Newsletter – September 14, 2023

OCEAN FREIGHT UPDATES

Maersk launches ‘a new age’ with the first green methanol ship

theloadstar.com
Maersk claimed to have inaugurated a new age of shipping today after officially launching the world’s first methanol-powered container vessel.
The 2,100 Laura Maersk was christened by EC president Ursula von der Leyen at a quay beside Maersk’s HQ in Copenhagen this morning. Read more here (login required).

CANADA BUSINESS – GOVERNMENT UPDATES

CN Network Update: Weather Advisory Related to Hurricane Lee

ciffa.com
Hurricane Lee is expected to impact Atlantic Canada in the coming days. As of the latest update, the hurricane is anticipated to move northward and enhance the tropical airmass over Canada. This may result in heavy rainfall, potential wind impacts and surf conditions along the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia.
The Canadian Hurricane Centre will continue to provide updates on Lee’s trajectory and intensity.
CN will provide updates over the next few days on any developments that may affect its services.

Canada’s economy appears to be slowing down: RBC Economics

A long-anticipated economic slowdown in Canada could be underway, according to a new report.
RBC Economics released a report Wednesday indicating that Canada’s economy faces various headwinds in the form of elevated interest rates and a slowing global economy. The report noted that gross domestic product (GDP) moved 0.2 per cent lower in the second quarter of the year and early indications highlight the potential for another decline in the third quarter. Read more here. 

INTERNATONAL BUSINESS GOVERNMENT UPDATES

Amazon, IKEA and other major brands invite bids for zero-emission shipping

splash247.com
An alliance of freight buyers that includes e-commerce giant Amazon and the world’s largest furniture retailer IKEA has invited shipping lines to place their bids to move 600,000 containers over a three-year period on ships that offer a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels on a lifecycle basis.  Read more here.

Reports: US ready to return Mexico to ‘Category 1’ safety status

aircargonews.net
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is reportedly poised to upgrade Mexico to “Category 1” safety status once again, clearing the way for airlines of both countries to add transborder capacity to their schedules.
The long-awaited upgrade is expected to come later this week, according to some news reports and industry observers. Read more here.