South Carolina Ports Experience Significant Cargo Growth Amid Strategic Expansion Efforts

Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News, Ocean Ports

South Carolina Ports Experience Significant Cargo Growth Amid Strategic Expansion Efforts

August 23rd, 2024 Tim Jay Leave a comment

South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) has reported a substantial increase in cargo volumes, with container activity up by 8% in July compared to the previous year. This surge, driven by the region’s booming population and the onset of peak season, includes a 6% rise in loaded imports.

Barbara Melvin, President and CEO of SC Ports, highlighted the region’s attractiveness for new investments, citing the port’s reliable service, robust intermodal network, and future growth capacity as key factors.

In July, SC Ports efficiently moved 224,407 TEUs and 124,448 pier containers, marking the second-highest July performance in its history, following the record set in July 2021 during the pandemic-induced import boom.

The rail-served inland ports also saw impressive growth, with a combined 21,013 rail moves in July—a 19% increase from the previous year. Inland Port Greer set a new record with 17,332 containers moved, a 17% year-over-year increase, while Inland Port Dillon achieved a 26% rise, handling 3,681 rail moves.

Although vehicle handling was down year-over-year, with 10,814 vehicles moved in July, this is typical for the month. SC Ports continues to support global automakers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz Vans, and Volvo Cars by managing the import of parts and export of finished vehicles.

Melvin emphasized the importance of collaboration within the maritime and logistics communities to maintain supply chain fluidity for the U.S. East Coast port market.

Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News, Ocean Ports

The Future of Autonomous Shipping: From Coastal Routes to Urban Logistics

August 21st, 2024 Tim Jay Leave a comment

The concept of crewless ships navigating coastlines, inland waterways, and even the high seas is no longer confined to science fiction. At a recent CONNECTING PORTS talk show hosted by HPC Hamburg Port Consulting (HPC), experts gathered to discuss the emerging reality of autonomous shipping, highlighting how this technology is gradually becoming part of modern logistics.

Moderated by Christina Prieser, Associate Partner at HPC, the forum featured insights from three industry leaders: Ørnulf Jan Rødseth, General Manager of the Norwegian Forum for Autonomous Ships (NFAS); Marc Holstein, Head of the Remote Operation Center at SEAFAR in Antwerp; and Antoon van Collie, CEO of ZULU Associates.

Rødseth shared Norway’s pioneering steps in semi-autonomous shipping, including the world’s first semi-autonomous container ship, which has been transporting goods since spring 2022. This vessel operates with minimal crew and is remotely controlled, showcasing the practical application of autonomous technology in coastal services.

Holstein highlighted the deployment of SEAFAR’s technology on over forty vessels, primarily in inland shipping. He emphasized the seamless integration of crew-reduced and remotely controlled ships into existing infrastructure, particularly in Belgium. Meanwhile, van Collie discussed France’s progress in allowing autonomous ships in its waters, with plans to operate unmanned vessels by next year.

The discussion also touched on the potential for autonomous vessels in urban logistics. In cities like New York and Paris, small autonomous ships are already being used to transport goods, with some vessels even powered by hydrogen. Van Collie sees this model expanding to other cities, such as Hamburg and Berlin.

Looking ahead, Norway’s ASKO plans to replace road transport with two battery-powered, semi-autonomous ro-ro ships by 2026, reducing road traffic and infrastructure needs. The experts agreed that remote control increases operational safety, with shorter, more manageable shifts for captains onshore compared to traditional seafaring roles.

As the possibilities for autonomous shipping continue to take shape, it is clear that this technology is set to revolutionize the logistics and transportation industries, offering safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly solutions.

The full session Connecting Ports #08 is available on YouTube Connecting Ports | Session #8 | Navigating Next: The Path to Autonomous Maritime Transport (youtube.com)

The next session of Connecting Ports will take place on 5 September 2024. It will focus on an urgent industry topic: cybersecurity challenges in ports. Secure your seats now, as registration is still open: Connecting Ports – HPC Hamburg Port Consulting GmbH

Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News, Ocean Ports

Chinese Cargo Ships Navigate Arctic Northern Sea Route as Alternative to Red Sea

August 12th, 2024 Tim Jay Leave a comment

Chinese general cargo vessels have started exploring a new route to bypass the Red Sea, opting for the Arctic Northern Sea Route (NSR).

New New Shipping’s vessels, Xin Xin Hai 1 and Xin Xin Hai, have embarked on a voyage through the thawing NSR, made accessible with the help of icebreakers during the summer months.

According to scientists, climate change and melting ice sheets could soon render this Arctic passage navigable year-round. The route offers a shorter journey of approximately 13,000 kilometers from China to Northern Europe, significantly reducing the 20,000-kilometer voyage through the Suez Canal and slashing the distance needed to navigate around the Cape of Good Hope by nearly half.

The shorter route could provide shipping lines with a competitive edge, potentially challenging faster transport modes. However, Arctic navigation remains complex, especially for container vessels. Ships traversing this route will require ice-strengthened hulls to withstand encounters with small floating ice formations, even when following in the wake of an icebreaker.

European shipping lines also face the dilemma of navigating the political sensitivities surrounding the NSR. The route is heavily reliant on Russian search-and-rescue (SAR) capabilities and is set to benefit from a $7.7 billion investment by the Russian government. Russian premier Vladimir Putin remarked early last year, “Whether this is good or bad, it is happening – the Northern Sea Route is opening up.”

The Trans-Siberian Railway, which facilitates Chinese trains traveling to Europe via Russian-installed tracks, has already demonstrated that practical considerations can sometimes outweigh political concerns. Whether this approach will extend to the shipping industry remains uncertain.

While climate activists may be uneasy about increased maritime activity in the fragile Arctic region, the reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions from shorter transits could play a crucial role in the broader efforts to decarbonize cargo transport.

Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News, Ocean Ports

SC Ports Reports 7% Growth in June Cargo, Sets Records Across Operations

July 22nd, 2024 Tim Jay Leave a comment

South Carolina Ports concluded fiscal year 2024 on a high note with a 7% increase in container volumes at the Port of Charleston in June.

In June, SC Ports efficiently managed 218,115 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) and 121,267 pier containers, marking the second highest June on record. Loaded imports rose by 10%, and loaded exports by 5%, reflecting robust activity in the Southeast market.

“The Southeast market is booming, with a growing population driving imports and new manufacturing investments spurring exports,” said SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin. “South Carolina Ports is well-positioned for this growth with a 52-foot-deep harbor, efficient terminals, new capacity on the horizon, and an impressive inland port network.”

Over fiscal year 2024, SC Ports and the broader maritime community handled nearly 2.5 million TEUs and 1.4 million pier containers, slightly down from the previous fiscal year. Despite ongoing toe wall construction, the Wando Welch Terminal achieved a record year, moving over 1.2 million containers.

“SC Ports works alongside our maritime partners to provide highly productive port service and fluidity in the Southeast supply chains,” Melvin said. “We remain focused on providing the operational excellence that our customers have come to expect from us, while proactively investing in port capacity to efficiently handle their growth.”

Inland Port Greer and Inland Port Dillon also saw record cargo volumes in fiscal year 2024, with a combined 230,409 containers moved on and off trains at the rail-served inland ports, a 24% year-over-year increase.

“Our rail-served inland ports have seen tremendous growth this past year as more customers move cargo by rail,” Melvin said. “We are expanding Inland Port Greer and building the rail-served Navy Base Intermodal Facility to provide more rail capacity in the Southeast port market and further support our customers’ supply chains.”

Inland Port Greer handled 187,638 containers in fiscal year 2024, marking a 28% increase from the prior year. Greer also set a record for June with 16,450 containers handled, an 11% increase from last year.

Inland Port Dillon experienced significant cargo growth in fiscal year 2024, handling 42,771 containers, a 9% increase and the first time it surpassed 40,000 rail moves in a fiscal year.

Additionally, SC Ports served as a crucial supply chain partner for major automakers in South Carolina, handling 210,817 vehicles in fiscal year 2024, a 12% increase from the previous year.

Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Technology

Navigating the Waves: How Technology Revolutionizes Ocean Shipment Tracking

June 13th, 2024 Bernard Cohen Leave a comment

In today’s globalized economy, efficient transportation of goods across oceans is vital for businesses worldwide.

However, the industry faces challenges like lost containers, port congestion, shipping container shortages, rising freight rates, lack of carrier capacity, and crew shortages. Many ocean carriers that ship through the Red Sea are still struggling with attacks from Houthi rebels, causing carriers to increase delivery times by ten days or more as they are diverted to travel around the Cape of Good Hope in Africa. On the other side of the globe, a severe drought at the Panama Canal is slowing maritime trade due to increased restrictions on ships that travel through the canal. Tracking ocean shipments has traditionally been a complex task using manual methods.

With globalization and the rise of containerization, the need for more sophisticated tracking systems has become evident. Thanks to technological advancements, ocean shipping and the tracking of shipments are more streamlined and transparent. Following is a list of technologies that can revolutionize ocean shipment tracking:

GPS and Satellite Tracking: Global Positioning System (GPS) and satellite tracking have become indispensable tools in ocean shipment tracking. GPS-enabled devices installed on vessels provide accurate location data, allowing stakeholders to monitor the progress of shipments in real time. Satellite communication ensures seamless connectivity even in remote maritime regions, enabling continuous monitoring and communication with vessels regardless of location. This level of connectivity enhances operational efficiency and reduces the risk of lost or delayed shipments.
Artificial Intelligence and Predictive Analytics: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics are reshaping ocean shipment tracking by leveraging vast data to forecast trends and anticipate disruptions. Machine learning algorithms analyze historical shipping data, weather patterns, port congestion, and other factors to predict potential delays or inefficiencies in the supply chain. This foresight enables stakeholders to take proactive measures, such as rerouting shipments or adjusting inventory levels, to mitigate risks and optimize operations. AI-powered solutions also enhance decision-making by providing actionable insights and recommendations based on real-time data.
Mobile Applications: Mobile applications have democratized access to shipment tracking information, empowering stakeholders to monitor their cargo from anywhere, at any time. These apps provide intuitive interfaces for tracking shipments, receiving notifications on status updates, and communicating with logistics partners. Mobile applications improve transparency and responsiveness by putting real-time information at users’ fingertips, enabling faster decision-making and problem-solving.
Cloud-based Platforms: Cloud-based platforms have revolutionized how stakeholders access and analyze shipment data. These platforms provide a holistic view of the supply chain by centralizing information from various sources, including GPS trackers, IoT devices, and customs documentation. Real-time updates and analytics empower decision-makers to identify bottlenecks, optimize routes, and mitigate risks proactively. Moreover, cloud-based platforms facilitate stakeholder collaboration, fostering transparency and accountability across the supply chain ecosystem.

What is Needed in Cloud-Based TMSs

A cloud-based TMS is the top platform of choice for ocean shippers, especially if the TMS can integrate different data sources from tracking devices, along with tracking, booking, and execution, to become the integrated command center for a shipper’s transportation logistics needs. This all-in-one platform should provide visibility for more modes besides just ocean, as some shippers use a combination of modes—truck, barge, and rail.

Features needed within a TMS for ocean tracking:

Connections to hundreds of ocean carriers, NVOCCs, and freight forwarders, eliminating the need for shippers to reach out to each carrier by email, phone, or carrier website. Knowing the schedules of these carriers allows shippers to pick the exact time needed to cover the load.
The ability to submit booking requests and receive booking confirmations electronically would make bookings faster, easier to track, and more automated. Orders should be able to be shipped via a full container or less than full container load, with the tracking data and shipment execution exchanged between carriers and shippers all in the same portal.
Electronic bill of lading (BOL) and online shipment instructions comply with industry-standard data points. Shippers can view historical shipping instructions and compare them to current ones to generate insightful dashboards with KPIs.
Booking and shipping instruction templates with pre-populated forms make it quicker and easier to execute a shipment, enabling staff to focus on more value-added tasks.
Seamless in-transit shipment tracking for ocean vessels and inland moves ensures shippers always know where their shipments are. Shipments should be viewed on maps, regardless of mode, so ocean, rail, and truck appear on the same map for a holistic view of transport operations. Maps may be used internally or securely shared with customers for a better experience by a shipper’s customers.
The platform should provide a dynamic ETA calculated using multiple data points, providing shippers with a more accurate estimated time of arrival for improved operational planning.
Offers industry-standard value codes, UN location codes, and HS codes for approximately 38,000 products, avoiding transmission failures to ocean carriers. The benefit of this would be that when a user enters a transaction into the system, the location and product fields have pre-established values, which avoids bad data entry.
This includes ocean schedules that enable planners to determine the best route option, with available transit dates, estimated arrival times, voyage information, and terminal information so that planners can confidently pick the best lane.
Container tracking captures future critical events when importing containers, allowing shippers to tender a truck quickly and pick up the shipment on time.
Should be able to virtually connect with any TMS, ERP, and third-party providers’ systems, enabling shippers to have visibility from a purchase order number and other essential reference numbers or information.

Technology integration has transformed ocean shipment tracking from a cumbersome process into a streamlined and transparent operation. From RFID and IoT to AI, innovative solutions are revolutionizing how businesses manage their supply chains. By leveraging these technologies, stakeholders can gain unprecedented visibility and control over their shipments, enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and mitigating risks. As the pace of technological innovation accelerates, the future of ocean shipment tracking promises even greater connectivity, efficiency, and resilience in global trade.

Author: Bernard Cohen, Group Product Manager, IntelliTrans

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

Impressive Growth at the Port of Virginia

June 12th, 2024 Peter Frerichs Leave a comment

Total annual cargo transported by ultra-large shipping vessels has more than doubled since 2020. Shippers are increasingly opting for vessels capable of 20,000 plus TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), and the Port of Virginia appears poised to capitalize on this trend.

Massive ocean containerships naturally require more space to maneuver in and out of ports. For most ports, these ships reduce traffic to a one-way system where one ultra-large vessel, in the case of the Port of Virginia, must leave the channel before the next ship can enter. Financially, the port does not make money on transit in and out, but rather, turning ships on the berth. A $450 million dredging project that began in 2019 will transform the port into the deepest and widest on the East Coast, allowing for ultra-large vessels to move through the channel, in and out, simultaneously.

The Port of Virginia has witnessed laudable growth over the first quarter 2024. Container volumes are 7% above 2020, and strong growth is coming from India as well as South and Southwest Asia overall. The port counts on Lowe’s, Walmart and similar retailers as its main clients, and while the India to East Coast trade has been hampered by the Red Sea Houthi attacks, volume remains positive despite the rise in fuel prices.

The channel deepening project is part of a larger $1.4 billion outlay to modernize and grow the port’s capacity. The total number of berths is planned to expand to five, and the wider shipping channel is already reducing stay times by nearly 15%. Efficiency metrics are up, and carbon emissions are down as ships idly waiting for the channel to clear are entering and exiting quickly.

The closure of the Port of Baltimore rerouted vessels to Virginia. The port’s terminals feature one shared system that truckers use to plan their moves, as opposed to decentralized and less efficient terminal-specific systems. The state has invested $5 billion-plus in improving bridges, highways, and tunnels to receive additional freight, while the port began an expansion project on its central rail yard that should help absorb increased traffic.

In January of this year, the Port of Virginia was the first on the East Coast to power its terminals with 100% clean energy. This is an impressive eight years ahead of its 2032 target, and the port is now only buying nuclear, wind, or solar energy.

Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News

RACCA Opens 2024 Scholarship Applications for Aspiring Aviation Professionals

June 12th, 2024 Tim Jay Leave a comment

Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association (RACCA) scholarships, aimed at supporting aspiring pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians (AMTs), and airline managers in their career pursuits.

“Awarding the four scholarships is one of the most important things the Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association does,” said RACCA President James Goddard. “Each year we are impressed with the quality of the applications and what these young people will contribute to the industry once they complete their education. Our members support our scholarships with generous donations because they believe in paying it forward and encouraging the pursuit of cargo careers.”

The RACCA Aviation Scholarships, valued at $2,500 each, were established to promote aviation as a career choice and raise awareness of opportunities within the air cargo industry. Representing 50 air cargo carriers, many of which support FedEx, DHL, and UPS networks, RACCA provides these scholarships to assist with tuition, flight training, or obtaining new or additional licenses. Four awards are made annually in November.

Goddard highlighted that flying for a RACCA carrier is an excellent way for pilots to build flight hours, offering experience with scheduled flights, inclement weather, inflight and procedural issues, night flying, busy airspace operations, cockpit resource management, and required recordkeeping—key elements of airline operations. He emphasized the importance of maintaining professionalism and discipline, as instilled during student training, for aspiring pilots to effectively build their flight hours.

To qualify for the scholarships, applicants must:

– Be a college student currently enrolled in an accredited aviation program.
– Be a resident of the United States.
– Maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

The Richard Mills Memorial Scholarship requires an additional letter of introduction from a current RACCA member or associate member to help candidates learn about the air cargo industry. Candidates are encouraged to visit a nearby RACCA member’s operation or contact a member to ask questions about the industry if no member is locally available.

The Terry Hibler Memorial Scholarship aims to encourage careers in industries supporting cargo operators, including maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), aviation management, financial careers in insurance and leasing, manufacturing, airports, and other aviation services.

The application deadline is October 15, 2024. Scholarship selections will be made by November 30, with distributions to accredited schools on December 15.

The RACCA Aviation Scholarship application is available on the RACCA website

global trade ship marine container price market port tt club coast port import

Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily

A Closer Look at Life on a Cargo Ship: 7 Realities

June 12th, 2024 Oscar Collins Leave a comment

The water transportation industry rarely gets the spotlight. That said, delivering freight from country to country is hard work that deserves more recognition.

A great number of people contribute to a package’s journey and destination. Here’s a closer look at what to do to get and stay on board a cargo ship.

Applying to Become a Cargo Worker

There are many jobs in the sector, with seaman and material handler as the entry-level roles. It can take some time to climb the ranks and become a senior member of the crew or ship captain. However, some are content with taking on more niche roles such as ship cook or rigger.

Cargo ship jobs usually have fewer educational requirements, with some accepting high school graduates. However, maritime training and certification is key. U.S. companies and sole proprietors must obtain a license from the Federal Maritime Commission to qualify for ocean freight transportation.

Sending in an application does not guarantee landing a role. Logistic jobs may be in demand with the growth of e-commerce and globalization, but most enterprises look for people with experience handling inventory and shipping.

It’s also important to check on one’s health before pushing through with becoming a cargo worker. Unlike shipping roles on land, a crew member will have to face the sights and motions of the sea throughout their career.

Checking Compensation for the Crew

Compensation can vary from role to role. Experience and rank can also play a big part in the salary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, water transportation workers had a median pay of $31.22 per hour or $64,930 annually in May 2023. Some shipping businesses offer a premium for overtime work.

Some people receive their pay weekly or monthly, depending on management. However, some crew members need compensation due to unfair employers and rogue manning agents. The International Transport Workers’ Federation recovered over $35 million in wages owed.

Cargo ship workers must be wary of their employers and any payment problems that may arise. Check the agency’s legitimacy by checking its registration and whether it is under an ITF agreement. A claim against brands that have breached those conditions will be easier to process and resolve.

Crew members can connect with the rest of their shipmates to address delays and collect their salaries. However, being wary of acquaintances who will take advantage of the situation and extort money is also essential.

Experiencing the Working Conditions

The sun and the sea are both unpredictable natural elements. Docking at the port and moving the freight onto the boat can already be a taxing experience. Depending on the size of the vessel and the number of crew members working together, the movement can take a while.

Some people may experience muscle soreness with a delayed onset afterward. These aches show up 24 to 72 hours after strenuous activities. However, staff can’t get rest right away, especially when the ship finally sails.

Material handlers need to recheck inventory to ensure nothing is missing. Engineers need to monitor and maintain the motor to keep the ship afloat. The captain and officers must navigate the waters and steer the freight to their destination.

As bigger ships need hands on deck 24/7, someone will always be working. The shift assigned to a worker will typically state their exact hours and when they can rest in their personal quarters.

Living on a Water Vessel

A cargo ship is quite far from a cruise ship, as it is more optimized for transporting different packages. Being in the middle of the ocean makes Wi-Fi connection quite difficult to come across. Even when an email does get out, the captain is in charge of reviewing correspondence.

While it lacks the amenities and entertainment required, most cargo ship workers can find plenty of solace in the endless sky and sea. Taking in the sights in between monitoring the mechanisms and freights can be relaxing.

Most cargo ship organizations provide meals for the crew at specific times of day. Vessels with longer journeys have a limited food supply, so each person gets only one portion. Fresh food is hard to come by after a few months since it will have gone bad already.

For sleeping accommodation, ship crewmates of a higher rank may get their own room and bed. Deckmates and other roles share a cabin and bunk bed with others on the boat. Toilets and a shower room are also for communal use.

Maintaining Gear and Equipment

Cargo ship workers are responsible for a lot of gear and equipment, which isn’t always smooth sailing. For instance, marine freshwater tanks store water for drinking and cooking. These portable liquids should be clean and free of infection. Unfortunately, they are still subject to contamination, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease among the crew.

There’s also the struggle of inclement weather when on board. Whether rain or shine, the boat needs to continue moving forward. The crew must be prepared to move items and evacuate the area if any damage occurs to the hull due to turbulent sailing conditions.

Foul weather gear is recommended since it has a water-repellent finish to protect the material. However, it diminishes after every 20 to 30 uses. Wearing it every day during the rainy season can affect its quality before the ship even gets to its destination.

In those cases, workers have to rewax the area to achieve the waterproof effect again. If the layers are separating from the interior fabric, report to a manager to get a new suit.

Navigating the Work Culture

There is still a stigma that the maritime industry is only for men due to traditional gender roles. However, many female seafarers have created a mark on the industry. For example, Caroline Mayhew became a captain in 1846 after her husband and crew members fell victim to the smallpox epidemic. She was able to steer the vessel to safety.

Numerous modern-day heroines are still pursuing careers on cargo ships. While some crew members are less than respectful towards women and the work culture still needs improvement, the space is slowly changing to become more inclusive. Look for employers focusing on each person’s safety and mental well-being while on the clock.

Managing Personal Time

One key reality about working on a cargo ship is how hard a work-life balance is to achieve. A rating can take around nine months or so. In that time, a crew member can miss a holiday, a loved one’s birthday and other important events.

It’s challenging to manage personal relationships. However, some people do maintain friendships and families while sailing worldwide. Just communicate and set expectations with loved ones before the next venture.

The Truth of Cargo Ship Life

Staying afloat during a cargo ship’s trials and tribulations is challenging and rewarding. Acknowledge the realities and appreciate the people within the field. Those with a newfound respect or admiration for the trade are more than welcome to join.

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

10 Ocean Carrier Experts For Project Cargo And Heavy Lift

June 11th, 2024 GT Staff Leave a comment

Container cargo gets most of the attention, but project cargo and heavy lift services are crucial for several reasons. They enable essential construction and development, as these services move the massive and unusual cargo that underpins infrastructure projects like power plants, refineries and bridges. Without them, building these structures would be incredibly difficult, if not impossible.

Many industries rely on project cargo and heavy lift to function, including energy (wind turbine components, oil rigs), manufacturing (large machinery) and transportation (locomotives, airplanes).

The safe and timely movement of oversized cargo is vital for keeping projects on schedule and within budget. Delays due to mishandling or logistical issues can be incredibly expensive.

Project cargo and heavy lift services require specialized expertise for complex cargo. Standard shipping methods simply aren’t suitable for project cargo. These specialized services provide the engineering, permits and equipment necessary to move these unique pieces safely and efficiently.

Large, heavy cargo is vulnerable to damage during transport. Project cargo and heavy lift teams that excel have the know-how to plan, package and move these items securely, minimizing the risk of costly repairs or replacements.

What follows are 10 ocean carrier companies that excel at project cargo and heavy lift:

Cosco Shipping Heavy Transport (Americas)

Houston, Texas

coscoht.com & na.coscoshipping.com

A subsidiary of the China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO), Cosco Shipping Specialized Carriers boasts a large fleet of specialized vessels for project cargo and heavy-lift transportation. They’re a major player in Asian routes and have a growing presence globally. Cosco Shipping Heavy Transport (Americas) is widely recognized as a leader in the semi-submersible market, handling high value heavy cargoes with safe, reliable and fast transports.

Intermarine Americas

intermarine.com

Houston, Texas and New Orleans, Louisiana

Intermarine operates a fleet of specialized vessels designed for project, breakbulk and heavy-lift cargo. A wide range of services are offered including engineering, routing, permitting and insurance. Known for expertise in handling complex project cargo shipments, Intermarine is part of the JSI Alliance, which has offices on every continent.

SAL Heavy Lift

sal-heavylift.com

Hamburg, Germany

Another member of the JSI Alliance, SAL Heavy Lift is a global leader in heavy lift transportation with a fleet of specialized vessels. The variety of services the carrier offers include feasibility studies, route engineering and on-site project management. They are experienced in handling some of the world’s largest and most complex cargoes.

Jumbo Maritime

Jumbomaritime.nl

Schiedam, The Netherlands and Houston, Texas

Our third and final member of the JSI Alliance, Jumbo is known for its innovative approach and use of advanced lifting technologies. Together with SAL, Jumbo operates a versatile fleet of 30 in-house designed heavy lift vessels with lifting capacities ranging from 400 to 3,000 tons. The services of the Jumbo-SAL-Alliance range from transporting large and heavy pieces of equipment requiring maximum lifting capacity and outreach, to smaller, lighter cargoes.

BBC Chartering

bbc-chartering.com

Leer, Germany & Bellaire, Texas

A leading provider of chartering services for project and heavy lift cargo, BBC Chartering has offices around the world, including BBC Houston. They don’t own vessels themselves but act as intermediaries, matching shippers with the most suitable vessels for their specific needs. Their motto is “Any Port. Any Cargo.” And they bill themselves as being fast, flexible and competitively priced.

Boskalis

boskalis.com

Papendrecht, The Netherlands

A global leader with a strong track record in complex projects, Boskalis owns and operates a fleet of heavy lift vessels and have expertise in offshore decommissioning, salvage operations and transporting massive structures. Their variety of projects range from ocean transport of a drilling rig to the subsea installation of an offshore production platform or an offshore wind farm.

United Heavy Lift and United Heavy Transport

unitedheavytransport.de

Hamburg, Germany

United Heavy Transport GmbH focuses on heavy maritime transport solutions, fully integrated maritime project management solutions and consultancy. Operating globally, United Heavy Lift has attuned its fleet expansion and renewal to the prospects of the growing market for eco-friendly breakbulk and heavy lift sea transportation. They are part of United Group, which since its 2015 inception has grown a state-of-the-art fleet to become global leaders in the heavy lift sector. The MV UHL Fresh set sail on her maiden voyage from Tianjin, China, to Europe with project cargo onboard after being officially delivered to the shipping company on Jan. 24.

Ocean Air Network (OAN)

oceanairnetwork.com

Miami, Florida

A Federal Maritime Commission-licensed ocean freight forwarder and a Non-Vessel Ocean Common Carrier (NVOCC) for project cargo, on U.S. outbound and inbound, OAN has service contracts with most of the major carriers to provide very competitive project cargo rates at an optimal service level—to most worldwide destinations.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL)

mol-service.com

Tokyo, Japan

The MOL Group introduced six multi-purpose vessels, the Triumph series, with a total crane capacity of 150 tons (78 tons x 2) in 2013 to address the diversification of project cargo loading sites in Asia and the Middle East, and enable flexible and regular services in waters between the two areas. Two years later came MOL Project & Heavy Cargo (PHC) to cater to the expanding needs for heavy and oversized cargo transportation. PHC offers door-to-door services featuring optimum transportation utilizing a wide variety of vessel types, as well as vanning, coastal and inland transportation, customs clearance and equipment installation.

Seatrans Maritime

sea-trans.net

Bizkaia and Madrid, Spain

Seatrans has the expertise and technical engineering services to manage a project entirely from the beginning until the ending destination. The Spanish company offers a wide variety of tonnages such as heavy lift vessels, multipurpose vessels, gear or gearless, dry cargo vessels, ro-ro vessels, and semi-submersible dock ships, for the worldwide transport of any serious or of any voluminous cargo, including equipment for the oil, gas, windmills, power generation, steel mill, chemical, manufacturing and mining industries.

Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News, Ocean Ports

Innovative Strategy Reduces Cargo Ship Emissions by 17.3%

May 23rd, 2024 Tim Jay Leave a comment

A groundbreaking approach known as the “Blue Visby Solution” has demonstrated significant reductions in cargo ship emissions during its first trials, achieving a 17.3% decrease without any modifications to the ships themselves. This innovative method focuses on smarter speed and timing management to eliminate inefficiencies.

Shipping, while efficient for bulk goods transport, accounts for about 3% of global man-made carbon emissions and is challenging to decarbonize. Traditional solutions like hydrogen, green ammonia, and sail-wings are being explored, but the Blue Visby Solution offers a simpler alternative by changing operational practices.

Typically, cargo ships follow a “sail fast, then wait” (SFTW) approach, racing from port to port and often waiting idly, burning fuel until it’s time to dock. The Blue Visby Solution proposes slowing ships down to arrive just in time, reducing hydrodynamic drag and consequently cutting fuel consumption and emissions.

A study of 3,651 Panamax vessels showed a potential median emission reduction of 23.2%. Another broader study by NAPA involving 150,000 voyages from 13,000 ships in 2019 suggested a 16% reduction by slowing down by an average of just one knot.

Recent trials with two bulk carriers, M/V Gerdt Oldendorff and M/V Begonia, confirmed these projections, recording CO2 reductions of 28.2% and 12.9% respectively. The overall average reduction was 17.3%.

Despite the promising results, shifting from the deeply entrenched SFTW practice presents a significant challenge. The Blue Visby Consortium has addressed this by developing a benefit-sharing mechanism, incentivizing all stakeholders, including ship owners, charterers, and ports, to participate.

Beyond emissions and fuel savings, the solution offers additional benefits such as reduced hull fouling, improved air quality at ports, and lower underwater noise pollution.

As decarbonization technologies evolve, the Blue Visby Solution’s efficiency gains will complement these advancements, making it a crucial element in maritime decarbonization strategies. With continued trials and anticipated commercial deployment, this method holds promise for a more sustainable future in global shipping.

South Carolina Ports Experience Significant Cargo Growth Amid Strategic Expansion Efforts

Applying to Become a Cargo Worker

Checking Compensation for the Crew

Experiencing the Working Conditions

Living on a Water Vessel

Maintaining Gear and Equipment

Navigating the Work Culture

Managing Personal Time

The Truth of Cargo Ship Life

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