Summary for November 17 - November 21, 2008:
Monday, November 17, 2008GPA to increase capacity at SavannahThe Georgia Ports Authority is increasing capacity at the Port of Savannah to attract additional cargo, according to an announcement Nov. 17 from the GPA. “Today, the Garden City Terminal handles 2.7 million TEUs per year,” said Doug J. Marchand, executive director of the GPA. “In the near future, we will have the capacity to handle more than 6.5 million TEUs annually on the same footprint, and that is good news for Georgia.” Four additional super post-Panamax cranes are expected to arrive in early February and will be in operation next May, according to the GPA. Also, KCI Special Cranes Corp. of Finland has completed construction of 14 additional rubber-tired gantry cranes for the Port of Savannah. “Our ports are in the advantageous position of being able to attract additional cargo, even in a challenging economy, while preparing for future growth,” said Marchand. Website: Georgia Ports Authority
Horizon Logistics opens new L.A. warehouseHorizon Logistics announced Nov. 14 that it has opened a new 176,000 sq. ft. warehouse and cross-dock facility in Los Angeles to offer integrated inbound and export logistics services to manufacturers and retailers. The multi-tenant distribution center is located 10 miles from the Los Angeles/Long Beach ports with excellent connections to rail and road infrastructure within the Alameda Corridor, Horizon said. “While supply chains evolve away from Southern California for various reasons, LA/Long Beach will continue to be the primary gateway for U.S. imports and exports,” said Frank Knafelz, vice president of operations. The facility offers a port drayage service using the company-owned Clean Truck and TWIC-compliant fleet; air freight forwarding; rapid transload for international import and export logistics; intermodal transportation management; value-added distribution services; and long-term storage as required by customers. Horizon Logistics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Horizon Lines Inc., was formed in 2007 from the merger of Horizon Lines’ existing logistics operations, the Horizon Services Group information technology company, and the acquisition of Aero Logistics, a U.S. 3PL specializing in expedited delivery and special projects. Website: Horizon Logistics
FedEx delays Asia-Pacific hub openingFedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. and the world’s largest express transportation company, announced Nov. 17 an updated schedule of operations for its new Asia-Pacific Hub at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in southern China. Now in the testing phase, the new Asia-Pacific Hub, originally scheduled to open by the end of 2008, is expected to be fully operational the first half of 2009, according to the announcement. The company said the revised operations date provides FedEx with the necessary time to fully test all systems and processes, as well as work closely with the Guangzhou authorities to ensure all necessary approvals are in place. Over the past several months, significant progress has been made in key areas, FedEx said, including installation of the hub’s unique package and sorting system, which will enable FedEx to sort up to 24,000 packages an hour at the start of operations. FedEx said there will be no service impact to FedEx global customers because the current Asia-Pacific Hub in Subic Bay will continue operations. Website: FedEx Express
Tuesday, November 18, 2008 Somali pirates seize Saudi supertankerA Liberian-flagged Very Large Crude Tanker, Sirius Star, was attacked and seized by Somali pirates more than 450 nautical miles southeast of Mombasa, Kenya, Nov. 15. Sky News is reporting that the operator of the oil supertanker is “in negotiations with the pirates.” The U.S. Navy described the taking of the 318,000-deadweight-tonnes ship as an “unprecedented attack.” The ship is reported to be carrying oil worth more than $100 million. It’s the first seizure of a Very Large Crude Tanker and also the farthest pirate attack from shore. A U.S. Navy spokesman said the tanker is approaching Eyl, Somalia, on the Indian Ocean coast. Website: U.S. Navy news
Jaxport’s TraPac to get APS crane OCR, automationAPS Technology Group announced Nov. 14 that TraPac Inc. will deploy several of APS’ terminal automation solutions at its new container terminal at Dames Point in Jacksonville, Fla. TraPac will become the first East Coast terminal to deploy OCR automation within its vessel and yard operations. “This terminal represents a tremendous investment for TraPac, our parent Mitsui O.S.K., and the people of Jacksonville,” said Dennis Kelly, vice president for TraPac. “Our experience with APS OCR systems in our West Coast facilities has shown that our operations and our customers benefit tremendously from the increased cargo visibility and velocity that their automation technologies provide.” The 158 acre facility will include six post-Panamax quay cranes, six rubber tired gantry (RTG) cranes, and an 18-lane automated gate complex. The project includes APS solutions to automate the identification and check-in of containers, chassis, and truck license plates at each gate lane. APS Technology Group is a leading provider of OCR and automation technology solutions for marine and intermodal terminals. Website: APS Technology
Schneider Logistics adds five gatewaysSchneider Logistics Inc., a leading global logistics provider and part of the Schneider National enterprise, announced Nov. 17 the opening of five new freight forwarding offices at major gateways in the United States and Europe. The new freight forwarding offices in the U.S. include Chicago, Atlanta, and New York, while the European offices include Rotterdam and Amsterdam. In the U.S., East Coast and midland port demand is on the rise as companies look for opportunities to diversify their predominantly West Coast options for points of delivery, Schneider said. Approximately 70% of the freight handled in Rotterdam and Amsterdam is destined for, or originates from, other European countries including Eastern Europe, according to the statement. “These new locations strengthen our leadership position in freight forwarding and customs brokerage, with significant capabilities to provide a full range of services to and from the rest of the world,” said John Ferguson, vice president, International, for Schneider Logistics According to Ferguson, Schneider Logistics will “continue its laser-sharp focus on delivering its long-term strategy of growing core logistics services domestically and abroad.” Website: Schneider Logistics Inc.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008 NOL to cut 1,000 jobsSingapore-based Neptune Orient Lines Nov. 19 announced a package of measures “to place the company on a more sustainable footing through an expected severe and prolonged downturn” in global container shipping. In its statement, the company said it will reduce the group’s global workforce by about 1,000 positions, or about one-tenth of its workforce, with the largest impacts in North America, where the company’s cost base is highest. NOL will also relocate the group’s Americas’ regional headquarters from Oakland, Calif., to a “more cost-effective location elsewhere in the United States.” A decision on the location and time frame for the move will be announced in December 2008. The company said there will be changes in the way the APL Logistics business is managed to create efficiencies and a “clearer line of sight of roles and accountabilities.” “The negative conditions we are seeing in the market place are unprecedented in our industry’s history. This necessitates these very difficult decisions,” said NOL Group President and CEO Ron Widdows. NOL described the outlook for profitability in 2009 as “grim.” Website: Neptune Orient Lines
China, EU, U.S. meet on product safetyThe first high-level summit on product safety by European, United States, and Chinese officials took place in Brussels Nov. 17 to discuss cooperation on product traceability, toy safety standards, expertise exchange, and joint enforcement actions. “This high-level product safety summit sends a very clear signal about the determination of leaders in Europe, China, and the U.S. to put the safety of citizens first and to keep up the political momentum to insist that standards are high and fully enforced at every step along the global supply chain,” said EU Consumer Commissioner Meglena Kuneva. Prior to the trilateral summit, the EU and China signed an agreement that will allow the two sides to more quickly exchange information on dangerous goods and tainted foods and perform checks to ensure safety standards are met. The European Commission’s Rapid Alert System for dangerous consumer products (RAPEX) has consistently shown in recent years that approximately 50% of goods withdrawn from the EU market are of Chinese origin, according to the EU statement. Another high level trilateral summit is planned for 2009. Website: European Union
Jaxport’s TraPac to get APS crane OCR [corrected]APS Technology Group announced Nov. 14 that TraPac Inc. will deploy several of APS’ terminal automation solutions at its new container terminal at Dames Point in Jacksonville, Fla. TraPac will become the first East Coast terminal to deploy OCR automation within its vessel and yard operations. “This terminal represents a tremendous investment for TraPac, our parent Mitsui O.S.K., and the people of Jacksonville,” said Dennis Kelly, vice president for TraPac. “Our experience with APS OCR systems in our West Coast facilities has shown that our operations and our customers benefit tremendously from the increased cargo visibility and velocity that their automation technologies provide.” The 158 acre facility will include six post-Panamax quay cranes, six rubber tired gantry (RTG) cranes, and an 18-lane automated gate complex. The project includes APS solutions to automate the identification and check-in of containers, chassis, and truck license plates at each gate lane. APS Technology Group is a leading provider of OCR and automation technology solutions for marine and intermodal terminals. Website[corrected]: APS Technology
Thursday, November 20, 2008 Tampa Port Authority approves shipyard transferThe Tampa Port Authority at its monthly business meeting Nov. 18 approved the lease purchase of Tampa Bay Shipbuilding & Repair Co. by Louisiana shipbuilder Edison Chouest Offshore. Tampa Ship LLC, a new affiliate of the Galliano-based shipbuilding and offshore supply company, will take over operations on the 62-acre site. Tampa Ship will retain Tampa Bay Shipbuilding & Repair Co.’s 500 employees and plans to add workers and additional trades, according to local press reports. The operation will be Chouest’s sixth commercial shipyard “We needed more shipbuilding capacity with better depths available,” said Gary Chouest. “This is the premier location on the Gulf Coast.” Tampa Ship will begin construction of a $30 million, 300-ft. vessel in January at the port to service oil and gas platforms, Chouest said. Edison Chouest Offshore’s shipbuilding and offshore supply business has more than 7,000 employees and operates a fleet of more than 150 vessels. Website: Edison Chouest Offshore
Yamaha names Roadway LTL Carrier of YearRoadway announced Nov. 19 that it has been named the 2008 National LTL Carrier of the Year by Yamaha Motor Corp. USA. The award was presented to Roadway, a YRC Worldwide Inc. brand, by Yamaha during its Annual Carrier Conference in Cypress, Calif., Nov. 18. “Roadway consistently achieved high scores in measurements for claims, inbound and outbound on-time performance, and customer satisfaction. However, the defining factor was the relationship Roadway developed to assist Yamaha Motor Corp. USA with its unique transportation needs,” YRC Worldwide said. “Strong performance metrics are essential, but they are no longer enough,” said Rich Benavides, transportation manager for Yamaha Motor Corp. USA. “On a regular basis, Roadway works as a strategic partner with us, sharing information, listening to our needs, and developing solutions that help take costs out of our supply chain and aid our business,” Benavides added. Yamaha’s product line includes motorcycles, scooters, side-by-side vehicles, outboard motors, ATVs, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, race kart engines, accessories, apparel, and more. YRC Worldwide Inc. provides global transportation services, transportation management solutions, and logistics management. Website: Roadway
AAPA “Shifting Routes” program set for JanuaryThe American Association of Port Authorities’ “Shifting International Trade Routes” program will take place in Tampa, Fla., Jan 15-16, 2009. Among presenters will be the administrator of the Panama Canal Authority, the U.S. Maritime Administrator, the planning and research director for the Suez Canal Authority, and at least a half dozen port authority chief executives, according to the AAPA. The 1-1/2-day program is cosponsored by the U.S. Maritime Administration and hosted by the Tampa Port Authority. The program will examine changing global trade patterns, impacts of improving “all water” shipping routes, anticipated waterside and marine terminal development needs, increased road and rail capacity requirements, and infrastructure financing challenges needed in the coming decade, particularly in light of the $5.25 billion expansion of the Panama Canal due for completion in 2014. “Expanding this crucial trans-ocean shipping lane to accommodate more and larger vessels will certainly change the status quo, resulting in increased trade opportunities for seaports in the Western Hemisphere, while making it necessary to make major investments in water- and land-side transportation infrastructure,” said Jean Godwin, AAPA’s executive vice president. Website: American Association of Port Authorities
Friday, November 21, 2008 Maersk changes Gulf of Aden policyA.P. Moller-Maersk Nov. 20 issued an updated policy for vessels entering the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of East Africa. The update is a consequence of the recent development in piracy hijackings in the area. “Vessels without adequate speed or freeboard will for the time being avoid the Gulf of Aden and seek alternative routing south of the Cape of Good Hope and east of Madagascar,” the company said. These vessels may join naval convoy transit in the Gulf of Aden, however, based on the availability of escorts. “The policy change will primarily impact our tanker vessels. Only three container vessels will be affected, and we expect to further limit the impact by redeployment,” said Søren Skou, partner and member of the executive board, A.P. Moller-Maersk. “We believe that piracy in the Gulf of Aden is a threat to important international trade lanes and therefore an international security issue. It must be addressed by relevant authorities and the international community. It is not a problem that A.P. Moller-Maersk or the shipping industry can solve alone,” added Skou. Website: A.P. Moller-Maersk
CMA CGM’s terminal at Xiamen approvedChina’s National Development and Reform Commission and Ministry of Commerce have approved the construction and management by CMA CGM of a deep-water container terminal in the port of Xiamen, according to a news release Nov. 20 by CMA CGM, the world’s third largest container shipping company. CMA CGM holds 30% of the joint venture that will equip and operate the two-berth terminal for 50 years. The port handled more than 4.5 million TEUs in 2007, an increase of 15% over 2006. The terminal is expected to be operational in 2010. CMA CGM Group has already acquired an 8% share in China Rail Intermodal, a project to design, build, and manage a network of 18 railway container stations covering the entire Chinese territory. Most of the terminals are presently under construction, and the first eight will be operating by the end of 2009, CMA CGM said. Website: CMA CGM
BNSF Rail selects Tideworks for pilot projectBNSF Railway Nov. 19 announced that it has selected Tideworks Technology, a leading provider of full-service terminal management and planning software solutions, to participate in a pilot project at BNSF’s Alliance Intermodal Facility in Fort Worth, Texas. “We selected Tideworks Technology for our pilot because of their terminal operating system experience in stacking operations and because they are easy to do business with,” said Paul Duncan, director, BNSF, Hub and Facility Systems Support. The pilot project will encompass the implementation of Tideworks’ Spinnaker Planning Management System and Traffic Control solutions at BNSF’s fifth largest intermodal facility. Spinnaker provides fully integrated rail planning tools that will interface with BNSF’s existing gate technologies and mainframe system, Tideworks said. “Its advanced rail functionality will enable BNSF to track containers, trailers, chassis, rail cars, and other assets in a graphical, user-friendly environment,” the company said. In addition, Spinnaker’s intuitive user interface will enable BNSF to improve data accuracy and maximize efficiency in operations, the company said. The project implementation is scheduled for the third quarter of 2009. Website: BNSF Railway Tideworks Technology
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