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IMO 2020: Understanding the Impact of Cutting Sulphur Oxide Emissions

IMO 2020
Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily

IMO 2020: Understanding the Impact of Cutting Sulphur Oxide Emissions

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As global shippers prepare for the busy season approaching, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has a new international regulation scheduled to begin the first of January. IMO 2020 is a regulation designed to reduce Sulphur oxide emissions from ships, which will reduce the harmful impact of the shipping industry’s byproduct fuel emissions. Lower sulfur emissions will improve air quality in port cities as well as lessen ocean acidification. With roughly four months remaining before the regulation is implemented, trans-ocean logistics companies are urging vessel owners to plan accordingly so they are not fined for surpassing the Sulphur limit specifications. 

The IMO 2020 regulation applies to all ships on international and domestic voyages. New IMO compliant fuels are being created, but due to limited supply and high demand, the price of the new fuel is expected to fluctuate. These additional costs can create a trickle-down effect, which has the potential to affect both vessel owners and shippers. Shippers will most likely find the cost of ocean transportation increasing as the marine sector must utilize these more costly fuels.

RTM Lines a respected trans-ocean transportation company providing, knowledgeable, cost-effective and professional expertise in the ocean transportation industry is committed to assisting our clients to navigate these changes. The new IMO 2020 regulation will affect the entire industry including a variety of vessel operators by reducing acceptable fuel sulfur content from 3.5% to 0.5%.  “Even the smallest amount of Sulphur will subject vessels to a fine or the ship will be pulled out of trade,” said Richard Tiebel, Head of Operations at RTM Lines. “The more proactive vessel owners are about reducing the amount of Sulphur there is in the fuel, the fewer problems they will have to deal with when the IMO 2020 regulations are in effect.” 

“Fuel treatment remains the most effective way to address compliance. However, fuel treatment is in short supply, so we will likely see higher costs for this service, ultimately coming out of the consumer’s pocket. Another solution is flushing of the tanks; this is costly in more ways than one as it has the potential to put a vessel out of commission for a significant amount of time. When weighing their options, shippers should consider capacity, as non-compliant vessels will be pulled out of service or denied entry at certain ports.” Tiebel said. 

Freight costs are already showing signs of an unpredictable landscape. Tiebel shared that, “A $20 difference between IFO 380 bunker and marine gas oil, adds an additional $2.50 per freight ton to breakbulk shipments on a booking note basis. Current and future bunker prices will be based on web-based bunker platform reports which will be provided along with the freight invoice.” In other words, shippers are starting to see an added invoice to charges previously quoted simply due to fuel changes. Furthermore, these charges are covered with right to adjust at time of quotation, time of loading, and at time of discharge.” 

Although the IMO 2020 regulation, has the potential to be more expensive, it can drastically reduce pollution in the environment. The move beyond traditional shipping fuels will transform the ocean shipping industry. These changes in the industry, though challenging, can make a significantly reduction in emissions and create a positive impact on the environment.

“I believe once IMO 2020 is implemented, it’s going to help the environment tremendously. Compliance will be a big step in bringing our industry up to date in protecting the marine environment we utilize. It is the key ingredient not only in ocean transport but in our lives and those of our families.” Tiebel concludes. 

Archives, Global Trade Daily, Ocean Carriers

Everyone’s Breaking Into Breakbulk

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Time was breakbulk, project cargo and multipurpose/heavylift were their own niche sector on the global shipping spectrum, but many of today’s carriers are taking it all, from MPV/HL to roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) to go along with their regular old vanilla container hauling (not to suggest said containers are filled with vanilla, although they could be).

The “Big Three” carriers—MSC, CMA-CGM and Maersk—continue competing with one another by each entering the comparatively lucrative breakbulk and project cargo market, which has also drawn such ro/ro specialists as Grimaldi, NYK and MOL.

For its “global out-of-gauge and breakbulk services,” MSC advertises “first class project cargo management, no matter whether you have a requirement for heavy lift cargo, or for oversized cargo which cannot fit inside a standard container.” MSC can point to more than 40 years of experience in shipping oversized freight and their “expert project cargo logistics team” that can help with the planning and execution of special loadings.

Not to be outdone, the CMA CGM website states, “Our dedicated experts will take pride in providing you with our Special Cargo services and will find with you reliable shipping solutions, whether you’re shipping sensitive materials or heavy and bulky equipment but also will take extra care of Aid and Humanitarian cargo that often exceeds the size of standard containers.”

Size matters, of course, as CMA CGM can rely on the expertise of its 755 agencies in more than 160 countries all around the world as well as an extensive network of ports, terminal operators and suppliers. “Our teams can deliver a seamless door-to-door service and integrated one-stop-shop solutions for your Special Cargo anywhere in the world,” the promo boasts.

COSCO Shipping also relies on a large fleet and experience in extra-heavy hauling. This was demonstrated in February, when the sound section of the Maersk Honam was successfully loaded aboard COSCO’s heavy-lift vessel Xin Guang Hua on open waters outside Dubai. The 228.5-meter long item arrived in March at Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea.

Maersk has been accepting breakbulk as well, with company officials pointing to the opportunity to be able to carry an entire project as opposed to select components that fit neatly in traditional containers. The carrier does assess breakbulk or project cargo on a case by case, depending on available space and vessels, the length and width of the cargo and the terminals to be called.

“We’ll use special gear, extra labor, and oversee operations,” Karen Hicks, Maersk’s global client manager, told JOC.com in March. “There are no cut and dried solutions.” Her company is searching for more solutions with the creation of special project cargo teams and online booking tools, however.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean (WW Ocean) is occupying the space in between containers and lift-on/lift-off (lo/lo) or geared MPV/HL, stowing cargo under the deck of ro-ro ships where less packaging and handling is required. WW Ocean officials say they see growth potential in being able to handle a single piece of breakbulk cargo, multiple pieces or pieces and materials for large, multimillion-dollar projects handled over several voyages.

Customers should be warned that pricing can be tricky. As opposed to a standard container rate, carriers have to factor in trade lanes, weight and volume, cargo type, and any special equipment needed, such as mobile loading platforms (mafis) or jack-up trailers. Surcharges for bunkers, port costs, and other assessorial charges must also be factored in. And then there are the costs for securing different types of cargo along the trade routes.

The variety of elements to consider has not swayed Höegh Autoliners away from offering transportation for all types of breakbulk cargo, as the carrier handles close to 6 million cubic meters of high and heavy and breakbulk cargoes annually worldwide. For breakbulk, project and other “out-of-gauge” cargo, Höegh relies on modern and specialized rolltrailers, which are specially designed for smooth and safe transportation of heavy and/or long breakbulk cargo.

G2 Ocean is only two years old, so most would consider the carrier new to the breakbulk game. But company officials want you to know that they actually have 50 years of experience in the sector thanks to G2 Ocean being a joint venture of two of the world’s leading breakbulk and bulk-shipping companies: Gearbulk and Grieg Star.

“We operate the largest fleet of open hatch vessels worldwide,” proclaims the G2 Ocean website. “In addition we operate a substantial fleet of conventional bulk carriers. With 130 vessels and 13 offices on six continents, we can serve all our customer’s needs. Our vessels are tailor-made for breakbulk cargoes like forestry products, steel and project cargoes. Advanced systems make shipping with us easy. The passion and expertise of our people put our customers at ease. This is the basis for reliable, efficient, flexible, high-quality and innovative services.”

However, you do not have to be a large, global conglomerate carrier concern to specialize in breakbulk and project cargo. On the other end of the roster is Florida Barge Corp. (FBC), whose 150- to 400-foot long tubs were engineered and constructed to transport heavy and concentrated cargo loads.

Routinely operating in the waters of the U.S. East Coast, the Gulf Coast, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America, FBC offers project cargo, heavy-lift, and module transportation services—at rates that are less or at least competitive with the big boys.

Founder Brendan Moran boasts more than 15 years of experience in the marine transportation and project cargo industry. “Whether your needs include loading and transport of bridge beams or dredge related equipment,” states Moran’s online bio, “FBC will provide all aspects of the movement from inception to completion.”

Archives, Global Trade Daily, News

Breakbulk Europe Opens Today

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21 MAY 2019, BREMEN, Germany—Breakbulk Europe, the world’s largest event for the project cargo and breakbulk industry, opens its doors at Messe Bremen to an expected crowd of 11,000 from 120 countries today. The Welcome Reception will be held from 17:00 – 20:00, followed by two days of exhibition, conference programming and networking activities.

Breakbulk Europe 2019 returned to Bremen for a second year and will be held in the same location in 2020. With unwavering support from its host city, the event will officially be opened by Mayor Dr. Carsten Sieling, president of the Senate of the Federal State of Bremen, along with Senator Martin Günthner, Minister of Economic Affairs, Labour and Ports for the Federal State of Bremen, and Robert Howe, managing director of bremenports, the host port for the event, and Nick Davison, portfolio director for the event organizer ITE Group.

While being the biggest provides a competitive edge, size is not enough for an industry that is constantly evolving with the global market. “We listened to our customers feedback from last year’s event and have made every effort to deliver an experience that will meet, and hopefully exceed their expectations,” Davison said. “Breakbulk Europe will have a better VIP experience, a stronger and more diverse content offering, more areas for our community to network and have fun, free transport for all attendees across the city, new ports, a new hall … I could go on and on!”

The value for companies in this specialized market to exhibit at Breakbulk Europe has spread and is evidenced by 80 new exhibitors among the more than 550 participating in the show. “Breakbulk Europe will see its first Russian, Danish and Croatian ports,” the event’s director Maleha Khan said. “It’s not just about more exhibitors, it’s about encouraging the right exhibitors to participate. “

“This year’s show will have stronger representation from key sectors such as ports in regions where project cargo is being shipped in greater volumes. In fact, as new areas of opportunity open around the world, you’ll see them reflected in the mix of new exhibitors on the show floor.”

Extensive market research was conducted to identify the topics that will be discussed over the two-day conference in two themed areas: the Main Stage in hall 4 will focus on business strategy, case studies and sector-specific issues, while the new Tech & Innovation Hub in Hall 6 will tackle tools for change and a how-to approach on implementation. More than 70 experts, most of whom are working industry professionals, will welcome audience input, so conversation is sure to be lively and offer practical takeaways for all those involved in the industry.

Tickets are available at the door for €200, and include the exhibition, all sessions on the Main Stage and in the new Tech & Innovation Hub, along with free transportation by tram, bus and train via the badge, thanks to the City of Bremen.

For details, see the Breakbulk Europe 2019 Preview at https://www.europe.breakbulk.com/page/preview.

About Breakbulk Europe 2019

Breakbulk Europe has become the global hub for the entire industrial project supply chain, including the world’s foremost manufacturers, oil & gas companies, EPCs, carriers, ports, logistics firms, specialized transporters and related service providers. This year’s event is expected to bring together around 11,000 professionals from more than 120 countries. To request exhibiting and sponsorship information and to register for the event, visit europe.breakbulk.com.

Breakbulk Europe is one of four Breakbulk global events, along with Breakbulk Americas in Houston (8- 10 October 2019), Breakbulk Middle East in Dubai (25-26 February 2020), and Breakbulk Asia in Shanghai (18-19 March 2020).

About ITE Group

ITE Group is one of the world’s leading organizers of international trade exhibitions and conferences and specialize in organizing events that help to connect your business to the world. We organize over 240 exhibitions and conferences each year worldwide with many market leading events and well-known brands in key industry sectors.

Press contact:

Leslie Meredith

Marketing Director

Breakbulk Events & Media

E: Leslie.Meredith@breakbulk.com

T: +1 801 201 5971

Archives, Executive Education, Global Trade Daily

The Breakbulk, RoRo and Heavy Lift Industries Gear Up for AntwerpXL 2019

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Thousands of industry professionals will gather at the Antwerp Expo in the Port of Antwerp next week when AntwerpXL 2019, the highly-anticipated inaugural event for the breakbulk, RoRo and heavy lift industries, opens its doors. The event, which takes place from 7-9 May 2019, will attract the sector’s top industry names, who recognise the unrivalled business, networking and knowledge sharing opportunities the show has to offer. 

Exhibitors on Show

Over 100 companies, including major names such as Boeckmans, Wallenius Wilhelmsen (WW), Fast Lines Belgium and MSC Belgium, will use the event’s platform to showcase market-leading products and services, launch new technologies and make major announcements to a captive international audience.

WW Solutions will highlight its global terminal network and demonstrate its terminal handling capacities for breakbulk cargo, including storage, loading and discharge capabilities via rail, barge, RoRo and LoLo. Also on show, WW Ocean will highlight its deep-sea solutions for breakbulk and project cargo; a fleet of 120 vessels, all able to accommodate cargo stretching up to 6.5 metres tall and weighing up to 400 tonnes.

Both Central Oceans and Rollit CARGO will demonstrate a complete range of services offered to facilitate the transport of oversized, complicated and project related cargoes. Atlas Shipping Services is also exhibiting at the event, along with its three business partners, United Cargo Management, Vision Log – Centaurea Group and Peter Rathmann & Co. GmbH. All four organisations will demonstrate how they handle projects, heavy lift shipments, breakbulk and full charters in different types of machineries. In addition, Caribbean Line & Soreidom will showcase its expertise in logistics and the transport of dry-bulk products, project cargo, heavy-lift and transports for exporters and industrial companies.

Furthermore, MSC Belgium will showcase the results of its recent investment into project cargo and RoRo shipments. The world leading container shipping company now owns two large ConRo vessels as part of its fleet. At AntwerpXL, it will discuss how these vessels, which are more environmentally friendly than others operating between Antwerp and West Africa, have a ramp capacity of 350 tonnes and a deck height of up to six metres.

AntwerpXL will also host a range of entirely service-led industry organisations, including a new legal flat monthly service from LMA Legal, whereby clients can obtain legal advice on any matter related to their daily breakbulk business. 

An Engaging Conference Programme

The highly-anticipated conference programme will provide a cutting-edge educational agenda. Over 40 major names will deliver in-depth presentations, Q&A sessions and debates on the Main Deck Stage, covering innovation, digitisation and lessons from disruptors in the breakbulk, maritime and project cargo industry.  

Bob Delbecque, an internationally-renowned company energiser and business coach, will open the conference with his keynote, ‘A vision of the future’. The presentation will investigate the main drivers of the breakbulk industry, their likely impacts, and what changes the sector could be looking at across international markets.

Day two begins with a keynote session from Paul Birch, Owner of Visionjuice and former Head of Business Planning at British Airways, on developing an adaptable business which thrives on innovation. On the same day, Stephanie Hare, an analyst, strategist and broadcaster in technology, politics and world business, will chair a panel discussion about the impact of trade wars on different parts of the supply chain, and on the challenges and opportunities presented to the industry by Brexit. 

AntwerpXL will also focus on NextGen when it hosts a discussion on how the industry will adapt to new market conditions and new technologies. Chaired by Sue Terpilowski OBE, Managing Director, Image Line Communications, and President, WISTA UK, and Chair, Maritime UK’s Women’s Taskforce, the working lunch session will explore new ways of thinking, working and collaborating for those starting a career in the industry, the conclusions of which will be presented in a session afterwards.

The conference will gather the most innovative and forward-thinking minds in the breakbulk industry, all of whom will be sharing knowledge, best practices and ideas.

A Gathering of Thought-Leaders

Numerous networking opportunities will be on offer at AntwerpXL. Key industry figureheads will be amongst those keen to make new connections and learn from the brightest industry minds.

The event kicks off with a port tour starting at 1pm on Tuesday 7 May. Attendees of this free-to-join experience will see and learn about the port’s multipurpose terminals, Kieldrecht Lock, Deurganckdok, Zuidnatie, Churchill Dock and the Antwerp Railhouse.

AntwerpXL’s Welcome Reception at the Antwerp Expo marks the official launch of the show and gives guests the opportunity to meet the industry-leading organisations exhibiting their latest innovations and developments at the event.

On Wednesday 8 May, Bart Timperman, the Chief Editor at Flows Magazine, will moderate a breakfast seminar, where thought-leaders will discuss the question, ‘Breakbulk in Flanders: Crucial or Marginal?.’ Invaluable industry insights from those who believe breakbulk remains an important engine of volumes and employment, and those who believe it is doomed to become a marginal activity on the fringes of the shipping landscape, will be shared.

As the sun goes down, guests can enjoy the official AntwerpXL Networking Party, hosted at the historic Felix Archive. Visitors will raise a toast to the event and enjoy an evening relaxing with colleagues before heading to Den Engels in the Square to continue the party.

AntwerpXL Connect is the official one-to-one networking platform for this year’s event. The online service provides users with the opportunity to set up meetings with suppliers and prospects and manage their schedule during the event. Meetings will take place onsite in the AntwerpXL Connect Lounge.

The Networking Lounge, VIP Lounge and Antwerp Business Point, on the show floor, are also areas where visitors can congregate and meet with industry peers.

Fueling Innovation

Sponsored by Bulkchain by NxtPort, the Innovation Start-up Zone will feature some of the industry most groundbreaking new companies and showcase the innovative new technologies and products they have developed.

Along with a range of demos, two panel debates exploring the future of the industry will be delivered by leading industry experts. Cees-Willem Koorneef, Director at Port XL Antwerp, and Dominic Sun, Director of Trade Development, Port of Houston, will host each session on bringing a new customer experience to the industry on each day of the show.

Mark Rimmer, StocExpo & Tank Storage Portfolio Divisional Director, comments: “We are thrilled to see so many industry leading organisations recognising the opportunities available at AntwerpXL. There is no better place for companies to exhibit their products and services in front of industry peers, discuss the latest industry trends and demonstrate the value they can provide in order to support the future needs of customers and their global commitments.” 

AntwerpXL takes place on 7-9 May 2019 at the Antwerp Expo in the Port of Antwerp in Belgium. For more information on visiting the exhibition, booking as a delegate for the conference or exhibiting, please visit https://www.easyfairs.com/antwerp-xl-2019/    

About AntwerpXL

AntwerpXL is a new three-day exhibition and conference for the breakbulk, maritime, and project cargo industry, hosted by the Port of Antwerp. Industry leaders from across the supply chain will meet to discover, innovate, and connect at Antwerp Expo, Belgium, from the 7th to the 9th of May 2019.

Freight forwarders, cargo owners, and equipment handlers, as well as terminal operators, EPCs, manufacturers, and project owners will attend to network and learn from the experts.

AntwerpXL – shaping the future of breakbulk.

www.antwerpxl.com  

About Easyfairs

Easyfairs enables communities to “visit the future” at must-attend events that anticipate their needs and present solutions in the ideal format.

The group currently organises over 218 events in 17 countries (Algeria, Belgium, China, Denmark, Emirates, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States). Easyfairs also manages 10 event venues in Belgium, the Netherlands and Sweden (Antwerp, Ghent, Mechelen-Brussels North, Namur, Gorinchem, Hardenberg, Venray, Gothenburg, Malmö and Stockholm).

The group employs more than 750 people and generated revenues exceeding € 157 million for its financial year 2017-2018.

Easyfairs strives to be the most adaptable, agile and effective player in the events industry by employing committed individuals, deploying the best marketing and technology tools and developing strong brands. Visit the future with Easyfairs.

Find out more on www.easyfairs.com  

Archives, Executive Education, Global Trade Daily

Bremen Confirmed for Breakbulk Europe 2020

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Bremen, Germany will once again host the largest event for the project cargo and breakbulk industry during the 2020 Breakbulk Europe event, according to information shared by ITE Group prior the upcoming 2019 Breakbulk Europe event that will take place May 21-23 in Messe Bremen.

“Breakbulk Europe returning to Bremen also in 2020 is great news for our location. Bremen ‘breathes’ trade and logistics, is one of the main breakbulk ports in Europe and therefore the logical choice as host of Breakbulk Europe,” Günthner said. “We are glad that we were able to convince ITE to come to Bremen for the third year in a row and to give us the chance to be a great host again for this wonderful show with more than 10.000 exhibitors and visitors.”

“We are delighted to be returning to the historic city of Bremen for the third year in a row,” said Nick Davison, Portfolio Director for Breakbulk Events, ITE Group .“Bremen has really stepped up its commitment to provide the services to support this event. In fact, the city will provide free public transportation on its trams and trains to make traveling between the venue, hotels, restaurants and popular tourist sites around town convenient to all participants.”

This year’s event will include more than 550 companies exhibiting and currently boasts an increase in visitor registration by 40 percent. Additions to the 2019 event include Hall 7 showcasing a Masters Arena and the Breakbulk Masters lounge and an increase in food venues and bars.

“Bremen can do ports and Bremen can do trade fairs. And that is why Bremen is the ideal partner city for ITE to host this outstanding event again in 2020,” Robert Howe, Managing Director of bremenports, said. “I am both pleased and proud that we will have the opportunity to be good hosts to the international port business once again. On behalf of everyone at bremenports, ‘Welcome to Breakbulk City!’”

To read more about Breakbulk Europe 2019, visit: europe.breakbulk.com.

The ports of South Carolina handled increased volume of export cargo and import cargo in international trade in multiple categories.
Archives, Datebook, Global Trade Daily

Breakbulk Logistics Show Registration Now Open

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Registration is now open for AntwerpXL – the latest and greatest show featuring logistics for RoRo, cargoes, and heavy lift, taking place in Belgium, in association with the Port of Antwerp from May 7-9. Those that register for the event throughout January will receive a free pass using the code: Jan2543

“Our fresh format will showcase innovation as well as providing the ideal platform for relaxed networking and discovering better ways of managing breakbulk cargoes,” said Mark Rimmer, Divisional Director, AntwerpXL. January not only sees the launch of event registration but also the new brand reveal for the event.”

“We believe this bold sector deserves a bold brand and partner to help it shape the future of breakbulk. We are looking forward to putting the actual logistics of breakbulk, RoRo, and heavy lift back at the heart of the conversation,” he concluded.

Speakers will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

For more information on the event, please visit: antwerpXL.com

 

Archives, Global Trade Daily, News

US Northwest, Canada Log Exports to Asia Climb

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Seattle, WA – The volume of log exports from the US and Canada to Asia during the first quarter of this year climbed 14 percent over the first three months of last year and 30 percent more than the same quarter in 2012, according to industry consultancy Wood Resources International LLC.

Almost 53 percent of the exports were shipped from the US Northwest, while 41 percent originated from British Columbia and the remaining share split between Alaska, California and the US South.

Log exports from the US South increased by the highest rate of any North American region with a 130 percent surge in shipments to China, Japan and other Asian countries, the group said.

There are nine ports that handle breakbulk log shipments along the US West Coast with the Port of Longview, Washington, exporting more logs than all the other eight ports combined. Over the past five quarters, each of the eight ports shipped an average of one vessel per month, while the Port at Longview loaded one vessel for Asia every three days.

The most interesting development the past year, said Wood Resources, has been the sharp increase in shipments of logs in containers from the US South to Asia, mainly China and India.

Total shipments of southern yellow pine were up 130 percent for the period January through May this year compared to the same period last year, and volumes are already 70 percent more than they were for all of 2012.

Combined with the first reported bulk shipload departing from the Port of Baton Rouge in May, “we are likely to see increased exports of logs from the Southern states in the coming years,” the consultancy said.

08/05/2014