Newsletter – May 29, 2019

AIR FREIGHT UPDATES

Lufthansa Cargo cuts summer services

aircargonews.net
Lufthansa Cargo is reducing its services “across the entire flight program” in response to weaker demand in the global air cargo market. The cuts will affect the second and third quarters to “allow the company to ensure profitable load factors and continued deployment of its aircraft at optimum levels going forward as well”. Read more here. 

Hong Kong targets high value cargo and e-commerce opportunities in ‘Airport City’ strategy

aircargonews.net
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has identified three strategic areas for future development: capturing cross-boundary e-commerce opportunities, targeting high-end, high-value cargo, and enhancing cargo services for the region. Read more here. 

OCEAN FREIGHT UPDATES

US Coast Guard warns on renewed cyber attacks aimed at shipping

splash247.com
The US Coast Guard (USCG) has warned of renewed phishing and malware attacks targeting shipping.
In a safety bulletin issued on May 24, the USCG warned of “cyber adversaries” taking aim at commercial vessels. Read more here.

Lockout notice not lifted but parties to return to the bargaining table today: BCMEA

ciffa.com
The BCMEA announced there were further discussions with FMCS and the Ministry of Labour Tuesday, and as a result, the parties have agreed to return to the bargaining table Wednesday, although the lockout notice has not been lifted.
As further developments occur tomorrow, BCMEA said it would advise as to the progress made.

Yantian Express cargo discharge to take 12 days to set general average

seanews.com.tr
THE discharge of containers from the fire-damaged Yantian Express is underway in the Port of Halifax and is expected to take at least 12 days, said Ocean Network Express (ONE), an alliance partner of shipowner Hapag-Lloyd, in a customer advisory. Read more here. 

Port Authority of Thailand seeks damages from KMTC

splash247.com
The Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) has imposed an initial fine of THB50,000 ($1,570) on South Korean owner KMTC, the operator of the feeder containership KMTC Hongkong which caught fire at Laem Chabang port on Saturday morning. Read more here. 

GROUND AND RAIL FREIGHT UPDATES

Railroads risk market share by charging shippers excessive fees

freightwaves.com
The Surface Transportation Board (STB) held two days of hearings on accessorial and demurrage charges last week.
What’s the strategic game theory play here? Read more here. 

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS – GOVERNMENT UPDATES

US assault on Huawei could disrupt other supply chains

lloydsloadinglist.com
The Trump administration’s offensive against Huawei Technologies could disrupt US and other international tech supply chains, according to a report today in the WSJ, highlighting the potential unintended consequences of the US initiative. Read more here.