President-elect Donald Trump supported the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) in opposing port automation, citing harm to American workers. Labor talks between the ILA and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) remain deadlocked over automation. USMX argues automation improves safety and efficiency, while concerns grow over a potential strike before mid-January.
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Last Updated: 19 Dec 2024 at 05:00am UTC
Latest News Worldwide
Nike Partners with CMA CGM on Electric Barge Service in Vietnam
Nike has partnered with CMA CGM on a 100% electric barge launching in 2026, powered by green electricity and supported by a solar farm at the Gemalink Terminal in Vietnam. The zero-emission barge will operate on a 180 km route, handling 50,000 TEU annually. CMA CGM aims to expand this sustainable solution to other cargo owners.
CMA CGM Announces Updated FAK Rates for Indian Subcontinent to North Europe and Mediterranean
CMA CGM has announced revised Freight All Kinds (FAK) rates effective 15 January 2025 for dry cargo shipped from India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka to North Europe and the Mediterranean. The rates are $3,000 per TEU or FEU for North Europe and West Mediterranean, and $3,200 per TEU or FEU for East Mediterranean, valid until further notice.
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US Strikes Houthi Base in Yemen After Red Sea Attacks
The U.S. conducted an airstrike on an Iran-backed Houthi command center in Yemen, targeting operations linked to recent missile and drone attacks on U.S. ships in the Red Sea. The violence, disrupting a key Suez Canal trade route, has forced shipping diversions. Since 2023, 227 ship attacks have occurred, resulting in four deaths and two crews held captive in Yemen and Iran.
Port of Los Angeles Reports Record Container Volumes, Driven by Economy and Geopolitics
The Port of Los Angeles hit record volumes in November, processing 884,315 TEUs, a 16% year-over-year rise. Growth was driven by robust U.S. spending, geopolitical factors, and tariff-related frontloading. Export efforts, automation, and rail improvements are enhancing efficiency as the port nears a 10-million-TEU milestone.
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Shippers Face Chaotic Start to 2025 in Container Shipping
The container shipping sector is bracing for turbulence in early 2025, driven by increased US tariffs, a potential East Coast ports strike, and alliance restructuring. DHL Global Forwarding notes stronger-than-expected demand through 2024, with tariffs from Trump’s administration fueling Chinese exports. Disruptions could delay vessels, disrupt trade routes, and complicate alliance transitions.
China Dominates Global Ship owning
China’s merchant fleet has surged to 282.9m gt, outpacing Greece’s 254m gt. Chinese owners lead vessel acquisitions, purchasing 496 secondhand ships this year, and boast a larger 46.7m gt orderbook. Over two decades, China’s fleet share has grown significantly, now accounting for over one-seventh of the global total, while dominating shipbuilding, port operations, and ship financing, solidifying its dominance in the shipping industry.
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CMA CGM and AD Ports Inaugurate New Container Terminal in Abu Dhabi
CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, a CMA CGM and AD Ports joint venture, began operations on December 12. The terminal boosts Khalifa Port’s capacity by 23% to 10 million TEUs with advanced automation, sustainable infrastructure, and net-zero carbon goals, solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as a global trade hub.
CMA CGM Announces Peak Season Surcharges from China to West Africa
CMA CGM has announced peak season surcharges for China-West Africa shipments starting December 2024. Rates include $400-$800/TEU for Central/North China, $250-$650/TEU for South China, $150/TEU for West Africa Central Range, and $250/TEU for South Range. Destinations include Liberia, Nigeria, Ghana, and Angola.
Fuel, Road Cost Reductions Can Lower Logistics to 9%: Nitin Gadkari
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, at the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024, highlighted reducing logistics costs to 9% through infrastructure development and ethanol adoption to boost exports and rural prosperity. He emphasized achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat and economic growth, as the summit attracted global investors, policymakers, and industry leaders.
APM Terminals Rolls Out Electric Straddle Carriers in Barcelona
APM Terminals deployed five electric straddle carriers in Barcelona under a $60M electrification pilot, supported by €3.9M from Spain. The project aims to cut CO2 emissions by 821 tons annually, improve operations, and drive broader electrification across global terminals, advancing zero-emission goals and sustainable port operations.
Vizhinjam International Seaport Begins Commercial Operations
Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala commenced commercial operations after trial handling of 70 ships and 147,000 containers. A Kerala Government-Adani Group venture, the port targets 3 million TEU capacity by 2028, aiming to become a global transshipment hub and boost India’s maritime trade competitiveness.
Wallenius Marine Tests World’s First Wind-Powered PCTC Design
Wallenius Marine, in collaboration with RISE and partners, is conducting wind tunnel tests in Sweden to refine its wind-powered car and truck carrier. The tests focus on hull-sail interaction, optimal configurations, and performance across diverse conditions, advancing sustainable maritime transport innovation.
Premier Alliance Launch Delayed by US FMC Review
The launch of the Premier Alliance, a liner group by Yang Ming, ONE, and HMM, has been delayed as the US FMC seeks compliance details. Marketing is postponed to late December, pending approval. Meanwhile, Hapag-Lloyd left THE Alliance to join Maersk in forming the Gemini Cooperation.
Trump’s Proposed Tariffs Spark Debate on Feasibility
Incoming US President Donald Trump plans to impose a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada and 10% on Chinese imports starting January 20, 2025. Analysts question the immediate implementation due to legal timelines, but the announcement may spur cargo shipments to avoid tariffs, affecting cross-border trade and freight rates.
CMA CGM Introduces $500 Congestion Surcharge for Gambia
Starting 15 December 2024, CMA CGM will impose a $500 per container port congestion surcharge on dry cargo shipped from the Far East, including China, Hong Kong, Macau, North East Asia, and South East Asia, to Banjul, Gambia.
Maersk Revises Peak Season Surcharge
Danish ocean carrier Maersk announced a revised peak season surcharge (PSS) for shipments from Far East Asia to the Middle East, effective December 19, 2024, until further notice. The surcharge is set at $750 for all 20-foot containers and $1,000 for all 40-foot containers.
CMA CGM Introduces New Surcharges for Far East Shipments
CMA CGM will implement a $270 per TEU Port Congestion Surcharge for cargo from the Far East to Beira, Mozambique, starting December 22, 2024, and a $1,000 Peak Season Surcharge for reefer cargo to Ecuador from December 7, 2024. These adjustments address regional congestion and peak demand.
Hapag-Lloyd's Gemini Network to Accept Bookings from December 3
Hapag-Lloyd's Gemini network, a major cooperative initiative with Maersk, will start taking bookings from December 3, 2024. This collaboration enhances connectivity across key trade lanes, including Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, focusing on faster transit and improved reliability for diverse markets.
Europe Strengthens Logistics Resilience Amid Global Risks
Europe is emerging as a leader in logistics resilience, supported by advanced infrastructure and adaptive supply chain strategies. Meanwhile, East Asia and the United States face potential port congestion risks due to growing trade volumes and infrastructure limitations, highlighting the need for strategic enhancements in these regions.
MSC and ZIM to Launch New Slot Sharing Agreement
MSC and ZIM are set to collaborate on a new slot-sharing agreement following the conclusion of MSC's 2M alliance with Maersk. This partnership will streamline operations across key trade lanes, allowing the carriers to optimize capacity and expand service coverage globally. The arrangement highlights ongoing shifts in strategic alliances within the shipping industry.
Lufthansa and Maersk Partner for Airfreight Decarbonization
Lufthansa Cargo and Maersk Air Cargo have launched a strategic partnership to advance airfreight decarbonization. This collaboration enables customers to book sustainable aviation fuel-powered flights, reducing carbon emissions and fostering environmentally responsible logistics solutions.
Montreal Port Faces Major Delays Amid Dockworker Overtime Strike
The Port of Montreal is experiencing significant disruptions due to an overtime strike by CUPE Local 375 dockworkers, now in its second week. This action has disrupted the handling of goods, with the port warning of potential backlogs affecting essential imports and exports, including food and medical supplies. Labor Minister Steven MacKinnon's proposal for mediated talks was rejected, leaving negotiations at an impasse and heightening concerns over prolonged delays impacting cargo movement through Canada’s second-largest port.
Maersk Imposes Peak Season Surcharge from Far East to South Asia
Starting November 4-5, Maersk will implement a Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) on shipments from Far East Asia to India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Maldives. Rates include $1,000 per 20-foot container and $1,500 for 40-foot and 45-foot containers, with higher charges for shipments from Vietnam. This surcharge aims to manage demand during peak season.
Hapag-Lloyd to End Asia–Latin America Service by February 2025
Hapag-Lloyd plans to discontinue its JCS service from Asia to Mexico by February 2025, reallocating vessels to the new Gemini Cooperation with Maersk. The eastbound route will shift to the US2 service, which includes a Cartagena double call, while westbound routes will feature in the US3 service. The Gemini alliance aims to streamline routes through key terminal hubs, leveraging Maersk's APM Terminals' 51% stake in Cartagena.
East Coast Port Employers and Longshore Union to Resume Contract Talks Ahead of January Deadline
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) will resume negotiations in November to finalize a new master contract, aiming to reach an agreement before the January 15, 2025 deadline. The previous strike, which halted operations across 36 East and Gulf Coast ports, ended with a tentative 62% pay increase over six years, though issues like automation remain unresolved.
Hapag-Lloyd Imposes New $900 Surcharge for Latin America to Europe Routes
Hapag-Lloyd has introduced a $900 peak season surcharge on reefer containers from Latin America, Central America, and the Caribbean to North Europe and the Mediterranean. Starting November 11 for most regions, the surcharge will apply until further notice, with Colombia, Ecuador, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands following on November 25.
Indian Giant JSW Group Considers Container Manufacturing Amid Growing Demand
India's JSW Group is exploring entry into container manufacturing, aiming to reduce dependence on Chinese suppliers, who currently dominate the market. This aligns with India's Maritime Vision 2030, aiming to strengthen the country's maritime infrastructure. Meanwhile, Florida-based Compact Container Systems has unveiled an innovative foldable container design that could reduce shipping costs, storage space, and carbon emissions.
Port of Long Beach Breaks Quarterly Cargo Record Amid Peak Season
The Port of Long Beach experienced its busiest quarter ever, handling 2.62 million TEUs from July to September 2024. September alone saw a record 829,499 TEUs, driven by strong holiday demand. Despite a dip in exports, imports increased by 2%, signaling sustained growth through the holiday season as retailers restock for winter. This achievement underscores the port’s critical role in trans-Pacific trade.
London Gateway to Become UK’s Largest Container Port with £1 Billion Investment
DP World is set to invest £1 billion in expanding London Gateway, which will make it the largest container port in the UK. The investment includes the construction of a fourth berth, enhancing the port's capacity and solidifying its position as a key global trading hub. The expansion aims to boost trade efficiency and create thousands of jobs.
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