Newsletter – July 10, 2023

AIR FREIGHT UPDATES

Canada port strikes could see congestion and shift to airfreight

aircargonews.net
Ongoing strike action at the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert in Canada hasn’t yet resulted in a shift of cargo from sea to air, but there could be disruption to supply chains yet, the Airforwarders Association (AfA) has warned.
Over 7,000 dockworkers belonging to the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) went on strike on July 1 after they failed to reach an agreement with the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA). Read more here

OCEAN FREIGHT UPDATES

Carriers start diverting ships from Canada’s strike-hit west coast ports

theloadstar.com
Ocean carriers are closely watching developments in the 10-day Canadian west coast port strike before finalising network changes, although some service alterations have begun.
Although talks between the employers, British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA), and the ILWU were reported to have resumed at the weekend, under the auspices of federal mediators, the two sides look as far apart as ever from agreeing a new labour contract. Read more here

D&D charges in freefall as carriers vie to keep shippers onboard

theloadstar.com
Detention and demurrage (D&D) charges have plummeted over the past 12 months, as carriers try to keep hold of their shippers in a slackening market.
Container xChange’s annual D&D survey found that, across 65 international gateways, average D&D charges fell 25% year on year, and were below pre-pandemic levels for the first time in three years. Read more here (login required).

IMO Agrees to Nonbinding Target to Achieve Net Zero “Around 2050”

maritime-executive.com
IMO member states have reached a tentative deal on the thorny question of bringing shipping into line with the Paris Agreement. The newly-agreed MEPC climate roadmap calls for reaching net-zero emissions “by or around, i.e. close to, 2050.”
IMO and the shipping industry negotiated an exception from the landmark 2016 climate agreement, on condition that emissions would be regulated by IMO. Along with aviation, shipping is one of only two sectors in the world not subject to national-level Paris pledges. Read more here

CANADA BUSINESS – GOVERNMENT UPDATES

Minister of Transport announces funding to increase supply chain capacity at Toronto Pearson International Airport

Minister of Transport announces funding to increase supply chain capacity at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
An efficient and reliable transportation system is essential to keeping communities connected, and building an economy that works for all Canadians. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring our supply chains remain strong and create good, middle-class jobs for Canadians, while making them resilient and adaptable to the effects of climate change. Read more here