The LATAM group, through its cargo subsidiaries, concluded a historic season for Mother’s Day by leading the transportation of flowers from South America to the world for this celebration. Over a period of 21 days, more than 24,000 tons of flowers were mobilized from Colombia and Ecuador, marking a 20% increase compared to the same period the previous year. In response to the growing demand for flowers during this special
Author: Constance Makungu
Swiss WorldCargo expands its network to South Korea
Swiss WorldCargo announced the expansion of its international network with the launch of a new route between Zurich and Seoul, South Korea, to be served by SWISS and Swiss WorldCargo, which commenced on 7 May 2024. This new lane will connect Switzerland to one of East Asia’s major freight destination and significant economic hubs, renowned for its robust electronics manufacturing and high-tech industry. Operated via the A340 passenger flights, this
DAKOSY and dbh make German container imports more secure
A standardized digital release process for containers imported into German sea ports is being launched under the name “Secure Release Order.” This is intended to gradually replace the previously used PIN code-based process. Initiators DAKOSY and dbh expect to launch the introductory phase in the second half of this year. With the comprehensive digitalization of the release process, the two logistics software service providers want make pick-ups in German sea
Port of LA nets record amount for harbor maintenance
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced the Port of Los Angeles will receive an estimated million in federal funding this year for maintaining its harbor channels and repairing its wharves. The record amount reflects the federal government’s commitment to fully implementing reforms to the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) long sought by the Port. “The San Pedro Bay ports move 40 percent of the nation’s container imports, transporting
Etihad Cargo fully prepared for UAE-PLACI
Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, has announced its complete readiness for the UAE Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) regulations, ensuring that partners and customers will experience no disruptions in their shipments. This achievement underscores the carrier’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of security and efficiency in operations. PLACI is an advanced security measure designed to enhance the monitoring and safety of air cargo. It
DHL Supply Chain partners with Omoda and Jaecoo
DHL Supply Chain has been appointed by Omoda and Jaecoo UK in a new multi-year warehousing contract ahead of their UK debut. Both brands are built by one of China’s largest car manufacturers, Chery Automobile Co. Through the new contract, DHL will support aftermarket services for both Omoda and Jaecoo by storing spare parts, accessories and components including batteries for electric and hybrid vehicles. Leveraging sector expertise, DHL will provide
New Multi-Purpose Vessel Enhances Port of Cape Town’s Marine Fleet
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is constructing a new multi-purpose vessel to enhance marine fleet availability at the Port of Cape Town. The keel-laying ceremony, a traditional milestone marking the start of construction, took place in Cape Town on Friday. In line with maritime tradition, a Mandela Peace Prize coin was placed under the keel to invite good fortune during construction and the vessel’s operational life. Damen Shipyards Cape Town
Port of Walvis Bay Advances with €250M Hydrogen and Ammonia Facility
In a significant development for Namibia’s energy sector, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges has announced plans to develop a €250-million ($267 million) hydrogen and ammonia storage and export facility at the Port of Walvis Bay. This project marks another milestone in the growing cooperation between Namibia’s ports authority, Namport, and the Belgian port complex. In June 2022, Namport signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with its European partners to explore potential
Maersk’s Earnings Plunge Amid Prolonged Red Sea Crisis
A prolonged crisis in the Red Sea has been identified as a significant factor behind AP Moller-Maersk’s sharp decline in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA), which dropped 92% year-on-year (YoY) for the first quarter (Q1) of 2024. While gross revenue stood at $3.2 billion for Q1 in 2023, the line’s EBITDA fell to $1.5 billion. Excluding depreciation and amortisation, EBIT decreased to $117 million from $2.3 billion
Urgent Upgrades Needed to Boost Competitiveness of South African Ports
Addressing the persistent equipment issues at South African ports is crucial for maintaining the competitiveness of the sea freight sector. Years of neglect and mismanagement of funds have led to significant capital expenditure shortfalls, creating substantial challenges in upgrading the necessary infrastructure. While borrowing funds remains an option, it exacerbates the country’s escalating debt levels. Peter Besnard, CEO of the South African Association of Ship Operators and Agents (Saasoa), underscores
