently departed from Chengdu, the capital of China’s southwestern Sichuan province, marking a significant milestone in regional trade connectivity. The train, carrying 30 containers of LCD...
Seizing Malaysia’s economic momentum
The drastic depreciation of the Malaysian ringgit, comparable in magnitude to the 1998 Asian Financial Crisis, has spooked many and triggered debates on the nation’s economic performance. External headwinds such as persistent high inflation in the United States,...
Malaysia makes its stand on waste | #AsiaNewsNetwork
PORT KLANG (The Star) - Even Bangladesh is sending its contaminated plastic waste to Malaysia. The government will be sending 450 metric tonnes of contaminated plastic waste in 10 containers back to their countries of origin immediately. Besides the one container from...
Malaysian supplier bunkers containership with ISCC-certified biofuel
Tumpuan Megah supplied approximately 4,500 metric tonnes of ISCC EU-certified B24 marine biofuel to a containership operated by Danish container shipping giant Maersk. The bunkering operation took place at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas in the state of Johor on April 25,...
Product innovation drives sales of local plastic packaging
KUALA LUMPUR: The adoption of new product innovations is giving local plastic packaging manufacturers an edge over their global peers as they vie for market share amid a period of inventory restocking. Two new products - nano stretch film and mono film - are gaining...
Expert: Introduction of EPF Account 3 can help contributors in times of emergency
KUALA LUMPUR: The introduction of the Employee Provident Fund's (EPF) Account 3 or Flexible Account is seen as one of the institution's alternatives to meeting the emergency needs and funds of its contributors in tackling life's challenges before retiring. Bank...
DP World and Sabah Ports to expand East Malaysia terminal
Under the agreement, DP World will support efforts currently underway to increase SBCP’s container handling capacity from 500,000 teu to 1.25 million teu by 2025. Investments will also be made to optimise terminal workflows, accelerate digitalisation for greater...
Finance Ministry seeks logistics industry’s views on targeted diesel subsidies
KUALA LUMPUR, April 20 — Treasury secretary-general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican held a discussion yesterday with the logistics industry on the implementation of the proposed targeted diesel subsidies. “This discussion was held to seek the views of associations and...
Container vessels supply to exceed demand, pressuring freight rates, says analyst
KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 — The supply of container vessels will continue to outpace demand, putting pressure on freight rates as more newly built containerships are introduced into the market amidst ongoing geopolitical conflicts. -ADVERTISEMENT- Veson Nautical senior...
Tengku Zafrul: Miti closely monitoring situation in Middle East for possible escalation in conflict
RAWANG, April 19 — The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) is closely monitoring reports on the Middle East conflict for a possible escalation in the region. Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz said so far, shipments through the Red Sea shipping...
Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre a crucial cog in Johor’s development, says MB
JOHOR BARU: The Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre (IMFC) will play a crucial role in the economic development of Johor, says Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. The Johor Mentri Besar said establishing the IMFC was among the issues discussed with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar...
Malaysia: Lack of cross-sector merger control sparks updates to current regime and new emphasis on digital economy
In summary This article provides an overview of developments in competition law from 2022 to 2024, including the status of proposed amendments to introduce a cross sectoral merger control regime in Malaysia, the application of merger control via sectoral laws, cartels...
Malaysia is next best bet – Country can position itself as viable alternative to S’pore
PETALING JAYA: With some Japanese multinational corporations (MNCs) looking beyond Singapore to base their regional headquarters due to the rising cost there, Malaysia has what it takes to position itself as a viable destination, say economists. Sunway University...
Escalating tension in Middle East could result in supply chain disruption, higher insurance premiums for shipping, say Malaysia industry associations.
KUALA LUMPUR, April 13 — Escalated tension in the Middle East with the latest Israel-linked container ship seized by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) earlier today could result in supply chain disruption and higher insurance premiums, said shipping...
Malaysia’s Sales and Service Tax Increase: What Industries are Impacted?
The Malaysian government officially increased the sales and services tax (SST) rate from six percent to eight percent, effective from March 1, 2024, across several sectors such as finance and leisure. Finance Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Azizan stated that this was part...