February 2020

Shipping lines cancel China sailings as Turkey closes borders

The corona virus has led to about 105 cancelled sailings from Asia to Europe and North America reports the European Shippers Association, quoting a report by the Evofenedex shippers’ association in the Netherlands. The shipping industry is set to lose around $ 1 billion as a result. Capacity dropped by 20-40% in the period 20 January to 10 February 2020 compared to the same period last year, according to figures from ... [+]

Maersk signs carbon-cutting finance deal

AP Moller - Maersk has secured a new five-year $5bn credit facility through a syndicate of 26 selected banks, linked to its CO2 performance. The credit margin will be adjusted based on Maersk’s progress in meeting its target of reducing CO2 emissions per cargo moved by 60% by 2030. It ... [+]

First sailing for Brittany’s new Rosslare-Bilbao route

Brittany Ferries’ vessel Kerry embarked on the inaugural sailing from Rosslare to Bilbao on 28 February. The line said that the new route had been welcomed by hauliers given the port’s proximity to Dublin and the east coast road network while those operating on the European mainland have welcomed the move ... [+]

Shoreham has a solution

Shoreham Port has launched Shoreham Port Solutions, a new subsidiary company to provide resources, training and expertise across its estate. The new company will  support the Port Skills & Safety Sector Plan in order to raise safety standards.  It is looking to grow its workforce and is employing flexible workers ... [+]

ECS to handle Etihad sales

Etihad Cargo has selected general sales and support services group ECS Group to handle sales activities in multiple-territories including the UK, US, Germany, Netherlands, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia from 1 April. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier has entered into Cargo Service Provider agreements with ECS Group’s subsidiary company Globe Air to ... [+]

Ports call for help to fight corona virus

The British Ports Association (BPA) has written to the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, asking for more support for port health authorities to prevent a spread of the corona virus. Chief executive Richard Ballantyne asked the government to find additional resources to prepare for any emergency controls that need to be implemented. ... [+]

IAG revenue falls in a tough market

IAG Cargo reported a 7.2% fall revenues to €1,117m over in 2019 in what chief executive Lynne Embleton described as a tough year for the industry. She said: “The decline in our reported revenues for 2019 reflects these challenging macroeconomic and market conditions.” However: “The strength of our network and ... [+]

Virus clouds DHL financial outlook

Deutsche Post DHL Group said that it had achieved record earnings in 2019 but that its 2020 earnings guidance of €5bn is, as of now, excluding any effect induced by the Coronavirus. Chief executive Frank Appel said: “It is currently hard to judge how strong the impact will be.” In recent weeks, ... [+]

Defence experts test the water on freight screening

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is scoping for an innovation competition exploring novel solutions to screen ro ro and containerised freight entering the UK. DASA is looking for solutions that will detect and identify multiple types of illicit content and improve the burden on operators, whilst aiding the flow of ... [+]

Aussie rules for EU-UK trade?

The Government warned that it could adopt an Australian-style relationship with the EU in its approach to the EU trade negotiations, published on 27 February. It said that while it will work hard to agree a Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), “if it is not possible to negotiate a satisfactory outcome, ... [+]