On October 3, 2024, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Union (USMX) issued a joint statement that the parties have reached a tentative agreement on wages and have agreed to extend the Master Contract through January 15, 2025, with a subsequent return to the bargaining table to resolve other remaining issues. Effective…
One of shipping company “MSC” said in a newly released statement that it expects a possible port strike in the U.S. East and Gulf Coast after the contract expires on Sept. 30, as negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance, Inc. and U.S. Maritime Union, Inc. (USMX) approach their deadline….
The Port of New York-New Jersey, the second-busiest container port in the United States, is ramping up preparations for an impending strike and has urged shippers to halt cargo operations within a week of the union’s set strike deadline. Port Director Bethann Rooney outlined the operational plans during the shutdown in a letter to clients,…
Last Thursday, a trailer carrying large lithium-ion batteries overturned and caught fire on a highway near the Port of Los Angeles. The fire was difficult to control and was expected to burn for 24-48 hours, resulting in traffic jams, road closures, and the closure of several terminals. The accident is yet another warning about the…
In 2024, European shipping companies have no choice but to navigate a market filled with uncertainties and challenges. Since the beginning of the year, major European shipping companies such as Maersk, CMA CGM, and Hapag-Lloyd have faced significant challenges, primarily due to declining freight rates, geopolitical instability, and rising operational costs. Geopolitical instability, particularly the…
In maritime transport, fires are mainly caused by lithium-ion batteries. Industry insiders note that lithium batteries have a degree of instability. Data shows that lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries have a relatively low rate of spontaneous combustion (around 21%), while ternary lithium batteries have a much higher rate (up to 69%). Lithium batteries are prone…
On September 13th, the Biden administration announced a series of measures aimed at addressing the significant abuse of the “de minimis” exemption policy and strengthening efforts to block goods that violate U.S. laws. The government also urged Congress to pass legislation this year to comprehensively reform this exemption policy. Under Section 321 of the Tariff…
Recently, several European countries have been hit by severe flooding, resulting in casualties and widespread property damage. Reports indicate that the border areas between the Czech Republic and Poland have been severely affected, with floods washing away bridges and destroying some homes. The Moravia-Silesia region in the Czech Republic has been particularly impacted, with around…
Shipping Lines Halt Container Bookings and Impose ‘Work Disruption Surcharge‘ ! A number of ports on the US East Coast and Gulf Coast are actively announcing their contingency plans in preparation for the dockworkers’ strike expected to take place on October 1st. In order to minimise the potential impact of the strike, these ports plan…
A cargo barge collided with the Willems Bridge in Rotterdam, causing five containers to fall into the Maas River. This is the second inland cargo vessel collision with a Rotterdam bridge this year, leading to a major disruption of the busy river traffic. The collision occurred around 8:45 AM local time on Wednesday, September 11….
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