These days, there are so many events happening in the world of shipping, logistics, and the supply chain. It’s easy to miss the many developments that are affecting the industry landscape. Here at More Than Shipping, it’s our goal to keep you informed and knowledgable about these various developments. Take a look at our latest update on what you should know in shipping this week. 1. Maersk to decide on Baltimore plans over a month after bridge collapse Over a month after the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore Harbor collapsed following the collision of a container ship into the bridge, Maer ..read more

I started my carrier in a foreign trade company 18 years ago. This was the year I was introduced to commercial documents, bills of lading, insurance, letter of credits, and a variety of other documents. I used to prepare most of the documents except for bills of lading. I used to work with freight forwarders, ocean carriers, and NVOCCs (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers). After five years experience at my first company, I started to work for an NVOCC. While being a customer of an NVOCC, I transitioned to become the provider of this service on the other side. Long story short, I had the chan ..read more

Across all industries, women are stepping into leadership roles previously only held by men. In the world of supply chains, an increase in the percentage of women participating in managerial processes is driving institutional change of the male-dominated status quo. This shift promises a more inclusive and dynamic working and leadership environment for future generations. What is the history of women in the supply chain industry? Women have significantly impacted supply-chain-related duties as far back as the 1940s with women in the workforce making military equipment, goods, etc. during World ..read more

Amidst escalating tensions in the Red Sea, another Houthi missile strike has targeted a bulk vessel. The rebels boasted of the attack’s precision, claiming to have hit the vessel, Cyclades. According to U.S. Central Command, three missiles and three UAVs were launched at the ship. U.K. Maritime & Trade Operations relayed a statement from a Company Security Officer confirming damage to the vessel but assuring the safety of its crew, who are proceeding to their next port of call. Economic Impact The ongoing Houthi assaults in the Red Sea have triggered a significant global crisis, leading to ..read more

In a recent call, a top Biden Administration cybersecurity official pushed the country’s ports to encrypt their data amid recent threats. The U.S. government further urged ports to quickly address vulnerabilities in critical systems and educate staff to protect against cyber attacks. Recently, hacks against major U.S. infrastructure escalated. On the call, Anne Neuberger, Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology, referenced President Biden’s signing of an executive order in February to boost cybersecurity at U.S. ports. The port system is the primary point of entry fo ..read more

A massive port is under construction in the city of Chancay, located close to Lima, the capital of Peru. The port aims to enhance South America’s trade potential and meet the vast population needs of China. Construction of the Chancay Port Terminal began in 2019 and is targeted for completion by the end of 2024. Once finished, the terminal, equipped with four docks, will have an annual handling capacity of 1 million TEUs, transforming it into a significant transportation and logistics hub for South America. Who’s behind the project? Behind this significant project is COSCO, a Chinese state-own ..read more

During the most severe drought period in the history of the Panama Canal, we are watching the weather forecast closely. Even if rains are higher-than-expected in May, the water level in the canal is at its lowest level in recent years and there is the potential for disruptions to continue. Higher rainfall could mean some relief soon though. The decrease in the water level of the canal can be attributed to the decrease in rainfall in Panama, and the area surrounding the canal is currently witnessing one of the two driest years on record in Panama, according to the Panama Canal Authority. It is ..read more

The latest incident in the long-running Middle East crisis occurred this past weekend and involved major shipper MSC and threatens to escalate shipping issues. Iran’s foreign ministry stated on Monday that they seized the MSC Aries, a Portuguese-flagged container ship, on April 13th for breaking maritime laws. They also claimed the vessel was linked to Israel. MSC, a significant and global leading shipping company, reported on Saturday that the MSC Aries, registered in Portugal, was boarded by Iranian authorities via helicopter while traversing the Strait of Hormuz. Iran says the incident was ..read more

In Transpacific Eastbound traffic, we are experiencing an unusual period. Traditionally, up until now, rates for the next contract season, which usually runs from May to May, would have been finalized with a hard stop by the end of April or mid-May. This means you wouldn’t be able to negotiate a contract after this date. Of course, each contract is different but usually, this has been the norm for the greater population. This changed as soon as the Covid-driven shipping surge was over. Then the tables turned, and the importers who have regular cargo shipments had the upper hand. This year, oce ..read more

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has begun an investigation probing the container vessel Dali that crashed into Baltmore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge last month, according to multiple media outlets. The investigation, which is already underway, has now seen FBI investigators boarding the Dali, with dozens of investigators boarding the ship today alone. Multiple teams were present with several small boats pulling up alongside the massive ship. What exactly is the FBI investigating regarding the Baltimore bridge incident? As with any federal investigation, details are tightly kept un ..read more