Ten-month cargo volumes of Neva-Metal grow 10% to 2,6 million tonnes

A Severstal stevedoring unit, St. Petersburg based terminal operator Neva-Metal CJSC in January-October 2014 handled about 2,6 million tonnes of cargo, which represents a 10% growth on the ten-month period of 2013, the terminal operator said.

In the reporting period container traffic at Neva-Metal terminal totaled some75,000 TEUs.

Neva-Metal CJSC, part of Severstal's transport division, operates at Third cargo area in Sea Port of Saint-Petersburg. The company started in 1995. The terminal operator specializes in handling / storage of containerized and general cargoes delivered multimodally to the terminal (by sea-going vessels, rail cars and trucks).

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Cargo traffic at Russian seaports in Jan-Oct 2014 grows 6% to 518.5 million tonnes

Handling of exports, imports and transit cargo at Russian seaports in January-October 2014 increased by 6% compared with the same period last year to 518,5 million tonnes, the Association of Commercial Sea Ports (ASOP) of Russia said.

The ASOP statistics shows that dry cargo amounted to 239.9 million tonnes (+ 13.3%), including: coal - 97.2 million tonnes (+ 14.7%), containerized cargo - 39 1 million tonnes (+ 5.8%), grain - 25.5 million tonnes (a 1.8 times surge), ferrous metals - 19.4 million tonnes (+ 6%), mineral fertilizers - 12.4 million tonnes ( + 16.5%), ferry traffic - 6.8 million tonnes (+ 24.5%), timber - 4 million tonnes (+ 7.2%) and scrap metal - 3.9 million tonnes (+33.3 %). There was a decline in volumes of ore - to 5.3 million tonnes (-14.6%) and of non-ferrous metals - to 2.7 million tonnes (-15.7%).

The ten-month volume of liquid bulk edged up 0.5% to 278.6 million tonnes, including crude oil - 158.5 million tonnes (-8.4%), oil products - 107 million tonnes (+ 15.1%) and liquefied natural gas - 10.1 million tonnes (+12.2 %).

Overall, in the reporting period shipment of exports at the country's seaports totaled 411.9 million tonnes, which represents a 7.8% gain from Jan-Oct. 2013, while imports segment saw a 5.2% decline to 36.5 million tonnes. Transit cargoes increased by 2.3% to 39.7 million tonnes, short sea traffic volume rose 2.1% and totaled 30.4 million tonnes.

The ports of the Arctic Basin handled 29.9 million tonnes of cargo, which is a 22.8% drop on last year's figure. The volume of dry cargo increased to 21.7 million tonnes (+ 4.8%), of liquid bulk – plummeted by more than twofold to 8.2 million tonnes. Cargo throughput of the port of Murmansk shrank by 27.1% to 18.8 million tonnes, including JSC Murmansk Commercial Sea Port - 13.8 million tonnes (-4.1%). Port of Arkhangelsk's cargo volume fell by 10.5% to 3.4 million tonnes. The port Varandey demonstrated strong performance at 4.9 million tonnes (+ 9.5%).

Cargo throughput at the terminals of the Baltic Sea ports increased to 188 million tonnes (+ 4.6%), including dry cargo segment - 74.6 million tonnes or + 9.6%, liquid bulk - 113.4 million tonnes (+ 1.6%).

The port of Ust-Luga handled 62.8 million tonnes, which represents a 21.2% growth year-on-year, Big Port St.Petersburg - 51.3 million tonnes (+ 6.5%), Port of Visotsk - 14.9 million tonnes (+ 10.4%), Port of Kaliningrad - 11.6 million tonnes (+ 2.5%), Port of Vyborg - 1.4 million tonnes (+ 17.2%). Exports / imports volume at the Port of Primorsk shrank by 14.3% to 46 million tonnes.

Freight traffic at the ports of the Azov-Black Sea basin totaled 158.5 million tonnes, which is 10.2% more than a year earlier. Dry cargo segment increased by 17.6% to 59.8 million tonnes, liquid bulk cargo totaled 98.7 million tonnes (+ 6.2%). The port of Novorossiysk terminals moved 101.7 million tonnes of cargo (+ 8.6%), Tuapse port operators handled 18.4 million tonnes (+ 27.9%), of the Port of Taman - 8.5 million tonnes (+ 19.1%), Port Kavkaz - 8.4 million tonnes (+ 28.1%), Port of Azov - 5.3 million tonnes (+ 18.2%), Port of Yeysk - 3.3 million tonnes (+ 7.2%) and Temryuk port transshipped up to 1.7 million tonnes (+ 3.7%).

In the ten-month period the Caspian sea ports loaded / offloaded 6.6 million tonnes (-0.7%), including dry cargo - 2.8 million tonnes (+ 9.9%), liquid bulk - 3 7 million tonnes (-7.5%). Throughput of the port of Makhachkala decreased by 3.4%, of Olya port - by 8.1%, while the Port of Astrakhan demonstrated a 5.9% growth.

The Far East Basin ports' cargo volumes in January-October amounted to 135.5 million tonnes (+ 12.7%). Dry bulk segment rose 16.4% to 81.0 million tonnes, liquid bulk cargo – by 7.8% to 54.5 million tonnes.

Vostochny Port cargo volume jumped by 20.4% to 48.5 million tonnes, Port Vanino reported a 7.2% gain to 21.2 million tonnes, Port of Nakhodka throughput increased by 14.8% to 17.6 million tonnes, port of Prigorodnoye moved 13.3 million tonnes (+ 0.5%), handling of imports/exports at the Port of Vladivostok rose to 12.9 million tonnes (+ 6.8%), terminals of De Kastri handled 6.5 million tonnes of cargo (+ 14.9%) and Port Posiet - 5.7 million tonnes (+ 22.3%).

Association of Commercial Sea Ports (ASOP) was founded in 1987. Currently ASOP unites more than 50 Russian organizations and enterprises of maritime transport. The Association includes commercial sea ports, forwarding and agency companies, research institutes and maritime transport schools. The outcome data of the Russian port complex is based on statistical reports, covering all stevedoring companies operating in the country.  Complete statistics is presented in the quarterly report of ASOP "Cargo traffic at the ports of Russia, CIS and Baltic countries." 

Source:http://en.portnews.ru/news/190226/

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FRENCH GIANT'S ANTIDOTE TO 2M ALLIANCE

French container-shipping giant CMA CGM has formed an alliance with China Shipping Container Lines and Middle East's United Arab Shipping Co to share vessels on some of the world's busiest trade routes.

The new alliance, called Ocean Three, is expected to deploy about 150 ships that would move roughly 20 percent of all cargo between Asia and Europe and 13 percent and seven percent across the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, respectively, people involved in the deal said, reported The Wall Street Journal.

The move comes after larger rivals Maersk Line and Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC) sealed a 10-year tie-up in July that is expected to save them billions of dollars in operating costs.

CMA CGM said the Ocean Three vessels would call "in all the biggest Asian, European and North American ports, using transhipment hubs common to the three partners."

CSCL said in a separate written statement that the agreement would be valid for two years after the start of operations and would be automatically extended if the parties involved have no objections.

Maersk Line, a unit of Danish conglomerate A P  Moller-Maersk, and Switzerland-based MSC are the world's two biggest container-shipping companies in terms of capacity. They announced their so-called 2M alliance in July.

Chinese regulators earlier rejected a wider tie-up called the P3 alliance, which would have also included CMA CGM, over concerns that the combined strength of its proposed members would threaten Chinese container carriers.

"Ocean Three is an antidote to 2M," said Jonathan Roach, a container analyst with London-based Braemar ACM Shipbroking. "It's in line with staying competitive with the 2M and it's a good deal, because they have invested in some of the biggest ships in the business and also brought a Chinese company into the fold."

Container shipping, which carries about 95 percent of the world's manufactured goods, has suffered for the past decade from overcapacity that has led to falling freight rates, which major operators have described as unsustainable. A plethora of smaller shipping companies regularly undercut freight rates from Asia to Europe and across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, hoping to stay in business until the industry recovers.

The 2M alliance would control a 35 percent market share in the Asia-to-Europe trade loop and 15 percent and 37 percent of the cargo moved across the transpacific and transatlantic routes, respectively. The 2M fleet would include Maersk's 20 Triple E vessels, the biggest and most efficient ships in the business, able to carry in excess of 18,000 containers each.

People familiar with the matter said MSC will also likely charter on long-term leases five Triple Es from Scorpio Group, based in New York and Monaco, and China's Bank of Communications Co.

UASC and CSCL have a combined 11 Triple Es on order. These vessels steam more slowly than most other ships to save fuel, slashing operational costs by 20 percent on each container shipped, compared with the average cost of existing vessels with less fuel-efficient engines.

Both alliances need clearance from US regulators. William Doyle, a commissioner for the US Federal Maritime Commission, said in an interview last week that he would consult with his Chinese counterparts at a meeting in November before the commission reaches a decision on the 2M alliance. The Ocean Three partners haven't yet filed with the commission.

The alliances are expected to gradually push smaller competitors out of the benchmark Asia-to-Europe route because their smaller and less fuel-efficient vessels won't be able to compete. This is expected to bring some stability in freight rates as supply, which is currently 15 percent above demand, will be more tightly regulated.

A P Moller-Maersk chief executive Nils Andersen said in a recent interview that overcapacity would take at least four years to be absorbed.

Source: http://www.cargonewsasia.com/en/news/detail?id=34226

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Joint Effort by Cargo Tracking and Loss Detention Groups to Prevent Freight Theft

US – Covert cargo and vehicle theft detection, recovery, and loss prevention company, SC-integrity (LoJack SCI) and perishable and high value shipment tracking firm Locus Traxx Worldwide, have announced an alliance which aims to both advance and bolster supply chain and cargo shipment security and efficiency. Together, the organisations plan to release a series of bundled tracking and information solutions based on Locus ‘SmartTraxx™ GO’ tracking technology, which monitors both the security and condition of the freight in real-time. LoJack SCI CEO, Ted Wlazlowski, said:

"We couldn't be happier with this collaboration. This venture will allow both Locus Traxx and LoJack SCI to support the latest generation of communication and geo-localisation technologies, while continuing to provide high value service to customers. Our market is ready for the flexibility and ease in providing a disposable tracking solution; and, together with Locus Traxx, we intend to exceed expectations for reliable, low cost visibility and control."

Locus Traxx will cooperate in providing information to and through the LoJack SCI sponsored Supply Chain Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Supply Chain-ISAC). Food is the primary target product for freight theft, accounting for 27% of recorded sector robberies in the US last year, leading to the industry facing increasing regulatory pressures from the FDA. The ability for Supply Chain-ISAC participants to obtain an enhanced view of potential risk or efficiency opportunities in the food, produce and cold chain markets could be extremely beneficial.

Source: http://www.handyshippingguide.com/shipping-news/joint-effort-by-cargo-tracking-and-loss-detention-groups-to-prevent-freight-theft_5605

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TNT Express boosts Oman fleet

TNT Express, one of the world’s largest express delivery companies, has announced the addition of a new 7-ton Mistubishi /Fuso trailer truck to its domestic fleet. 

 

Oman is a part of TNT Express widespread Middle East Road Network (MERN) delivering to countries such as Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain, the network offers the best day-definite transit times in the express market. 

 

James Edgeworth, the TNT Express Middle East sales and marketing director, said: “The investment is part of our commitment to offering excellent road express services across Oman.” 

 

TNT Express in Oman offers a broad choice of Express services, from air to road freight as part ofd its tailor-made solutions to customer requirements, remarked Sivdasan Payangool, the country manager for TNT Express in Oman.

 

"The new Mistubishi /Fuso has comprehensive safety and security features, and offers improved fuel-efficiency," he added.

 

TNT Express is represented in Oman by GAC & Company Oman, a long-established company specialised in the express and freight business.

Source: http://www.tradearabia.com/news/IND_242666.html

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Lootah Biofuels and TNT Express gearing up for Expo 2020

Lootah Biofuels, a fully owned subsidiary of S.S. Lootah Group has signed an agreement with TNT Express, a leading global Express Company to supply locally produced environmentally superior and performance enhancing biodiesel made from used cooking oil for the latter's commercial vehicles in Dubai.

This agreement aims at reducing carbon footprints, and also supports Lootah Biofuels mission of converting 5% of transportation fuel to Biofuels by the year 2020.

The agreement was signed by Mr. Yousif Bin Saeed Al Lootah, CEO, Lootah Biofuels and Mr. Bryan Moulds, Manging Director Middle East and Sub Continent Associates, TNT Express. As per the agreement Lootah Biofuels will provide its high rich content biodiesel B5 to meet the needs of TNT's large fleet of commercial vehicles in Dubai.

The key benefits of this initiative include carbon foot print reduction as well as reduction of UCO waste. It is expected that the agreement will reduce carbon emissions by 18% per year. Through using B5, UCO is put into sustainable use as opposed to being discarded as waste, thereby impacting the environment negatively. This is a further step towards environmental sustainability.

Commenting on this agreement, Mr. Yousif Bin Saeed Al Lootah, CEO, Lootah Biofuels said "Keeping in line with UAE's vision, the project is a significant step towards sustainable development and the Expo 2020 bid for sustainability. Our mission is to deliver economic, operational and environmental benefits for long-term customer satisfaction and sustainable growth and with the TNT agreement we hope to take the consumption of B5 biodiesel to the next level."

"We are pleased to work with Lootah Biofuels who share the same vision as we do for a sustainable environment. This joins our other regional initiatives such as recent CNG vehicle fleet in Pakistan in our continued efforts to reduce carbon emissions globally. With this agreement, we look forward to creating an eco- friendly environment with economically viable biodiesel, thus promoting H.H. Sheikh Mohammad's vision for a green and sustainable Dubai." said Mr. Bryan Moulds, Managing Director Middle East and Sub Continent Associates, TNT Express.

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DHL launches downtown mobile service

DHL-Sinotrans, the leading air express company in China, launched mobile stations indowntown Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen to provide companies with convenient pick-upfacilities.

The move will help optimize shipment routes for express items and extend cut-off times forcustomers, according to Wu Dongming,managing directorofDHL-Sinotrans International AirCourier Ltd andexecutive vice-president ofDHL Express Asia Pacific.

The mobile stations will also help tackle logistic issues in urban centers.

The DHL-Sinotrans, established in 1986 as a joint venture between DHL and China NationalForeign Trade Transportation (Group) Corp, has deployed eight vehicles in the three cities,extending the pick-up time by up to 60 minutes.

In Beijing, DHL-Sinotrans extends pick-up cut-off time for customers in areas around Guomaoand Zhongguancun. In Shanghai, the service is in place within the CBD area.

The vehicles use a 3G wireless signal to access the DHL’s operations network.

Source: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/business/2013-09/16/content_16973931.htm

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AP set to become major sea, air logistics hub

Andhra Pradesh commanded a lion’s share of over 46 per cent in the total basket of new port projects being implemented across Indian maritime States.


The port sector in Andhra Pradesh is set to receive a significant boost with the decks cleared for setting up of a second major port in the State.

The proposal to set up the port, with an initial capacity of six berths in Prakasam district, has been already placed before the Union Cabinet — the initial investment will be of Rs 8,000 crore.

While the State Government will hold about 11 per cent stake in the project, the rest will be picked by the other PSUs such as NMDC and steel companies, who are the major users of the port facilities.

Once commissioned, the State will have two major ports, the other being the country’s premier Visakhapatnam port, and 14 non-major ports.

Having occupied the top slot amongst all major ports in terms of throughput for six consecutive years, it slipped to the second position, after Kandla, in the last two years.

However, the port, which currently handles about 70 million tonnes of cargo annually, is expanding its capacity, after which it could regain the lost position.

RS 3,500-CR EXPANSION

The Rs 3,500-crore expansion, which includes setting up three coal berths, a fertiliser berth, a liquid cargo berth and a general cargo berth, are all scheduled for completion within a year.

It is being implemented through the (public-private partnership) PPP route, with private sector port players such as Essar, involved in the capacity building exercise.

The three non-major ports in the State, Gangavaram, Kakinada and Krishnapatnam ports, together handle about 40 million tonnes.

The State Government has prepared a master plan that envisages increasing the capacity of its non-major ports to handle 175 million tonnes in 2020.

Immediate on the anvil are two ports at Machilipatnam and Nizampatnam, with 20 million tonnes and 15 million tonnes capacity respectively.

Gangavaram port is expanding its capacity from 15 million tonnes to 45 million tonnes by adding three multi-purpose berths and a coal handling terminal, which may be commissioned by next year.

Already the port has made waves in the industry due to the natural draft that it has, allowing bigger ships to anchor.

A recently study by trade body Assocham has pointed out that Andhra Pradesh commanded a lion’s share of over 46 per cent in the total basket of new port projects being implemented across Indian maritime States.

The State is currently implementing three projects worth Rs 20,000 crore in the ports sector under the PPP model as on April 2013, according to a study.

However, the study revealed that Andhra Pradesh comes fourth in terms of completion of port-related projects in the Eleventh Plan period — it completed three projects worth Rs 1,425 crore, with a share of 5.8 per cent in the completed projects pie.

Indeed, Andhra Pradesh is well on its way to becoming a major logistics hub not only in the realm of sea transportation but also air cargo.

AIR CARGO HUB

The Rajiv Gandhi International airport, located at the centre of the country’s production hub with a strong regional connectivity, is gaining ground as India’s first full-fledged air cargo hub.

With more than 20 important domestic and other South Asian cities located less then two hours of flying time away and South-East Asian cities such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok and Westa Asia cities four hours away, the airport is gearing up to cash in on this natural advantage.

Hyderabad airport currently handles over one lakh tonnes a year, which can be modularly scaled up to 1.5 lakh tonnes.

Lufthansa has already nominated the airport as its pharma hub and Cathay Pacific recently added Hyderabad with a twice-a-week Boeing 747 freighter service. Also Thai Airways and Blue Dart are offering main-deck through their Boeing 747-400F MD-11F and Boeing 757F freighters.

MORE AIRLINES

In addition, about 18 scheduled airlines, including 13 international, have cargo bases here, offering belly spaces, ranging from 2-3 tonnes in a 737 type aircraft and 20-25 tonnes in the larger 747 type aircraft.

The airport has a 33,000-tonne capacity dedicated temperature-controlled pharma zone, a 20-acre Free Trade Zone with warehousing and distribution and the integrated terminal operated by GMR and Menzies Aviation of the UK.

New initiatives include cool container links for pharma products, general and temperature-controlled warehouses within the cargo village, promotion of road feeder services and 24x7 customs clearance of cargoes.

Source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/ap-set-to-become-major-sea-air-logistics-hub/article5071494.ece

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Russia wants to increase trade, commercial ties with Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Russia considers Pakistan an important country of the region as it has great economic potential and wanted to increase bilateral trade and cooperation with Pakistan in diversified areas of economic activity. 

Strong bilateral trade and larger cooperation between Pakistan and Russia would bring prosperity and integrity to the region.

Yury M Kozlov Trade Representative of the Russian Federation in Pakistan at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) said, “Russia eyes Pakistan as a significant market and many Russian investors are taking interest to explore Pakistan for joint ventures and investment”. 

He said previously Russia participated in some big projects in Pakistan including Pakistan Steel Mills and now there was a renewed interest to enhance trade and economic ties with Pakistan in multiple areas. 

Kozlov said negotiations are in process with Pakistan for energy projects and cooperation in science and technology. He said a Russian company has already offered $1 billion financial and technical assistance for rehabilitation and upgradation of Pakistan Steel Mills. He said Russia was also ready to implement 500-600 megawatts coal-fired thermal power projects near Muzaffargarh and Jamshoro and also to modernise and convert some other power projects in Pakistan to coal. 

He briefed the local businessmen about the upcoming trade exhibitions in Russia and invited them to participate in these exhibitions for exploring new areas of business cooperation.

Zafar Bakhtawari President Islamabad Chamber said Pakistan was now focusing on Central Asia for trade and exports and developing strong economic relations with Russia was vital for tapping huge markets of this region. 

He said Pakistan was occupying a key economic location in the region and Russia should provide support to Pakistan to get the membership of Shanghai Cooperation organisation.

He said the bilateral trade of $542 million between the two countries was far less as Pakistan and Russia has the potential to take bilateral trade up to $4 billion for which serous efforts are required to be made by both sides. 

He said many Pakistani products including food, fruits and vegetables, livestock, leather products, surgical equipment and sports goods have the potential to meet Russian consumers’ needs and private sectors of both countries should be facilitated for direct contacts to tap all untapped areas of mutual cooperation. 

He stressed for direct air flights between Islamabad and Moscow and soft visa policy for promoting trade up to potential.

Russia is the third largest textile importing country of the world importing textile products of $20 billion annually and Russian textile importers should avail quality textile products of Pakistan, which are very competitive and affordable. a
He said the government in Pakistan was determined to undertake big infrastructure development projects including roads and railway network and invited Russian investors to take active part in these projects.

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Russia to build three new-generation ice-breakers for Northern Sea Route

Russia will float out a new-generation nuclear ice-breaker by 2017 with two more to follow in 2020 under a government program to ensure commercial shipping along the Northern Sea Route (NSR) – a 6,000-km Arctic waterway stretching from the Barents Sea in the west to the Bering Strait in the east. Russia is the only country with a nuclear-powered ice-breaking fleet. By the early 2020s, the NSR is expected to start recouping its cost.

The NSR is currently operational all year round. As cargo traffic increases, Russia will need more ice-breakers to cut the way for commercial ships. At present, Russia has five ice-breakers in its Arctic waters. But by 2021, four of them will be decommissioned.

In former Soviet times, the NSR was closed for military reasons. Now that foreign commercial ships are allowed to use it, more and more companies are seeing it as an effective transport corridor connecting Europe and Asia, said Yuri Shcherbanin from the Institute for Economic Forecasts of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

"The distance between Northern Europe and Northeast Asia is much shorter than the traditional route through the Far East and the Suez Canal. Cargo transportation along the Northern Sea Route has grown considerably over the past two years. More than 45 commercial ships sailed through it last year, including a liquefied gas tanker that brought over 66,000 tons of LNG from a Statoil plant in Norway to Japan."
In 2012, The Norwegian-flagged Marika tanker shipped more than 65,000 tons of aviation fuel produced from Sakhalin oil from Korea to Finland.

Within a few years, Russia will start developing oil and gas deposits on its Arctic shelf. The Novatek company is launching the construction of the Sabetta port and an LNG refinery in the Gulf of Ob. Future LNG exports both to Europe and Asia will require more ice-breakers, Mikhail Babenko, a gas environmental policy coordinator at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), told the Voice of Russia.

"It’s absolutely evident that no diesel-powered ship can manage to sail the whole length of the NSR without refueling. A diesel-powered ship can’t cut its way through ice as efficiently as a nuclear ice-breaker. Another big advantage of nuclear ice-breakers is the absence of soot emissions."
New-generation ice-breakers will surpass their current analogues over a whole range of parameters, said Alexander Voznesenksy, Director of the Baltiysky Zavod shipyard.

"The new ice-breaker will have a draft of between 8.5 m and 10.5 m. Thanks to its unique design, it can be operated both at the Northern Sea Route and in the estuaries of Siberian rivers. Its width – 34 m – means that it can cut the way for tankers with a dead weight of 100,000 tons."

New-generation ice-breakers will be equipped with advanced security and navigation systems.

Source: http://voiceofrussia.com/2013_08_25/Russia-to-build-three-new-generation-ice-breakers-for-Northern-Sea-Route-9892/

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EU to enter talks with China on ending its anti-dumping wine probe

CHINA and the European Union continue to negotiate anti-dumping probe of European wine exports which amounted to 257.3 million litres in 2012, valued at US$1 billion, half of which were from France. 

A decision to drop the wine anti-dumping probe is unconfirmed with a latest report from Reuters citing law firm's continued investigation into the Chinese industry association's complaint. However, discussion is a sign that Europe's most important trading partner is willing to ease tensions. 

The threat of duties on European wine from France, Italy and Spain appears a symbolic move, particularly centred on the two countries, France and Italy, most in favour of hefty fines on Chinese solar panels. 

Germany and Britain opposed the move with Germany as they would be hurt by tariffs in China, a major exporter of polysilicon, a raw material used in making solar-energy devices. 

Source: http://www.schednet.com/home/index.asp?area=seacargo

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Seaport operations company loads landship during training

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. - With clear, blue sky above and the hot afternoon sun shining down on the Vissering Landship Training Facility here, the 390th Seaport Operations Company out of Ceiba, Puerto Rico, is hard at work. The soldiers of the 390th SPOC are conducting their yearly Extended Combat Training exercise to learn new skills and refresh current skills as Army cargo specialists.

The training at the Vissering Landship is unique since it gives soldiers the chance to practice loading and unloading cargo and vehicles from a sea vessel while remaining on land. 

The types of training we are doing here is called a Logistics–Over-The-Shore operation, said Sgt. Carlos Garcia, a cargo specialist with the 390th SPOC. Garcia explained that the training involves loading and unloading cargo onto a watercraft, and roll-on and roll-off training for the vehicles being loaded onto a vessel. This is just one of many exercises they will be doing in preparation of the final live exercise, he said. 

The 390th SPOC leadership will be busy training their soldiers in all aspects of their job during this training event as cargo specialists. 

“We specialize in transporting cargo and personnel in planes, trains and sea vessels,” said Pvt. Richard Paul Lopez, a cargo specialist with the 390th SPOC. With so many aspects in which to train, the 390th SPOC will be working hard to give every soldier the best possible experience. Garcia said they are constantly rotating their training, and they will soon be training on tactical maneuvers while on convoys. With so much to learn and do, soldiers are constantly being challenged, he said. 

“So far it’s been great,” Lopez said. “It’s great, because the training never gets repetitive.” 

This training exercise gives the Soldiers a chance to work with equipment they don’t have access to back at their home station in Puerto Rico, said Sgt. 1st Class Luis Gonzales, a cargo non-commissioned officer with the 390th SPOC.

At the training site, the 390th SPOC continually emphasizes the importance of safety, especially for the junior-enlisted soldiers. Garcia said that safety is the main priority as well as refresher training. He said the training is important because it goes down to the basic soldier skills, from discipline to situational awareness, and that is why safety is so important. 

Along with safety, the need to know the job well and be able to perform is important. Gonzales explains that safety is a big part of this training, but we also have to take advantage of all the knowledge the instructors here have and learn from the experience of all the soldiers.

With so much to brush up on, and the need to train more than 150 Soldiers in land, air and sea cargo loading operations, the 390th SPOC is well on its way to guide all their soldiers to success. 

The chance to work with new equipment and being able to utilize the experience of instructors has the 390th SPOC running like a well-oiled machine.

Source: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/111180/seaport-operations-company-loads-landship-during-training#.UftMeORHL_I#ixzz2amzpMWOi

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Piracy and its Effect on Global Trade

Dr. Jamal Sanad Al-Suwaidi, Director General of the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR), contends that over the last ten years, the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea have reached high levels of piracy, lending to increased risk for the maritime shipping industry. At Tuesday’s international symposium entitled: ‘The Challenges of Piracy in the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea,’ he highlighted the issue.

“The risks of such crimes taking place are exacerbated by links to organizations involved in international terrorism. Undoubtedly, the volume of global trade that passes through the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea makes this region an indispensable economic artery and maritime corridor for world security and stability,” he is quoted as saying.

However, aiming for a balance in his rhetoric, he also accentuated how the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have shown their commitment over the past ten years to reducing piracy and related activities in the region. These actions by the UAE have shown positive results, as well as a commitment to working against international terrorism and the collateral crime manifests itself as a bi-product of it.

Acknowledging the notion that piracy is largely a bi-product of weak government as well as ties to terrorist organizations, Dr. Al-Suwaidi is later quoted as saying: “In response to maritime piracy activities in the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea, the UAE is following a two-track approach. On the one hand it provides support for international efforts to confront maritime piracy gangs and on the other hand it supports political ties aimed at enabling the Somali state to control its territory.” Lending credit to the nations in the region for exhibiting their best efforts to curb the phenomenon of piracy is a major step forward into the realm of significantly cutting down on the problem.

The symposium held on Tuesday reflected the issue of piracy in the region, while also seeking solutions through various panels to combat the problem in the future. Overall, it will contribute to safer shipping lanes and economic activity in the region to be reflected in the coming months/years.

Source: http://globalseafreight.com/piracy-and-its-effect-on-global-trade/

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GMS Offers Valuable Service for Retired Vessels

Being as controversial as it is, the practice of shipbreaking is relinquishing its role to more productive means of retiring used vessels. One of these means is ship recycling. One of the most prominent companies in this industry is GMS LeaderShip, a company with a global office disposition that conducts cash buys of ships in order to recycle them or sell them to other companies that do.

So far, GMS has negotiated the recycling of about 2,000 vessels, making them the premier company in the industry worldwide. They operate out of offices ranging from Bangledesh, India, Pakistan, Turkey, and Shanghai to Dubai and Romania. GMS stands out due to its exceptional Corporate Social Responsibility Standards (CSR). It has exhibited these many times over through its deals with other companies and its innovative solutions to ship recycling.

GMS has achieved numerous milestones over the last three years. These include: negotiating more than 100 ship buying deals over the last nine years, delivered 300 ships in one year, developed a Green Ship Recycling Program, and delivered 24 vessels in one month. For more information on GMS’ accomplishments, visit the following site: http://www.gmsinc.net/gms/aboutus.php.

In the coming years, GMS will be a significant partner for companies who want to exercise CRS and engage in disposal of vessels in a way that will not be harmful to the environment or the people who work to dispose of them or recycle them.

Source: http://globalseafreight.com/gms-offers-valuable-service-for-retired-vessels/

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Future Expansion of Malaysian Ports

Kuantan Port in Malaysia is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years. A partnership between IJM Corp Bhd and its subsidiary Kuantan Port Consortium Sdn Bhd (KPC), as well as China’s Guangxi Beibu Gulf International Port Group will facilitate the expansion.

The final design of the project is due in October; the partners have agreed to expand the facility with 16 extra meters of draft alongside the new facility’s berths to help support trade to and from the adjacent Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s major gateway near the capital, is also slated for expansion. Rumors of a third major port being built have also circulated via the Port Klang Authority; this would be in response to rising demand. Westport and Northport currently handle container traffic at Klang.

This presents an issue because these ports also have their own ambitions for expansion, being hindered in their endeavours as long as Port Klang continues to use their facilities. Northport’s plans to increase capacity include means of purchasing larger container-handling equipment, while Wesport plans to raise funds for new developments through a proposed initial public offering. Westport’s goal is to have this complete within the calendar year.

The expansion in Malaysia means more access of maritime shipping to the Asian market, especially due to the connections between Malaysia and China. This is an expansion project that companies will want to be familiar with in the coming months, as its development will affect access to the region.

Source: http://globalseafreight.com/future-expansion-of-malaysian-ports/

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Peak Season Surcharge for All Imports to Vostochniy, Russia

The shipping industry experienced a flux of increased freight rates.  This is due to the year before showing exceptionally low freight rates where shipping companies lost billions of dollars due to overcapacity.  The consequence of this was a 2012 that saw many companies looking for ways to increase their rates to meet costs on ocean freight.

This phenomenon has manifested itself in many companies increasing previously implemented or implementing peak-season surcharges.  One of the most recent to adopt this measure is MCC Transport.

MCC Transport is a regional specialist handling all Intra-Asia containerized cargo for the A.P. Moller – Maersk Group in addition to providing feeder services for a wide range of regional and global shipping lines.  Their rates, going into effect on 15 July 2013 for all dry cargo imports, will be as indicated in the following table:

TYPE	PEAK SEASON SURCHARGE
	20’	40’	40’HC	45’
DRY	USD 50	USD 50	USD 50	USD 50

Source: http://globalseafreight.com/peak-season-surcharge-for-all-imports-to-vostochniy-russia/

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US: Stricter cargo security to cost airlines $2.8m a year

The new measures, which include more scanning, might usher an increase of the maximum prices for flying shipments or the introduction of a security fee on exporters.

The price for sending air freight overseas could soon rise due to stricter US security demands that could halt flights to the United States if not carried out. The companies affected would be El Al Israel Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and US Airways.  

Source: http://www.freshplaza.com/news_detail.asp?id=111688

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Georgia ports set multiple freight records

Georgia’s ports set records during the last fiscal year for tonnage, bulk cargo, auto and machinery units, and freight moved by intermodal rail, the Georgia Ports Authority(GPA) announced Monday.

In the year ending June 30, the ports moved 27.23 million tons of cargo, a 2.4 percent increase over fiscal 2012.

“Our overall tonnage increase has been fueled by the strength of U.S. exports and the GPA’s varied cargo spectrum,” authority Executive Director Curtis Foltzsaid.

For the second year in a row, the GPA achieved a record for auto and machinery units with an 11.7 percent increase over fiscal 2012. The Port of Brunswick is the third busiest port in the U.S. for total roll-on/roll-off cargo and the second busiest for imports of such cargo.

Bulk cargo movement soared by 61.8 percent, while the authority moved a record 314,623 containers by rail, up 4,600 containers over fiscal 2012.

Source: http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2013/07/29/georgia-ports-set-multiple-freight.html

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Freighters and belly cargo conference 2013

This year's Freighters and belly cargo Conference will be held at the Park Hyatt Hotel on Sadiyaat Island, Abu Dhabi from 29 September to 1 October 2013.

This is the 13th consecutive year we have held the Freighters World Conference – and this year we have included topics on belly cargo.

This two-day conference presents fantastic opportunities to network and socialise. Attended by delegates and speakers who can make things happen, make a difference and make change, you will not be disappointed.

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel in the United Arab Emirates is an exclusive sanctuary for the discerning business and leisure traveller, located on a nine-kilometre stretch of environmentally protected beach on Saadiyat Island. The resort is adjacent to the famous Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, minutes from the city’s prime business district, the Abu Dhabi Corniche, and 25 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport. The island is only a 40 minute taxi journey from the business district of Dubai.

Source: http://www.aircargonews.net/events/book-event-form.html

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Saudi Airlines Cargo reports 6% revenue growth for H1

Saudi Airlines Cargo has reported revenue growth of 6% for the first six months of 2013.

In the first half of the year, Saudia Cargo moved a total of 270,000 tonnes, breaking last year's record of 250,000 and achieving a 6% increase in revenue and a 4% increase in tonnage.

Cargo moved on the bellies of passenger aircraft grew by 29%, with the main contributors being the USA (+50%) and the UK (+40%), while cargo boardings on the freighter network grew by 3%.

Cargo moved on the bellies grew by 29%, with the main contributors being the USA (+50%) and the UK (+40%), while cargo boardings on the freighter network grew by 3%.

The airline’s growth is the result of a number of factors, the airline said through a statement. During the first half of the year, the carrier increased its freighter capacity from Dhaka and commenced B747 freighter flights in Mumbai and Kano, Nigeria. It also started operations with its first B747-8F in June, which is currently scheduled on Riyadh-Hong Kong-Riyadh-Frankfurt-Saudi Arabia flight rotations.

In terms of charter activity, revenues were lower than anticipated in the first six months due to a shortage of aircraft availability. As of July 2013, however, the airline increased its fleet to fifteen aircraft (4 MD11s and 11 747s), three of which are dedicated to offering sufficient capacity in the growing ad hoc charter market.

“Although the current market is a bit soft, we still expect to achieve a 10% growth during the second half of the year,”said Nabil Khojah, CEO of Saudia Cargo. “This is principally due to the boost in our charter activity, optimization of our freighter network, adjustments to freighter schedules and increases in the number of freighters to some of our key destinations.”

Saudi Airlines Cargo operates a fleet of 15 freighters and sells the belly-capacity on 145 passenger aircraft for Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier Saudia, spanning a rapidly expanding global network of 225 destinations. In addition to its scheduled freighter services, the cargo airline also provides cost-effective and practical worldwide charter flight solutions from a growing fleet of dedicated charter aircraft.

Source: http://www.arabiansupplychain.com/article-8965-saudi-airlines-cargo-reports-6-revenue-growth-for-h1/#.UfY1LuRHL_I

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