Newsletter – January 23, 2024

AIR FREIGHT UPDATES

IATA and ICAO renew dangerous goods agreement for air cargo
aircargonews.net
IATA and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have extended their cooperation for setting and implementing global standards for the safe carriage of dangerous goods by air.
The agreement sees IATA work with the aviation industry to develop the applicable practical tools and operational recommendations based on technical instructions agreed on at government level through ICAO. Read more here.

OCEAN FREIGHT UPDATES

Declining volumes won’t dent North American port expansion plans
theloadstar.com
The recent decline in volumes on the US Gulf and east coasts and in northern Canada has not derailed port expansion plans.
Designs for new container terminals on the lower Mississippi have taken steps forward, while the port of Prince Rupert is working on an export transfer facility as it awaits the outcome of a feasibility study for a container terminal that would nearly double its box capacity. Read more here.

Panama Canal headaches not so painful for box ships, but costs will rise
theloadstar.com
Containerships are proving less vulnerable to Panama Canal draught restrictions than other shipping sectors, but the resulting overall supply chain costs are expected to be significant.
Daily transit and weight restrictions have been imposed on ships transiting the canal since last March in a bid to preserve water levels after drops caused by higher temperatures, a delayed rainy season and the El Nino weather phenomenon. Read more here (login required).

Covid revisited: Empty container concerns grow as Red Sea shipping crisis drags on
splash247.com
The Houthis traded fire with fire once again yesterday, claiming they had carried out a strike on an American navy heavy load ship called Ocean Jazz, something disputed by the US military who in turn took out some Houthi military installations in Yemen in attacks coordinated with UK counterparts.
With the Red Sea shipping crisis showing no sign of clearing up, shippers are becoming increasingly anxious about the availability of empty containers, a potential supply chain headache last witnessed during the covid pandemic. Read more here.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS – GOVERNMENT UPDATES

Germany Faces Fresh Rail Strike as Labour Dispute Escalates
ajot.com
Germany’s main train drivers union this week called on members to walk off the job a fourth time as a dispute over pay and working hours escalated.
The Gewerkschaft Deutscher Lokomotivführer rejected a third offer from rail operator Deutsche Bahn AG, according to a statement on Monday, urging freight train drivers to strike from 6 pm local time on January 23. Read more here.