DNV GL Invests in Public Blockchain Service Provider VeChain

DNV GL, the risk management and quality assurance company, has bought a stake in leading public blockchain service provider VeChain as it looks to use the technology to develop new digital assurance solutions. The acquisition builds on the strong relationship between the two firms and follows the recent launch of My Story, a blockchain enabled digital assurance product which gives a new level of insight into supplier and product information. DNV GL took the step to buy the minority stake as it recognises the growth potential in both the VeChain and the technology it is advancing.

Piloting Shipping’s Fourth Industrial Revolution

Vessels today have the capability to gather information and data from a wide variety of sources. This data can inform the crew about the impact of acceleration on the hull, provide updates on lubrication use during slow steaming, and use dynamic positioning to automatically maintain a vessel’s position and heading - among many other things. So while shipping might consider itself a conservative industry, there’s nothing old-fashioned about the technology that’s driving its progress today.For a long time the core industry drivers for the adoption of new…

China 'Welcomes' High-Quality U.S. Products

China welcomes high-quality and competitive products made by the United States to enter its market, the commerce ministry said on Wednesday.   Both China and the United States will seriously implement a deal reached in Washington, including the purchase of farm and and energy products, the ministry said in a statement.   China said on Tuesday it would cut import tariffs for automobiles and car parts in the effort to further open up its markets.   Reporting by Beijing Monitoring Desk 

INTTRA Adds Salam Pacific Indonesia Lines to its Carrier Network

INTTRA, the largest neutral network, software and information provider at the center of the ocean shipping industry, announced an expansion of its rapidly growing carrier network with the addition of Salam Pacific Indonesia Lines (SPIL), its first carrier in Indonesia. The addition of SPIL represents a trend by regional carriers who are joining INTTRA to gain a competitive advantage in their service regions. SPIL provides services to all Indonesian routes, with 32 offices strategically located across the Indonesian archipelago.

Cranes, Heavy Lift Shipping, Engineering and New Technologies

Compared to new technologies, conventional engineering in shipping is a relatively simple science: computable and generally predictable. However, heavy lift shipping presents challenges that go far beyond what is required with standard unitized cargoes. The transportation of project cargoes - often highly valuable components of multi-billion-dollar projects - requires expert planning to ensure they are loaded and transported safely and efficiently. Last year AAL shipped two giant cyclone vessels (22m x 11m x 10m and weighing over 500mt each) to Petronas’ $27 billion RAPID project in Malaysia.

National Maritime Day Celebrates the Benefits of Waterborne Transportation

The maritime industry is the lifeblood of United States trade, delivering goods throughout North America and around the world. National Maritime Day, Tuesday, May 22, 2018, recognizes the benefits the maritime industry provides in the U.S. and celebrates those who work on the water. Members of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway shipping industry are among those celebrating National Maritime Day. The Chamber of Marine Commerce is honored to represent American and Canadian shippers, ports, terminals and marine service providers who work to keep domestic and international trade afloat.

HMM Rolls Out ‘-60ºC Ultra-Freezer’ Service

South Korea's Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) announced that it started its first ‘Ultra-Freezer’ service from Busan, Korea to Barcelona, Spain, based on its rich experience in the high-tech reefer container service. Ultra-freezer service refers to transportation of goods in – 60ºC, which are above the limit of regular reefer containers (– 35ºC to -40ºC). High technology and skilled personnel are also needed in the ultra-freezer service, as ultra-freezer containers need to maintain the very low temperature during shifting, loading, and discharging process.

Hapag-Lloyd to Commence Middle East-Africa Service

Ocean carrier Hapag-Lloyd will commence a new weekly service between the Port of Jeddah and the east coast of Africa in April. With the East Africa Service (EAS), the liner shipping company will be calling at the ports of Mombasa (Kenya) and Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) for the first time. These will be connected to Hapag-Lloyd’s existing global network via the Saudi Arabian port of Jeddah, as the central hub of the region. Hapag-Lloyd will initially deploy four vessels, each with a capacity of 1,200 TEU, in the EAS.

US Coal Firms Plead for West Coast Export Terminals

The ailing U.S. coal industry is ramping up its political and legal offensive to win approval for West Coast export terminals that could provide a lifeline to lucrative Asia markets. Coal producers filed two recent lawsuits against governments in Washington state and California challenging local decisions to block port projects on environmental grounds. The industry is also lobbying the Trump administration to override the local bans. The fight reflects the sector’s desperation to boost exports as U.S.

Washington State, DNV GL Partner on Maritime Sector Growth

DNV GL will support Washington State as it advances its strategy for the sustainable development of the state’s $38 billion maritime industry. In December 2017, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee’s Maritime Innovation Advisory Council launched an effort called “Washington Maritime Blue” to develop a comprehensive strategy for leading the nation in “blue” ocean industry technology and practices. Classification society and advisor to the maritime industry DNV GL said it has signed on to support the Washington State Department of Commerce to help achieve this vision.

CMA CGM Introduces REEFLEX for Transportation of Liquids

CMA CGM has launched the most advanced solution for the transportation of liquids by controlled temperature: REEFLEX - an ideal alternative to break bulk for the transportation of liquids which optimally preserves the product’s properties. Developed in partnership with Teconja, a German expert in juices, and Liqua, an expert in packaging solutions for the transportation of liquids, REEFLEX greatly enhances the transportation of liquids thanks to its design and unique technology, which guarantees a healthy and safe way of transportation.

Aker Enters Offshore Floating Wind Market

Norwegian oil and gas specialist Aker Solutions has invested in floating wind power technology company Principle Power, with the aim to brings its offshore oil and gas field engineering experience to the renewable energy market. Aker Solutions has an extensive track record in developing offshore oil and gas fields, with particular capabilities in floating facilities. The partnership will help bring Principle Power's technology - an innovative floating foundation for offshore wind turbines, known as WindFloat - to a broader market.

Port Canaveral Awarded $1M in Grants

The Canaveral Port Authority has been awarded $1 million in federal funding to bolster Port security programs and critical infrastructure. Port Canaveral is one of thirty-three U.S. ports to have been awarded direct grants by FEMA for FY‘17 which will be used for direct support of maritime security risk mitigation. “Port Canaveral is a vital gateway for commerce, tourism and trade. Last year, nearly five million cruise passengers were served and six million tons of cargo moved across our docks,” said Captain John Murray, Port CEO.

Valentine's Day in Full Bloom at CrowleyFresh

Crowley Maritime Corp.’s cold storage warehouse and logistics services company in Miami prepared more than 35,000 floral arrangements for this year's Valentine's Day. For the past six weeks, CrowleyFresh employees have been hard at work receiving, assembling and preparing more than 20,000 flower orders, 2,500 of which also contained specialty chocolates. Additionally, the warehouse handled more than 11,000 buckets of fresh cut flowers equating to more than 100,000 bouquets for distribution throughout the U.S. for buyers who prefer to handpick individual flowers from local retail stores.

Port Canaveral Awarded $1M Grant for Security Projects

U.S. The Canaveral Port Authority has been awarded $1 million in federal funding to bolster Port security programs and critical infrastructure. Port Canaveral is one of thirty-three U.S. ports to have been awarded direct grants by FEMA for FY‘17 which will be used for direct support of maritime security risk mitigation. “Port Canaveral is a vital gateway for commerce, tourism and trade. Last year, nearly five million cruise passengers were served and six million tons of cargo moved across our docks,” said Captain John Murray, Port CEO.

Port of Los Angeles Moves 808,728 TEUs in January

Last  month was the second busiest in the Port's history. The Port of Los Angeles handled 808,728 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in January 2018, the second-busiest January in the port’s history behind last January’s record of 826,640 TEUs. While a slight decrease compared to last January’s record, it’s significantly higher than the port’s most recent 5-year January average of 683,003 TEUs. "After two consecutive years of record-breaking cargo, it’s encouraging to start 2018 with robust volumes,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka.

Data Integration is Powering the Future of Shipping

Seamless real-time flow of 100 percent accurate data provides organizations the ability to analyze and optimize all their supply chain processes. Data is at the heart of today’s business processes and operations. Exploiting the insights derived from the data holds unparalleled opportunities for the global ocean shipping industry to overcome its significant inefficiencies. One firm, Youredi helps industry stakeholders to digitalize and automate processes with modern cloud-based integrations.

iContainers to Represent Spain at 4YFN

iContainers, a 100% online freight forwarder, has been chosen as one of the 32 most innovative and disruptive companies to represent Spain at the Spanish pavilion at this year’s 4YFN (4 Years From Now), a business platform for startups that’s being held in conjunction with the Mobile World Capital in Barcelona from February 26 to 28 this year. The Spanish pavilion is organized by Spain’s Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism’s Red.es entity and ICEX Spain Trade and Investment.

Military to Maritime Digital Career Platform Launched

The American Maritime Partnership today announced the launch of the Military to Maritime digital career platform (www.militarytomaritime.org), which is dedicated to helping veterans find meaningful, family-wage jobs in the maritime industry while supporting America’s national and economic security. Building on the numerous Military to Maritime career fairs across the country, the enhanced digital platform connects veterans with career opportunities in the U.S. shipbuilding and…

Tham is President, New Enterprises and Ventures of ST Engineering

Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering) announced the appointment of Russell Tham as President, New Enterprises and Ventures, effective March 19, 2018. In this newly created position, Russell will drive the expansion of the Group’s business by building new adjacencies for growth through technology and innovation in verticals outside of the Group’s core businesses in the Aerospace, Electronics, Land Systems and Marine sectors. He will report to the President & CEO.

Massachusetts Maritime Academy Launches Third Master's Degree

MMA Launches Third Graduate Degree, M.S. Maritime Business Management. The Massachusetts Maritime Academy has announced the launch of their third Graduate Degree, the Master of Science in Maritime Business Management. MMA developed the MSMB over a four-year period as a campus-wide collaborative effort with the Academic Dean, the Dean of Graduate & Continuing Education, the undergraduate International Maritime Business Department faculty and input gathered from employers, prospective students, the Graduate Education Council, and MMA graduate and undergraduate alumni.

Palau Keeps an Eye Out with Polestar

Palau International Ship Registry (PISR) has expanded its technology offering by linking with Pole Star to offer a comprehensive sanctions compliance and risk management service for its fleet vessels. Pole Star’s Purple TRAC is a comprehensive ship-centric economic sanctions compliance and risk management service used by shipping companies, ship financiers, insurers, port state agencies and ship registries. Using the latest technology it offers high level monitoring of assets designed to protect both the vessel and crew during operations.

Cargo Ships Slow Transits to Curb Emissions, Protect Whales

Partners in an initiative to cut air pollution and protect whales have announced results from the 2017 program and publicly recognized the 11 shipping companies who participated, reducing speeds to 12 knots or less in two regions. For the first time the program included speed reduction zones in the San Francisco Bay Area in addition to the Santa Barbara Channel region. The voluntary incentive program started July 1 and ended November 15, 2017. Automatic Identification System (AIS)…

CMA CGM Unveils 'Customer Centricity' Strategy

Customer experience management has become a strategic necessity to satisfy customer demands, deliver consistent and rewarding service, and ultimately strengthen customer relationships. On the occasion of the 18th TPM Annual Conference currently taking place in Long Beach, California, the CMA CGM Group, a world leader in maritime transport, unveils its customer centricity strategy to create the customer experience of tomorrow. A year ago Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group, defined ‘Customer Centricity’ as one of the Group’s core strategies.

Denton elected Secretary General of ICC

John W.H. Denton AO – currently Chief Executive Officer of Australian law firm Corrs Chambers Westgarth – has today been elected as the next Secretary-General of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). Mr Denton is a legal expert and adviser on global policy, international trade and investment and infrastructure. His advice is sought by Australia’s most prominent corporations and by governments and international bodies alike. Mr Denton – who was unanimously elected today…

Commerce Secretary Ross to Speak with EU on Tariffs

U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross will speak with European Union representatives about lowering tariffs against the United States, President Donald Trump said on Monday. "Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross will be speaking with representatives of the European Union about eliminating the large Tariffs and Barriers they use against the U.S.A. Not fair to our farmers and manufacturers," Trump said in a Twitter post. (Reporting by Doina Chiacu)

Latin America Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre Lanched

The Latin America Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre, part of a global network established under an ambitious International Maritime Organization (IMO)-European Union (EU)  project to further efforts to combat climate change, has been launched in Panama (13 March). The centre, hosted by the Universidad Marítima Internacional de Panamá (UMIP), is one of five such centres established under the GMN project, which is funded by the EU and run by IMO. The centres, in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America and the Pacific regions, act as regional focal points for a wide range of activities.

U.S. Wants Export Caps in Return for Scrapping Tariffs

The United States has set conditions for scrapping its planned punitive tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Europe, German magazine Der Spiegel reported, including capping U.S.-bound exports of the metals at 2017 levels. The European Union has been pushing for talks to avert a trade war since U.S. President Donald Trump announced he would slap tariffs on a raft of high-value European exports in retaliation for alleged steel and aluminium dumping. The conditions named by U.S.

New Members Join NOAA’s Hydrographic Services Advisory Panel

NOAA acting administrator retired Navy Rear Adm. Tim Gallaudet, Ph.D., has appointed three new members to the Hydrographic Services Review Panel, a federal advisory committee that gives NOAA independent advice for improving a range of services and products that support safe navigation and coastal resilience. Sean M. Duffy Sr., executive director, Big River Coalition, New Orleans, La. Retired USCG Capt. Julie Thomas, senior advisor, Southern California, Coastal Ocean Observing System, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla, Calif.

Huntington Ingalls Promotes Two Vice Presidents

America’s largest military shipbuilding company announced that Jeanne Callahan has been named corporate vice president, internal audit, and that David “Chip” Wasson has been named corporate vice president, corporate strategy. Both promotions are effective immediately, and both report to Chris Kastner, executive vice president, business management, and chief financial officer. Callahan has served as director, business management, contracts and government compliance, since HII formed in 2011.

US LNG Firms Lament Bad Timing of Tariffs, China Trade Spat

The Trump administration's planned steel tariffs and a potential trade battle with China could hurt U.S. liquefied natural gas companies just as a new wave of developments in the fast-growing market is gaining steam, company executives say. China is the fastest growing major buyer of LNG, making it an important customer for U.S. producers. It is also a significant exporter of the steel components used in LNG plant construction. With an LNG shortage looming as early as 2022, a rush of offtake deals with China and other buyers had been looking likely…

As Trade Tensions Mount, China Soybean Buyers Devise Contingency Plans

Chinese buyers of soybeans, the United States' biggest agricultural export to the country, are quietly drawing up contingency plans to ensure supplies of critical raw materials in the event of a trade war, sources said. The moves are the strongest sign yet that businesses in the world's most populous country are growing worried that critical commodities could get caught up in escalating trade tensions. At least two trading houses have started buying more rapeseed meal, an alternative ingredient used to make animal feed…

China Considering New Tariffs on 128 US Products

China's commerce ministry said on Friday that it may impose additional tariffs on up to $3 billion of U.S. imports in response to U.S. tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum products. The ministry said it was considering implementing measures in two stages: first, a 15 percent tariff on 120 products including steel pipes, dried fruit and wine, and later, a 25 percent tariff on pork and recycled aluminum. Below is a list of 128 U.S. 83  22043000  Grape juice other than that of heading item No.

Trump Tariffs: EU Seeks Permanent Exemption

European Union leaders called on Friday for a temporary exemption from U.S. import duties on steel and aluminium to be made permanent, saying they reserved the right to respond in an "in a proportionate manner" to protect the bloc's interests. The 40-day exemption granted by Washington was like U.S. President Donald Trump "putting a gun to our head", Belgium's prime minister complained. The EU's trade negotiator demanded that the United States drop "artificial deadlines". Trump said on Thursday he would suspend tariffs for the EU…

Global Ports Collaborate on Clean Air Solutions

Participants from ports around the Pacific Rim, Asia, the Americas, and Europe gathered in Los Angeles this week to discuss innovations and best practices for reducing emissions from port-related operations. The two-day Pacific Ports Clean Air Collaborative conference was hosted by the Port of Los Angeles in collaboration with the Commission for Environmental Cooperation and the US-China Green Ports and Vessels Initiative. The conference included representatives from shipping and cruise lines, terminal operators, regulatory agencies, trucking and logistic companies, and universities.

US Core Capital Goods Orders, Shipments Jump in February

New orders for key U.S.-made capital goods rebounded more than expected in February after two straight monthly declines and shipments surged, which could temper expectations of a sharp slowdown in business spending on equipment in the first quarter. The Commerce Department’s report on Friday could prompt economists to raise their economic growth estimates for the first three months of the year. They were slashed last week after data showed retail sales fell in February for the third month in a row.

Ponstein Appointed on Port of New Orleans Board

Gov. John Bel Edwards appointed Charles H. Ponstein to the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans as the St. Bernard Parish representative on the seven-member regional board. Ponstein was sworn in during today’s monthly Board meeting and will serve a five-year term succeeding William T. Bergeron. With the Port’s acquisition of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad effective Feb. 1, 2018, Port Commissioners also serve as directors of the New Orleans Public Belt board, Ponstein will become NOPB’s newest director with this appointment.

An Integrated High-tech Approach to Port Security

DP World employs a sophisticated Vidsys technology platform to eliminate stovepipes and integrate myriad security solutions. DP World London Gateway provides deep-sea shipping access to one the largest consumer markets in the U.K. Naturally, the task of keeping all of that safe from outside threats, while also balancing that important task with the need to ensure an efficient intermodal supply chain is no easy task. That’s because this facility routinely intercepts stolen vehicles, narcotics and illegal immigrants while working closely with local and London MET police, the U.K.

Marcura Names Bell Data Protection Officer

The Marcura Group, a Dubai-based group of companies focused on providing business solutions to the maritime industry, today announced the appointment of TenIntelligence Limited's Richard Bell as its external Data Protection Officer (DPO). The appointment follows the recent hiring of Peter Meyer as a Data Protection Specialist working under the Group's Legal & Compliance Department. According to Marcura, the appointments are aimed at strengthening the group's ability to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and similar international data protection regulations…

City of North Port, Port Manatee Trade Hub Host Chilean Official

The City of North Port and the International Trade Hub at Port Manatee are teaming with Chile’s trade commissioner in efforts to expand commercial links. “We look forward to realizing vast untapped potential for enhanced ties with both North Port and Port Manatee,” Sacha Garafulic, Chile’s Miami-based trade commissioner, said Wednesday [March 28] as he took part in a symposium and luncheon at North Port’s Shannon Staub Library. North Port Vice Mayor Linda Yates commented Wednesday…

NYK to Sponsor Shell XPrize Finalist

NYK has agreed to sponsor Team KUROSHIO,* a finalist in the Shell Ocean Discovery XPRIZE competition, by providing the transportation for the team’s unmanned robots, which are being used in this international competition to quickly and accurately map the ocean floor. Team KUROSHIO has participated in this competition over the past three years, and after passing through the technical documentation stage and an actual ocean test in Round 1, the team has advanced to Round 2, the final round, to be held in October 2018.

China Hammers US Goods with Tariffs

China has increased tariffs by up to 25 percent on 128 U.S. products, from frozen pork and wine to certain fruits and nuts, escalating a dispute between the world's biggest economies in response to U.S. duties on imports of aluminium and steel. The tariffs, to take effect on Monday, were announced late on Sunday by China's finance ministry and matched a list of possible tariffs on up to $3 billion in U.S. goods published by China on March 23. Soon after the announcement, an editorial…

Goltens Bolsters Middle East and India Teams

Several senior staff members have stepped up in the latest round of promotions at Goltens Worldwide. Goltens appointed Pravin Kirolikar to the position of Managing Director of Goltens Dubai. Kirolikar makes the move from Goltens India, where he served as Managing Director for eight years. Starting his career as a professional marine engineer, Kirolikar sailed for 13 years before going ashore to work as a marine surveyor for the Indian Register of Shipping. Prior to joining Goltens, Kirolikar worked in after sales services for Wärtsilä India for 12 years.

U.S. Commerce Chief Ross: China Trade Talks Likely

U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said on Wednesday he expects trade actions between the United States and China will likely lead to a negotiated deal, but that it was unclear whether such talks would happen by the end of May or later. "It wouldn't be surprising at all if the net outcome of all this is some sort of a negotiation," Ross said in an interview with CNBC. Ross' comments come after China slapped retaliatory duties on a number of American products earlier on Wednesday in response to Trump's planned tariffs on Chinese goods, rattling global financial markets.

Crowley Logistics Expands Miami Ops

Crowley Logistics opened its newly expanded Medley warehouse in Miami this week to provide more seamless and efficient supply chain services to South Florida customers. The project, which began in November 2017, consolidates the company’s Medley and Doral facilities into the Medley warehouse (10205 NW 108th Ave.), after adding 60,000 square feet to the location. Now at 180,000 square feet, the warehouse has double the previous number of receiving doors, and features over 5,000 pallet rack positions and 95 container parking spots along with an improved…

First public display of EnergySail

Eco Marine Power (EMP) announce that it will exhibit for the first time a working prototype of its EnergySail technology and the automated control system at  Sea Japan in Tokyo. This laboratory prototype will be exhibited along with several associated technologies including an energy storage solution and flexible marine grade photovoltaic panels. The patented EnergySail is a rigid sail device developed by EMP that will allow ships to harness the power of the wind and sun in order to reduce fuel costs plus lower noxious gas and carbon emissions.

APL Rolls out China Bangkok Express Service

APL has announced the launch of the China Bangkok Express (CBX) service, a new shortsea service that directly links South China and Thailand each week. Characterised by competitive transit times, the CBX service promises the industry’s fastest connection from Nansha to Bangkok in four days. Also designed to transport special cargo, this service offers reefer and breakbulk solutions to facilitate these shipments. Shippers with cargo that are destined beyond Asia may also tap onto…

Pirate Attacks Worsen in Gulf of Guinea - IMB

A surge in armed attacks against ships around West Africa is pushing up global levels of piracy and armed robbery at sea, warns the International Chamber of Commerce's International Maritime Bureau (IMB). IMB's Piracy Reporting Center recorded 66 incidents in the first quarter of 2018, up from 43 for the same period in 2017, and 37 in Q1 2016. Worldwide in the first three months of 2018, 100 crew were taken hostage and 14 kidnapped from their vessels. A total of 39 vessels were boarded, 11 fired upon and four vessels hijacked. IMB received a further 12 reports of attempted attacks.

CMA CGM Rolls Out Ocean Alliance Day Two Product

CMA CGM Group, a world leader in maritime transport, is pleased to announce the start of the Ocean Alliance Day Two Product. Based on the success of Ocean Alliance, the Ocean Alliance Day Two Product strengthens CMA CGM’s service offering by providing even better services and upgrades to the Group’s customers. The Ocean Alliance Day Two Product has a carrying capacity of around 3.1 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) with 331 containerships deployed on 41 services. CMA CGM will continue to play a major role within the alliance, deploying a fleet of 121 ships.

Partners Eye Autonomous Vessel Technology for UK Ports

Peel Ports Group and ASV Global (ASV) have launched a partnership which will develop the use of autonomous vessel technology for U.K. port operations.The partnership kick-started with a visit from ASV’s team to the Port of Liverpool, to demonstrate the C-Cat-3, an autonomous vessel ideal for shallow survey operations.The C-Cat 3 operated in Brocklebank Dock carrying out seabed survey using a Norbit iWBMS multibeam echo sounder.The successful demonstration has led Peel Ports Group…

Concirrus, EY to Drive Change in Marine Insurance Underwriting

Insurtech Concirrus and EY announced a new agreement to accelerate the adoption of behavioral-based underwriting and risk management in marine insurance. Concirrus has created market leading artificial intelligence (AI) powered marine insurance software, and is collaborating with EY, a global leader in specialty insurance consulting, to support the evolution of one of the oldest and most traditional insurance industries. Working together will help marine insurers move from older demographic based underwriting models…

Kemp: Trade Restrictions puts World Economy at Risk

Trade and investment restrictions are proliferating around the world, driven by a combination of security concerns and protectionist pressures. In each instance, policymakers can usually cite a justification of why trade and investment restrictions are necessary. But taken together, a thickening web of restrictions on cross-border transactions is imposing a growing burden on business as well as complicating supply chains. The United States and China have threatened to hit each…

Port Manatee Reports Record First Half

Port Manatee reports it has achieved numerous cargo records in the first half of its current fiscal year and is on pace to shatter several full-year marks. The Central Florida Gulf port has established new first-half highs for total tonnage throughput and a host of cargo sectors, according to figures released April 17. “Port Manatee’s continuing dynamic growth is a testament to the enduring success of our port, in collaboration with our tenants and users, as a critical link in…

Port Houston Reports Strong Q1 2018

Year-to-date total tonnage for Port Houston through March is at 9.7 million, reflecting a 2 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Results showed that bulk material and steel were the primary drivers for the growth. “We continue to see positive activity for all sectors of business through Port Houston facilities,” Port Houston Executive Director Roger Guenther said Monday to the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority during the April meeting. Cargo showed year-to-date increases across all major lines.

Singapore Sets Out to Curb Ship Collisions

Singapore is set to get new technology to help in preventing ship collisions.The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said it has engaged the services of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research's Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC), Singapore Management University (SMU) and Fujitsu to develop new predictive technologies for maritime vessel traffic management. These predictive technologies will tap the power of artificial intelligence and big data analytics, to enhance navigational safety within the Port of Singapore.

Maersk to Trial AI-powered Situational Awareness Technology

Danish shipping giant A.P. Moller-Maersk will be the first in the world to trial artificial intelligence (AI) powered perception and situational awareness technology on a containership.Under a deal signed with Boston-based Sea Machines Robotics, Maersk will install computer vision, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and perception software aboard one of its new-build Winter Palace ice-class containerships.Sea Machines said its solution uses AI to improve at-sea situational awareness…

DP World Sets Its Sights on Hyperloop Cargo Shipping

Dubai-based port operator DP World has partnered with Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Hyperloop One to create a new venture that aims to provide hyperloop-enabled cargo systems.DP World and the U.S.-based Virgin Hyperloop One introduced their vision for “the future of on-demand freight transportation” at an event on April 29 at the historic vessel Queen Elizabeth 2.The joint venture, called DP World Cargospeed, will set out to be the world’s first to ship cargo with hyperloop technology.

MarineMTS Launches Silverbox

MarineMTS has launched to market Silverbox, a new piece of technology that is set to provide secure chart and data updates to mariners across the globe. Silverbox will help vessel owners and operators improve voyage planning, enhance safety and prepare for a future of automation.Silverbox, which has undergone rigorous testing on client vessels around the world, will enable the delivery of live, secure, automatic updates to navigational charts on vessels that use an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) - mandatory for all sizes of commercial craft by July 2018.

Tightening CA Environmental Regs Could Impact West Coast Supply Chains

In a similar fashion to Gulf coast offshore energy producers who, in some instances, must document and count the environmental impact of their third party standby boats, offshore service vessels and other assets, the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles could soon be burdened with yet another layer of environmental rules. In Southern California, beneficial cargo owners (BCOs) are bracing for yet another set of regulations; this time as a function of cargo transported to and from warehouses and even off-site intermodal rail yards.

Record-Breaking Year for the Port of Baltimore

38.4 million tons of cargo handled in 2017; the most since 1979 and the third-highest tonnage in its history.With such a busy port environmental factors have to be considered. The Maryland Department of Transportation, Maryland Port Administration has made significant environmental progress to reduce emissions at the port’s public marine terminals in the last several years, including upgrades of older equipment to newer and more efficient tools.The 2018 GreenPort Congress Conference…