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Mitsubishi Corporation Invests in ThinkIQ to Accelerate Smart Manufacturing Solutions in Japan

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Global Trade Daily, International Trade, News

Mitsubishi Corporation Invests in ThinkIQ to Accelerate Smart Manufacturing Solutions in Japan

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ThinkIQ, a trailblazer in digital manufacturing transformation, has secured an investment from Mitsubishi Corporation, marking a collaborative effort to expedite the adoption of smart manufacturing solutions in Japan. The investment, the terms of which were not disclosed, signifies Mitsubishi’s commitment to driving digital transformation across its industrial supply chains. ThinkIQ’s open platform, developed in collaboration with global smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 initiatives, aligns with Mitsubishi’s vision for advancing digital capabilities.

Doug Lawson, CEO of ThinkIQ, expressed gratitude for the recognition from Mitsubishi Corporation, emphasizing the platform’s ability to enhance the efficiency of complex manufacturing supply chains. The strategic partnership and Mitsubishi’s investment aim to broaden market reach and accelerate efforts to provide end-to-end visibility in supply chain management.

Yoshiyuki Watanabe, Division COO of Mitsubishi Corporation, highlighted the meticulous research and diligence in selecting ThinkIQ as the technology partner to drive digital transformation in industrial supply chains. Anticipating a significant impact, Watanabe emphasized the potential of ThinkIQ’s solutions to improve yield, quality, safety, and compliance while minimizing waste and environmental impact. The investment reflects Mitsubishi’s confidence in ThinkIQ’s innovative platform and leadership in digital transformation for the manufacturing sector.

ThinkIQ’s Software as a Service (SaaS) platform establishes comprehensive visibility on the manufacturing shop floor, connecting to legacy and smart equipment, IoT sensors, and operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) systems. The platform aggregates relevant data into a single analytics platform, providing context, meaning, and discoverability for all participants in supply chain and manufacturing operations. ThinkIQ Vision introduces vision-processing software combined with advanced Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence capabilities, utilizing standard cameras on the shop floor as sensors to eliminate blind spots and enhance data for Continuous Intelligence.

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Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News

Wiremind Announces New SaaS Platform, PAXONE, to Transform Commercial Passenger Transport Technology

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Addressing the complexities of disjointed IT systems, Wiremind extended its product portfolio to offer a full-suite that manages the end-to-end processes of transport operators. PAXONE seamlessly integrates Sales, Inventory, CRM, and Revenue Management (RM) into a contemporary ecosystem – eliminating the need for multiple interfaces.

Wiremind, a leading provider of advanced distribution and optimisation solutions, launched its latest product, PAXONE. After 10 years of industry observations within the realm of RM for passenger transport operators, Wiremind is addressing common limitations with PAXONE, aiming to improve performance for passenger transport operators. The development of the all-in-one platform was set off by the realisation that transport operators are hindered by relying on disparate systems, each orchestrated by different service providers. This fragmentation increases operational costs for transport operators, stifles efficiency, and impedes innovation.

Consequently, PAXONE streamlines the commercial IT landscape for transport operators by uniting Inventory, Sales, CRM, and RM functions into a cohesive system with an intuitive user interface (UX). Having a fully integrated solution effectively reduces maintenance and implementation costs for transport operators.

By leveraging AI, PAXONE is optimising revenue management and transforming passenger transport sales by equipping transport operators with a comprehensive toolset to meet the increasingly sophisticated demands of today’s travellers and enhancing sales strategies. With a dynamic CRM, seamlessly integrated with Sales, Inventory, and RM functionalities, PAXONE is reinventing travel offers through an enriched passenger centric-approach and bringing together disparate facets of transport operations. 

PAXONE is already being adopted by its first client, LE TRAIN, the first private French rail operator to offer a high-speed service, dedicated to regional and inter-regional travel. LE TRAIN shares Wiremind’s goal of innovating an established market, thereby acquiring the essential tools to revolutionise its long-term travel offerings.

As for implementation and meeting international standards, the PAXONE platform has been engineered for compatibility with an EU-endorsed framework, known as OSDM, which allows it to integrate smoothly with various distribution channels, such as Trainline, SNCF Connect, and others. This feature aligns PAXONE with industry-wide standards and facilitates smoother cross-platform interactions. 

Together, Wiremind’s products, PAXONE and CAYZN (Wiremind’s intuitive RM solution), represent a fully integrated, technologically advanced platform that encapsulates the company’s vision of an all-in-one solution for the transport industry. Supported by BPI France and the France 2030 investment plan, and working together with a key partner, LE TRAIN, Wiremind will soon make PAXONE available to the greater market. A PAXONE demo can be requested via hello@wiremind.io

rail corn passenger norfolk MNBR
Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News, Rail

Railroads Reach Agreement to Create New Direct Connection and Corridor Linking Mexico, Texas and the U.S. Southeast

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Canadian Pacific Kansas City, CSX Corporation (NASDAQ: CSX) (CSX) and Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) today announced they have reached agreements that when completed will create a new direct CPKC-CSX interchange connection in Alabama.

As part of the series of proposed transactions, CPKC and CSX would each acquire or operate portions of Meridian & Bigbee Railroad, L.L.C. (MNBR), a G&W-owned railway in Mississippi and Alabama, to establish a new freight corridor for shippers that connects Mexico, Texas and the U.S. Southeast.
The MNBR runs between Meridian, Miss. and Montgomery, Ala., and currently is operated under a combination of ownership and operating agreements.

Under the agreements announced today, CPKC would acquire and operate the segment of the MNBR between Meridian and Myrtlewood, Ala. and CSX would operate the lines currently leased by MNBR east of Myrtlewood. As a result, CPKC and CSX would establish a direct CPKC-CSX interchange at or near Myrtlewood, Ala. In exchange, G&W would acquire certain Canadian properties owned by CPKC and other rights. MNBR would receive rights to continue to provide local service to existing customers on former MNBR-owned lines and connect with other railroads without interchange restrictions.

Terms of the transactions were not disclosed and will be addressed in definitive agreements that the parties have agreed to negotiate. Certain portions of the transactions are subject to regulatory review and approval from, or exemption by, the U.S. Surface Transportation Board.

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Global Trade Daily, News, United states news

Kallman Salutes National Export Week, World Trade Month, and the Values that Build Confidence in Global Trade Partnerships

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In recognition of the U.S. Commercial Service’s National Export Week and the start of World Trade Month this week, Kallman Worldwide saluted the global trade industry and reiterated the company’s longstanding support for the U.S. Commerce Department’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s economy through exports.

Celebrating its 60th year in the business of advancing global trade, Kallman Worldwide is best known as the leading organizer of U.S. industry at international trade shows. The company earned the President’s “E” Award for trade promotion in 2012 and “E Star” Award in 2022 for its extraordinary efforts to help U.S. exporters connect digitally to international markets when the pandemic shut down live events in 2020.

Perhaps no period over the past 60 years of company history proves the point more than Kallman’s emergence from the pandemic. As the trade show industry rebounded, the company introduced new product and service offerings and leveraged its legacy of corporate social responsibility to forge deeper connections with international trade influencers, thought leaders, and decision makers on behalf of the U.S. export community.

ABOUT KALLMAN WORLDWIDE, INC.

Since 1963, Kallman Worldwide has worked with individuals and organizations in more than 50 nations to advance global trade in STEM-driven industries and supply chains. The company’s portfolio of international trade shows, event management services, custom stand building and design, supply chain networking tools, and workforce advocacy programs connects thousands of buyers and suppliers to more opportunities around the world every year. As an international U.S. representative, Kallman is a strategic partner of the U.S. Department of Commerce and a proud recipient of the President’s “E” and “E Star” Awards for its export promotion efforts and active role in aiding U.S. exporters. The company is headquartered in Waldwick, NJ, with U.S. satellite offices in Washington, DC and Houston, TX, a Latin America office in Santiago, Chile, and a bureau in London, UK.

UK
Global Trade Daily, International Trade, News, United states news, United States news

BritishAmerican Business Launches New Trade & Investment Guide to the UK for US Companies

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BritishAmerican Business (BAB) is pleased to announce the launch of Finding Your Way, the most comprehensive guidebook for US companies seeking to expand their business into the UK.

The Trade & Investment Guide is a crucial resource for US companies looking to explore the exciting opportunities the UK has to offer. It provides practical advice on all the issues that companies must consider when expanding, from logistics and legal services to finance and immigration.

It offers insights on the diverse nations and regions across the UK and outlines the unique sector-based opportunities in every corner of the country.

Finding Your Way provides essential information on the services that both the UK and US governments, as well as leading associations and networks offer to help US companies be successful. It also includes details and practical advice from leading private sector firms whose services can help companies with their expansion endeavors.

About BritishAmerican Business

BritishAmerican Business is the leading transatlantic trade association incorporating the British-American Chamber of Commerce in the US and the American Chamber of Commerce in the UK.

We are committed to strengthening the economic corridor between the United States and the United Kingdom by supporting policies and actions that protect and enhance the environment for transatlantic trade and investment on behalf of our members.

We convene and serve a growing network of companies and business leaders through networking opportunities, bespoke programming and marketing platforms.

We actively promote trade and investment and support those who make the transatlantic corridor part of their business growth ambition.

Click Here to Read Finding Your Way

BAB Trade Guide

airport Airlines delay, cancel flights across US as Winter storm disrupts holiday travel
Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, United states news

U.S. Travel Agency Air Ticket Sales Hit Record in March

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Monthly Sales Total Tops Pre-Pandemic Levels for Second Straight Month.

Airlines Reporting Corp. (ARC) today released data showing U.S. travel agency air ticket sales totaled $9.6 billion in March 2023, a 22% year-over-year increase and the largest monthly total recorded by ARC.* March 2023 sales and passenger trip totals followed typical month-over-month trends and were boosted by a robust increase in international travel demand from the comparable prior year period. Month over month, March 2023 results showed:

  • Total sales increased 15%.
  • Total passenger trips increased 15%.
  • U.S. domestic trips increased 16%.
  • International trips increased 14%.

Total passenger trips settled by ARC in March 2023 increased 4% year over year to 25.8 million. International trips increased 17%, while domestic trips decreased 4% over the same period. The average U.S. round-trip air travel ticket price was $559 in March, a 4% increase from the previous year ($540) and 2% month-over-month decrease from February ($571).

Ancillary sales increased 127% year over year to $26,685,399. Ancillary transactions increased 60% to 373,107 over the same period.**

More detailed information is available on ARC’s sales statistics page.

About ARC

ARC accelerates the growth of global air travel by delivering forward-looking travel data, flexible distribution services and other innovative industry solutions. We are a leading travel intelligence company that possesses the world’s largest, most comprehensive global airline ticket dataset, including more than 15 billion passenger flights representing 490 airlines and 230 countries and territories. Our solutions and expertise strengthen economies and enrich lives by connecting stakeholders across the travel ecosystem. For more information, visit arccorp.com.

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Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News, Ocean Ports

China Firm Obtains Solomon Islands Port bid, US Monitors Closely

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The Solomon Islands has granted a multi-million-dollar contract to a China based company for a project, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), to upgrade an international port in Honiara.

China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) obtained the contract after submitting the only proposal in a crowded tender, reported Reuters.

The port reconstruction contract is a component of a $170 million ADB-funded project to improve roads and wharves, with CCECC receiving the roads component in 2022.

Mike Qaqara, an official at the Solomons’ infrastructure development ministry, said: “This will be upgrading the old international port in Honiara and two domestic wharves in the provinces.”

According to Reuters, the Solomon Islands government released a statement announcing: “This will see the rehabilitation of the old Honiara international port and construction of the Honiara domestic port and two provincial ports.”

Reuters also reported that the US and its allies – including Australia, New Zealand and Japan – have held concerns over the potential of China establishing a naval base in the region, notably following the security pact Solomon Islands struck with Beijing last year.

READ: US raises concerns over Chinese ‘spy-cranes’ at ports

Samoa’s Prime Minister, Fiam Naomi Mata’afa, told reporters in Australia that “this is a commercial port, although I think the fears are that it might morph into something else… dual purpose.”

She was one of 10 Pacific island leaders who declined to sign a regional security and trade pact with China in June, reported Reuters.

According to Peter Connolly, an expert on China’s Pacific infrastructure projects at the Australian National University, wharves were crucial for the Solomon Islands’ economic growth but they may turn into “dual purpose” facilities that could grant China’s naval access to the area.

Qaqara, however, informed Reuters that the Solomon Islands and China have denied that their security pact would allow a naval base.

Yet, Connolly contested that “it is not about bases it is about access,” while referring to the security pact between Honiara and Beijing.

READ: CEO of Solomon Islands Port Authority joins IAPH board

Delegations from China and the US have been in Honiara this past week vying for influence in the strategically positioned Pacific Island country.

Reuters reported that the Vice Chairman of China’s International Development Cooperation Agency, Tang Wenghong, and Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, met and signed the Global Development Initiative.

Kurt Campbell, the Indo-Pacific coordinator for the US National Security Council, and Sogavare also engaged in a “strategic dialogue,” according to a statement from the US embassy in Honiara.

In November 2022, China accused the US saying it had “no right” to interfere in cautioning against an investment from COSCO Shipping Ports Limited (CSPL) in Hamburger Hafen Und Logistik’s (HHLA) Container Terminal Tollerort (CTT) at the Port of Hamburg.

usmhp
Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News

USDOT Announces more than $12 Million in Funding for the U.S. Marine Highway Program

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The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) today announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity making $12,423,000 available in Fiscal Year 2023 funds through the United States Marine Highway Program (USMHP), previously named America’s Marine Highway Program.

The USMHP seeks to increase the use of America’s navigable waterways, especially where water-based transport is the most efficient, effective, and sustainable option. The USMHP helps to create maritime jobs, strengthen the nation’s supply chains, reduce emissions, and lower maintenance costs.

The Department will evaluate projects using criteria including the effect on movement of goods, level of non-federal funding investment, use of domestic preference, consideration of equity, and environmental justice. The Department will also consider geographic diversity when selecting grant recipients, as well as how the project addresses challenges faced by rural areas.

Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. EST on April 28, 2023.

For technical assistance, MARAD will host a series of webinars during the USMHP grant application process. For webinar registration details or for additional information regarding the USMHP click here or contact the USMHP staff via email at mh@dot.gov, or by phone at 202–366–1123.

lekki port
Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News, Ocean Ports

Lekki Port Officially Opened by Nigerian President

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Lekki Port has had its official commissioning led by Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari.

This took place on 23 January.

The opening of a cutting-edge facility that will spur economic growth and enhance commerce in the area, marking a historic occasion for Nigeria’s maritime industry.

Lekki Port is expected to attract total revenues of $201 billion to the state and federal government through taxes, royalties and duties.

After construction works were completed late last year, the port will feature a variety of facilities including container terminals, roll-on/roll-off terminals, a dry bulk terminal, and liquid berths.

The port is the deepest sea port in Nigeria and is intended to, among other purposes, serve as a major hub for cargo and passenger traffic in West Africa.

Lekki Port was constructed by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) which owns a 52.5 per cent stake in the port.

The project cost approximately $1.6 billion and is the first of its kind in Nigeria.

“We see the opportunity in Nigeria, and believe in its potential,” said Tang Qiaoliang, Chairman, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC).

READ: Lekki Port receives second ship with handling equipment

Lekki Port is a joint venture enterprise owned by a group of investors led by the Lekki Port Investment Holdings Inc., The Lagos State Government, and the Federal Government.

The seaport is located approximately 65 kilometres to the east of Lagos City and spreads over 90 hectares of land bordered on the south by the Atlantic Ocean.

It is the biggest port in Nigeria, and one of the biggest in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“For us in NPA, this is a dream come true. Lekki Port is the deepest and most modern Sea Port in Nigeria. Economies-of-scale will set in, and the cost of doing business here will be lower than in other Ports,” said Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello Koko.

Koko also mentioned that a neighbouring country is already in discussions with Nigerian ports to use Lekki Port and the equally-new Dala Inland Dry Port as a gateway to that country.

IMO SCS Global
Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News

MODE Global Announces Corporate Partnership with United Way of Metropolitan Dallas

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MODE Global is excited to announce the establishment of a corporate partnership with the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, an initiative under the Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) program.

“Since its inception, MODE has recognized the value of giving back to its communities,” said MODE Chief Legal Officer and head of ESG, Sharon Johnson. “MODE amplifies its culture of caring through activities of social impact, including engaging with the United Way to further develop social programs within our communities. We have been actively working on the development of initiatives with the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, including the buildout of a workplace campaign.”

The United Way campaign will cascade across MODE’s office locations. Programs like these underscore MODE’s dedication to ESG and the mission of the MODE ESG Committee to focus on serving the needs of MODE’s communities, ensuring social corporate responsibility and encouraging sustainable solutions for shippers and carriers.