In February, Drewry's Global Container Port Throughput Index registered at 109.2 points, marking a 0.8% decline from the previous month but an 8.3% increase compared to February 2023. According to the Japan International Freight Forwarders Association, Inc. (JIFFA), the index is forecasted to have dropped 1.9% to 107.1 points in March but is expected to show a 0.9% improvement year-on-year. Although container liftings saw growth in Greater China, it wasn't sufficient to counterbalance throughput decreases in other regions. Also, Drewry's Container Port Throughput Indices provide calendar-adju ..read more

The Vado Gateway in northern Italy, traditionally known for its expertise in reefer handling, experienced a remarkable 284% year-on-year increase in vehicle import volumes in 2023, followed by a strong performance in early 2024. This surge in activity suggests that the terminal has found a successful strategy to attract roll-on roll-off customers. Benefiting from the post-Covid recovery of the automobile market and a notable uptick in imports of electric vehicles from Asia to Europe, the timing couldn't have been better for the terminal to refocus its efforts on this segment. Santi Casciano ..read more

In light of the positive developments in Cameroon, CMA CGM is discontinuing the Port Congestion Surcharge (PCS) for shipments originating from North America to the port of Kribi. This surcharge, applicable to dry cargo, was US$150 per TEU. Furthermore, taking into account the positive changes in Douala, Cameroon, CMA CGM will also discontinue the Port Congestion Surcharge (PCS) of US$250 per TEU for shipments from North America to Douala. If you liked this post, please consider donating 5€ 10€ 20€ 50€ The post CMA CGM announces Cameroon congestion surcharge expiration appeared first on ..read more

According to the latest Valenciaport Statistical Bulletin, in March, the docks at Valenciaport handled nearly 7 million tonnes of cargo, marking a growth of 3.84%. Specifically in terms of containers, the Spanish port handled 459,749 TEUs, representing a significant increase of 15.86%. Year-to-date figures show a total of 19.2 million tonnes handled, reflecting a growth of 5.41%. Container traffic reached 1,243,844 TEUs, showing a notable increase of 12.07%. In March alone, the Port of València welcomed 83,902 individuals, including 56,970 passengers on regular lines with the Balearic Islands ..read more

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has refused to comment on claims by the World Shipping Council (WSC) that its interpretive rule on detention and demurrage (D&D) charges is contradictory. On 18 April, the WSC filed a petition with the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit seeking to have the FMC correct what it said is “an internal contradiction in its new rule on detention and demurrage.” The WSC wanted to alter the wording of the rule that defined the “billed party” to include trucking companies that control containers to account for situations where v ..read more

The tussle between the eldest and youngest sons of the Evergreen group’s late founder, Chang Yung-fa, intensified on 22 April, after the eldest son, Chang Kuo-hua, was accused of reaping an illicit profit of nearly US$64 million, allegedly through insider trading of Evergreen Marine Corporation’s shares. Accused with Chang Kuo-hua is another EMC director, Ko Li-ching. Ejected Evergreen scion speaks out as minor shareholders mull punitive action The accuser, lawyer Lin Wen-peng, one of EMC’s minor shareholders, filed his complaint with the Taipei District Prosecutor’s Office. Lin is un ..read more

Grimaldi Shipping Agency Shanghai celebrated the inauguration of its new offices on 18 April. Among the distinguished guests was group managing director Diego Pacella, along with Amelia Grimaldi and Euromed & Far East/Europe Line manager Luigi Pacella Grimaldi. Situated in Sinar Mas Plaza, the tallest skyscraper in the Old City, the new Grimaldi Shanghai offices offer panoramic views of the Bund and Pudong, iconic symbols of China's economic hub. Established last year, the agency is led by general manager Francesco Zhou and currently comprises a team of 15 professionals. Its primary objec ..read more

Baltimore City Council is seeking compensation from the owner and manager of the container ship Dali over the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. In papers submitted to the US federal courts on 22 April, Mayor Brandon Scott and city officials have accused Singapore-based tonnage provider Grace Ocean and ship manager Synergy Marine of negligence. The plaintiffs alleged that Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine were careless, negligent and reckless, and asserted the 10,000 TEU Dali, which was assigned to Maersk Line’s Asia-US East Coast service, was not seaworthy when the vessel hit the bridge on 26 M ..read more

German port and terminal operator Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) acquired a majority share in Roland Spedition, one of the largest owner-led container operators for hinterland transport in Austria. HHLA will acquire 51% of the shares, while the remaining 49% will remain in the hands of both co-shareholders Christian Gutjahr and Nikolaus Hirnschall, who will continue to manage the business. Roland Spedition was founded in 1982 as a joint venture by Austrian logistics specialist Heinz Gutjahr and Bremen-based Roland Spedition and has established itself in the market as a neutral and rel ..read more

Yang Ming has announced the upcoming implementation of a revamp service set-up for its Far East - East Coast of South America (FE-ECSA) network. The Taiwanese box line has decided to enhance the existing SA3 service and launch a new service, namely SA5, effective from early May. With the addition of the SA5 service, Yang Ming aims to strengthen its existing service network and provide customers with a more comprehensive delivery service across FE-ECSA markets. SA3 service Shanghai (China) – Ningbo (China) – Yantian (China) – Hong Kong – Singapore – Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) – Santos (Brazil ..read more