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Galveston Wharves Secures $42.3 Million State Funding Boost for Vital Cargo and Transportation Initiatives

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

Galveston Wharves Secures $42.3 Million State Funding Boost for Vital Cargo and Transportation Initiatives

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In a groundbreaking development, the Galveston Wharves has secured a remarkable $42.3 million in state funding to propel essential cargo infrastructure projects and restore a crucial section of the port’s interior roadway, along with an enclosed pedestrian walkway over Harborside Drive (State Highway 275).

This substantial allocation was approved during the September 28 meeting of the Texas Transportation Commission, the governing body for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). It came as a recommendation from TxDOT’s Port Authority Advisory Committee (PAAC) and will be channeled into three pivotal projects outlined in the port’s comprehensive 20-Year Strategic Master Plan.

Rodger Rees, the Port Director and CEO of Galveston Wharves, expressed enthusiasm for the transformative potential of these projects, stating, “These shovel-ready projects will expand our cargo business, improve traffic flow, and make it safer for pedestrians to access cruise operations and downtown Galveston.”

Rees went on to emphasize the historic nature of this funding, which marks the largest financial injection ever received by the port. He attributed this achievement to years of collaboration between the port, TxDOT, and the PAAC. Moreover, he highlighted the instrumental role played by the 88th Texas Legislature in making this major economic investment possible by allocating a staggering $640 million for both internal and external infrastructure projects within port precincts and enhancements to Texas ports’ ship channels.

Cargo Complex Advancements

A significant portion of the funding, amounting to $36 million, will be directed towards the West Port Cargo Complex. With the port contributing $14.1 million, this $50.1 million project will address aging infrastructure by constructing enclosure walls, a 1,340-foot-long berth spanning two open slips, and concrete paving. This expansion will create new berthing areas for cargo and lay ships, fostering job growth and generating additional revenue for the port. Anticipated to commence in 2024, the project is slated for completion by 2026.

Internal Roadway Reconstruction – $3.15 Million

The state has allocated $2.5 million to support the fourth segment of the port’s internal roadway improvements, situated between 33rd and 41st streets. The port will contribute $655,000 as matching funds. This expansion of the roadway on the far west end of the port will enhance access to the West Port Cargo Complex and divert cruise traffic from Harborside Drive (Texas State Highway 275), thus alleviating congestion in the downtown area.

Pedestrian Walkway Over Harborside Drive – $3.85 Million

A portion of the state funding, amounting to $3.85 million, will be directed towards the restoration and reopening of the enclosed walkway over Harborside Drive at 25th Street. This vital initiative will provide safe access to cruise terminals 25 and 28, the Shearn Moody Plaza parking garage, and the Strand Historic District for cruise passengers, workers, and the public. The walkway, which has been closed for approximately two decades, will undergo structural enhancements, interior improvements, and the installation of elevators and escalators at Cruise Terminal 25 and the parking garage.

Rees underscored the significance of this development, stating, “Reopening this walkway will give passengers, waterfront workers, and visitors safe, convenient access to the port and downtown.”

In conclusion, Rees acknowledged that these critical projects would not have been possible without the generous funding allocation from the 88th Texas Legislature, and he expressed gratitude to key stakeholders, including Governor Greg Abbott, Senator Mayes Middleton, the Texas Transportation Commission, the PAAC, TxDOT staff, and the Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees for their unwavering support in advancing these crucial initiatives.

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Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Ocean Ports

Maritime Challenges – Fires, Economic Uncertainty, and “Dark” Tanker Fleets 

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While shipping losses were at a record low in 2022, cargo and hull fires, economic uncertainty, and “dark” tanker fleets are safety challenges on the horizon for the maritime sector. Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) is a corporate insurance carrier providing risk consultancy and insurance solutions worldwide. The company’s annual Safety & Shipping Review looks at loss trends and risks for the maritime sector and the 2023 version is officially out. 

The most notable headline of the report is the continued decline in shipping losses. Thirty years ago it was common for 200-plus vessels to go missing every year. It has been six years since triple-digit losses have been registered and last year there were fewer than 40. The “loss hotspot,” however, continues to be South China, Indonesia, Indochina, and the Philippines. Congested ports, extreme weather, and older fleets are the primary loss culprits. 

While losses are down, cargo and hull fires are a growing concern. Decarbonization efforts have introduced new types of cargo. Battery-powered goods featuring lithium-ion (Li-ion) are highly flammable and represent a concerning risk for carriers. Electric vehicle (EV) sales are increasing and the overall battery market is expected to grow by 30% annually between now and 2035. 

Decarbonization has also led to larger vessels and carriers seeking greater efficiencies. While larger vessels may prove more efficient, higher container cargo exposure and accumulation have led to more fires. Li-ion battery fires are additionally very difficult to extinguish. An AGCS analysis concluded that fire is the most expensive cause of loss – eating up approximately 18% of the value of the total claims. 

“Dark” tanker fleets, also known as “shadow” or “ghost” fleets, are unregistered tankers that slip through regulatory controls. Oil sanctions, as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have resulted in Russia and some of its allies to implement dark tanker fleets to transport and sell Russian oil. Energy embargos are difficult to enforce, and according to Tanker Trackers, of the 900 ultra-large tankers at the global level, roughly one-fifth were breaking sanctions with Venezuela, Iran, and Russia. An uninsured dark tanker exploded in Southeast Asia in May killing crew. Tanker explosions result not only in loss of life but also environmentally toxic oil spills.   

Finally, the report is especially concerned with economic uncertainty. The sector is suffering from lower demand and depressed freight rates where shipping a container between Asia and the US in April 2023 costs roughly 80% less than at the same time in 2022. Commodity prices are up as are labor costs, and the price of steel is crippling manufacturing budgets. Between 2020 and 2022 some estimates point to an 18% + increase in ship repair costs alone. 

Inflated prices have been baked into the present figures based on the global inflation figure of 8.8% in 2022. The inflation outlook still remains uncertain adding to some very real challenges over the remaining four months of 2023.    

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Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News, Ocean Ports

Qatar Airways Cargo Launches SecureLift: a solution for Valuable and Vulnerable shipments  

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SecureLift is designed to offer optimum protection and secure storage for high-value and vulnerable shipments.

Qatar Airways Cargo today announced the launch of its special product SecureLift under its VISION 2027 and Next Generation strategy. SecureLift marks a significant milestone for Qatar Airways Cargo, as it allocates dedicated resources to cater to the specialized needs of valuable and vulnerable shipments, while maintaining an enhanced standard of security and vigilance.

Products having high declared value like precious metals, stones, gold bullions, banknotes, jewellery or watches would fall under the Valuable category while commodities that carry a risk of pilferage like high value electronics and newly launched products would fall under the Vulnerable category.

Key features include high loading priority, close monitoring of shipments, inclusion of approved data loggers and shipment escorts, in addition to secure handling, transportation and storage of the product. Valuable shipments would also be moved in specialized containers and boxes for protection of the product, and kept in the strong-room with restricted access providing added security.

The temperature inside the strong-room is maintained between 20°C – 25°C. The expert SecureLift team is well trained and plays a pivotal role by adhering to strict security protocols at every stage of the journey.

The cargo carrier achieved a remarkable track record having transported over 9,000 tons of valuable and vulnerable cargo in 2022, including electronics, banknotes, art shipments and various sensitive commodities. This impressive volume underlines the carrier’s expertise in handling cargo requiring special care with exceptional precision and attention to detail.

The carrier offers its customers an extensive network of more than 150 destinations as part of its scheduled services and can also provide part or full dedicated charters for SecureLift products to destinations not part of its network.

Digitalization is a key pillar for the world’s leading cargo carrier and it enhances the service further as SecureLift shipments can now be easily booked through Qatar Airways Cargo’s innovative online platform, the Digital Lounge, streamlining the booking process for customers.

OSRA investment
Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, logistics

5 Reasons Billing Transparency Is a Game-Changer for BCOs After OSRA

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On June 16, 2022, U.S. President Joe Biden signed the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA). One of its objectives was to reduce the costs associated with the demurrage and detention billing of beneficial cargo owners (BCOs). BCOs have previously complained about the lack of shipping billing transparency, noting they had to pay for costs outside their control and that the bills received were frequently unpredictable. Here’s why the OSRA should improve those issues and what BCOs can expect.

1. It Should Eliminate Questionable Demurrage and Detention Billing Practices 

Many OSRA elements center on forbidding some demurrage and detention billings imposed on BCOs. For starters, beneficial cargo owners will no longer receive extra charges based solely on the size, weight, type or classification of the cargo. 

OSRA also facilitates the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to investigate suspected unfair practices against U.S. shippers, including those associated with carriers’ discriminatory behaviors. 

Relatedly, ocean carriers must prove their demurrage and detention billing decisions occurred on reasonable grounds. Improved shipping billing transparency provides a more concrete paper trail, helping BCOs trace and see the justification for specific charges. OSRA also allows the FMC to impose penalties on parties found to engage in retaliatory practices against U.S. shippers, including those that could make securing space on ocean vessels more difficult.

These changes should level the playing field for people who work with ocean carriers. They should also reduce the fear people may have for reporting entities that try to charge unwarranted fees. 

2. It Removes the Recipient’s Obligation to Pay Non-Compliant Bills

OSRA specifics relieve recipients from paying demurrage and detention bills found non-compliant. Demurrage charges occur when too much time passes before full containers are moved outside of a terminal or port for unloading. Parties become liable for detention charges when it takes too long for shipping containers to return to the correct depot after unpacking finishes.

Both situations provide the relevant parties with a specific number of free days, and the fining begins outside that time frame. Now, BCOs and other shippers can challenge bills viewed as unfair, and the FMC has the authority to investigate such claims. 

The FMC also confirmed there’s no grace period for complying with OSRA. It went into effect as soon as Biden signed it. Additionally, OSRA’s specifics at least temporarily remove a recipient’s responsibility to pay a non-compliant bill. However, the FMC stipulated that the recipient must still pay if the biller reissues a compliant invoice.

Recipients must not believe they never have to pay a carrier’s bill after receiving one that does not align with OSRA. That’s only true if the recipient never eventually gets one that complies.

3. The Shipping Billing Transparency Extends Beyond the U.S.

Although OSRA is U.S.-based, it applies to foreign carriers that are moving goods between ports in the U.S. and abroad or transporting goods between the U.S. and other countries. Additionally, carriers must follow OSRA even if the demurrage and detention billing occurs outside the U.S., resulting in paperwork originating from other countries. 

These details should provide additional peace of mind for BCOs operating in an increasingly global market. Even if they primarily deal with companies based outside the U.S., those businesses must still provide the better billing transparency OSRA requires, as long as some of their journeys involve the U.S. and its ports. 

4. It Will Bring More Consistency to Shipping Exchanges

Shipping exchanges have become essential for people who move goods via land, sea or air. They’re online services that allow companies to advertise their available capacity to people who need to transport goods. These websites help people see all the possibilities and get the best rates for their desired dates. 

A part of the OSRA gives shipping exchanges three years to register with the FMC. However, the FMC has not yet provided the specifics for how that registration will occur, meaning that this stipulation may realistically take longer than three years to come into full effect. 

People associated with shipping exchanges should start preparing now for the high likelihood of extra paperwork associated with registering. They must also realize that failure to comply could give the FMC the right to shut down a business. 

However, the most likely positive effect for BCOs is that they will know the shipping exchanges with which they do business must fit within a specific framework associated with their FMC registrations. Moreover, if someone working for a BCO finds a seemingly non-compliant shipping exchange, they will have recourse for getting that conduct investigated. 

5. The Effects Are Already Evident

Another aspect of OSRA requires the FMC to publish an annual public report showing the parties penalized for inappropriate demurrage and detention billing and the associated fines. That document will be on a website for anyone to read. The information will also help parties avoid the common carriers shown to be first-time or repeat offenders. 

The good news for BCOs is that they can already see OSRA in action. In early June 2023, operator Hamburg Süd received a $9.8 million penalty under the Act. It was for “refusal to deal,” whereby the operator allegedly would not do business with a Florida-based furniture importer out of retaliatory action. Evidence uncovered about this situation showed Hamburg Süd stopped fulfilling its contractual agreements when representatives learned the furniture importer might take legal action against the company. 

However, the FMC subsequently agreed to review the language in OSRA regarding other refusal-to-deal-like instances. Parties from the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) raised concerns that many of the things carriers do to manage capacity — such as schedule changes or canceled sailings — could get co-opted to prevent certain customers from doing business with a company.

Thus, the FMC noted evidence of a carrier changing schedules or canceling trips for reasons other than demand fluctuations would not be considered legitimate transportation factors. This may be one of many OSRA reviews people see. In any case, such instances strengthen the overall shipping billing transparency of the Act.

Notable Improvements to Anticipate

Better shipping billing transparency affects BCOs and everyone else doing business with ocean carriers. These five aspects are some of the most compelling reasons why OSRA should end, or greatly reduce, unfair billing and retaliatory practices shown by the respective entities.

 

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Air cargo, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News

Qatar Airways Cargo Relaunches Several Destinations this Summer

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Qatar Airways Cargo reintroduced flights to Haneda, Nice, Manama and Sarajevo, while continuing to expand its Middle East operations

The world’s leading cargo carrier relaunched services to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport last week. The reintroduced passenger flights bring the total weekly tonnage available to and from Japan to 600 tons each way. General cargo makes up for the vast majority of exports from Tokyo, followed by vulnerable cargo and dangerous goods. As for imports, they consist of general cargo, fish, seafood, fruits and vegetables.

From 30th May, the carrier also commenced four weekly passenger Airbus A320 flights from Doha to Sarajevo with six tons of weekly cargo capacity. Commodities mainly consist of general cargo and also include vulnerable cargo and pharmaceuticals.

The carrier relaunched passenger flights to Nice earlier on 9 May with exports comprising of general cargo, dangerous goods, pharmaceuticals while on the imports front, general cargo, dangerous goods, vulnerable cargo and other types of cargo are flown in to Nice. With freighters to Lyon and Paris and belly-hold flights to Nice and Paris, the cargo carrier’s weekly cargo capacity to and from France increases to 1,100 tons each way.

Daily flights to Bahrain started on 25 May, providing cargo customers with 11 tons of cargo space on the A320 passenger flights each week, each way. In addition, Qatar Airways Cargo has also expanded its network in the Middle East, effective May. The airline introduced two Boeing 777 freighters to Dammam, bringing the weekly tonnage to 350 tons each way. A new freighter frequency was also introduced to Riyadh, bringing the total frequencies to five Boeing 777 freighters each week on top of the quadruple daily passenger flights, providing over 850 tons of cargo capacity each way to and from Riyadh.

The world’s leading air cargo carrier recently launched its first hub in Kigali in partnership with Rwandair, where customers of both airlines benefit from enhanced service levels, cost synergies and from a reliable intra-African network through Kigali.

Qatar Airways Cargo won three prestigious awards in May, Cargo Airline of the Year and Air Cargo Industry Marketing & Promotional Campaign at the 2023 Air Cargo Week World Air Cargo Awards and Sustainable Cargo Airline of the Year 2023 by Freight Week.

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Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News

Fluent Cargo Makes Route Planning Easy

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The company’s launch reflects strong demand from shipment planners in the global logistics industry.

Fluent Cargo, an Australian technology company specializing in international shipment planning and research, announces the launch of its multi-modal routing engine and platform. 

The solution helps logistics professionals find the best ways to get any shipment to and from any location in the world using available modes of transport. 

Users simply input an origin and destination country, city, port or address, and the system will immediately provide multiple shipping options.

Whether the shipment requires air freight, ocean freight, trucking, or other services, Fluent Cargo displays multiple route options, single or multiple combinations of modes of transport along with transit times, carrier information, and detailed specifics including the type of plane or ship used, capacity and more from thousands of service providers.

Fluent Cargo aims to democratize the planning and scheduling of the movements of international shipments and make the process as easy as planning a holiday.

Availability

The Fluent Cargo platform is now live at FluentCargo.com, and is accepting new registrations from the worldwide logistics industry — logistics service providers, and shipping professionals at businesses with both domestic and international shipments. 

Pricing 

Fluent Cargo is currently free of charge for users and will always have a free plan. Additional premium features are currently in development and will be rolled out in the coming months to create additional value for business and enterprise users beyond the free version’s capabilities.

Technology

The Fluent Cargo platform’s advanced technology sources gigabytes of data from a multitude of partners, incorporating live tracking information of every aircraft and ocean vessel updated frequently. 

Additionally, Fluent Cargo compiles schedule data from hundreds of airlines (passenger and cargo) and ocean carriers, via both aggregators and direct integrations. 

This extensive data, which encompasses city, airport, seaport, road network, and shipping lane information, is integrated into a “comprehensive digitized global shipping network.” 

Using proprietary algorithms, the platform rapidly parses this data to generate tailored search results for users based on their unique requirements. With a minimum input of origin and destination, users can further customize their search with preferences such as carriers, locations to avoid or route via, and even specific cargo requirements like size, volume, and type.

About Fluent Cargo

Fluent Cargo is an independent, mission-driven company with a vision to provide our clients with instant access to all of the information they need in order to better plan their shipments. We’re constantly thinking about schedules, port features, carrier information, port congestion, and other factors that influence shipment planning, be it on a plane, ship, or truck.

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

Common Problems Shippers Face At Destination

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If you want your business to thrive, you need to be able to plan for anything, including at-destination problems. We’ve compiled a guide on the common problems shippers face at destination.

Cargo weight limits and specifications

Interestingly enough, one of the common problems shippers face at destination is cargo weight. That comes in two different flavors, making things a bit more complicated for shippers. First, there are times when the container’s weight does not match the submitted paperwork. That can make it impossible for the cargo to transfer because of the allowable road weight limit, the ‘risk’ wrong papers carry, or simple limitations on the equipment required to handle cargo above a certain weight. The second problem is if the cargo is unevenly distributed in the container. That can cause many issues when moving the load out of the truck or vehicle. That, in turn, often leads to damage. And you don’t need to be well-versed in global trade to understand why that’s horrible for business. 

Damaged or missing cargo

Speaking of damaged cargo, or even outright missing cargo, it’s the next of the common problems shippers face at the destination on our list. When you are shipping cargo internationally, the reality of the situation is that it’s easy for it to sustain damage. Even if you take all the necessary precautions, that can still happen to you. And naturally, this can also make your entire shipment worthless. Damaged cargo is especially common when doing LCL shipping, as your cargo shares space with other people’s cargo within a container. Businesses do this to reduce expenses when they don’t have enough load to justify renting an entire container. That is also the most common scenario when your cargo can go missing, not because of any malicious theft but because it can easily get mixed up with other people’s cargo.

Problems with paperwork

While uncommon, your paperwork can be mislabeled, misplaced, or lost. Of course, losing a document is very difficult in the age of digital paperwork. But one such example that can happen is Bills of Lading. The original copy of the Bill of Lading is essential. And it is crucial to release your shipment on time and without hassle. It is best to ensure it is only handled by reliable channels and with great care. And this isn’t the only piece of paperwork that you need to worry about when you do international trading!

Customs taxes, duties, and penalties

Two primary sources of additional taxes, duties, and penalties are associated with common problems shippers face at destination. First, there’s the fact that shippers must comply with all the regulations related to importing cargo. If they fail to do so, they incur fines and penalties that cut into your profits. The second potential source of these troubles is limitations on goods by certain countries. Your goods may be outright contraband or require special permits. That is, of course, something you need to worry about ahead of time. So long as you carefully check the list of banned or restricted goods and prepare the required paperwork for all the needed goods, you should not have to worry about this coming up!

The cost of delays

Delays are insidious killers of profit. They are both common problems shippers face at their destination and are easily among the most expensive ones to take care of. First, because you are bound by contract to make deliveries of goods on time, you can alleviate that by planning for delays to an extent. However, due to the various problems with customs, paperwork, etc., which we’ve already covered or will cover, you can even go over these ‘generous’ promised delivery times. And then there are the fees you might need to pay for going over your rental period for the containers your goods are in. These pile on the expense delays imposed on you and further cut your profits. That is why you need to do everything you can, such as reducing truck detention times as much as possible.

Customs clearance

Customs clearance is a source of two different potential problems at the destination. First, of course, is the delay that a thorough customs check would impose on your shipment. It is not common for your goods to go through a thorough customs check. But it can and will happen if you regularly export or import. You completely counter the second problem through simple good judgment and full disclosure of complete shipment information. And it’s carrying goods that are not on your papers. That gets you in trouble with the customs officials, and you can bet that your shipments will be a target for detailed inspection for a long time.

Holiday-related delays and challenges

The final of the common problems shippers face at destination is, ironically, holidays. You must understand that when making international trade, export or import. You must account for the culture of the countries you work with and your own. Your well-planned delivery schedule can be thrown off because your shipment needs to pass through a country when it’s celebrating a national holiday and everything is closed. Planning for everything the first few times is annoying and stressful. But, once you’ve all the significant holidays marked out and noted in your schedule, they become a matter of routine. To get around the issue, you can use some methods to alleviate warehousing and fulfillment stress, such as smaller, faster shipments. 

Success through proper planning for at-destination problems

As long as you know the common problems shippers face at destination, you can plan for them and find ways to resolve them quickly. That is why planning is always crucial for anyone who wants to do international import or export.

Author Bio

James Buckley worked as an export and shipping analyst before changing his focus to analyzing moving trends and data. James now works closely with usamovingreviews.com experts.

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Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Ocean Ports

New Trade Route to Link Jubail Commercial Port to Six Global Ports  

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The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has today revealed the addition of Jubail Commercial Port to the India Gulf Service 1 (IG1) shipping route by ocean carrier Hapag-Lloyd.

The newest cargo service will contribute to fulfilling the ambitions of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS) to upscale the Kingdom’s integration with global trade networks besides improving its score in the UNCTAD’s Liner Shipping Connectivity Index to 80 points.

Kicking off on 12th February, the weekly service will link the Kingdom to the ports of Jebel Ali, Karachi, Mundra, Sohar, Shuaiba, and Umm Qasar on board three containerships with an average carrying capacity of 2,400 TEUs.

A strategic trade gateway for the Kingdom’s Eastern Region and its industrial and petrochemical complexes, the Arabian Gulf port is modernly equipped to handle all kinds of vessels and goods alongside delivering a host of world-class offerings to local importers and exporters. 

About the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani)

Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) was established in 1976 to oversee the operations of the Saudi ports. Since its inception, Mawani has been keen on transforming the Saudi ports into investment platforms and facilitating the Kingdom’s trade with the rest of the world. The Authority seeks to achieve an effective regulatory and commercial environment supported by an operating model that enables growth and innovation in the Kingdom’s maritime industry. It also envisions developing a sustainable and prosperous ports sector to consolidate the Kingdom’s position as a leading global logistics hub. Mawani strives to realize Saudi Arabia’s economic and social ambitions by ensuring reliable and efficient logistics operations, as well as creating a safe and sustainable maritime environment. Developing the Kingdom’s industrial capabilities to fulfill the objectives of the National Transport Strategy in line with Saudi Vision 2030, has and will always be one of Mawani’s main objectives, thus contributing to making Saudi Arabia a pioneer in the ports sector.

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Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Ocean Ports

ICHCA Focuses on Helping Ships Transporting Ammonium Nitrate to Manage Risks for Fire Prevention and Mitigation

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The risks posed by poor conditions of storage of this common compound, which is used extensively in the Fertilizers and Explosives industries, have been well documented but awareness of the dangers of fire during transportation by sea is less well known.  The objective of this guide, entitled ‘Ammonium Nitrate Fire Risk on Board Ships’ is to outline best practice with respect to the management of risk on vessels chartered to ship the compound through ports around the world.

Ammonium Nitrate (NH₄NO₃), a white to grey odorless chemical has a melting point of 169 degrees C and decomposes at 210 degrees C. While it does not burn by itself, significantly it will accelerate burning of combustible material, producing toxic oxides of nitrogen and ammonia, which will support combustion, even in the absence of oxygen. 

The whitepaper outlines in detail ammonium nitrate’s peculiar reactions to heat and subsequent conflagration, as well as the nature of its decomposition.  These characteristics mean that the specifications of vessels’ equipment, including deck cranes, hatch covers, hold linings, fuel tanks and pumps, also forklifts and other handling devices, must be precise.  The whitepaper offers comprehensive guidance on these particulars.

Above all however from a fire prevention point of view emphasis is put on compliance with IMDG Code, which typically requires ammonium nitrate to be stowed on deck only.  The Code does however allow an exception for certain forms of the compound and fertilizer containing it to be stowed under deck.  The rules for this are outlined in clause 7.6.2.8.4.

The whitepaper is at pains to underline that while all IMDG clauses are pertinent to fire risk, all ships and cargo operators must be particularly cognisant of Clause 7.6.2.8.4. as it is crucial to the ability to respond effectively if an ammonium nitrate fire on board a ship is out of control and the risk of an explosion is imminent.

The intention of the clause is that all a vessels’ hatches – including tween decks- shall be openable in case of an ammonium nitrate fire. There is however potential to misunderstand this point and ICHCA is working with the IMO and stakeholders to clarify the wording of the clause.  Several jurisdictions, that handle the product in significant quantities, have taken heed of this risk and the related IMDG requirements. At the time of publishing, three countries that have specific arrangements are Australia, South Africa and Chile.

About ICHCA International

Established in 1952, ICHCA International is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the safety, productivity and efficiency of cargo handling and movement worldwide. ICHCA’s privileged NGO status enables it to represent its members, and the cargo handling industry at large, in front of national and international agencies and regulatory bodies, while its Technical Panel provides best practice advice and develops publications on a wide range of practical cargo handling issues.

Operating through a series of national and regional chapters, including ICHCA Australia, ICHCA Japan and Correspondence and Working Groups, ICHCA provides a focal point for informing, educating, lobbying and networking to improve knowledge and best practice across the cargo handling chain. 

 

cargo ECS Weship tanker
Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Ocean Ports

Intermarine Joins Forces with WeShip Projects and Launches Intermarine Asia

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Intermarine joins forces with project and breakbulk cargo specialist WeShip Projects to launch Intermarine Asia and strengthen Intermarine’s position in Europe. Torben Reinhard and Lars Steen Rasmussen, partners in WeShip and well-known names in the industry, join Intermarine’s commercial team as part of the deal.

Since its relaunch in 2020, Intermarine has successfully developed global its business within breakbulk and multipurpose shipping, having grown its fleet from six vessels in late 2020 to 25 in 2022. In 2021, Intermarine opened its second office outside the USA in Sao Paulo, Brazil, followed by the establishment of a European base in Odense, Denmark in early 2022.

Under the combined setup, Intermarine will represent all cargo chartering activities, whereas the WeShip brand will continue as representation for port agency and logistic services in Thailand and neighboring countries.

About Intermarine

Over more than 30 years, Intermarine has built the industry’s leading team of experts who have the resources, experience, and spirit to provide exceptional service for clients’ global cargo needs. With its frequent and flexible liner service between the U.S. Gulf, NCSA, Caribbean, ECSA and WCSA, Intermarine offers the fastest regional transit available. Through its offices in the USA, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Denmark, and Thailand, and as part of the SAL Heavy Lift network with offices on all continents, Intermarine can transport cargos to any corner of the globe. With its dynamic fleet of highly specialized vessels, Intermarine delivers the most reliable solutions for breakbulk, project and heavy-lift cargos across the Americas and beyond.

About WeShip Projects

WeShip Projects is an operator and broker in the project and breakbulk cargo segment. WeShip was founded in 2018 by Torben Reinhard and Lars Steen Rasmussen, among others. The founders of WeShip have spent decades navigating through this dynamic industry with many years in the project market combined with ship owning and operating. WeShip listens to customer needs and understands the complexities involved when it comes to moving oversized, heavy, and high-value equipment, and establishing workable solutions for customers no matter type of cargo. WeShip thrives on challenges and is known as being successful in creating safe custom shipping solutions.