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Cartagena is the largest transhipment hub in the Caribbean
The Port of Cartagena Group (SPRC) is Colombia’s main export port, connecting over 840 ports in 140 countries making it the largest hub and most connected port in Latin America and the Caribbean. Michele Labrut | Oct 06, 2023 SPRC operates 3 port facilities...
ITF recovers nearly $120 million in unpaid seafarer wages over 3 years
The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) recovered some $36 million in unpaid wages to seafarers in 2022, a figure very similar to the previous year. Publishing figures on World Maritime Day the ITF said it had recovered $118.5 million in wages to...
Surge in Chinese Trade Leads to Pileup of Empty Containers in Russia
Russia's trade with the West has plummeted since the invasion of Ukraine and the imposition of sanctions, and it has quickly substituted commerce with China instead. That exchange, however, is not evenly balanced - and it is resulting in a steady accumulation of empty...
Panama Canal adjusts freshwater charge
The Panama Canal has announced that it will modify the variable component of the Fresh Water Charge (FWC) which will take effect on 1st October. As part of the Canal's efforts to manage the maximum draught available for transit through the Canal, The Panama...
Container freight rates to hit 2016 levels
Overcapacity and stalling demand are driving container shipping rates to new lows, according to the latest Market Pulse report from consultant Linerlytica. Nick Savvides | Sep 27, 2023 Asia to Europe rates are already below 2019 levels and there is a real risk...
Container shipping has a Europe problem and it’s getting worse
With all the attention on U.S. consumers and inventory levels, Europe’s importance to shipping lines can get lost in the shuffle. The Asia-Europe trade is pivotal to container shipping operators — and this trade is now under severe pressure. Judah Levine, head of...
Trouble ahead: Container shipping rates sinking further into the red
Trans-Pacific spot rates have fallen by double digits over past month It’s not looking good for container shipping lines. Peak season is running out of whatever limited steam it previously had. Spot rates are sliding into loss-making territory. Rates “continue to lose...
New fuels, new risks
New fuels, new risks The rise of alternative fuels both for vessel propulsion and as part of cargo such as electric vehicles is resulting in new risks for marine insurers. Marcus Hand | Sep 20, 2023 The emerging risks come against the backdrop of a generally positive...
Container shipping market back in 2019
Alan Murphy, CEO and founder of Copenhagen supply chain analyst Sea Intelligence, has warned of widespread service cancellations on major trade lanes across the Pacific Ocean and between Asia and Europe between now and the end of the year. Paul Bartlett | Sep 22, 2023...
Container line blank sailings surge for Golden Week period
The number of blank sailings by container lines during China’s Golden Week has surged sharply according to analysts Sea-Intelligence. Despite concerns that shipping lines were failing to act ahead of the seasonal lull around the week-long Chinese Golden Week holidays...
Critical years ahead for container shipping
Increasing congestion at container depots and the end of the 2M alliance in January 2025 could see further supply chain disruption and another shake-up in carrier collaboration and operations. MSC and Maersk announced the break up of their alliance earlier this year,...
ESG Index for shipping launched at LISW
As shipping companies face mounting pressure to introduce or strengthen their environmental, social, governance (ESG) strategies, a new framework has been developed to assist in this process. Speaking at The Time for Change is Now, a joint WISTA UK and Seatrade...
Shipping needs 40% of global zero carbon fuels to meet 2030 target
In its latest research into the energy transition DNV estimates that between 44 and 62 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe) production will be produced by 2030 with an estimated demand for carbon neutral fuels of 17 Mtoe by that date. Highlighting the challenges...
Vessels turned away from Brazil’s Port of Santos due to congestion
BTP was reported to have been unable to receive two scheduled container ships for operation last week. BTP is a joint venture between APM Terminals, part of AP Moller Maersk, and MSC’s Terminal Investment’s Ltd (TIL). Both vessels attempted to divert to the other two...
Capital Gas Ship Management Orders Two Very Large Ammonia Carriers
Capital Gas Ship Management Corp. announces the order for the world's first two 88,000 CBM (?) very-large ammonia carriers (VLAC) with KSOE. The innovative vessels will be constructed at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan and are scheduled to be delivered by the...
Industry unites over battle against invasive species in cargoes
Shipping lines, shippers, and governments are working together to combat the global issue of pests carried in containers and bulk cargoes that can cause billions of dollars in crop damage. Nick Savvides | Aug 25, 2023 The spread of invasive species via the...
Containerships largely unaffected by Panama Canal delays
The number of vessels waiting to transit the Panama Canal has grown, however, containerships with reservations have seen minimal impact in terms of waiting times. Marcus Hand | Aug 31, 2023 The restrictions on transit numbers and draught put in place by the Panama...
Port of LA container volume improvement stalls in July with 27% drop
The improvement in volumes at the Port of Los Angeles came to abrupt end in July. Marcus Hand | Aug 24, 2023 An improving trend in monthly volumes at the Port of LA which had seen June volumes down just 5% year-on-year, compared to a 43% drop in February, has not...
Panama Canal Restrictions Likely to Last for the Next Year
The backlog at the Panama Canal has eased slightly but the drought is likely to mean the restrictions continue for at least the next 10 months (file photo) PUBLISHED AUG 25, 2023 3:44 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE Restrictions on the draft of vessels and the...
As Japan Begins Releasing Water From Fukushima, Should We be Concerned?
PUBLISHED AUG 27, 2023 3:46 PM BY EDMOND SANGANYADO Japan’s decision to release water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant has been greeted with horror by the local fishing industry as well as China and several Pacific Island states....
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...
Local News
East and Southeast Asian Ports Dominate 2023 Global Container Port Performance Index
The latest edition of the Global Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) shows East and Southeast Asian ports leading the pack in 2023, with 13 out of the top 20 spots. The fourth iteration of the CPPI, developed by the World Bank and S&P Global Market...
Anthony Loke to lead delegation to China for 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations
KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 — Transport Minister Anthony Loke is leading a delegation to visit Hong Kong and China from June 6 to 9 in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China. He will attend the Official 50th...
Malaysia aims to showcase 40 5G private network use cases
The government of Malaysia said there are currently 12 enterprise projects involving 5G trials across various sectors Malaysia plans to present at least 40 5G private network use cases in sectors such as manufacturing, oil and gas, logistics and healthcare, ahead of...
Malaysia cuts diesel subsidies, with hopes that handouts will cushion inflation impact
KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia will cut diesel subsidies and float retail prices to the market rate of RM3.35 per litre, an increase of about 55 per cent from RM2.15, starting from June 10. The move, however, will not have much impact on the country’s inflation rate –...
As shipping supply chains are interrupted by wars, how is Southeast Asia faring?
D isruptions to shipping supply chains are being felt globally due to the conflict in Gaza and related attacks on ships by Houthi militias, as well as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but they are not the only tension points stressing global sea lanes. Southeast Asian...
Transport Ministry: Cable-laying ships exempted from cabotage policy starting June 1
UALA LUMPUR, May 30 ― Starting June 1, all cable-laying ships engaged in the installation, maintenance and repair of submarine telecommunication cables landed at any submarine cable landing centre in Malaysian waters are exempt from the cabotage policy. The Transport...
Johor-Singapore SEZ: Pengerang’s potential as hub for ‘spillover’ business renews optimism for area’s development
KOTA TINGGI, Johor: Tucked away in the southeastern tip of peninsular Malaysia is a large swathe of land with rows upon rows of oil storage tanks and cooling towers with dark smoke billowing from above. The Pengerang Integrated Petroleum Complex (PIPC) - which...
Diesel subsidy rationalisation due to 10-fold increase in cost to Malaysian government: finance minister II
The decision to rationalise diesel fuel subsidy in Malaysia was due to the cost to the government, which had increased by 10 times in just five years, The Star reported. The Malaysian government had paid RM14.3 billion in diesel subsidy last year,...
Malaysia finally reinstates cabotage exemption for undersea cable repair ships
Malaysia has finally reinstated the cabotage policy exemption for foreign ships to conduct laying, maintenance and repairs of submarine telecommunication cables in Malaysian waters effective 1st June 2024. This comes after Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced in...
Sarawak says exploring proposal to establish state transport authority
KUCHING, May 25 — Sarawak’s Ministry of Transport is exploring a proposal to establish a Sarawak Transport Authority to manage and operate the entire transportation sector in the state, its minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said today. He said this holistic approach...
Port of Tanjung Pelepas inks deals for 11 ULCV capacity quay cranes
Port of Tanjung Pelepas SdnBhd (PTP), a joint venture between the MMC Group and APM Terminals in Malaysia, has signed an agreement with Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co Ltd (ZPMC) for the purchase of five ultra large container vessel (ULCV) Quay Cranes. This...
Sudden container crunch sends ocean freight rates soaring, setting off global trade alarm bells
A perfect storm in global trade is creating a shipping container capacity crunch, fueling a sudden and surprise spike in ocean freight rates. The beginning of peak shipping season, coupled with the longer transits to avoid the Red Sea, and bad weather in...
Northport receives the largest ever container vessel to berth at its terminal
Northport (Malaysia) Bhd (“Northport”), a member of MMC Group, celebrated a historic milestone as it welcomed MV OOCL Japan on 20 May 2024, the largest ever container vessel to berth at its facilities. Owned by Orient Overseas Container Line (“OOCL”) Limited, MV OOCL...
Dry days coming with south-west monsoon, possible water shortages, says Zahid
PETALING JAYA: The incoming south-west monsoon is expected to bring back hot and dry weather with water shortages a possibility, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Deputy Prime Minister and National Disaster Management Committee (Nadma) chairman said in a...
PM Anwar: Malaysia, Uzbekistan to transform joint committee on trade into joint commission
TASHKENT, May 17 — Malaysia and Uzbekistan have agreed to activate the work of the intergovernmental Joint Committee on Trade and transform the committee into the Intergovernmental Joint Commission. In a joint statement today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim...
Transport minister: Official HSR project discussions only after Cabinet approval
PUTRAJAYA, May 17 ― Any official discussion with Singapore on the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) will only be held after obtaining approval from the Cabinet, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said. He added that the working paper on the suggested project...
Insights into Malaysia’s Standing in the 2024 Emerging Asia Manufacturing Index
The Malaysian state of Selangor is positioning itself to be the gateway to business in Southeast Asia, as the region aims to become the fourth-largest economy by 2030. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), which currently trails the economies of the US,...
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...