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U.S. East Port Strike on the Horizon! MSC Notice

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….

Port of New York-New Jersey Unveils Detailed Strike Action Plan

Port of New York-New Jersey Unveils Detailed Strike Action Plan

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,…

Lithium battery fire forces closure of multiple terminals at the Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach

Lithium battery fire forces closure of multiple terminals at the Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach

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…

Maersk, CMA, Hapag-Lloyd and other shipping lines face challenges

Maersk, CMA, Hapag-Lloyd and other shipping lines face challenges

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…

Lithium-ion battery types and transportation requirements

Lithium-ion battery types and transportation requirements

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…

U.S. Announces Elimination of Duty-Free Action for Imported Small Packages Under $800

U.S. Announces Elimination of Duty-Free Action for Imported Small Packages Under $800

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…

What are the implications of the floods that have hit many European countries?

What are the implications of the floods that have hit many European countries?

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…

East Coast Strike Looms, Port Emergency Plans in Place!

East Coast Strike Looms, Port Emergency Plans in Place!

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…

MSC, Maersk multiple cargo containers overboard! A cargo barge accidentally hit the bridge

MSC, Maersk multiple cargo containers overboard! A cargo barge accidentally hit the bridge

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….

U.S. imposes 25% tariffs

U.S. imposes 25% tariffs

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) said that effective September 27, tariff rates on Chinese-made electric vehicles will be increased to 100%, solar cells to 50%, electric vehicle batteries, key minerals, steel, aluminum, masks, and shore bridges to 25%, and tariff increases on other products, including semiconductor chips, will also take take effect….