Great Lakes Shipping Supports 237,000 Plus Jobs

The new study by the Department of Transportation Great Lakes - Saint Lawrence Seaway says that shipping  supports more than 237,000 jobs and billions in economic activity.A year-long study of the economic impacts of the entire Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway navigation system is a definitive and detailed report documenting the many contributions made by the Great Lakes Seaway system to federal, state/provincial and local economies.The study reports that in 2017 maritime commerce supported: 237…

DP World Acquires India's Continental Warehousing

Hindustan Infralog (HIPL), a joint venture between DP World and the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), announced that the transaction to acquire 90% stake in Continental Warehousing Corporation (Nhava Seva) Ltd in India has now closed.CWCNSL’s founders, the Reddy family, will retain the remaining 10% shareholding and will remain involved in the business operations. It is the first investment of HIPL, the recently created investment vehicle between DP World and NIIF to invest up to US$ 3 billion in ports…

Port of Oakland Board Elects Butner as President

Oakland business leader Cestra ‘Ces’ Butner has been elected President of the Port of Oakland’s governing Board. The Board of Port Commissioners selected their colleague for the top post at a meeting last week.Commissioner Butner succeeds Joan Story, who will remain on the Board. Commissioner Andreas Cluver was elected First Vice President by his colleagues on the Board. The Board elected Commissioner Michael Colbruno as Second Vice President. All three officers take over their new roles July 26.This is Commissioner Butner’s second term as President.

Bisso Offshore Orders New Tugs from Eastern

Estern Shipbuilding Group announced it has signed a new contract with Bisso Offshore, LLC for the construction of two Robert Allan Ltd. RApport 2400 Ship Handing Tugs with escort capability. The deal was signed on May 31, 2018.Bisso Offshore is one of Eastern’s long term customers and has taken delivery of four previous modern Z-drive tugs from Eastern since 2006.These two new Robert Allan RApport 2400 design tugs have been customized by the designer and owner to provide specific operational features while also meeting new EPA Tier 4 and USCG Sub-M requirements.Joey D’Isernia…

Port of Long Beach Reports Busiest Month Ever

Container cargo volumes reached record heights at the Port of Long Beach last month, surging past the previous mark and distinguishing June 2018 as the port’s best month ever.Trade increased 14.2 percent in June, compared to the same month in 2017. The port’s terminals moved 752,188 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), 4.4 percent higher than the previous “best month” record set in July 2017.Through June, the port has handled nearly 4 million TEUs. The figure is 14.5 percent above the pace set by 2017, the port’s busiest year ever.

Chinese Imports to US Ports Peaking Early

Chinese imports to U.S. ports rose more than expected in June, suggesting that some retailers moved up orders to insulate themselves from an intensifying trade war that threatens to send up costs on a growing number of consumer products.Retailers such as Walmart Inc and Amazon.com face uncertainty due to U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to impose more tariffs on Chinese goods, and the jump in imports from the country was likely because of "pre-emptive buying in anticipation of the tariffs"…

Growth Expected in Indian Logistics Industry

With industrial output and consumption-driven sectors recovering in H2 FY2018 from the initial lull post GST implementation, the freight demand in India has also reported healthy pickup during the second half of the previous fiscal.“The performance of key listed logistics companies indicates that there was pick-up in growth momentum as the year progressed,” said According to Shamsher Dewan, Vice President & Sector Head - Corporate Ratings, ICRA Ltd. “From an aggregate revenue growth of only 4.6 percent in Q2 FY2018…

LA, Antwerp Partner to Advance Port Technologies

In an effort to spur technology-based innovation in the port and maritime environment, the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Antwerp in Belgium  are hosting an international “Hackathon.” The technology competition will take place October 11-13, 2018 simultaneously in the two cities and involve participants from around the world.The Hackathon has been organized under the chainPORT initiative, a collaboration of 12 ports launched in 2015 to digitally connect ports worldwide, share…

China Will Hit Back After New US Tariffs

China accused the United States of bullying and warned it would hit back after the Trump administration raised the stakes in their trade dispute, threatening 10 percent tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods.China's commerce ministry said on Wednesday it was "shocked" and would complain to the World Trade Organisation, but did not immediately say how it would retaliate. In a statement, it called the U.S. actions "completely unacceptable".The foreign ministry described Washington's…

Key Oil Export Terminals Reopen in Libya

Tripoli-based National Oil Corp (NOC) said on Wednesday four export terminals were being reopened after eastern factions handed over the ports, ending a standoff that had shut down most of Libya's oil output.Production and export operations would be restored "within the next few hours", an NOC statement said, although the restart at Es Sider and Ras Lanuf, where workers were evacuated and storage tanks damaged in fighting last month, was expected to be gradual.A tanker at Hariga was due to start loading 1 million barrels of crude on Wednesday afternoon…

Bryden Named CTO at PEIR

PEIR, a new app that helps the transportation logistics and shipping industries better assign costs based on responsibility for damaged shipping containers and trailers, has announced the hiring of Dr. Aaron Bryden as Chief Technology Officer and the acquisition of Tamper-Secure technology and patents from PRAXIK.Tom Burke, CEO of TCompanies, parent company of PEIR, said,  “Acquiring the Tamper-Secure technology and patents from PRAXIK made a great deal of sense for PEIR as we…

Redzic Joins Caterpillar as Digital Enabled Solutions VP

The board of directors of Caterpillar Inc. has appointed Ogi Redzic as a vice president to lead the company’s Digital Enabled Solutions Division (DESD), effective July 30, 2018. He will be based in Caterpillar's Chicago office and report to Group President of Customer & Dealer Support Bob De Lange.DESD is comprised of the company's data analytics group, the enterprise data hub, equipment management tools, Cat Connect technologies and customer experience portals.Redzic takes over for Caterpillar Vice President Julie Lagacy, who has led DESD on an interim basis.

Libya's Oil Output Down Sharply in 2018

Libya's national oil production fell to 527,000 barrels per day (bpd) from a high of 1.28 million bpd in February following recent oil port closures, the head of the National Oil Corporation (NOC) said in a statement on Monday.The NOC had not previously stated how high the country's production had climbed after partially recovering to more than 1 million bpd a year ago.In the video statement dated July 8 the chairman of Tripoli-based NOC, Mustafa Sanalla, said the Feb. 23 closure of the El Feel oilfield due to protests led to the loss of 80…

China Blames U.S. for "largest-scale trade war"

China says forced to respond to U.S. tariffs. The United States and China slapped tit-for-tat duties on $34 billion worth of each other's imports on Friday, with Beijing accusing Washington of triggering the "largest-scale trade war" as the world's two biggest economies sharply escalated their conflict. Hours before Washington's deadline for the tariffs to take effect, U.S. President Donald Trump upped the ante, warning that the United States may ultimately target over $500 billion worth of Chinese goods, or roughly the total amount of U.S. imports from China last year.

S&P Upgrades Panama Canal's Outlook

Two years after the inauguration of the Expanded Panama Canal, Standard & Poor's (S&P) Global Ratings revised its outlook on the Panama Canal from ‘stable’ to ‘positive’ – demonstrating the global impact of the historic waterway. The rating agency also affirmed its 'A-' rating for the Panama Canal, ranking the ACP two notches above that of the sovereign foreign currency rating. The Panama Canal's outlook indicates the rating agency's expectation that it will generate relatively stable annual earnings before interest…

The Inouye: The Largest American-Made and American-Crewed Containership Ever Built

I was honored to be present in South Philadelphia on June 30 to witness the christening of the largest container ship ever built in the United States. It was built by Philly Shipyards for shipping company, Matson, Inc., and was named for the former Hawaii senator, war hero, and long-standing maritime champion Daniel K. Inouye. At a time when the U.S. maritime industry is fighting to keep its place among international competitors, this event was a momentous occasion. Built for the Hawaii trade…

ICTSI Contecon Guayaquil Gets Approval to Handle Mega Vessels

Contecon Guayaquil SA (CGSA),  subsidiary  of Manila-based International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI)  has received the government of Ecuador approval to accommodate mega vessels of up to 305 meters in length at the Port of Guayaquil’s Berths 2 and 3. "ICTSI further strengthened its market position as the main trading gateway in the entire Ecuador after recently getting the government’s nod to service larger vessels," said a press release from the company. The Ecuadorian Ministry of Transport and Public Works…

Adani Ports Acquires Kattupalli Port

India's largest port developer Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) has agreed to pick up 97% stake in Marine Infrastructure Developer (MIDPL) from Larsen & Toubro at an enterprise value of Rs 1,950 crore ($284 million). According to a press release from the company, Kattupalli Port is one of the most modern ports in India emerging as Chennai’s New Gateway for EXIM trade in Chennai/Bangalore region and provides a whole new dimension of services with speed and sophistication.

Oil Tight on Libyan Port Struggles

Libyan oil production could face protracted disruption as factions in the east seek to seize control of crude exports, adding pressure to a tight global market. Eastern factions have tried to take over oil exports in the past but have struggled to find buyers because Western nations insist they will deal only with the internationally recognised National Oil Corporation (NOC) based in the Libyan capital of Tripoli. But this has not stopped eastern forces from seeking control of the ports, accusing Libya's western-based government of failing to share revenues fairly.

FairfieldNodal Changes Name

FairfieldNodal has changed its name to Fairfield Geotechnologies (Fairfield Geo). The name change reflects Fairfield Geo’s strategy and continuing evolution as a provider of life-of-field technology, data and solutions.FairfieldNodal pioneered the use of ocean bottom nodes (OBN) and is a leading provider of ocean bottom nodal technology, related services and data to Oil Majors, National Oil Companies and Independent Operators. The data and services are necessary to manage reservoirs…

Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding to Build 740ft Self-Unloading Great Lakes Barge

Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding has signed an agreement with VanEnkevort Tug & Barge, Inc. to construct a new self-unloading barge for transportation of bulk products throughout the Great Lakes region. Measuring 740 feet in length (78 feet W, 45 feet H, 37,512 DWT), the vessel will be constructed in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. VanEnkevort Tug & Barge, Inc. (VTB) of Escanaba, Michigan is a growing company operating three articulated tug and barges (ATBs) on the Great Lakes. This newest…

Commerce Secretary Ross Taps DSC Dredge CEO Wetta to Key Post

Bob Wetta to serve on President Trump's Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa. On April 26, 2018, Secretary Wilbur Ross, United States Department of Commerce, appointed Bob Wetta, President and CEO of DSC Dredge LLC to serve on the President’s Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa (PAC-DBIA). Bob Wetta named Charlie Sinunu, DSC’s Director of International Dredge Sales to his staff and they will help identify commercial opportunities for the United States in the region. Bob Wetta shared, “Being tapped to serve on the Council is an honor and a privilege.

CMA CGM Founder Jacques Saade Dies at 81

Mr. Jacques R. Saade, founding president of the CMA CGM Group, died on June 24, 2018 at the age of 81, according to the company. Jacques R. Saadé dedicated his life to CMA CGM. An extraordinary visionary and entrepreneur, he made the group into a world leader in the maritime transport of containers, developing the company in more than 160 countries, while maintaining the family dimension with its values. After having left Lebanon to protect his family for Civil War, Jacques R Saadé founded the Compagnie Maritime d’Affretement (CMA) 40 years ago…

East Libyan Forces Advance to Retake Oil Ports

East Libyan forces said on Thursday they had retaken the shuttered oil ports of Es Sider and Ras Lanuf, though clashes resumed south of Ras Lanuf in the afternoon after a counter-attack by rival factions.Staff were evacuated from terminals in Libya's eastern oil crescent and exports were suspended last Thursday when armed opponents of eastern-based military commander Khalifa Haftar stormed the ports and occupied them.The closure has led to production losses of up to 450,000 barrels…

SC Ports Plans for 5% Container Growth

Today, the South Carolina Ports Authority Board of Directors adopted a 2019 fiscal year financial plan that includes five percent pier container growth, $280.8 million in operating revenues, $42.9 million in operating earnings, and capital expenditures of $277.6 million. The plan projects a pier container volume, or boxes handled, of 1.305 million during FY2019, as well as a five percent increase from the 1.24 million pier containers that the SCPA expects to handle in FY2018, which ends June 30.The Port is planning for strong volumes at both inland rail facilities in FY2019.

Libya Oil Output Slashed by Port Attacks

Libya has lost some 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) of oil production in recent days because of militant attacks at the Ras Lanuf and Es Sider ports, the head of the National Oil Corporation, Mustafa Sanalla, said on Tuesday.Sanalla said there were still militants present in the area of the terminals, which were closed on Thursday following an early morning attack by opponents of eastern-based Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar."We look to fight the fire first of all, stabilise the situation…

China to Impose 25% Tariffs on 659 US Goods

China will impose additional 25 percent tariffs on 659 U.S. goods worth $50 billion in response to the U.S. announcement that it will levy tariffs on Chinese imports, the Chinese commerce ministry said.Tariffs on $34 billion of U.S. goods including agricultural products such as soybeans will take effect from July 6, the ministry said. Soybeans are China's biggest import from the United States by value.The tariffs will also be applied to autos and aquatic products, the ministry said.The list of 659 U.S.

Trump Announces 25% Tariff on Chinese Technology

President Donald Trump on Friday announced that the United States will implement a 25 percent tariff on $50 billion of goods from China related to intellectual property and technology, and pledged to impose further levies if the Asian nation takes retaliatory measures.Trump said the tariff list includes goods from China's "Made in China 2025" strategic plan to dominate high-technology industries that will "drive future economic growth for China, but hurt economic growth for the United States and many other countries."(Reporting by Lisa Lambert and David Lawder Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe)

Port Canaveral Awarded $16.23 Mln for Harbor Projects

The Canaveral Harbor and Canaveral Sand Bypass projects will receive priority funding in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Fiscal Year 2018 Workplan. The Corps has allocated $14.76 million to the Canaveral Harbor Sand Bypass project and $1.47 million will be provided for maintenance of the Port’s harbor and the Canaveral Locks.U.S. Congressman Bill Posey (FL-08) worked with the Army Corps throughout their budget planning process to ensure critical Port Canaveral and Brevard County…

Real-time Oceanographic Equipment Installed at Port Everglades

Real-time tides, currents, water levels and other metrological information at Broward County’s Port Everglades is now readily available to the public thanks to an advanced sensor device developed and installed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).“Boaters and commercial mariners will be able to make safer choices based on the data from this equipment because it gives real-time information and forecasts,” said Port Everglades Deputy Port Director Glenn Wiltshire.

China Warns US Trade Benefits Hinge on Stopping Tariffs

If the United States implements trade sanctions including tariffs then all outcomes of the China-U.S. trade talks will be void, state news agency Xinhua said on Sunday following high-level trade discussions in Beijing.China is willing to increase imports from multiple countries including the United States, Xinhua said, adding that reform and opening up and increasing domestic demand were China's national strategy.The statement was released following the conclusion of talks between U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He.

Port of Hamburg Delegation in China

A delegation from Hamburg was in China from 14 to 18 May, visiting companies in Zhengzhou, Shanghai and Hangzhou. Organized by Port of Hamburg Marketing (HHM) in cooperation with the Hamburg Representative Office in Shanghai, the delegation’s tour was led by Axel Mattern, HHM’s Joint CEO, and Mathias Schulz, its Head of Market Development Asia. The delegation included representatives of TCO Transcargo, Rostock Port, Trelleborgs Hamn, Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and Hamburg Invest.

New US Coast Guard Commandant Takes Helm

Adm. Paul F. Zukunft was relieved as commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard by Adm. Karl Schultz during a military change-of-command ceremony held Friday at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters.Zukunft also retired from the Coast Guard after 41 years of service to the nation as part of the same ceremony and received the Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal from President Donald J. Trump."Truly, Mr. President, you honor the men and women of the United States Coast Guard serving around the world today as 2018 was the largest appropriation ever for the Coast Guard," said Zukunft.

Port of Hamburg Sends Delegation to China

A delegation from Hamburg was in China from May 14-18, visiting companies in Zhengzhou, Shanghai and Hangzhou. Organized by Port of Hamburg Marketing (HHM) in cooperation with the Hamburg Representative Office in Shanghai, the delegation’s tour was led by Axel Mattern, HHM’s Joint CEO, and Mathias Schulz, its Head of Market Development Asia.The delegation included representatives of TCO Transcargo, Rostock Port, Trelleborgs Hamn, Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) and Hamburg Invest.The focus was on discussions with leading import and export companies…

US Hits EU, Canada and Mexico with Steel, Aluminum Tariffs

The United States on Thursday said it will impose tariffs on aluminum and steel imports from Canada, Mexico and the European Union, reigniting investor fears of a global trade war as Washington's allies took steps to retaliate against U.S. goods.The move, announced by U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross in a telephone briefing on Thursday, ended months of uncertainty about potential tariff exemptions and suggested a hardening of the Trump administration's approach to trade negotiations.It also sent a chill through financial markets…

Video: Autonomous Drones Aid Port Construction

An Israeli startup has partnered with Shapir-Ashtrom to survey the construction of Haifa’s new $1 billion seaport, Gulf Port, intended to further develop Israel’s coastline areas and increase maritime traffic and international commerce.With this collaboration, Airobotics, which claims to have built the world’s first fully automated drone, is implementing the first technology of its kind for industrial spaces and is working closely with Israel’s top construction and civil engineering companies…

Second Delivery of Cranes Arrives in APM Terminals Moin

With this latest delivery of cranes, the APM Terminals Moin remains on schedule for completion in February 2019, when it is expected to raise commerce in Costa Rica by 23% according to Qbis Socioeconomic Impact Study. This second delivery of Ship-to-Shore and Electric Rubber-Tire Gantry Cranes (ERTGs) to APM Terminals Moin, Costa Rica brings the total on site to six and 23 respectively. The commissioning of the equipment was completed this week. “APM Terminals Moin is proud to celebrate this milestone…

National Maritime Day Celebrates the Benefits of Waterborne Transportation

The maritime industry is the lifeblood of United States trade, delivering goods throughout North America and around the world. National Maritime Day, Tuesday, May 22, 2018, recognizes the benefits the maritime industry provides in the U.S. and celebrates those who work on the water. Members of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway shipping industry are among those celebrating National Maritime Day. The Chamber of Marine Commerce is honored to represent American and Canadian shippers, ports, terminals and marine service providers who work to keep domestic and international trade afloat.

Cranes, Heavy Lift Shipping, Engineering and New Technologies

Compared to new technologies, conventional engineering in shipping is a relatively simple science: computable and generally predictable. However, heavy lift shipping presents challenges that go far beyond what is required with standard unitized cargoes. The transportation of project cargoes - often highly valuable components of multi-billion-dollar projects - requires expert planning to ensure they are loaded and transported safely and efficiently. Last year AAL shipped two giant cyclone vessels (22m x 11m x 10m and weighing over 500mt each) to Petronas’ $27 billion RAPID project in Malaysia.

China 'Welcomes' High-Quality U.S. Products

China welcomes high-quality and competitive products made by the United States to enter its market, the commerce ministry said on Wednesday.   Both China and the United States will seriously implement a deal reached in Washington, including the purchase of farm and and energy products, the ministry said in a statement.   China said on Tuesday it would cut import tariffs for automobiles and car parts in the effort to further open up its markets.   Reporting by Beijing Monitoring Desk

Piloting Shipping’s Fourth Industrial Revolution

Vessels today have the capability to gather information and data from a wide variety of sources. This data can inform the crew about the impact of acceleration on the hull, provide updates on lubrication use during slow steaming, and use dynamic positioning to automatically maintain a vessel’s position and heading - among many other things. So while shipping might consider itself a conservative industry, there’s nothing old-fashioned about the technology that’s driving its progress today.For a long time the core industry drivers for the adoption of new…

INTTRA Adds Salam Pacific Indonesia Lines to its Carrier Network

INTTRA, the largest neutral network, software and information provider at the center of the ocean shipping industry, announced an expansion of its rapidly growing carrier network with the addition of Salam Pacific Indonesia Lines (SPIL), its first carrier in Indonesia. The addition of SPIL represents a trend by regional carriers who are joining INTTRA to gain a competitive advantage in their service regions. SPIL provides services to all Indonesian routes, with 32 offices strategically located across the Indonesian archipelago.

DNV GL Invests in Public Blockchain Service Provider VeChain

DNV GL, the risk management and quality assurance company, has bought a stake in leading public blockchain service provider VeChain as it looks to use the technology to develop new digital assurance solutions. The acquisition builds on the strong relationship between the two firms and follows the recent launch of My Story, a blockchain enabled digital assurance product which gives a new level of insight into supplier and product information. DNV GL took the step to buy the minority stake as it recognises the growth potential in both the VeChain and the technology it is advancing.

Record-Breaking Year for the Port of Baltimore

38.4 million tons of cargo handled in 2017; the most since 1979 and the third-highest tonnage in its history.With such a busy port environmental factors have to be considered. The Maryland Department of Transportation, Maryland Port Administration has made significant environmental progress to reduce emissions at the port’s public marine terminals in the last several years, including upgrades of older equipment to newer and more efficient tools.The 2018 GreenPort Congress Conference…

Tightening CA Environmental Regs Could Impact West Coast Supply Chains

In a similar fashion to Gulf coast offshore energy producers who, in some instances, must document and count the environmental impact of their third party standby boats, offshore service vessels and other assets, the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles could soon be burdened with yet another layer of environmental rules. In Southern California, beneficial cargo owners (BCOs) are bracing for yet another set of regulations; this time as a function of cargo transported to and from warehouses and even off-site intermodal rail yards.

MarineMTS Launches Silverbox

MarineMTS has launched to market Silverbox, a new piece of technology that is set to provide secure chart and data updates to mariners across the globe. Silverbox will help vessel owners and operators improve voyage planning, enhance safety and prepare for a future of automation.Silverbox, which has undergone rigorous testing on client vessels around the world, will enable the delivery of live, secure, automatic updates to navigational charts on vessels that use an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) - mandatory for all sizes of commercial craft by July 2018.

DP World Sets Its Sights on Hyperloop Cargo Shipping

Dubai-based port operator DP World has partnered with Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Hyperloop One to create a new venture that aims to provide hyperloop-enabled cargo systems.DP World and the U.S.-based Virgin Hyperloop One introduced their vision for “the future of on-demand freight transportation” at an event on April 29 at the historic vessel Queen Elizabeth 2.The joint venture, called DP World Cargospeed, will set out to be the world’s first to ship cargo with hyperloop technology.

Maersk to Trial AI-powered Situational Awareness Technology

Danish shipping giant A.P. Moller-Maersk will be the first in the world to trial artificial intelligence (AI) powered perception and situational awareness technology on a containership.Under a deal signed with Boston-based Sea Machines Robotics, Maersk will install computer vision, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and perception software aboard one of its new-build Winter Palace ice-class containerships.Sea Machines said its solution uses AI to improve at-sea situational awareness…

Singapore Sets Out to Curb Ship Collisions

Singapore is set to get new technology to help in preventing ship collisions.The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said it has engaged the services of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research's Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC), Singapore Management University (SMU) and Fujitsu to develop new predictive technologies for maritime vessel traffic management. These predictive technologies will tap the power of artificial intelligence and big data analytics, to enhance navigational safety within the Port of Singapore.

Port Houston Reports Strong Q1 2018

Year-to-date total tonnage for Port Houston through March is at 9.7 million, reflecting a 2 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Results showed that bulk material and steel were the primary drivers for the growth. “We continue to see positive activity for all sectors of business through Port Houston facilities,” Port Houston Executive Director Roger Guenther said Monday to the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority during the April meeting. Cargo showed year-to-date increases across all major lines.

Port Manatee Reports Record First Half

Port Manatee reports it has achieved numerous cargo records in the first half of its current fiscal year and is on pace to shatter several full-year marks. The Central Florida Gulf port has established new first-half highs for total tonnage throughput and a host of cargo sectors, according to figures released April 17. “Port Manatee’s continuing dynamic growth is a testament to the enduring success of our port, in collaboration with our tenants and users, as a critical link in…

Kemp: Trade Restrictions puts World Economy at Risk

Trade and investment restrictions are proliferating around the world, driven by a combination of security concerns and protectionist pressures. In each instance, policymakers can usually cite a justification of why trade and investment restrictions are necessary. But taken together, a thickening web of restrictions on cross-border transactions is imposing a growing burden on business as well as complicating supply chains. The United States and China have threatened to hit each…

Concirrus, EY to Drive Change in Marine Insurance Underwriting

Insurtech Concirrus and EY announced a new agreement to accelerate the adoption of behavioral-based underwriting and risk management in marine insurance. Concirrus has created market leading artificial intelligence (AI) powered marine insurance software, and is collaborating with EY, a global leader in specialty insurance consulting, to support the evolution of one of the oldest and most traditional insurance industries. Working together will help marine insurers move from older demographic based underwriting models…

Partners Eye Autonomous Vessel Technology for UK Ports

Peel Ports Group and ASV Global (ASV) have launched a partnership which will develop the use of autonomous vessel technology for U.K. port operations.The partnership kick-started with a visit from ASV’s team to the Port of Liverpool, to demonstrate the C-Cat-3, an autonomous vessel ideal for shallow survey operations.The C-Cat 3 operated in Brocklebank Dock carrying out seabed survey using a Norbit iWBMS multibeam echo sounder.The successful demonstration has led Peel Ports Group…

CMA CGM Rolls Out Ocean Alliance Day Two Product

CMA CGM Group, a world leader in maritime transport, is pleased to announce the start of the Ocean Alliance Day Two Product. Based on the success of Ocean Alliance, the Ocean Alliance Day Two Product strengthens CMA CGM’s service offering by providing even better services and upgrades to the Group’s customers. The Ocean Alliance Day Two Product has a carrying capacity of around 3.1 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) with 331 containerships deployed on 41 services. CMA CGM will continue to play a major role within the alliance, deploying a fleet of 121 ships.

Pirate Attacks Worsen in Gulf of Guinea - IMB

A surge in armed attacks against ships around West Africa is pushing up global levels of piracy and armed robbery at sea, warns the International Chamber of Commerce's International Maritime Bureau (IMB). IMB's Piracy Reporting Center recorded 66 incidents in the first quarter of 2018, up from 43 for the same period in 2017, and 37 in Q1 2016. Worldwide in the first three months of 2018, 100 crew were taken hostage and 14 kidnapped from their vessels. A total of 39 vessels were boarded, 11 fired upon and four vessels hijacked. IMB received a further 12 reports of attempted attacks.

APL Rolls out China Bangkok Express Service

APL has announced the launch of the China Bangkok Express (CBX) service, a new shortsea service that directly links South China and Thailand each week. Characterised by competitive transit times, the CBX service promises the industry’s fastest connection from Nansha to Bangkok in four days. Also designed to transport special cargo, this service offers reefer and breakbulk solutions to facilitate these shipments. Shippers with cargo that are destined beyond Asia may also tap onto…

First public display of EnergySail

Eco Marine Power (EMP) announce that it will exhibit for the first time a working prototype of its EnergySail technology and the automated control system at  Sea Japan in Tokyo. This laboratory prototype will be exhibited along with several associated technologies including an energy storage solution and flexible marine grade photovoltaic panels. The patented EnergySail is a rigid sail device developed by EMP that will allow ships to harness the power of the wind and sun in order to reduce fuel costs plus lower noxious gas and carbon emissions.

Crowley Logistics Expands Miami Ops

Crowley Logistics opened its newly expanded Medley warehouse in Miami this week to provide more seamless and efficient supply chain services to South Florida customers. The project, which began in November 2017, consolidates the company’s Medley and Doral facilities into the Medley warehouse (10205 NW 108th Ave.), after adding 60,000 square feet to the location. Now at 180,000 square feet, the warehouse has double the previous number of receiving doors, and features over 5,000 pallet rack positions and 95 container parking spots along with an improved…

U.S. Commerce Chief Ross: China Trade Talks Likely

U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said on Wednesday he expects trade actions between the United States and China will likely lead to a negotiated deal, but that it was unclear whether such talks would happen by the end of May or later. "It wouldn't be surprising at all if the net outcome of all this is some sort of a negotiation," Ross said in an interview with CNBC. Ross' comments come after China slapped retaliatory duties on a number of American products earlier on Wednesday in response to Trump's planned tariffs on Chinese goods, rattling global financial markets.