Newsletter – January 25, 2021

AIR FREIGHT UPDATES

Plans for tighter Covid restrictions in Hong Kong threaten airfreight xref to KLM

theloadstar.com
One of the most important global airfreight gateways is facing the spectre of tighter measures that could have a profound impact on cargo capacity.
According to a report in the South China Morning Post, the Hong Kong government is looking to implement measures next week that include a mandatory 14-day quarantine for airline crews. Read more here (login required).

Supply-demand imbalance continues to vex air cargo shippers

freightwaves.com
The new year is off to a hot start for the air cargo market with no sign of cooling off. International transport activity typically softens following the holiday peak season, but demand and rates remain elevated because of unusual shipping patterns and a severe shortage of airlift triggered by the coronavirus pandemic. Read more here.

Cathay Pacific: 25% of cargo capacity to be hit by new Covid requirements

aircargonews.net
Cathay Pacific has warned that new Covid-19 requirements for pilots and crew will result in its cargo capacity being reduced by around a quarter.
The Hong Kong-headquartered airline said that in February, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government will implement a new 14-day hotel quarantine plus 7-day medical surveillance requirement for both its Hong Kong-based pilots and cabin crew. Read more here.

OCEAN FREIGHT UPDATES

Shippers and forwarders mull legal bid against alliances to cap soaring rates

theloadstar.com
The European Commission has said it does not regard the huge container spot rate increases between Asia and Europe as sufficient justification to investigate carriers for an infringement of the Block Exemption Regulation (BER) for consortia. Read more here (login required).

End to box shortage may be in sight

lloydsloadinglist.com
After an extraordinarily difficult 2020, an end to the exceptional container equipment shortage experienced in recent months could be in sight, according to container monitoring specialist Container xChange. Read more here.

Cargo rollovers rose at most major box ports in December

lloydsloadinglist.com
Many key transhipment ports and the leading container lines are continuing to see elevated levels of cargo rollovers, according to research from Ocean Insights.
Cargo levels remain far above seasonal averages, causing further delays to cargo, which is increasingly lying stranded at the quayside. Read more here.

Maersk vessel loses 750 containers overboard

lloydsloadinglist.com
Heavy weather has claimed another casualty in the Pacific with the loss of 750 containers overboard from a Maersk containership.
The Danish carrier said the 13,000 teu Maersk Essen (IMO: 9456783) “experienced heavy seas during her North Pacific crossing”.
“All crew members are safe and a detailed cargo assessment is ongoing while the vessel continues on her journey,” it said in a statement. “The US Coast Guard, flag state and relevant authorities have been notified.” Read more here.

GROUND AND RAIL UPDATES

India’s ocean capacity crunch ‘nightmare’ continues – Maersk’s rail solution

theloadstar.com
As the ocean freight capacity crunch rolls on, Maersk has launched a cross-country rail service in India.
Running over 2,000km, from Kolkata, in the north-east, to Nhava Sheva port in Mumbai, Maersk put on the dedicated train service for one of the country’s largest exporters of iron pipes. Read more here (login required).

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS – GOVERNMENT UPDATES

Britons buying from EU websites hit with £100 customs bills

theguardian.com
British shoppers who bought items from European websites are facing post-Brexit demands of more than £100 in import duties that must be paid before parcel firms will deliver the items.
Despite claims by Boris Johnson that there would be tariff-free trade after the Brexit transition period ended on 31 December, consumers who bought items from EU websites are being chased for import duties, VAT and admin fees – which, they say, render the purchase uneconomic. Read more here.