Upcoming Port Closings
April 2, 2012
The Port Authority of NY & NJ has notified us that April 6, Good Friday, is an ILA holiday and all the terminals at the port will be closed. However, the SeaLink Office will be open.
Also, the Truck Replacement Center will be open Monday, April 2 and Wednesday, April 4, and will be closed Friday, April 6. Please be advised that beginning April 2, the TRC will have new hours of operation, 9AM to 5PM. Commencing April 9, it will resume its Monday and Friday schedule.
Customer Advisory
April 2, 2012
Maersk advises us that the following USWC terminals will be closed for "Cesar Chavez Day", April 2, 2012:
Journal of Commerce's Annual Review & Outlook
January 30, 2012
We’re proud to say that WSSA’s Managing Director, Geoff Giovanetti, has been asked once again to comment in the Journal of Commerce’s Annual Review and Outlook edition. Comments were received from over 150 key people from ocean carriers, forwarders port authorities, railroads, customs brokers, and importer/exporter groups like WSSA, and were published on January 9.
Generally, commenters were cautiously optimistic about growth for 2012. But many, including Geoff, feared that carriers will face major financial problems if volumes and revenues don’t appreciably increase.
Please click here to view the article.
Italy Closed this week, due to Trucking Strike
January 26, 2012
Shipments from Italy have been paralyzed since Monday of this week because of a national truckers’ union strike. Most roads and all ports have been severely affected. The announced end to the strike is Saturday, January 28, although there has been no further confirmation of this. Even with an end to the strike on Saturday, there will be substantial delays in the following weeks due to current congestion and backlogs.
The ports of Naples, Leghorn, La Spezia, and Genoa are not operating at all. Albatrans reports that all shipments booked for sailing this week have been rolled to vessels sailing either next week or the following week. Albatrans has and will provide status information for specific shipments which have been affected.
Third Strike Notice for the New Zealand Port of Auckland
December 7, 2011
Click here for a Media Release regarding strikes at the Port of Auckland.
The New Zealand Port of Auckland has received a third strike notice, for two 24 hour periods: from 10:30 pm on Thursday, December 22, until 10:30 pm Friday, December 23; and from 10:30 pm Saturday, December 24, until 10:30 pm Sunday, December 25.
This follows prior strikes on Dec 1-5 and Dec 8-12. Shipments scheduled for those dates have been re-routed to sail via Tauranga, which is not affected by the Auckland strikes. We have no reports of congestion at Metroport or Tauranga, but you should expect some delays. Albatrans will keep you advised of the status of specific shipments which might be affected.
Upcoming Port Closings
November 18, 2011
Although the following report is from the Port of NY/NJ, it will likely be the same for all other US ports:
Thursday, November 24, is Thanksgiving. All terminals at the Port of New York and New Jersey will be closed and will reopen on Friday, November 25, with regular operating hours. Please consult with the terminals or check their websites for additional information. We do anticipate high cargo volumes on Friday, so please plan accordingly.
Kindly note the SeaLink office will be closed on Thursday, November 24, and Friday, November 25. The TRC will be open Monday, November 21 and Wednesday, November 23, 9 am - 2 pm.
Strike at Barcelona Port Canceled
November 10, 2011
We have just been notified that the strike at Barcelona port has been canceled. All operations will resume as normal. We will keep you posted with any updates.
Port of NY & NJ Terminal Updates
November 4, 2011
Please note the following information regarding terminal closings for the upcoming Election Day & Veterans Day, courtesy of the Port of NY & NJ:
"Tuesday, November 8, is Election Day, an ILA holiday. Please be advised that Global Terminal and Port Newark Container Terminal (PNCT) will be open as well as the SeaLink office. All other terminals in the port are closed. For Global and PNCT's hours of operation, please check the terminals websites.
November 11, Veteran's Day, is also an ILA holiday. At present, the terminals are scheduled to be closed including the SeaLink office. If there are any changes to their schedule, we will inform you."
Labor Disruptions at Australian Ports --
November 1, 2011
Our partners at OOCL Australia report the following “industrial actions,” which means work stoppages, at Australian ports. Expect possible delays due to backlogs created by these stoppages, and Albatrans will advise you whether any of your pending shipments will be delayed:
Customer Advisory
DP World Terminal Industrial Action
Brisbane, Fremantle, Melbourne, and Sydney
OOCL wishes to update customers of industrial actions being notified by the MUA (Maritime Union of Australia) to take place at DPW Terminals as per below listed:
Fremantle – from 06:00 am Friday October 28 to 06:00 am Saturday October 29
and from 06:00 am Monday October 31 to 06:00 am Tuesday November 01
Brisbane -- from 07:00 am Wednesday November 02 to 07:00 am Thursday November 03
Sydney – from 22:30 pm Friday November 04 until 22:30 pm Saturday November 05 - New!
Melbourne – from 06:30 am Sunday November 06 until 06:30am Monday November 07 - New!
We expect that this latest advice of Industrial Action will have a significant impact on vessel scheduling.
Italian Trucker Strike Subsides
October 26, 2011
The striking truckers and the Italian government sat down together yesterday, which resulted in the removal of pickets at the ports of Genoa and La Spezia. Although there will still be congestion—La Spezia came under heavy rainfall and flooding yesterday—it looks like there will be labor calm for the time being. No other ports were affected by the strike action.
Italian Port Strike
October 24, 2011
The Italian ports of Genoa and La Spezia are shut down, beginning Monday, October 24. There was an indication last week that a rumored national truckers' strike for next week had been called off, so it is not clear who is behind today's actions.
Albatrans Italy advises us that this unexpected truckers' strike began today by blocking access to the terminals at La Spezia and Genoa. This strike is expected to last at least all of this week. As of today, Leghorn, Naples and the other Italian ports were not affected, but things like this have a way of spreading.
There will be a number of shipments delayed because of this situation, and Albatrans NY will advise the status of delayed shipments to members who are affected. If Leghorn remains open, some La Spezia shipments may be re-routed via that port.
We will publish status reports just as soon as we receive them.
Upcoming Port Closings
August 30, 2011
Please note that Monday, September 5, is Labor Day. All terminals at the Port of NY & NJ, including the SeaLink Office and Truck Replacement Program Center, will be closed. Have a nice holiday!
Hurricane Irene Update
August 29, 2011
It looks like most Atlantic ports have resumed operations today, per the latest update today from Maersk Line:
Hurricane Irene Update – 4
Dear Valued Customer,
Please find below the latest vessel and terminal updates post-Hurricane Irene.
Current terminal conditions:
• Miami, Jacksonville, Savannah, and Charleston - All clear. Business as usual.
• Wilmington – Terminal is scheduled to open for business at 0800 Monday, August 29.
• Norfolk - Terminal is scheduled to open at 0600 Monday, August 29.
• Baltimore - Remains in condition “Yankee”. Expectation is that river transit will be cleared by 0800 on Monday, August 29 after channel inspection.
• Philadelphia - Remains in condition “Zulu”. Previous announcements stated gates would be closed on Monday, August 29. Expectation is that river transit will be cleared by 0800 on Monday, August 29 after channel inspection.
• Newark - Remains in condition “Whiskey”. First vessel operations are scheduled for 1900 on Monday, August 29. APM Terminals website states that gates will be open at 0800.
PierPass Fees Increase on Monday, August 1
July 29, 2011
"PierPass reminds exporters and importers through the Ports of LA and Long Beach that the Traffic Mitigation Fee (TMF) charged for transiting the terminal gates during the daytime hours, will increase to $60 per twenty foot container (from the current $50) -- this coming Monday, August 1. The price of a forty foot (or larger) container will increase to $120 from the current $100."
Special thanks to AgTC for providing this news update!
Football Kicks Wine Transportation Offsides
July 6, 2011
Please note: due to the Copa America 2011 soccer championship (July 1-24), there is congestion in the transportation of South American wine. Orders can still be processed, but there will probably be delays with some of the cargoes from Argentina. We will continue to inform you of any changes.
Lacey Act Comments Appreciated
June 30, 2011
“Shippers’ NewsWire” advises WSSA that the US Department of Agriculture is seeking public comments regarding proposed changes to its administration of the Lacey Act. This Act deals with plants/plant products, but has been interpreted as applicable to materials used for packaging, pallets, and other plant-based material ancillary to beverage imports.
If you or your Customs House Broker would like to submit comments, they should be submitted by August 29, 2011.
Terminal Update - Port of NY and NJ
June 28, 2011
Monday, July 4, is Independence Day. Please be advised that all marine terminals at the Port of New York and New Jersey will be closed. The SeaLink office and the Truck Replacement center will also be closed in observance of the U. S. federal holiday.
Port Newark Container Terminal has announced that it will extend gate hours to 1900, July 5 - 8.
Canadian Mail Service Halted
June 20, 2011
Please note the following message we received from BidStart.com:
We would like to take a brief moment of your time, to address a situation which is affecting many of our members. If you are not already aware, currently general mail service in Canada has been halted. The reason for this is due to a labor dispute between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers.
All Canadian mail processing plants and letter carrier depots are closed. The majority of post offices have also been closed, and no new mail can be accepted in Canada. At this time, the United States, as well as many other countries around the world, have also stopped accepting new mail destined for Canada.
However, we are hopeful that this matter will be resolved during the upcoming week. The Canadian government has indicated that they aim to pass legislation to end the strike and lockout, and compel the two parties to resolve the matter through an arbitrated settlement.
We also received a note from American Shipper regarding this issue:
USPS stops accepting mail bound for Canada
A labor dispute between Canada Post and its workers has compelled the U.S. Postal Service to stop accepting mail bound for Canada until at least sometime this week.
Canada Post workers began rotating strikes in early June to protest stalled contract negotiations before the state-owned postal service locked out all employees June 15. The USPS said it will resume accepting mail destined for Canada, and process any such mail it already holds, as soon as Canada Post resumes operations.
The USPS will still deliver packages to Canada sent through its Global Express Guaranteed Service, which is delivered by FedEx in Canada, the USPS said.
Package delivery company UPS said it could pick up some of the slack in its Canada network, but is limiting existing customers to a 10 percent increase in their normal daily volumes to Canada so as not to degrade its regular service levels.
The carrier also said deliveries to remote areas of Canada, which Canada Post handles for courier companies, will be suspended for the duration of the strike.
Update on Strike in Iquique, Chile
June 17, 2011
Please note that the strike in Iquique, Chile has come to an end. We will continue to update the site if any changes do occur.
Strike in Iquique, Chile
June 16, 2011
The Union workers at the port of Iquique, Chile have declared a strike that will continue indefinitely. Due to this issue, the terminal is not operating. Iquique is not a critical port for Chilean wine shipments, but we are closely watching developments which might likewise affect San Antonio and/or Valparaiso. We will continue to post any updates as we are informed.
Christchurch Earthquake Update
June 14, 2011
Christchurch has suffered more earthquakes and as a result, Lyttleton port is closed for all cargo operations. We will continue to inform you with updates once they are announced.
US Gulf – South America East Coast Loop 1 (GS1) Service Advisory
June 7, 2011
Please review this Hapag-Lloyd service advisory regarding the elevated levels of the Mississippi River and its effect on transit.
Port Closings
May 24, 2011
Please note that the Port of NY & NJ will be closed on Monday, May 30th in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. We suspect most other US ports will be closed as well and will keep you updated with any news.
Strikes at Algeciras Called Off
April 11, 2011
Please note the strikes at Algeciras port mentioned below have been called off and the port is resuming to work normally. Thanks.
Strike at Algeciras Port
April 8, 2011
Please note the announced strike at Algeciras port starting today and continuing for the following dates of April 2011: 8, 13, 15, 25, 27 - 29. Carriers that are serving out of Algeciras are Maersk, Hapag Lloyd, and UASC. Please expect difficulty in accommodating all loadings for those days. Also, please note that this strike could cause some disruption for shipments from Fos. We will keep you posted on any updates of this strike once we are informed.
Labor Disruption Closes Oakland Terminal
April 4, 2011
Thank you, Devine Intermodal, for providing the below list of terminals that are open or closed as of right now:
SSA Closed - Not serving China Shipping, CMA-CGM COSCO, Evergreen, Hanjin, Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk, NYK, OOCL, US Line, Yang Ming, and Zim.
APL Scheduled Closure - Not serving APL, Evergreen, Hyundai and Mitsui.
Total Open After a Slow Start - Serving Hanjin, K-Line Maersk, MSC, Safmarine, Wan Hai and Yang Ming.
7th Street Open - Serving China Shipping and Evergreen.
Ports of America Open - Serving APL, CCNI, COSCO. CSAV, Evergreen, Hamburg-Sud, Hanjin, Hapag-Lloyd, Horizon, Hyundai, K-Line, Maersk, Mitsui MSC, Polynesia, and Yang Ming.
TraPac Open - Serving APL, CMA-CGM, Hyundai and Mitsui.
Christchurch Earthquake Update
February 24, 2011
Please note the following information we have received from Maersk Line regarding the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquake:
Port of Lyttelton
The port and city depot are closed.
South Island Roads
The access road to the Lyttelton port is still closed. More updates to follow.
South Island Rail
- Rail North of Christchurch: Lines expected to open today from Picton down to Middelton in Christchurch.
- Rail South of Christchurch: Lines are open from Middelton to all locations south of Christchurch.
- Delays to rail transit times and equipment supply shortages can be expected over the next few days.
- Services will be restricted to operating in daylight hours to allow the rail staff to be with their families at night. Operating hours for the container terminal is 0700-1900 hrs.
- Please note that the Kiwirail South Island Customer Service Center continues to be shut until further notice. Emails sent to southbookings@kiwirail.co.nz will be responded to by staff from the North Island Customer Service Center.
We will continue to update once we are informed.
Lyttelton Port Operational Status
February 23, 2011
Please review this notice which is the latest communication from Lyttelton Port's CEO regarding the port's operational status following the earthquake that struck Christchurch on February 22, 2011.
2011 Review & Outlook
February 9, 2011
The Journal of Commerce recently released their 2011 “Review and Outlook” edition. This edition had 195 pages of opinions by ocean carrier executives, port officials, labor groups, rail spokespeople, other transportation groups, and a few selected shippers’ groups.
WSSA’s Managing Director, Geoffrey Giovanetti, was featured in this edition’s “Executive Commentary”. You can read this article here.
France Strike Update
February 10, 2011
The work stoppages at Le Havre and Fos scheduled from Friday, February 11, 2011 until the beginning of next week have been cancelled. We will continue to inform you of any updates and expectations for next week as soon as we are notified.
February 9, 2011
Fos:
For GPMM:
-Strike on Saturday, February 12, 2011 from 06H00 till 03H00 (No Land and Marine ops).
-Strike on Monday, February 14, 2011 from 06H00 till 03H00 (No Marine ops).
For Dockers:
-Strike on Friday, February 11, 2011 from 06H00 till 03H00 (No Land and Marine ops).
-Strike on Sunday, February 13, 2011 from 06H00 till 03H00 (No Land and Marine ops).
Received today from Le Havre port:
Quote
In continuation of the national action launched about collective agreement and “hard jobs” issue within the framework of the port reform, the FNPD CGT Union has informed us of a work stoppage as from Friday, February 11th, until Tuesday, February 15th, (alternating between dock workers and port CGT personnel), and the night from Tuesday evening until Wednesday morning, according to the following :
Considering the overall period,
* Maneuvering of mobile structures will be provided:
-from Saturday morning to Sunday morning,
-from Monday morning to Tuesday evening, 7.00 p.m.,
-as from Wednesday morning, 7.00 a.m.
* Cargo-handling in terminals (except alongside the quay) will be provided:
-from Friday morning to Saturday morning,
-from Sunday morning to Monday morning,
-Tuesday until 9.00 p.m.,
-and from Wednesday morning, 6.00 a.m.
Despite this announcement, negotiations are not interrupted.
We will keep you informed of any change in the situation.
Unquote
February 2, 2011
Please reference below for detailed information regarding strike situations at the French ports:
Le Havre:
Maersk: They have suspended direct service from Le Havre and are using the feeder system for evacuating containers. Now charges fees on Maersk terminal.
Hapag-Lloyd: Not accepting bookings from Le Havre.
YML: No departures from Le Havre. They are using the feeder system to remove containers at the terminal and are no longer accepting bookings.
OOCL: Yes, they are accepting all bookings at all destinations.
CMA: Co-loads on Maersk ships; no shipping before March 5, 2011.
MSC: Yes, accepting bookings.
MOL: Will co-load with Maersk.
Fos:
*Situation unchanged since last week.
Zim Lines: OK, but 19 days delay.
Maersk: Using the feeder system; however, significant congestion is causing delays of 12 days or more.
Hapag-Lloyd: Not calling Fos until further notice.
UASC: Yes, accepting bookings, but are 7-10 days late.
MSC: Yes, accepting bookings.
Strike reports for Le Havre:
For GPMM (staff port tml, except dockers):
-Work stoppage 10H / 20H; Removed night shift on Thursday, February 3, 2011
-24-hour strike Saturday, February 5, 2011 (Saturday-Sunday 6 H 00 6 H 00)
-24-hour strike Monday, February 7, 2011 (Monday to Tuesday, 6 H 00 6 H 00)
-One hour work stoppage from 00 to 6 5 H: 00 Everyday
For Dockers:
-Work stoppage 10H / 20H; Removed night shift on Thursday, February 3, 2011
-24-hour strike Friday, February 4, 2011 (Friday-Saturday 6 H 00 6 H 00)
-24-hour strike Sunday, February 6, 2011 (Sunday to Monday, 6 H 00 6 H 00)
-One hour work stoppage 21 H 00-22 H 00 All day
Strike reports for Fos:
For GPMM (staff port tml, except dockers):
-Strike on Saturday, February 5, 2011 from 06H00 till 03H00 (No Land and Marine ops).
-Strike on Monday, February 7, 2011 from 06H00 till 03H00 (No Marine ops).
For Dockers:
-Strike on Tuesday night, February 1, 2011 from 20H00 till 03H00 (No Marine ops).
-Strike on Friday, February 4, 2011 from 06H00 till 03H00 (No Land and Marine ops).
-Fos TML Seayard will be closed Friday, February 4, 2011.
-Strike on Sunday, February 6, 2011 from 06H00 till 03H00 (No Land and Marine ops).
Eurofos informed “work” will resume on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 by 06H00.
We will continue to update with the status of the strikes once we have been notified. Thanks!
Hapag-Lloyd Chassis Announcement
February 1, 2011
Hapag-Lloyd has announced a change in their USA chassis program. This revision, effective April 1, 2011, will gradually stop providing chassis for Merchant Haulage (MH) shipments. Please reference the below customer letter and FAQs for more details.
Customer Letter – Chassis Announcement
Customer Letter – Chassis FAQs
French Ports - Strike Status
January 28, 2011
FYI: The strikes on the French Ports will continue from January 28th to January 31st.
We have not received official strike information yet, but most vessels are delayed or cancelled due to the strikes coming up this weekend.
We will continue to inform you of the status once we are notified.
NY/NJ Port Authority takes a look back at 2010
January 24, 2011
Looking back, business in 2010 turned out to be unexpectedly robust. Here at the Port Authority, we remain cautiously optimistic for 2011. However, as competition for business all along the supply chain has increased, cost savings and efficiency improvements are at the forefront of everyone's mind. Fortunately, over the past decade we have invested more than $2 billion in the port to help us meet these challenges by reducing the cost of doing business at the Port of NY & NJ.
You have asked us what we are doing to keep the engines of Port Commerce tuned-up, oiled, and fully fueled. One of the answers is intermodal rail — a network of cutting-edge rail facilities that provide cost savings and reduced congestion to all the port's customers. Our recent investments in the ExpressRail System not only add value by reducing costs and congestion but also by reducing the environmental footprint of the port.
Our recent investment in the ExpressRail Corbin Street rail yard created an unprecedented 78,000 linear feet of track. This will allow us to put more trains into service simultaneously, reducing shipping costs as well as the region's carbon footprint. And the sheer size of our Corbin Street operation leaves room to satisfy capacity demands well into the future.
Consider, too, our new roadway projects. We are committed to invest over $90 million to modernize and improve the network of roads that service Port Newark and the Elizabeth-Port Authority Marine Terminal. The North Cargo Area and Port Street Improvement Program will both widen and realign Port Street and Brewster Road, including each thoroughfare's connecting ramps and intersections, to a point where safety, ease of use, and efficiency levels stay productive well into the future. We are improving the McLester Street curve at the south end of the Elizabeth-Port Authority Marine Terminal, and will start on a project to widen further sections of McLester Street this year. In addition, working with the New York City Economic Development Corporation, improvements will be made to the network of roads servicing New York Container Terminal to improve the flow of traffic on Forest Avenue.
The agency's recent purchase of the former Military Ocean Terminal at Bayonne (MOTBY) places 130 acres of vital, dwindling waterfront space under public stewardship. Combine this with our acquisition of the 98-acre Global Terminal on the Port Jersey peninsula, which will be expanded by an additional 70 acres from the former North East Auto Terminal, and you see the agency's clear commitment to the commerce, jobs, people, and future of our port.
And of course, our recent pledge of $1 billion to raise the iconic Bayonne Bridge will allow for unhindered passage of larger container vessels to our container terminal facilities west of the Bridge. The alternative that was selected to raise the roadway in the present bridge structure as compared with others reviewed to replace the bridge, is the most cost effective, and has the fewest environmental and neighborhood impacts -- a victory for the port and its neighboring communities.
Finally, our new Marine Terminal Tariff creates a much-needed fund for critical future capital improvements. Money generated by the modest Cargo Facility Charge will be used to continue to improve and modernize port infrastructure, creating an investment in our port's future, and therefore an investment in each of us.
Despite unforeseen challenges, our commitment to increase capacity and provide for modern and efficient port infrastructure has never wavered: plan wisely, spend thoughtfully, and excel today while planning for an even brighter tomorrow.
Special Thanks to the NY/NJ Port Authority for providing us with this information!
NY/NJ Terminal Closings
January 11, 2011
Due to the inclement weather, the following terminals will be closed on January 12, 2011:
- APM Terminals
- Maher Terminal
- PNCT Terminal
We will continue to keep you posted on any other delays or closings once we are informed.
Strike Status - French Ports
January 11, 2011
Le Havre:
- Wed. Jan. 12th & Thurs. Jan. 13th: Total work stoppage. No operations possible.
- Fri. Jan. 14th: Crane-drivers will be on strike but the dock-workers won't be; containers can be
trucked to the terminals but will not be loaded onto the vessels.
- Sat. Jan. 15th & Sun. Jan. 16th: Total work stoppage. No operations possible.
Fos:
- Wed. Jan. 12th & Thurs. Jan 13th: Total work stoppage. No operations possible.
- Fri. Jan. 14th: Crane-drivers will be on strike but the dock-workers won't be; containers can be
trucked to the terminals but will not be loaded onto the vessels.
- Sat. Jan. 15th & Sun. Jan. 16th: Total work stoppage. No operations possible.
January 7, 2011
Shipping lines prepare for more disruption at French ports
Le Havre:
- Monday, January 10th at 10PM to Tuesday, January 11th at 6AM
- Friday, January 14th at 10PM to Monday, January 17th at 6AM
- every day: One hour work stoppage from 5AM to 6AM and 9PM to 10PM
Fos:
- January 8th and 9th - No work
- January 10th - Trade unions, port management and government representatives will meet to negotiate
*After the meeting on the 10th, we will know more information about the strike and if it will be continuing.
January 6, 2011 - Please note that Hapag Lloyd is not accepting any booking in Fos.
January 4, 2011
Hapag Lloyd's French Ports Situation - Update
Port workers at French ports have decided to resume their strike actions as follows:
FOS:
- January 04 / 20:00 until January 05 / 06:00
- January 07 / 20:00 until January 08 / 06:00
- One hour stoppage at the end of each shift starting January 03 / Noon
Hapag Lloyd's Port of Fos - Strike Update 1
LE HAVRE:
- January 07 / 22:00 until January 10 / 06:00
- One hour stoppage between 5:00 to 6:00 and 13:00 to 14:00 each day
Hapag Lloyd's Port of Le Havre -Strike Update 1
We will continue to update our news page as soon as we are informed.
Port of New York and New Jersey will raise Bayonne Bridge
January 5, 2011
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has made a landmark decision to raise the Bayonne Bridge to allow larger vessels to transit the river.
Weather Updates in Europe
December 17, 2010
Italy: Leghorn terminal has suspended all activities; there are many difficulties related to truck transportation in the Northern/Central part of Italy. We will keep you posted if any shipments are affected by this situation.
France: Snow in Northeast France has caused some shipments to be delayed. We will keep you informed on each PO that is concerned.
National Strike in Italy
December 16, 2010
Please note that there is a National Strike scheduled for Monday and Tuesday December 20th and 21st in Italy.
Any updates on the status of this strike will be available next Monday only.
We will keep you informed on any updates regarding this issue once we have been notified.
Confirmed Cancellations Due to Weather Conditions:
December 10, 2010
MAERSK/APL:
APL EGYPT eta 13.12.10 has been canceled at Le Havre after bad weather conditions in Felixstowe, Rotterdam ports. The bkgs exports are deferred on the next ship MOL ENDOWMENT eta 18.12.10
HAPAG:
LEVERKUSSEN EXPRESS v. 99W50 canceled its call in Rotterdam
Containers will be deferred on the M/S ROTTERDAM EXPRESS v. 70W51 eta Rotterdam 29.12; eta Oakland 23.01
We will continue to keep you updated on current weather conditions once we are informed.
France Weather Update
December 1, 2010
Please review the following information regarding weather conditions in France and it's affect at terminals:
Lyon: Snow level (20cm); main rail operator is not able to receive any train or handle containers.
There is no snow in Burgundy, Bordeaux, Le Havre and Fos as of now.
*Please take into consideration that temperatures are below zero and therefore, when shipping wine, the use of a thermal blanket or reefer container is recommended.
French Strike Updates
October 29, 2010
Please review this Hapag-Lloyd update regarding strikes at Le Havre, as well as this update regarding Fos.
Strike update - Port of Fos
October 26, 2010
Please review this update received from Hapag-Lloyd regarding the strike situation at Fos.
Current strike status:
Le Havre: Doors blocked Oct. 21- reopening in afternoon; Oct. 22 - strikes again blocking main terminal entries
Fos: Permanent strike by dock workers two hours per day
Barcelona: Independent truckers called off strike Oct. 21; port activity will resume to normal
*Please note this Hapag-Lloyd update we received Oct. 21 regarding the current vessel status at Port of LeHavre.
*Please note this Hapag-Lloyd update we received Oct. 21 regarding the current strike status at Port of Fos.
Strike at Barcelona port
October 18, 2010
Independent truckers have started to strike at Barcelona port. They have blocked all port entries, forcing the trucking companies to stop all loading and unloading at terminals.
*Please note - Tarragona Port is working normally.
Vessel situation at the port of Fos
October 15, 2010
Please review this alert from Hapag-Lloyd regarding the current strike situation at the port of Fos.
France Strike Update:
October 15, 2010
Le Havre Port: No possibility in/out. Consequences on current shipments cannot be evaluated.
Fos Port: Will be closed Sat., Oct. 16; next strike is announced for Tues., Oct. 19.
French Unions Set Oct. 19 Strike, Extend Impasse Over Pensions
October 14, 2010
French workers and students have joined forces to protest against President Sarkozy's bill to raise the retirement age. These strikes have grown to become a nationwide issue disrupting various transport operations. Click the link above to learn more about this critical situation.
NY Port Operations UPDATE on ILA Work Stoppage:
September 29, 2010
"All NY terminals are ordering ILA labor to work vessels starting tonight at 1900 hrs. Terminals expect to be fully staffed and open for normal operations tomorrow, 9/30."
Shaken port continues to operate despite Christchurch earthquake damage
September 7, 2010
The earthquake that hit Christchurch, New Zealand early on the morning of Saturday, August 4, caused millions of dollars in damage. Lyttelton Port continues to operate, despite the significant disruption.
Terminals must expand to avoid congestion
September 3, 2010
Many terminal enlargement projects were put on hold during the recession. Insufficient funds were used for more important operations rather than the expansions. The hold on increasing the sizes was acceptable at the time, because the number of shipments had decreased.
However, recessions do not last forever! Shipping has picked back up and according to Drewy Shipping Consultant, if the expansion projects are not picked up again, terminal congestion will return.
Plans to increase terminal and trucker efficiencies
September 1, 2010
CMA CGM has released the following Chassis Update effective November 2010.
Congestion returns to Rotterdam
July 21, 2010
Three day delays, having been caused by profusion, have caused some lines to consider congestion surcharges. Lines are looking into cost recovery from their customers to help pay for losses such as extra fuel consumption and additional operational costs.
Charlotte Maersk blaze is extinguished after 11 days
July 20, 2010
Sunday, July 18 was a day of relief, for the Maersk Charlotte’s flames were finally stifled. The deplorable event started on July 7, which counts eleven days that the vessel was in flames. It is now being unloaded and all undamaged cargo is being delivered to its customers.
Pirate attacks on the decrease
July 16, 2010
The International Maritime Bureau has reported a decrease in the number of pirate attacks from the first half of 2010 as opposed to 2009. Improved vessel management operations, as well as world navies, have been a beneficial factor in helping lower these numbers. However, sea piracy is an on-going threat to our waters.
Containers still burning a week after fire on Maersk ship began
July 14, 2010
The Charlotte Maersk still holds over 100 burning containers near Malaysian Port Klang after a week of flames. With temperatures reaching 1,000 degrees Celsius, the line cannot estimate when the fire will be extinguished. Luckily, none of the crew on the vessel was harmed.
An alternative route to achieving energy efficiency and greener shipping
July 12, 2010
Moving towards a greener shipping method could cause lower costs and less damage to the environment. How do we go about becoming more green? Newer technology, as well as improved operational procedures and ship design could all contribute to helping sea trade become greener. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has addressed these ideas and is focusing on ways to grow towards it.
Friday Focus: Surcharges
July 9, 2010
Ocean carriers have been raising surcharges in order to stay afloat during this period of container shortages. Many are going to hit record peak season surcharges (PSS) in order to make up for their losses from last year. The following article depicts some examples of what is to come in the next few months, as well as opinions on the matter.
Container shortage 'could last two years'
July 6, 2010
A severe demand for shipping containers continues to afflict the import/export industry. Researchers have noted that at least six million new boxes are needed, which could take up to two years to generate.
U.S. Ports Expand Capacity to Meet Growing Demand
June 24, 2010
A recent study by Jones Lang LaSalle (real estate specialization) shows expansion activity in U.S. ports’ futures. With import traffic up almost fifteen percent since mid 2009, there is more demand for ports to amplify the framework needed to support the larger volume of shipments.
Agencies Issue Grape Moth Advice
May 26, 2010
The European Grape Vine Moth is a common pest to many grape growers and vineyards alike. How do you go about controlling its population? Napa County, California has experience in dealing with this nuisance, having had many infestations. The following article contains information about the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s quarantine procedures and recommendations on how to restrain these pests.
CBP, CPSC Sign Agreement to Promote Consumer Safety
April 26, 2010
Consumer Product and Safety Commission (CPSC) personnel are now able to access CBP’s automated systems for import safety risk evaluations due to the signed agreement between Alan Bersin and Inez Tenenbaum. This agreement is very important for the future protection of consumers against harmful goods. The following article sheds some light on this understanding.
