GAC Announces IT Appointments

The GAC Group has announced two key IT management appointments as the group aims to maximize the effectiveness of digital tools to serve and grow its global business. Chief Information Officer Martin Wallgren says GAC’s new digital platform focuses on market intelligence, customers, the commercial ecosystem and new means of gathering and sharing data. The new appointees will form part of central team dedicated to consolidating the group’s digital development to date and lay the groundwork for future development.

NYK Group, Dualog, NTT Group Join Partnership for Onboard IoT Platform

The Japanese shipping group NYK Group (Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, MTI Co., Ltd.) will collaborate with Dualog and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) Group on a vessel platform proposal that is currently being validated with ship information systems (SIMS) data, the companies announced. The experiment is focused on validation of the below technology, which is expected to benefit the maritime industry in actual sea operations: Data gathering from an expanding array of onboard sensors and monitoring equipment…

IUMI: Offshore Energy Insurance Market “Sinking”

At annual IUMI (International Union of Marine Insurance) conference in Tokyo, James McDonald, chairman of IUMI’s Offshore Energy Committee warned that the sector was “sinking”. His warning was based on declining total premium income set alongside upstream energy large losses for 2015-16 of USD 4.8 billion. McDonald explained: “In recent years it would appear that claims have exceeded the global premium base and the last two underwriting years have seen significant losses. The…

Los Angeles, Long Beach Ports Update Clean Air Action Plan

As the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach (POLA/POLB) begin final consideration of their updated 2017 Clean Air Action Plan, regulators must embrace the future role of diesel technology in the global goods movement sector and the substantial, immediate clean air and climate benefits that the latest clean diesel technologies offer. Because of its unique combination of power, performance, efficiency, reliability, durability and availability, diesel power is projected to remain the dominant technology for global goods movement on land and sea for the next period covered by this plan.

ST Engineering Invests In Cyber Security

Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering) announced that its Corporate Venture Capital unit, ST Engineering Ventures Pte Ltd (ST Engineering Ventures) has made a Series B investment of $5.79m for a minority interest in Janus Technologies, Inc., an endpoint cyber security provider based in California. “This is the first investment by our Corporate Venture Capital unit in companies with cutting edge technologies or breakthrough innovations,” said Vincent Chong, President & CEO of ST Engineering.

Wärtsilä Debuts New Tug Designs

A new portfolio of tug designs, to be known as the Wärtsilä HYTug series, place emphasis on environmental sustainability. Since tugs typically operate in or close to harbors and populated areas, they are particularly affected by environmental considerations, and the need for regulatory compliance is an increasing concern for tug owners and operators worldwide. Having already introduced tug designs featuring liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel technology as an efficient means for complying with environmental legislation…

Hapag-Lloyd Orders 7,700 New Reefer Containers

This year, Hapag-Lloyd will once again make investments to maintain and expand its container fleet. The liner shipping company has ordered a total of 7,700 refrigerated containers (Reefers) of the latest generation – including 7,000 x 40-foot and 700 x 20-foot units. In addition, 1,000 of the new containers are equipped with “Controlled Atmosphere” technology, which slows down the ripening process of various types of fruits and vegetables, thereby allowing them to be transported for longer periods of time while maintaining a consistent quality. Production will already begin in September.

“Blockchain” and the World of Marine Insurance

If you’ve been working in the marine insurance industry lately, you will have heard about “blockchain” at some point; it is the electronic, distributed ledger, notoriously known for enabling the use of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ether. But the blockchain technology’s utility goes beyond cryptocurrencies, potentially offering creative ways to solve other real-world problems. Within blockchain ledgers, the use of ‘smart’ contracts essentially converts contractual obligations into lines of computer protocols, which facilitate, verify, or enforce its performance.

HMM Completes First Blockchain Pilot Voyage

Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) announced that it has successfully completed its first blockchain technology adopted pilot voyage. HMM, with other members of shipping and logistics blockchain consortium, have conducted its first pilot voyage from Korea to China (Busan to Qingdao) with reefer containers from August 24th to September 4th. HMM applied the blockchain technology to this pilot voyage - from shipment booking to cargo delivery - and reviewed the feasibility of adopting the technology into shipping and logistics.

Spence Takes over as Noise Control Engineering President

Glosten subsidiary Noise Control Engineering, LLC (NCE), a Massachusetts-based acoustical and structural engineering consultancy, said it has appointed Jesse Spence as its next president. As NCE president, Spence will have direct responsibility for organizational processes, market assessment and business development. He accepts this position after serving as NCE’s director of technology. Spence joined NCE in 2001, having led the firm’s efforts to develop and implement technologies and techniques to facilitate solutions to marine acoustic and vibration problems.

Project to Eliminate Emissions at Norway Ports

Shore power and charging infrastructure could reduce CO2 emissions by as much as 12.5 million tonnes at ports in Norway every year – this is one of the main conclusions of a report compiled by a pool of experts from ABB, DNV GL, the Port of Oslo, and Cavotec, working under the auspices of ReCharge, an initiative that seeks to pave the way for zero emission ports in the Scandinavian country. The ReCharge project has assessed where emissions in Norwegian ports are generated, where there is greatest potential for reductions…

MV WERFTEN Takes On 90 New Trainees

In an official ceremony held in Wismar, MV WERFTEN welcomed 102 new recruits to the maritime industry. 90 apprentices in five different professions and 12 students taking sandwich degree courses were given a warm welcome by the company management, works councils and training supervisors, set against the impressive backdrop of the company’s shipbuilding hall. “Today is a very special day for us – we are taking on over 100 new recruits in one fell swoop and are setting course together for a successful career path over the coming years,” said Holger Tepper, COO of MV WERFTEN.

‘Lunch-and-Learn’ Planned for Fleet Optimization Conference

The organizers of SHIPPINGInsight 2017 say a Lunch-and-Learn program will be held during the annual Fleet Optimization Conference & Exhibition, to be held October 10-12, at the Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa in Stamford, Conn. The Lunch-and-Learn event on Wednesday, October 11 will feature sponsored topic-table discussion groups, which will address timely, themed issues. Each table will be hosted by a representative of the sponsoring company, who will lead and moderate the discussion about the designated subject.

PBES Hires Christensen to Develop Mediterranean Markets

Plan B Energy Storage (PBES) has announced Sven Thy Christensen has joined the firm to develop marine and power markets in the Mediterranean region. Christensen brings decades of experience of green solutions for ship efficiency, emissions reduction, and power generation including diesel and gas generation, wind, and solar energy. Christensen comes from Odense Maritime Technology, where he held the position as Sales & Business Development Director. Prior to this he worked for MAN Diesel & Turbo in Spain.

Pilot Program Sees Success for Blockchain in Logistics

A pilot program delivered by logistics technology company Marine Transport International (MTI) demonstrates that the logistics industry will see improved connectivity, efficiency and security thanks to blockchain. MTI, in conjunction with Agility Sciences, released a whitepaper detailing the deployment of their Container Streams system in a supply chain environment. The results of the pilot have been verified by scientists at the University of Copenhagen and maritime technology leads at Blockchain Labs for Open Collaboration (BLOC).

Blanchard Named President of Association of Pacific Ports

The Port of Stockton Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth “Liz” Blanchard has been named President of the trade association Association of Pacific Ports (APP) for 2017-2018. The appointment was announced at the recent 104th Annual Conference of the APP held in American Samoa. Her tenure as APP President officially began August 1. Founded in 1913, the APP provides education and information to promote the efficiency and effectiveness of Pacific Ports. APP programs are designed to enhance the technical capabilities and governance expertise of port officials through meetings…

MOL Joins Blockchain Consortium

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has announced its determination to participate in the "Consortium to develop trade data sharing platform using blockchain technology," in which NTT DATA Corporation serves as the administrative office. The consortium is comprised of 14 trade-related companies such as banking, insurance, total logistics providers and export/import companies. Current trading practices rely heavily on bills of lading and other documents. This creates burdens such as additional time to complete procedures and requires additional labor and costs.

Semi-automated Trucks to Hit UK Roads in 2018

Britain will begin trials of semi-automated, wirelessly connected truck convoys on public roads by the end of 2018, in a bid to find more fuel-efficient ways to transport goods. Development of the technology has already started elsewhere in Europe and the United States. In April 2016, semi-autonomous trucks drove from factories in Sweden and Germany to the Dutch port of Rotterdam in early trials. The UK government said funding of 8.1 million pounds ($10.4 million) would enable so-called platooning trials where a lead truck driven manually controls the acceleration…

King Abdullah Port Throughput up by 14% In H1 2017

King Abdullah Port announced the increase of its throughput to 821,694 TEU in the first half of 2017, representing an increase of around 14% compared to the same time last year, where the throughput was 720,483 TEU. The port also announced an increase in the number of vessels received during the same period, reaching 398 vessels compared to 349 in the first half of 2016, also representing a 14% increase. In its report on the merchandise exports and imports of the Kingdom, the General Authority for Statistics revealed that the imports of King Abdullah Port increased by 60.7% in May 2017…

Kalmar Signs Deal with DP World Australia

Kalmar, part of Cargotec, continues its long-term cooperation with DP World Australia, the country's largest stevedore, with orders of 38 new machines for its new logistics arm, DP World Logistics Australia. The orders include 7 Kalmar reachstackers, 11 loaded and 20 empty container handlers. 22 units have successfully been delivered to DP World Logistics Australia's Botany Intermodal terminal with the remaining equipment to be delivered by September 2017. The order was booked into Cargotec's 2017 first quarter intake.

Two New Tugs for KZN Ports

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) celebrated a twin milestone for its KwaZulu-Natal ports as part of its R1.4 billion ($106.3 million), nine-tug construction contract. On Thursday, 22 August the new USIBA tug was christened and named ahead of its delivery to the Port of Richards Bay, while the Port of Durban took delivery of its Umbilo tug which had been launched and named in May. The vessels are the sixth and seventh respectively to roll off the production line on time and within budget. All nine tugs are being built by Southern African Shipyards in Durban.

FairfieldNodal to Acquire WGP

FairfieldNodal  is in advanced discussions with Thalassa Holdings to acquire WGP Group Ltd., a premier provider of marine geophysical services headquartered in the U.K. FairfieldNodal continues to seek opportunities to strengthen and expand its technology portfolio, and transform itself into a world-class provider of integrated life of field seismic services, data and data analytics over the next three to five years through a combination of strategic partnerships and acquisitions.

Maersk Tankers Invests in Quantitative Hedge Fund

Maersk Tankers said on Wednesday it has entered into an equity agreement with U.S. hedge fund CargoMetrics, giving it access to analytical models and algorithms to better manage its tanker operations. Maersk Tankers, a unit of shipping group A.P. Moller-Maersk , has invested a "significant" but undisclosed amount in the Boston-based hedge fund, which will give the firm exclusive right to its analytical models, algorithms and capabilities. CargoMetrics links satellite signals, historical shipping data and proprietary analytics for trading purposes in its systematic investment platform.

MPA, IBM Complete Pilot Trial on Project SAFER

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and IBM today announced at the opening of the International Safety@Sea Conference that they have jointly completed the pilot trial of three modules under the MPA-IBM SAFER project, which will be rolled out progressively beginning September 2017. Project SAFER, derived from “Sense-making Analytics For maritime Event Recognition,” is a collaboration between MPA and IBM to develop and test new analytics-based technologies, aimed at improving maritime and port operations to support increasing Singapore’s growth in vessel traffic.

CMA CGM Invests in NYSHEX Market

CMA CGM, a world leader in container shipping, is pleased to announce its participation in the first ever New York Shipping Exchange (NYSHEX) fundraiser, the first digital marketplace for ocean freight contracts. This investment is made alongside Hapag Lloyd, GE Ventures and Goldman Sachs, for a cumulative investment of $13 million. It is carried out through CMA CGM Ventures, the corporate venture structure recently created by the CMA CGM Group and dedicated to investments in innovative technologies.

New e-Commerce Platform Live at South African Ports

Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA) new, fully integrated e-commerce platform has gone live. The new Order to Cash system replaces TNPA’s nine year old PortsOnline customer system for online submission of cargo documentation. TNPA Chief Financial Officer and Executive Sponsor of the project, Mohammed Abdool, said, “Order to Cash is another Smart People’s Ports initiative that seeks to modernize how Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) operates by creating a single view of our port system and making transacting more effective and efficient.

NAMEPA to Honor Founding Chairman Maitland

The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) announced that Clay Maitland will receive the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award at an awards dinner in New York on October 26. Maitland, who is a Managing Partner of International Registries, Inc (Marshall Islands Ship Registry), is being recognized for his many industry accomplishments including being a NAMEPA co-founder. “Clay is one of the finest examples in our industry of a successful businessman who expends nearly as much energy on philanthropy,” said NAMEPA Chairman Joe Hughes.

Project to Build World’s Biggest Sailing Cargo Ship

Lloyd's Register (LR) has joined the Quadriga sustainable shipping project – an initiative from Hamburg-based Sailing Cargo, which aims to build the world’s biggest sailing cargo ship. The project outlines a plan to build a 170-meter car carrier, capable of carrying between 1,700 and 2,000 cars, which will be equipped with four DynaRig masts and will operate on hybrid propulsion with sails and diesel-electric engines, and an optional battery system for peak loads. The vessel will…

Buzby Sworn in as Maritime Administrator

Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby, USN, Ret. has been sworn in as the Administrator of the Maritime Administration by U.S Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao. As Maritime Administrator, Buzby will lead the agency tasked with promoting the use of waterborne transportation and its seamless integration with other segments of the transportation system; and the development and maintenance of an adequate, well-balanced U.S. merchant marine, sufficient to carry a substantial portion of the Nation’s waterborne commerce, and capable of service in time of war or national emergency.

UKHO Supports HMS Queen Elizabeth in Portsmouth

The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has supported the safe arrival of HMS Queen Elizabeth into Portsmouth by providing specialist marine geospatial and hydrographic expertise and data capabilities. Following initial dredging operations to make Portsmouth’s navigation channel and entrance deeper, hydrographic data was collected by the survey launch HMS Gleaner using modern multibeam echosounder technology to confirm the available water depth. As well as providing advice during data collection…

Maersk Wants Trade Finance Role

Maersk Line, the world's biggest container shipper, is venturing into trade finance, as it seeks to fill a lending gap left by indebted banks pulling out of the crisis-hit shipping industry. Moving into traditional bank territory and further down the shipping value chain, Maersk Line, part of A.P. Moller-Maersk, is offering to finance shipments and remove the paper trail from financing deals. Maersk says it has no need to ask for collateral - one of the biggest headaches for banks and customers in trade finance deals - because it is carrying the goods on its vessels.

PSA, PIL, IBM on Blockchain Development

Ocean carrier Pacific International Lines (PIL), terminal operator PSA International and IBM plan to utilize blockchain for better security, efficiency and transparency in supply chain business networks and trade finance. Three companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today to explore and trial proof of concept (POC) blockchain-based supply chain business network innovations. The MOU was signed by Ms Lisa Teo, Executive Director (Corporate Development) of PIL; Mr Oh Bee Lock…

Saudi Aramco Selects CTG Ballast Water Testing Device

Oil producer Saudi Aramco has selected Chelsea Technologies Group (CTG), designer and manufacturer of sensors for the maritime sector, to provide benchmark testing for compliance with ballast water standards. This follows Saudi Aramco’s announcement that all ships calling at its ports and terminals will be required to provide ballast water samples, in order to demonstrate compliance with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Ballast Water Management Convention (BWM Convention).

US Iron Ore Shipments Remain Strong

Iron ore, dry bulk cargo and general cargo shipments remain strong on the St. Lawrence Seaway, with overall tonnage up 18 percent over last year. The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation reports that cargo shipments from March 20 through July 31 totaled more than 16 million metric tons – up 2.5 million metric tons over the same period in 2016. “We continue to see demand for raw materials that are needed for construction and in the manufacturing and automotive industries,” said Bruce Burrows, President of the Chamber of Marine Commerce.

Gulftainer Receives Maiden Call of CMA CGM Virginia

Gulftainer, the largest privately owned independent port operator, has marked the maiden call of the CMA CGM Virginia vessel with a capacity of 5,095 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) at its flagship Khorfakkan Container Terminal (KCT). The vessel call was completed in a record 5.6 hours, approximately 8.4 hours ahead of schedule. CMA CGM, a leading worldwide shipping group, currently operates a diversified fleet of 445 vessels with a combined capacity of over two million TEU.

Crowley’s Busch Joins Sea Machines’ Board

Todd Busch, Sr. Vice President & General Manager, Technical Services, at Crowley Maritime, has joined Sea Machines Robotics’ board of directors. The Boston-based Sea Machines is building autonomous control technology for commercial vessels. Busch, who joined Crowley in 1987 as an ordinary seaman, is currently responsible for naval architecture and marine engineering, government services, ship management, marine salvage and wreck removal, new-vessel construction and the chartering and operations of Crowley’s offshore tug and barge fleet.

GPA Tops 2.85 Mln Tons in July

The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) said it moved 2.33 million twenty-foot equivalent container units for the calendar year through July, up 10.8 percent, or an additional 230,000 TEUs. "It is through the incredible efficiency and productivity of GPA employees and the International Longshoremen's Association – as well as the continued commitment of shippers and customers – that these record volumes are possible," said GPA Executive Director Griff Lynch. "Georgia's renewed investments, strong support from Gov.

iContainers Urges Freight Forwarders to Embrace Technology

Online freight forwarding company iContainers has urged the freight forwarding industry to embrace technology. “As shippers press on with their demand for speed, transparency, and efficiency, the freight forwarding strives hard to find a quick enough and appropriate response,” says Klaus Lysdal, Vice President of Sales and Operations of iContainers. Over the past decade, there has been an increasing number of freight forwarders adopting technology. But for the most part, the industry has employed it to improve its internal processes, for the sake of the freight forwarding company itself.

Peterhead Port Secures Offshore Wind Contract

Peterhead Port Authority is set to support the start of offshore construction work for the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC) after signing an agreement to harbor the suction bucket jacket foundations for the 11-turbine scheme. The contract will see the port moor one of the world’s largest floating cranes, with a maximum lifting capacity of 5,000 metric tons, and up to six barges that will transport the 11 foundations - the heaviest of which weighs around 1,800 metric tons and is about 77 meters high.

Decas Selected as a Top Port Director

While inclusion with the International Association of Top Professionals is an honor in itself, only a few members in each discipline are chosen for this distinction. These special honorees are distinguished based on their professional accomplishments, academic achievements, leadership abilities, longevity in the field, other affiliations and contributions to their communities. All honorees are invited to attend the IAOTP’s annual award gala at the end of this year for a night to honor their achievements.

Brom Named CEO at Alphatron Marine

Bart Brom will take over as the next CEO of Alphatron Marine Group in Rotterdam, succeeding the company’s co-founder Luuk Vroombout at the start of 2018. After completing his studies in electrical engineering, Brom served in various management and executive positions at maritime electrical engineering companies such as Alewijnse, Bakker Sliedrecht and most recently Eekels Technology, where he is currently director and business unit manager for marine and offshore in Kolham. Brom will continue his career with Alphatron Marine Group as of September 1…

Hapag-Lloyd Doubles Reefer Cargo Share in Turkey

Following the merger between container carriers Hapag-Lloyd and UASC, Hapag-Lloyd Turkey has grown to now carry almost 500,000 TEU per year. One area in particular that is poised for growth is refrigerated cargo segment. After the integration of UASC, Hapag-Lloyd Turkey said it intends to continue growing its reefer market share, which is now at 6,000 TEU yearly. Turkey is a large producer of citrus, cherries, apricots, tomatoes, carrots, potatoes as well as other fruits and vegetables, and Hapag-Lloyd sees enormous potential particularly in Mersin, Iskenderun and its geographical hinterland.

Marine Jet Power Names Gibson Americas Sales Director

Marine Jet Power, Inc. (MJP) has hired Philip Gibson as Director of Sales, responsible for sales and business development efforts in North, South and Central America. Gibson brings to the role more than 30 years’ military maritime experience, having most recently served as a Regional Sales Manager for Brunswick Commercial & Government Products (Boston Whaler). He retired from the U.S. Navy in 2005 with the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer, where he served as a U.S. Navy SEAL and advisor to the international military and police forces for riverine and counter-drug operations.

Cyber Threats Prompt Return of Radio for Ship Navigation

The risk of cyber attacks targeting ships' satellite navigation is pushing nations to delve back through history and develop back-up systems with roots in World War Two radio technology. Ships use GPS (Global Positioning System) and other similar devices that rely on sending and receiving satellite signals, which many experts say are vulnerable to jamming by hackers. About 90 percent of world trade is transported by sea and the stakes are high in increasingly crowded shipping lanes.

IMO to Honor Former Secretary-General Sekimizu

The International Maritime Prize for 2016 will be awarded to former Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Koji Sekimizu for his contribution to the work of IMO over many years. The Council unanimously decided to award the Prize to Sekimizu, IMO Secretary-General Emeritus, in recognition of his invaluable contribution to the work and objectives of the organization and the international maritime community as a whole. Sekimizu held a long and distinguished career with the organization, culminating in his four-year stewardship as Secretary-General from 2012 to 2016.

Dometic Names Hickinbotham Product Manager EMEA Marine

Dometic has appointed 18-year company veteran Paul Hickinbotham as its Product Manager EMEA Marine. In this newly created role, Hickinbotham is tasked with helping to drive product innovation and customer responsiveness by channeling the latest consumer feedback and market intelligence for each specific region in both the OEM and after-market sectors through to Dometic’s product development and sales teams. Previously EMEA Director - Sales and Administrations & Commercial Division at Dometic, Hickinbotham will lead a dedicated team from his U.K.

DSV Pins Growth Hope on e-commerce

CEO: freight forwarding industry undergoing transformation; plays down threat from new entrants. Danish freight forwarder DSV will invest more to meet rising demand for services such as e-commerce and address competition from new players including Amazon.com which is seeking a greater role in the logistics supply chain. DSV has specialised in complex transportation logistics for business-to-business customers but now wants to expand its e-commerce services where it sees great potential due to rapid growth in internet sales, CEO Jens Bjorn Andersen said in an interview.

POLB Solicits Proposals For Zero-Emissions Technology

The Port of Long Beach, in partnership with the Port of Los Angeles, has released a request for proposals seeking demonstrations of technologies to upgrade tugboats, crew boats, barges and other harbor craft to cleaner engines. Harbor craft are the second-largest source of diesel particulate matter air pollution in San Pedro Bay, comprising 18 percent of the emissions. The vessels also contribute 10 percent of nitrogen oxide and 6 percent of greenhouse gas pollution. Under state regulations, most of the boats have engines meeting Tier 2 emission level standards.

Los Angeles Port Expands Incentive Program to Reduce Emissions

The Port of Los Angeles and other participating Environmental Ship Index (ESI) incentive providers have expanded their rewards programs for vessel operators willing to go above and beyond regulatory standards to cut harmful emissions from ships. Under a new formula that took effect July 1, participating ESI vessel operators are now earning additional incentive points for reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from their ships. CO2 is a major source of the heat-trapping greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming, and ships are a key source of CO2 emissions from port-related operations.

Europe to Build Ships of the Future

A new European research project seeks to revolutionize the shipbuilding sector by replacing steel with composite materials for the construction of more efficient large length ships. FIBRESHIP is an ambitious project that will allow for the construction of light commercial vessels, passenger and leisure transport and oceanographic vessels more than 50 meters in length using fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials. It is one of the largest innovation projects funded by the EU with a budget of €11 million, of which €9 million is funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020 Programme.

Maersk Temporarily Exempt from Service Contract Filings

I voted in favor of Maersk Line A/S’ petition for Temporary Exemption Service Contract Filings as a result of the so-called Petya virus which severely disrupted Maersk’s information systems, including the system that stores service contract data. Due to this cyber attack, Maersk Line had been unable to determine which shippers to contact in order to extend or renegotiate certain service contract rates. Further, even if Maersk was able to identify which contracts needed attention, the company was not be able to electronically file the documents because of the damage caused by the virus.

US Iron Ore Boosts St. Lawrence Seaway Shipping

With strong increases in iron ore and other cargo, total tonnage shipped via the St. Lawrence Seaway is up 20 percent over last year. The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation reports that cargo shipments from March 20 to June 30 totaled more than 12 million metric tons – up two million metric tons over the same period in 2016. “St. Lawrence Seaway shipping is a bellwether for the health of the overall U.S. and Canadian economies and reflects strong demand for raw materials to support the automotive…

US Officials Demand 'More Fair' China Trade Links

U.S.-China economic talks appeared off to a contentious start on Wednesday as senior Trump administration officials demanded a "more fair" China trade relationship while both sides canceled news conferences previously planned to discuss outcomes. U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross in opening remarks to the annual summer dialogue between Washington and Beijing criticized China's $347 billion trade surplus with the United States. "We must create more balance in our trade by increasing exports of made-in-America goods to China," Ross said at the Treasury Department.

TOTE Maritime Invests in Reefer Containers

TOTE Maritime has this year purchased 350 new high-tech smart refrigerated containers to service the Puerto Rico trade route. TOTE Maritime was among the shipping industry’s pioneers in using machine-to-machine or M2M telematics technology to remotely monitor and control conditions of refrigerated perishables during transport. Since 2011, TOTE Maritime has deployed Orbcomm’s StarGuard system to monitor and control its refrigerated containers, or reefers, from point of origin to destination.

Rucker Named President of Tideworks

Tideworks Technology Inc., a full-service provider of terminal management and planning software solutions, announced that Thomas J. “T.J.” Rucker will assume the role of president effective September 1, 2017, succeeding retiring president Michael Schwank, who led the company for 19 years. Rucker will relocate to Seattle in August to ensure a smooth transition into the role. Rucker is currently vice president of operations at Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT), one of the largest container terminals in Latin America…

BOURBON to Support World's First Autonomous OSV Project

BOURBON entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Automated Ships Ltd to support the building of the world’s first autonomous, fully-automated prototype vessel for offshore operations, in collaboration with the project’s primary technology partner, KONGSBERG. BOURBON will provide detailed input to the development and design of the Hrönn project, ensuring flexibility, reliability and cost efficiency to operate safely and effectively in the offshore environment. In the second phase of the project…

Hunting Appoints Granberg as Development Manager

Hunting Energy Services has appointed a new business development manager for Norway as it targets further growth in the Scandinavian oil and gas sector. The company has appointed Ståle Granberg who will oversee the business development and sales strategy for its well intervention product lines including, fully NORSOK qualified pressure control equipment, downhole tools and thru-tubing. Granberg brings more than 20 years of experience to the position, having previously worked for some of the world’s leading energy sector service providers.

Chartco Appoints Gieskes as Chairman

Global supplier of maritime digital data and compliance services, ChartCo, has announced the appointment of Hans Gieskes as Chairman. In addition to chairing a range of companies, including the successful AXIO Data Group, Mr Gieskes has been CEO and President of organizations such as Cision – global market leader of cloud-based software and services for PR professionals, and LexisNexis - global market leader for online information and services for legal and risk-management industries. Almost all of his career has been associated with digital technology businesses.

Stephen Joins Ashtead Technology

Subsea equipment specialist Ashtead Technology has appointed Scott Stephen as its new Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) sales manager. Based at the company’s headquarters in Aberdeen, Stephen will be responsible for business development and general sales and rental of NDT equipment and accessories, including phased array, ultrasonic flaw detection, corrosion mapping, eddy current flaw detection, hardness testing, composite inspection and thickness management. Stephen joins Ashtead from RSL NDT where he held the role of UK manager and was previously with Euro NDT as general manager…

US Trade Deficit Narrows as Exports Hit Two-year High

The U.S. trade deficit fell in May as exports increased to their highest level in just over two years, but trade could still weigh on economic growth in the second quarter. The Commerce Department said on Thursday the trade gap decreased 2.3 percent to $46.5 billion. April's trade deficit was unrevised at $47.6 billion. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the trade gap falling to $46.2 billion in May. When adjusted for inflation, the trade deficit narrowed to $62.8 billion from $63.8 billion in April.