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Today's Cargo News Archives
Summary for June 16 - June 20, 2008:
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Monday, June 16, 2008

Matson to raise fuel surcharge in Pacific

 MATSON NAVIGATION Co., citing “fuel-related costs that have reached historical highs,” June 13 announced that it is raising its fuel surcharge for its Hawaii service by 4.5 percentage points, from 33.75% to 38.25%, and its Guam/CNMI and Micronesia services by 6 percentage points, from 33.75% to 39.75%.

 Both surcharges are effective July 13, 2008.

 While Matson has traditionally applied the same percentage fuel surcharge to all of its Pacific services, it is implementing a new program that recognizes that there are greater fuel requirements in serving the more geographically remote regions of Guam and Micronesia.

 Matson said it is diligently exploring ways to maximize fuel efficiency for its Pacific services. For example, when possible, Matson has slowed the speed of its containerships without adversely impacting its schedule reliability.

 “Escalating fuel prices have hit levels that are unprecedented and are adversely impacting virtually all businesses, as well as consumers,” said Dave Hoppes, senior vice president, ocean services. “Overall, fuel costs have increased 38% since the last fuel surcharge adjustment became effective on April 6.”

 Website:

 Matson Navigation Co.

http://www.matson.com

Horizon launches green initiative

 HORIZON LINES Inc., a leading domestic ocean shipping and integrated logistics company, June 13 announced a wide-ranging corporate environmental initiative called Horizon Green.

 The Horizon Green initiative addresses four key areas: protection of the marine environment, reduction of transportation emissions, implementing a sustainable approach to logistics management, and introduction of a carbon offsets program.

 The company said it has launched Horizon Green to better understand and measure freight transportation’s impact on the environment and to develop programs that incorporate increased environmental sensitivity and mitigation into Horizon’s core operations.

 “Horizon Lines is committed to protecting the environment and ensuring the safety and health of our associates and the public,” said Chuck Raymond, chairman, president and CEO of Horizon Lines. “Horizon Green will focus our environmental effort across the entire Horizon Lines organization.”

 Horizon Lines has established several programs in addition to compliance with the MARPOL Convention and with the ISM Code created by the International Maritime Organization, the company said.

 These programs include vessel management controls and audits, ballast water management, waste stream analyses, low sulfur diesel fuel usage and marine terminal pollution mitigation plans.

 Website:

 Horizon Green

http://www.horizonlines.com/horizongreen.asp

AAPA Latin American Ports Congress set

 THE 17TH AAPA CONGRESS of Latin American Ports, to be held in Panama City, Panama, June 17-21, will highlight the Panama Canal’s expansion and the benefits to international commerce as well as concerns of increasing trade volumes throughout the Western Hemisphere, the AAPA announced recently.

 Sponsored by the American Association of Port Authorities and hosted by the Panama Maritime Authority, the conference will look at issues such as ship sizes, regional transshipment, port finance and maritime training needed as a result of the canal expansion.   

 “It is timely — even historic — that we are having our Latin American ports conference in Panama this year due to the dramatic developments underway, both in terms of canal expansion and with major port developments on both sides of the canal,” said Kurt Nagle, AAPA’s president and CEO. 

 “These developments will impact global trade for generations to come,” added Nagle. 

 Some topics to be discussed include how increases in vessel sizes affect container traffic and shipping lines’ routes in the Latin American and Caribbean regions, and the port of Punta Colonet, Mexico, and its role as competitor or complement to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

 Website:

 AAPA’s Congress of Latin American Ports
http://www.aapa-panama.com

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Progress continues in PMA, ILWU labor talks

 THE INTERNATIONAL LONGSHORE and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) June 17 issued the following joint statement regarding their negotiations on a new waterfront labor contract.

 “In the weeks since our last update, the parties have continued to meet regularly and have reached a tentative agreement on health care benefits.

 “While the pace and tone of the talks have been productive, important issues remain, with work left to be done. Our negotiating committees will continue exchanging and modifying proposals.

 “Both sides are committed to resolving outstanding issues at the table and to keep West Coast ports running smoothly.”

 The current waterfront contract covers 26,000 ILWU-represented longshore workers at 29 West Coast ports in California, Oregon and Washington. The PMA represents cargo carriers, terminal operators and stevedores operating on the West Coast.

 Websites:

 ILWU

http://www.ilwu.org

 PMA

http://www.pmanet.org

CMA CGM launches FAL4 service

 CMA CGM Group June 17 announced the launching of its latest service in the FAL network linking Asia and Europe: the FAL4 service.

 Operated in partnership with China Shipping, FAL4 will deploy a total of eight 9,700-TEU vessels, covering the following port rotation : Shanghai, Xiamen, Yantian, Nansha, Port Kelang, Zeebrugge, Hamburg, Rotterdam, Shanghai.

 The FAL4 service will begin operating on July 9.

  FAL4 comes in addition to the Group’s existing FAL services on the Asia-Europe route — FAL1, FAL2 and FAL3 — “thus providing optimum port coverage on this major trade,” the company said.

 It will be offering a new strategic call in Nansha, in the vicinity of Guangzhou, “guaranteeing new opportunities in the rapidly expanding region of the Pearl River Delta,” the company said.

 This new service will also include a new inbound call in Zeebrugge, first discharge call in Europe, a port that is not congested and which offers one of the best intermodal connectivity in Europe into the Benelux and German Hinterland.

 On the export side, the FAL4 will be the first service ever to offer a direct non-stop link between Rotterdam and Shanghai, the company said.

 Website:

 CMA CGM

http://www.cma-cgm.com

$35 million grants for Bay Area Goods Movement

 THE BAY AREA AIR QUALITY Management District June 16 issued the 2008 Goods Movement Program call for grant applications to provide funding to retrofit or replace engines or purchase new equipment for large trucks, trains and harbor craft.

 The Air Resources Board will allocate $140 million in bond funding over the next four years to projects that will reduce air pollutant emissions from goods movement in the Bay Area. More than $35 million in funding will be available this year.

 Now through Aug. 15, public and private entities can apply for Goods Movement funds to retrofit or replace engines or purchase new equipment to reduce diesel emissions in advance of new regulatory requirements.

 This program is the result of a partnership with the ARB to quickly reduce air pollution emissions and health risks from diesel emissions caused by moving goods from the ports along highways, railways and waterways throughout the Bay Area.

 “Emissions from aging, heavy-duty engines are a major source of Bay Area air pollution,” said Air District Executive Officer Jack Broadbent. “The Goods Movement Program helps owners invest in cleaner freight-moving equipment to protect the air and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

 Website:

 Bay Area Air Quality Management District

www.baaqmd.gov/goods.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Kalmar launches hybrid drive straddle carrier

 KALMAR INDUSTRIES, part of Cargotec Corp., continues to enhance its range of eco-friendly products and strengthen its reputation as an industry pioneer with the introduction of the world’s first straddle carrier equipped with a hybrid drive system.

 The company’s new Pro Future hybrid technology package is a modular option that can be fitted to its proven seventh-generation Kalmar ESC W straddle carrier for genuine fuel savings of up to 25%-30%.

 Kalmar’s EDRIVE straddle carriers are currently used throughout the world’s container terminals. The new hybrid ESC W straddle carrier will significantly improve the machine’s cost per box efficiency by delivering more moves with less fuel.

 Kalmar’s Pro Future hybrid technology package allows hoist motors to be used as generators when lowering containers. The energy produced can be stored until it’s needed. Similarly, when machines are braking or decelerating, energy can be produced from the electric drive system and stored.

 “The cyclical operation of straddle carriers in container terminals is the foundation upon why hybrid technology lends such good results in a straddle carrier handling system,” said Ilkka Annala, vice president, straddle carrier product line.

 Website:

 Kalmar Industries

http://www.kalmarind.com/

 

Panama Canal, Port of New Orleans renew alliance

 THE PANAMA CANAL Authority (ACP) and the Port of New Orleans, in an official ceremony June 17 in Panama, celebrated their alliance, first initiated in 2003, by renewing a Memorandum of Understanding.

 Alberto Alemán Zubieta, ACP administrator/CEO, and Gary LaGrange, Port of New Orleans president and CEO, as well as members of the port’s Board of Commissioners, participated in the ceremony.

 The Port of New Orleans recently adopted a 2020 growth Master Plan of $1.04 billion, partially driven by the Panama Canal’s expansion, to help spur investment, increase trade and promote the “All-Water-Route” (the route from Asia to the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts via the Panama Canal).

 “Today’s renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Port of New Orleans underscores our strong economic and commercial bonds,” said Alemán Zubieta. 

 “The Panama Canal is a vital link that connects New Orleans to key trading partners in Asia and along the West Coast of South America,” said LaGrange.

 The agreement is renewable on a three-year basis.

 Websites:

 Panama Canal Authority (ACP)

http://www.pancanal.com

 Port of New Orleans

http://www.portno.com

 

Maersk Logistics awarded by Wal-Mart

 MAERSK LOGISTICS was presented the 2008 Wal-Mart “Origin Cargo Manager of the Year” award during the Wal-Mart Import Summit held at the retailer’s headquarters in Bentonville, Ark., recently. The award was accepted by Chris Aherne, director, Maersk Logistics USA Inc.

 Each year, Wal-Mart evaluates each provider of transportation services and rates them on areas such as operational planning and execution, communication, problem solving and customer service.

 Based on these reviews, Wal-Mart then selects a single transportation provider as the Origin Cargo Manager of the Year. Maersk Logistics also won this award in 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006/2007, and 2007.

 “Maersk Logistics is honored to receive this prestigious award as Wal-Mart’s ‘Origin Cargo Manager of the Year,’” said Jeremy Haycock, president of Maersk Logistics Inc. “This award is a reflection of the dedication by our global colleagues and a validation of our commitment to Wal-Mart.”

 Maersk Logistics is a leader in the international logistics market, providing customized solutions for integrated supply chain management, warehousing and distribution, and sea and airfreight transport.

 The company is part of the A.P. Moller Group.

 Website:

 Maersk Logistics

http://www.maersklogistics.com

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Kalmar launches hybrid drive straddle carrier

 KALMAR INDUSTRIES, part of Cargotec Corp., continues to enhance its range of eco-friendly products and strengthen its reputation as an industry pioneer with the introduction of the world’s first straddle carrier equipped with a hybrid drive system.

 The company’s new Pro Future hybrid technology package is a modular option that can be fitted to its proven seventh-generation Kalmar ESC W straddle carrier for genuine fuel savings of up to 25%-30%.

 Kalmar’s EDRIVE straddle carriers are currently used throughout the world’s container terminals. The new hybrid ESC W straddle carrier will significantly improve the machine’s cost per box efficiency by delivering more moves with less fuel.

 Kalmar’s Pro Future hybrid technology package allows hoist motors to be used as generators when lowering containers. The energy produced can be stored until it’s needed. Similarly, when machines are braking or decelerating, energy can be produced from the electric drive system and stored.

 “The cyclical operation of straddle carriers in container terminals is the foundation upon why hybrid technology lends such good results in a straddle carrier handling system,” said Ilkka Annala, vice president, straddle carrier product line.

 Website:

 Kalmar Industries

http://www.kalmarind.com/

Panama Canal, Port of New Orleans renew alliance

 THE PANAMA CANAL Authority (ACP) and the Port of New Orleans, in an official ceremony June 17 in Panama, celebrated their alliance, first initiated in 2003, by renewing a Memorandum of Understanding.

 Alberto Alemán Zubieta, ACP administrator/CEO, and Gary LaGrange, Port of New Orleans president and CEO, as well as members of the port’s Board of Commissioners, participated in the ceremony.

 The Port of New Orleans recently adopted a 2020 growth Master Plan of $1.04 billion, partially driven by the Panama Canal’s expansion, to help spur investment, increase trade and promote the “All-Water-Route” (the route from Asia to the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts via the Panama Canal).

 “Today’s renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Port of New Orleans underscores our strong economic and commercial bonds,” said Alemán Zubieta. 

 “The Panama Canal is a vital link that connects New Orleans to key trading partners in Asia and along the West Coast of South America,” said LaGrange.

 The agreement is renewable on a three-year basis.

 Websites:

 Panama Canal Authority (ACP)

http://www.pancanal.com

 Port of New Orleans

http://www.portno.com

Maersk Logistics awarded by Wal-Mart

 MAERSK LOGISTICS was presented the 2008 Wal-Mart “Origin Cargo Manager of the Year” award during the Wal-Mart Import Summit held at the retailer’s headquarters in Bentonville, Ark., recently. The award was accepted by Chris Aherne, director, Maersk Logistics USA Inc.

 Each year, Wal-Mart evaluates each provider of transportation services and rates them on areas such as operational planning and execution, communication, problem solving and customer service.

 Based on these reviews, Wal-Mart then selects a single transportation provider as the Origin Cargo Manager of the Year. Maersk Logistics also won this award in 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006/2007, and 2007.

 “Maersk Logistics is honored to receive this prestigious award as Wal-Mart’s ‘Origin Cargo Manager of the Year,’” said Jeremy Haycock, president of Maersk Logistics Inc. “This award is a reflection of the dedication by our global colleagues and a validation of our commitment to Wal-Mart.”

 Maersk Logistics is a leader in the international logistics market, providing customized solutions for integrated supply chain management, warehousing and distribution, and sea and airfreight transport.

 The company is part of the A.P. Moller Group.

 Website:

 Maersk Logistics

http://www.maersklogistics.com

Friday, June 20, 2008

Top trucking official testifies to Congress

 A TOP TRUCKING INDUSTRY official June 19 urged Congress to take a cautious approach to climate change initiatives.

 Randy Mullett, Con-Way Inc. VP of government relations and public affairs, testifying on behalf of the American Trucking Associations, expressed concern over the impact that pending cap-and-trade legislation could have on the nation’s economy and the price of fuel for the trucking industry.

 Mullet testified before the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

 Mullett also stated that “federal climate change policy must avoid encouraging a patchwork of local, state and regional climate change laws that could hinder the ability of the trucking industry to function in interstate commerce.”

 Citing the nation’s 750,000 motor carriers who deliver goods across state lines, Mullet said the industry supports federal preemption of local, state and regional climate change laws.

 “Our industry cannot absorb rapid increases in fuel costs,” Mullett said. “The trucking industry is extremely sensitive to how climate change legislation may further escalate fuel prices.”

 Website:

 American Trucking Associations

http://www.truckline.com/

COSCO adds Prince Rupert to CEN service

 CHINA OCEAN SHIPPING Co. (COSCO) June 18 officially announced plans to bring a second shipping service into the Fairview Intermodal Terminal at British Columbia’s Port of Prince Rupert.

 A COSCO ship on the CEN service will call on the port every Saturday beginning July 5. The new port rotation on the CEN service will be Dalian, Tianjin, Qingdao, Shanghai, Prince Rupert, Long Beach, Oakland, Yokohama and Shanghai.

 Dave Bedwell, COSCO Canada executive VP, said, “The current ships used today on the service, which is called the PNWS service, all of those ships are 5,500-TEU vessels.

 “The second service, which is called the CEN service and focuses on cargo from North China, those ships are going to be a combination of two 5,500-TEU ships, two 7,500-TEU ships and one 8,200-TEU ship.”

 Barry Bartlett, spokesman for the Prince Rupert Port Authority, said that the second ship will put the terminal at approximately two-thirds capacity and … “demonstrates the satisfaction of the shipping lines and the shippers going through Prince Rupert and using the express trade corridor.”

 Website:

 China Ocean Shipping Co. (COSCO)

http://www.cosco.com/en/index.jsp

Foss Maritime wins big in safety awards

 FOSS MARITIME Co.’s commitment to safety was underscored earlier this month when a top maritime organization recognized 18 of its vessels for outstanding safety records, according to a June 17 press release.

 The Chamber of Shipping of America presented the Foss vessels with Jones F. Devlin Awards at the annual Safety Awards Luncheon in Houston, Texas.

 Jones F. Devlin Awards are awarded to self-propelled merchant vessels that have operated for two full years or more without a crew member losing a full turn at watch because of an occupational injury.

 Altogether, the winning Foss ships have achieved the equivalent total of 82 years without a lost-time injury. 

 “We are extremely proud of Foss’ safety achievement,” said Gary Faber, Foss president and COO. “Safety is the keystone of our company’s culture, and the Chamber of Shipping of America awards certainly recognize that.”

 Founded in 1889, Seattle-based Foss Maritime offers a complete range of maritime services and project management to customers across the Pacific Rim, Europe, South America and around the globe.

 Website:

 Foss Maritime Co.

http://www.foss.com

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