Newsletter – November 22, 2017

OCEAN FREIGHT UPDATES

Maersk Fixes 22 Classic Panamaxes in the Space of Just One Month
source: splash247.com
Maersk has been on a “fixing spree” of classic panamaxes, according to the latest weekly report from Alphaliner.
Alphaliner has Maersk fixing no fewer than 22 ships of 4,000 teu to 5,299 teu since the second half of October with more charter deals due to be fixed soon. Read more here.

APM Terminals changes focus by offering more inland services to BCOs
source: shippingonline.cn
APM Terminals is shifting the focus of its business strategy to provide more inland services to beneficial cargo owners (BCOs) rather than continue investing in deep-sea terminal infrastructure.

The company, which is one of the largest container terminal operators in the world, plans to develop more direct and closer business relationships with BCOs and offer more value-added services beyond the terminal gate, reported IHS Media. Read more here.

Shorter wait times at anchorage as congestion eases at Chittagong port
source: shippingonline.cn
CONGESTION at the port of Chittagong in Bangladesh is improving with ships waiting at outer anchorage for between two and three days now, compared with eight to 10 days since April. Vessel turnaround times have been reduced to 48 hours compared with 60 hours earlier this year, according to port spokesman Zafar Alam. Read more here.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS GOVERNMENT UPDATES

New CBP Processing Fees Kick in January 1
source: americanshipper.com
U.S. Customs and Border Protection will implement various cargo processing fee increases for importers and carriers effective January 1. Read more here.

NAFTA: Deadlock on hard issues as round concludes under cloud of question marks
source: canadianshipper.com
Mexico City, Mexico — Another round of NAFTA talks wrapped up with all key issues still deadlocked Tuesday as negotiators prepared to leave Mexico City with a plethora of question marks still lingering over the trade deal. Read more here.