Trending Now

US Intermodal Gains Momentum Amid Trucking Challenges

New Articles

Port of Montreal Moves 1.7 Million TEU in 2021

montreal
3pls, Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Ocean Ports

Port of Montreal Moves 1.7 Million TEU in 2021

Leave a comment

The Port of Montreal moved 1.7 million TEU in 2021, despite facing several challenges and crises.

Driven by the changing consumer habits in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the port saw a 7.5 per cent year-on-year rise in container volumes.

Overall, the Port of Montreal handled a total of 34 million tonnes of goods last year, a 3 per cent decline compared to 2020.

Operating income also remained stable as it amounted to $117.7 million in 2021, up from $116.6 million the previous year.

Expenditures for the year came in at $104 million.

Keeping in mind the port’s financial income, its net profit was reportedly $19.7 million in 2021.

Last year, several of the Port of Montreal’s major infrastructure projects reached new milestones. These include the completion of the first phase of its Contrecœur terminal project and the start of the last major step in its vast rehabilitation project of the Alexandra Pier, which began in 2014.

These projects, amongst others, aim to improve the long-term performance and efficiency of the supply chain and port facilities.

In 2021, the Montreal Port Authority (MPA) marked several sustainability achievements through the conclusion of major partnerships for the development of more low-carbon fuels and the move towards decarbonisation.

In June last year, the MPA signed a collaboration and development agreement with Greenfield Global in order to work on energy solutions.

Through these partnerships and the installation of digital solutions, the port has seen a 33 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions since 2007.

“The past year tells us one thing, and that is how necessary it is to know how to adapt, in all circumstances, to disruptions, unforeseen events and factors outside the normal course of operations that may affect the supply chain,” said Martin Imbleau, President and Director General of the MPA.

“As a public service, we are putting everything in place to ensure the future of the Port of Montreal. We do it for local businesses that import and export products that are essential to their operations and their vitality and, ultimately, we do it for the ultimate customer, the consumer, the citizen.”

The Port of Montreal also recently joined the United Nations Global Compact for the implementation and promotion of sustainable business development.

demand shanghai customer
3pls, Archives, Global Trade Daily, Ocean Carriers

Supply Chain Pressure Mounts as Shanghai Extends Lockdown

Leave a comment

Due to rising cases of COVID-19, the lockdown in Shanghai has been extended – sparking congestion fears amongst port officials.

China’s largest city went into lockdown on 28 March. While the lockdown was initially intended to last 10 days, it has now been extended.

On 2 April, Shanghai reported 438 confirmed locally transmitted cases and 7,788 asymptomatic carriers.

Despite this, operations at the Port of Shanghai remain active, with industrial companies and customs switching to a two-shift operation.

Although preventative measures have been implemented at China’s largest port, authorities across the world are beginning to see delays in supply chains.

“The COVID-19 outbreak in Shanghai is causing a local lockdown that is also affecting the port,” said the Port of Hamburg in a statement, noting that Shanghai is now in a state of “emergency” in managing COVID-19 transmission.

“The extent to which this will have an impact in Hamburg is not yet foreseeable. This will only become evident in a few weeks’ time.”

For the Port of Hamburg, Shanghai is one of the most important ports in China trade as they are connected by 13 liner services and four general cargo services.

In an attempt to alleviate the pressure on road transportation caused by the impacts of the crisis, the Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG) has announced the launch of a container “land-to-water” service, covering the ports in the Yangshan area and Waigaoqiao area of Shanghai port to related ports in the Yangtze River Delta areas.

Under the service, customers can first transport containers to the Taicang Service Center, and then transfer them by ship to Shanghai Port and divert customers’ road transportation needs to waterways.

angeles
3pls, Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News, Ocean Ports, U.S. Ports

Port of Los Angeles Completes $65 million Everport Terminal Improvement Project

Leave a comment

The Port of Los Angeles has completed the construction of its $65 million Everport Container Terminal Improvement Project. 

The scheme looked to improve Everport’s container handling efficiency and capacity, while also allowing it to accommodate the projected fleet mix of larger vessels anticipated to call at the terminal over the next two decades.

The deployment of these larger vessels encourages fewer ship calls, further reducing air emissions. This directly supports the port’s Clean Air Action Plan goals.

“The completion of this project marks years of planning and perseverance through a challenging pandemic and unprecedented cargo surge,” said Port of Los Angeles Deputy Executive Director of Development Tony Gioiello.

“Thanks to our partners, we have completed a critical step in our efficiency goals, ensuring the Everport Terminal’s readiness to receive the next generation of container vessels.”

The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners approved the project in 2017. Construction began in 2019 and included:

  • Berth deepening
  • Mooring bollard and berthing fender upgrades
  • Construction of an additional 1.5 acres of backland
  • Electrical improvements for five new Alternative Maritime Power connections
  • Electrical infrastructure for three additional container cranes
  • Charging equipment for clean-energy and electric trucks

Dredging increased water depth to -53 feet alongside Berths 266-229 and -47 feet alongside Berths 230-232 to accommodate ships loaded with up to 16,000 TEU.

Back in June 2021, the Port of Los Angeles announced its budget for capital improvements projects increased by 42.5 per cent year-on-year after the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners approved a $1.7 billion Fiscal Year annual budget.

Under this budget, $13 million was set aside for Everport Container Terminal improvements.

maersk
3pls, Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News, Ocean Ports

Maersk Dyros Undergoes Inspections

Leave a comment

The Maersk Dyros vessel that suffered container loss and damage last month has arrived in Lazaro Cardenas and is undergoing inspections.

On 21 March, the 4,578 TEU box ship lost around 90 containers in the North Pacific Ocean due to rough weather conditions.

Approximately another 100 containers were damaged but no crew members were injured.

In a recent customer advisory, Maersk wrote that the ship had been diverted to Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico.

“On 3 April, the ship arrived at Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico, and inspections of the vessel are already underway. The vessel is expected to come alongside on 7 April,” a representative from the Danish shipping line told PTI.

“Once alongside, the vessel will undergo further assessment and we will have more specific details on the extent of damaged containers at the end of this week.

“The discharge operations will also begin once alongside and are expected to take two weeks. The vessel will also need to be assessed for any necessary repairs, which could add additional time at Lazaro Cardenas.”

The vessel was on its way from Yantian, China, to Seattle, USA when the incident occurred.

In other news, recent bottlenecks in Far East Asia have led Maersk to change a number of its shipping schedules.

This was arguably mainly driven by the recent lockdown in Shanghai, China which has recently been extended.

Despite operations at the Port of Shanghai remaining active, Maersk-operated depots and warehouses across the city are remaining closed.

klang business increase
3pls, Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News, Ocean Ports, Special Reports

Fire Breaks out in Port Klang Container Yard

Leave a comment

Earlier this week, a fire broke out in the container yard at the Westports terminal in Port Klang, Malaysia.

According to Westports Holdings, on 4 April at around 4.45 pm, the Port Police Control Centre (PPCC) received a call regarding a fire in the container yard.

Following the call, the PPCC called the Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) from Port Klang, who shortly after deployed two fire engines to combat the flames.

The FRD will soon be commencing an investigation as to the cause and source of the incident. The Royal Malaysian Police has also been notified. They too will be investigating.

“At this point in time, we are unable to ascertain the extent of the damaged containers. All the affected box operators will be notified in due course,” said Westports in a statement.

“There were no damages to port equipment and infrastructure. We are also pleased to inform that there were no injuries or disruption to our operations.

“We would like to extend our gratitude and appreciation to everyone involved in helping us to put out the fire particularly FRD from various stations.”

Last month, two separate fires also broke out at the Durban Container Terminal in South Africa.

On Saturday afternoon 5 March, a fire broke out inside a container which was situated in the stacking area at the Durban Container Terminal (Pier 2).

A separate fire then broke out on Monday morning 7 March.

The cause of the incidents is still unknown.

operation boosting its quay side capacity by 30 per cent and enabling it to handle taller vessels and infra-European services.
3pls, Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Ocean Ports, Uncategorized

Port of Liverpool Sets a Number of Records Across its Terminals

Leave a comment

Since the start of 2022, the Port of Liverpool, operated by Peel Ports, has set a number of record-breaking achievements across its container terminal division.

In March this year, the port handled a total of 52,300 containers (89,400 TEU), beating its previous record high of 47,200 containers (81,750 TEU) in October 2019.

Additionally, Liverpool2 successfully deployed five cranes simultaneously earlier this week for the very first time since the terminal opened in 2016, as it handled the MSC Hong Kong in just 4,516 container moves (7,350 TEU) – shattering the previous record.

In February, the port’s Terminal 1 brought two additional ship-to-shore (STS) cranes into operation, boosting its quay side capacity by 30 per cent and enabling it to handle taller vessels and infra-European services.

As part of Peel Port’s £400 million ($523 million) investment into Liverpool2, a second phase of the programme was fully completed at the start of 2022. This saw the addition of five new cantilever rail-mounted gantry (CRMG) cranes, bringing the total set to 22 CRMGs.

“These record-breaking achievements are real evidence of the increasing capabilities and optimised efficiencies of our containerised cargo operations at the Port of Liverpool,” said David Huck, Chief Operating Officer of Peel Ports Group.

“The significant investments we have made over the last few years have enabled us to grow and develop our capabilities in order to enhance our service levels across both our terminal operations. This is a real testament to the hard work and dedication of our people.

“The Port of Liverpool has a bright future ahead as a centre of excellence providing global shipping lines reliable access to major import and export opportunities at the heart of the UK.

“We are fully committed to continuing to invest sustainably in what is one of the most efficient and modern container port operations in the UK and deliver the best possible service for all our customers.”

In other recent news, logistics firm Maritime Transport Ltd. has agreed a 30-year lease with Peel Ports and a major expansion of its transport depot at the Port of Liverpool.

The multi-million-pound project will see the facility increase from four acres to ten with a new storage yard for loaded containers, significantly enhancing Maritime’s operation in the Northwest.

FTZ The Port of Melbourne has announced major investments to expand terminal operations at Webb Dock East.
Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News, Ocean Ports

Port of Melbourne Announces Major Investments at Webb Dock East

Leave a comment

The Port of Melbourne has announced major investments to expand terminal operations at Webb Dock East.

The port has confirmed that it is working to reduce port congestion, improve efficiency, and accommodate larger ships at Australia’s largest container terminal and general cargo port.

The project will involve demolishing a redundant section of concrete and extending the quay line by 71 metres.

The contract for the works has been awarded to Fitzgerald Construction Australia and completion is scheduled for Q3 2023.

Saul Cannon, CEO of the Port of Melbourne, insists the project is an important part of a 30-year investment strategy, designed to create a more efficient and productive port.

“Now more than ever, we need to make sure we get essential goods delivered to hospitals, businesses, schools, and homes,” said the CEO.

“We are seeing a rising number of larger vessels calling at the port and our current infrastructure at Webb Dock East at times does not allow for two ships to berth at the same time. For example, this project will enable two larger vessels to berth at the same time at this part of the port, reducing wait times for the ships to dock.”

Webb Dock East was initially designed as a two-berth terminal and this project aims to restore its intended design capacity.

“It’s essential that we ensure our infrastructure responds to global trends, and these works at Webb Dock East do that. We’re meeting present needs and also looking to the future to make the right investments on behalf of the Victorian community,” Cannon continued.

The Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT) is also mapping out plans to boost efficiency at Webb Dock East.

Tim Vancampen, CEO of VICT, added: “To complement Port of Melbourne’s investment, VICT will also be committing AUD$150 million ($111 million) in infrastructure to support the market with faster vessel turn around and additional slots for our landside customers.

“The $150 million (in this phase) out of a total new investment of AUD$235 million ($173 million) by VICT will include two additional Ship to Shore Cranes (STS), six Auto Container Carriers (ACC) and six Auto Stacking Cranes (ASC), bringing the total STS cranes to seven. The additional infrastructure is expected to be operational in Q3 2023.”

The Container Transport Alliance Australia (CTAA) has welcomed the announcements as it has engaged regularly with VICT senior managements on improvements to landside operations at Webb Dock East.

The Webb Dock East project is the third of nine projects that make up the 2050 Port Development Strategy.

According to the Port of Melbourne, this strategy is key to ensuring it stands ready to accommodate the growing needs of Melbourne and continues to make a major contribution to Victoria’s social and economic prosperity.

“Port of Melbourne delivers around $6 billion in economic benefits to Victoria each year. It’s critical we have the right infrastructure in place to support the economy. What’s good for the port, is good for Victoria, Tasmania, and southeast Australia,” concluded Cannon.

The Port of Melbourne also recently made PTI’s list of ‘Top 5 Ports in Australia 2021’ after a total of 3,278,635 TEU passed through its facilities last year.

A spokesperson from the port told PTI: “Port of Melbourne has continued to operate every day of the year during the pandemic.

“While the port has not been immune to the global supply chain challenges of manufacturing shutdown, container shortages and increased demand for consumer goods, we have worked hard to keep freight moving.

export credit
Archives, Global Trade Daily, News

G12 EXPORT CREDIT AGENCY ISSUES FIRST-EVER JOINT STATEMENT

Leave a comment

At the Sept. 9 end of the two-day 2020 G12 Heads of Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) meeting, which EXIM Bank hosted virtually from its Washington, D.C. headquarters, the 12 Heads of ECAs issued this first-ever G12 joint statement:

The 2020 G12 Heads of Export Credit Agencies (ECA) Meeting was a productive and open exchange that highlighted efforts aimed at stabilizing the availability of working capital and export credit in a volatile international market environment. The transparent discussion brought forth the important work each ECA is undertaking to mitigate the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ECA leaders reiterated their steadfast commitment to supporting their global supply chains—domestically and internationally—as well as promoting exports, job security, and financial investment, all of which underpin prosperity at home and abroad.

During the meeting, EXIM Chairman Kimberly A. Reed met with her counterparts from Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Russia, the Republic of Korea and the United Kingdom.

“In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, this is an important time for Export Credit Agency leaders from around the world to find common ground on key initiatives, especially those that foster greater transparency,” Reed says in a post-meeting statement.

“I am pleased that my foreign counterparts could join me virtually for a robust two-day discussion and look forward to continuing our important work of ensuring a level playing field for exporters around the world.”