Newsletter – July 25, 2023

OCEAN FREIGHT UPDATES

Trans-Pacific shipping rates rise as carriers make capacity cuts

freightwaves.com
Shipping lines finally seem to be making some headway in managing vessel capacity in the Asia-U.S. trades.
Spot rates have been on the rise for three straight weeks, rebounding to levels last seen in early 2023 and late 2022, according to several index providers. U.S. import bookings remain above pre-COVID levels, and multiple analysts are now highlighting positive rate effects from reduced vessel capacity. Read more here.

Box terminal operators feel the pain as peak season disappoints

theloadstar.com
Yard utilisation levels are below 60% at some container terminals in Northern Europe – just when they should be brimming with peak season imports.
A year ago, it was rare to see a ship-to-shore crane not boomed down at container hubs in the Le Havre ? Hamburg range, with several ships anchored outside awaiting a berth. Read more here.

Maersk fined for firing whistleblower who reported safety concerns

theloadstar.com
Maersk’s US arm has been ordered to pay more than $700,000 to an employee fired after complaining to the US Coast Guard about the safety of a vessel.
The US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) awarded the unnamed seafarer $250,000 in punitive damages, as well as $457,759 in back pay, interest and compensatory damages, after deeming the 2021 sacking illegal. Read more here (login required).

GROUND AND RAIL FREIGHT UPDATES

Port of Halifax Alert: Rail Service Temporarily Disrupted

ciffa.com
Due to the extreme rainfall and related flooding across Nova Scotia this past weekend, rail service for the Port of Halifax is temporarily disrupted. The port is working closely with PSA Halifax and CN to manage the placement of cargo in and around the terminals and rail yards. Vessel service at the terminals has not been impacted. CN is working to assess damage and prepare for any repairs. As of Monday afternoon, it was too early to say when service will resume.

CANADA BUSINESS – GOVERNMENT UPDATES

Nova Scotia Provincewide State of Emergency Declared due to Flooding

ciffa.com
A provincewide state of emergency (SOE) was declared in Nova Scotia on July 22, in response to severe flooding across the province. The following areas are currently the most affected: East and West Hants, Halifax Regional Municipality, Lunenburg and Queens counties.
The order is in place to ensure the entire province is protected as the storm continues to progress.
“This is a very serious event. This flooding has been fast and furious, and we are taking strong action to ensure Nova Scotians are protected,” said John Lohr, Minister responsible for the Emergency Management Office. “As the rain and flood risk continues, we need people to stay off the roads so that first responders and critical infrastructure partners can do their work to restore our roads and power and keep people safe.”
The state of emergency remains in effect for 14 days, until August 5, unless government terminates or extends it.