Newsletter – June 7, 2021

AIR FREIGHT UPDATES

Rocket Cargo: Airfreight but not as we know it

aircargonews.ent
The US Department of the Air Force (DAF) has revealed a new project where it will examine whether it can use rockets to transport cargo.
As part of its Vanguard research programme, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) will lead a science and technology effort to determine the viability and utility of using large commercial rockets for Department of Defense global logistics. Read more here.

OCEAN FREIGHT UPDATES

Yantian Port congestion spreads into nearby hubs

lloydsloadinglist.com
Heavy congestion at Yantian Port, a key export hub in Southern China, has shown little sign of abating and has even spilled over to the neighbouring harbours.
“The situation continues to deteriorate as more positive Covid cases have been confirmed in Shenzhen, where Yantian port and Shekou port are located,” said Maersk in customer advisory. Read more here.

Where’s the ceiling for box shipping?

splash247.com
The Shanghai Containerised Freight Index (SCFI) hit new highs on Friday. For many months now people have been questioning how much higher spot rates can go. It’s a tricky one, as there are so many unknown variables in play.
First, the obvious one. We are now so far into uncharted black swan territory that no-one speaks from a position based on experience, data, or models, we’re all just throwing stuff at the wall and seeing if anything might stick. A year ago – or anytime in the past 60 years of container shipping – anyone suggesting spot rates of $20,000 per feu would have been laughed out of the industry. Read more here.

Hapag-Lloyd cuts Oakland for several weeks due to congestion

splash247.com
Hapag-Lloyd is omitting the Port of Oakland from the westbound legs of two of its transpacific west coast services due to ongoing congestion and delays.
The port has been removed from the schedule of the PS5 service, beginning in week 26 with the sailing of Argus Voyage 113W. It has also been removed from the PS8 service with the sailing of Hyundai Neptune Voyage 18W, again beginning in week 26. Read more here.

Viewpoint: Containers don’t lie — Yantian port crisis getting worse

freightwaves.com
We are at another critical juncture in the COVID pandemic where the truth of trade and government rhetoric come head-to-head. No matter what Chinese officials are saying, the situation at the critical Port of Yantian is getting worse.
Chinese officials are sending a message of reassurance, citing that most of the COVID cases are not in Yantian but in the surrounding areas. Then came the report of an increase in the number of COVID-19 infections, with around 50 reported for the week to June 2, mainly in the Yantian district. Read more here.

Chittagong box traffic close to pre-pandemic levels as apparel exports revive

theloadstar.com
Despite facing week-long disruptions in mid-May, due to Eid-ul-Fitr-linked holidays and the Covid-19 slowdown, cargo volumes through Chittagong port last month continued to be positive, showing an upward trend on previous months. Read more here (login required).

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS – GOVERNMENT UPDATES

US And Canadian Airlines Push For Border Reopening

simpleflying.com
Airline advocacy groups on both sides of the Canada-US border are calling on the Canadian government to restart transborder air travel. Expressed in an open letter addressed to Canadian government ministers, Airlines for America and the National Airlines Council of Canada want to see border restrictions eased so that travelers can once again fly freely between the two countries. Read more here.