Why are the U.S. East and Gulf Coast Ports going on strike?

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance Center are negotiating a new labor contract and wage increase package. International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) remain in a logjam because of new labor contracts for East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, with an impending strike possibility on October 1st if no agreement can be called. As a result, transportation and logistics providers are taking measures to minimize operational impacts, with shipping lines already slowing container acceptance while east and Gulf Coast ports extend gate hours; both parties seek negotiation while ILA rejects wage increase packages presented by USMX, which they blame for potential strike threats, creating severe congestion as primary ports halt operations completely stopping operations altogether, potentially impacting cargo shipments as shipments through major ports affecting cargo shipments impacted.

East Coast port strike 2024 update

Negotiation Jam: Both ILA and USMX have failed to agree on a new labor contract, increasing the possibility of strike action on October 1. ILA leaders have threatened strike action on that date if no agreement can be reached by this date.

Getting Ready for Strikes: Carriers and operators have formed some measures to minimize any influence from an approaching strike while negotiations between the parties continue to find an acceptable labor contract agreement.

Contingency Planning: Carriers and port operators have implemented some ways to minimize the effects of a potential strike, while stakeholders have actively communicated to share information and coordinate efforts.

US East Coast port strike raised concerns

Extreme Disruptions: An industrial move at ports could cause significant disruptions, with freight delays, cost increases, and raised operational fees all likely to result from its implementation.

Container Backlog: If this kind of strike occurs, containers are expected to be built up around the country.

Economic Effect: Strikes are expected to come with an adverse economic impact, particularly in regions heavily reliant on sea trade activity. Continue Negotiations: Both parties are expected to engage in efforts to avoid striking.

Government Involvement: Unsolved negotiations can cause the Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service involvement, to facilitate negotiations or help prevent strikes.

Shippers’ precautions for the US East and Gulf Coast Port Strikes 2024

To block the impcats of the strikes, shippers should develop contingency plans like alternating their shipping routes (such as, to the United States’s West Coast ports). On this matter, George Goldman, president and CEO of North America CMA CGM, made a statement and said, “There are zero ships that I’m aware of that are being diverted to the West Coast [because of a potential strike at the ports]. As of right now, customers have made that decision. They’re the ones who will guide us as to what, for them, is the best avenue to pursue.” 

What ports are in the U.S. East and Gulf Coast?

U.S. East and Gulf Coast Ports by Shipsgo

Shipsgo’s response to the US East and Gulf Coast Port Strikes

As soon as a potential strikes threatened US East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, our team knew immediate action was essential. In response to these possible risks, we swiftly assembled a dedicated crisis management team in order to assess any impact it might have on customers’ shipments.

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As soon as we were aware that some containers were on their way or close to ports that could be affected by strikes, we detected these containers proactively. To ensure that our customers can take precautions, we added a section to their user dashboards enabling them to easily download a detailed report that includes any containers potentially affected by strikes.

Our core lies in our dedicated commitment to our customers, especially during difficult conditions and crises. In such circumstances, our devoted team works tirelessly to give you full visibility over your shipments and notify you of potential disruptions as quickly as possible.

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The Italian Coast Guard quickly responded to the accident, while Guardia Costiera deployed an aircraft, a helicopter, and a ship for monitoring. The Guardia Costiera reported that the collision site was not polluted. After the collision, both EF OLIVIA and HAYRIYE ANA were redirected along the Sicilian coast. According to the most recent marine traffic AIS data, the container ships are moving towards the north, and their status is “restricted mobility.” HAYRIYE ANA only suffered minor damages, while the hull of EF OLIVIA sustained punctures.

Shipsgo Approach for EF Olivia and Mother Hayriye Accident

As Shipsgo, we took quick action after the accident. Our expert operation team quickly started the investigation and analysis process. The investigations were critical for informing our customers about the process and informing the affected shipments.

Based on the detected information, 134 shipments of Shipsgo users were identified, and notifications were made quickly. Determining that 43 different users were affected, our team established one-to-one private contact with the users. They communicated detailed information on the subject, and it was conveyed that information will be provided with instant notifications in the future.

Details of the EF Olivia and Hayriye Ana Accident

The collision has not been revealed in any further deepest detail. However, the Guardia Costiera’s footage indicates that weather conditions were severe at the time of the collision. EF OLIVIA (42,200 dwt) is a container ship Peter Doehle manages. Built-in 2006, it is registered with Portugal and was to sail to AUGUSTA port on Monday. HAYRIYE ANA belongs to a Turkish shipping line. The 8300 dwt Liberia-registered left Istanbul, Turkey, on April 19, bound for A CORUNA in Spain, which was expected to arrive on April 29.

The HAYRIYE ANA was recently inspected, and several defects were found. Chinese maritime authorities reported several deficiencies in November 2023, including issues with the vessel’s VDR. In January 2024, the Greek authorities also noted deficiencies on the vessel. This further highlighted the need to conduct safety and maintenance checks.

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What Happened the Port of Baltimore after Key Bridge Collapse ?

When the container ship Dali hit the Key Bridge, unfortunately, some people were on the bridge. From that moment on, Coast Guard teams started to search for people who had fallen overboard. But as you can imagine, the current in the sea, the dark time of the accident, and the magnitude of the accident made the whole process difficult.

Here are some of the developments following the accident:

• According to Guatemala’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, two of the six workers missing after Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse are Guatemalans.
• The US Coast Guard halted the rescue effort for six workers trapped on the bridge after it collapsed. Commander Shannon Gilreath told reporters that the US Coast Guard did not believe they would find survivors.
• Maryland Gov. Wes Moore told reporters that the crew had called in a “mayday,” which allowed the authorities to stop the traffic before impact. It likely saved lives.
• The collapse of the Baltimore port, which has halted all ship traffic indefinitely, could negatively impact the local economy. It may also strain supply chains or cause delays in deliveries along the US East Coast.

Shipsgo’s Actions for Baltimore Port

We closely and carefully followed the incident with our expert operation team from the first moment it happened. As we mentioned in our previous Shipsgo Blog, we informed our customers who had shipments on the ship.

Following our detailed research, we notify over 150 shipments in the following process. We will closely follow the process for our customers’ affected and potentially affected shipments/containers.

In addition, there is currently no clear date for the reopening of the Port of Baltimore, and many modes of transportation need to find a new port. We will see how this process affects the supply chain.

We are attaching the official announcement made by the Port of Baltimore for you:

The post Updates from the Port of Baltimore- Key Bridge Collapse appeared first on Shipsgo Blog.

Many videos and images have been shared on social media. In the first information, it is not clear whether there are dead or injured. Experts are at the scene and are conducting research on the subject. Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott tweeted the following about the issue:

Key Bridge Images After the Accident

The Francis Scott Key Bridge across the Patapsco River, Baltimore, Maryland, collapsed in recent minutes after being hits by the container vessel Dali of Singapore.

Shipsgo’s Approach to the Key Bridge Accident

On the other hand, the container ship has carried many containers, and the shipments may have been damaged. After the accident, transportation delays and many potential problems are on the schedule. As Shipsgo, we inform our customers who have cargo on board, and our expert operation team is closely following the process.

We will keep you informed as new progress occur.

Why Tracking at ShipsGo?

Using ShipsGo for shipment tracking has several benefits for both shippers and receivers. Firstly, it allows you to stay informed about the progress of your shipments. Giving you peace of mind and enabling you to plan your operations accordingly. You can export/import as you wish and monitor all of your shipments in one place.

Overall, the ShipsGo Container Tracking Platform is an indispensable tool for anyone looking to track shipments. Its user-friendly interface and real-time updates make it a reliable and efficient way to stay on top of your shipments and ensure that everything arrives on time and in good condition.

The post Dali Container Ship Hits Baltimore Key Bridge appeared first on Shipsgo Blog.

Kocaeli crane accident occurred while the ship named YM Witness belonging to Hong Kong-based Yang Ming company was docking in Evyap Port. As a result of the ship’s inability to stop and maneuver sufficiently while docking, it dropped three cranes. Containers also fell overboard during the incident.

Certainly, we are aware that the incident was very risky, and the health of the people working in the port was at risk. We feel their pain deeply.

Another impact of the incident is the disruption of transportation and organizational processes due to overturned cranes and containers falling into the sea. The accident may affect shipments in the port (Gate-In Status) and shipments scheduled for loading (Booked Status). Some disruptions may occur due to a possible increase in time, possible damage to containers, and other operational delays.

What is the approach of ShipsGo to the Kocaeli Crane accident?

As ShipsGo, we are closely monitoring the terrible accident at the port. Our expert operations team is monitoring affected and potentially affected shipments. We are notifying our customers of the affected or potentially affected shipments identified by our team.

The process poses some challenges not only for the ship involved in the accident but also for other vessels. The operational processes have slowed down considerably in the part where the cranes collapsed, which will affect the estimated voyage times of other vessels.

Our expert operation team is inspecting and transferring your Gate-In and Booked shipments to you in the fastest way possible and will continue to do so throughout the process. In addition, it may also affect ships that still need to be in port (Gate-In is empty), and our team is informing you about such potential delays.

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What Happened in the Red Sea?

As the entire world pays close attention, there is an ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, leading to a war. The effects of the war spread across the region and had global repercussions. Some interventions against container ships on the Red Sea were among the ongoing events. In particular, the drone attack on the Maersk ship aroused widespread concern. Subsequently, the interventions increased and almost made trade on the route impossible.

Shipping companies reroute ships out of the Red Sea

Here are the shipping firms that avoid the Suez Canal as Red Sea attacks:

• Hapag Lloyd suspended their ship traffic in the Red Sea until December 18 and has yet to decide on the future.
• CMA-CGM stopped its vessels heading to the Suez Canal.
• COSCO – OOCL stopped their voyages to the Israeli region.
• MSC announced that it will operate many of its voyages via the Cape of Good Hope and updated its sailing schedules.
• MAERSK announced that it would pause all vessels bound for the Red Sea / Gulf of Aden over the highly escalated security situation in the area. ( 19 December 2023 )

Actions taken by ShipsGo in relation to affected shipments

We are deeply concerned and devastated about the ongoing war and collectively hope for its swift resolution. During this challenging time, we are dedicated to keeping our users informed about all the processes and ensuring visibility for their shipments on the Red Sea route.

Our system and operation team follow the process closely and identify all affected shipments to provide email notifications and updates to our customers. Our teams have confirmed that some of the cargoes affected so far on this route were transported by Maersk and Hapag Lloyd. There were a total of 119 shipment status changes, and we sent instant email notifications to our users for their own shipments.

For ShipsGo users: Affected carriers and vessel names

A total of 119 shipments were tracked. Instant support was provided to 40 customers, who were informed through instant notifications.

Hapag Lloyd

The container ship Al Jasrah, operated by Hapag-Lloyd, was hit by a missile fired from the area, causing a fire on deck. As ShipsGo we are constantly searching for updates to inform you about the current situation at the Red Sea.

Vessel Name: Al Jasrah

Affected Shipments of ShipsGo users: 44 Shipments

Maersk

Near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a missile was directed at the Maersk Gibraltar ship. According to the information we have at the moment, it would not be wrong to say that the shipment most affected by this situation in the Red Sea refers to this ship.

Vessel Name: Gibraltar

Affected Shipments of ShipsGo users: 75 Shipments

Why Tracking at ShipsGo?

Using ShipsGo for shipment tracking has several benefits for both shippers and receivers. We allow you to stay informed about the progress of your shipments. Giving you peace of mind and enabling you to plan your operations accordingly. You can export/import as you wish and monitor all of your shipments in one place.

Overall, ShipsGo container tracking platform is an essential tool for anyone using Wan Hai Lines Line shipping lines for their shipping needs. Its user-friendly interface and real-time updates make it a reliable and efficient way. For to stay on top of your shipments and ensure that everything arrives on time and in good condition.

The post Updates From The Red Sea appeared first on Shipsgo Blog.

Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea is currently building the world’s first ship of this type, featuring a capacity for 16,000 containers and equipped with a dual-fuel engine capable of running on either methanol, biodiesel, or traditional bunker fuel.
Maersk Line’s first large container ship powered by methanol fuel was seen being built at Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea.

What’s the next step for green fuel?

Maersk has confirmed they have secured sufficient green methanol for the inaugural voyage of their ship and is actively searching for solutions to source it for their fleet in 2024-2025. Their goal is carbon neutrality by 2040, with ambitious short-term goals set by 2030.

Since 2021, Maersk has ordered new ships capable of running on eco-friendly fuels such as green methanol. When these vessels enter service, they will become among the first container ships worldwide to employ green methanol as their primary fuel, following in the footsteps of Laura Maersk, who began service earlier this month. In January 2024, before it embarks, a ceremony at the shipyard will formally name the new vessel and mark its departure.

Maersk anticipates adding two new ships to its fleet in the first six months of 2024 and hosting their naming ceremonies in Yokohama and Los Angeles, Japan and the USA respectively. Maersk anticipates four more similar vessels will be delivered during the later parts of 2024.

Maersk currently has orders for 24 ships, 12 with capacities of 16,000 TEU each, 6 with 17,000 TEU capacity and another set of six that have capacities of 9,000 TEU each.
All ships will feature dual-fuel engines capable of running on green methanol. On its AE7 route – essential to linking Asia with Europe – stops include Ningbo, Shanghai and Nansha in China; Tanjung Pelepas in Malaysia; Colombo in Sri Lanka and Port Tangiers in Morocco, among many others.

The post Maersk’s Green Methanol Fueled Container Ship appeared first on Shipsgo Blog.

👉🏻 These freight charges will be effective on 1 November.

In the statement made on the Hapag Lloyd official website, it is stated as follows about Bangladesh:

Our ocean tariff/freight charges from Bangladesh to North Europe and South Europe will increase. This update will apply for all 20’ and 40’ dry containers, including high cube equipment and applies to sailings starting on November 1, 2023 and is valid until further notice.

In the statement made on the Hapag Lloyd official website, it is stated as follows about Türkiye:

Our ocean tariff/freight charges from Turkiye to Middle East and Indian Subcontinent will increase. This update will apply for all 20’ and 40’ dry containers, including high cube equipment and applies to sailings starting on November 1, 2023 and is valid until further notice.

What is the new freight charge amount on Hapag Lloyd?

Hapag Lloyd announced that it has updated its North and South Europe prices. Of course, this development will directly or indirectly affect all trade costs and logistics expenses. It is significant for forwarders and transportation owners to know the new prices and determine a strategy accordingly.

We are providing you with the price information we received from the official Hapag Lloyd website.

New freight charges for shipments leaving Turkish ports:

20′ Dry Containers – For USD

40′ Dry Containers (Including HighCube) – For USD

New freight charges for shipments leaving Bangladesh ports:

This situation will affect so many countries and so many logistics organizations. For example;

Europe: Germany, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Belgium, France, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, Ireland, Norway, Finland, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Austria, Switzerland, Slovakia, Estonia, Iceland, Luxembourg.

South Europe: Spain, Portugal, Italy, Algeria, Morocco, Malta, Tunisia, Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, Greece, Israel, Montenegro, Libya, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, Cyprus, Slovenia, Lebanon, Türkiye, Ukraine, Egypt

How Can I see all alternative carriers on shipping routes?

It is essential to see all carriers between routes and compare them. Finding the service that carries out transportation as soon as possible and listing among the alternatives can be an excellent advantage for your organization.

Another possible situation is that a carrier may increase its price, as we saw in the Hapag Lloyd example. And you may want to know the price range and shipping time of other services. In this case, ShipsGo Service Finder Premium lists all the services between the routes and allows you to collect information among the alternatives.

The post Hapag Lloyd Increases Freight Charges- Türkiye and Bangladesh appeared first on Shipsgo Blog.

In addition, both companies are investing in the asset of environmentally friendly ships. Maersk has recently committed to purchasing vessels using methanol as a primary fuel source. Meanwhile, the French shipping company has ordered LNG (liquefied natural gas)-powered ships that seamlessly transition to bio/e-methane, the environmentally friendly substitute for conventional LNG. They also align with their sustainability goals by supplying vessels designed to run on biomethanol.

CMA CGM Group chairman and CEO Rodolphe Saadé said:

By combining the know-how and expertise of two shipping leaders, we will accelerate the development of new solutions and technologies, enabling our industry to reach its CO₂ reduction targets. We are looking forward to being joined by other companies.

What do Maersk and CMA CGM Decarbonisation Partnership Initiative Support?

Maersk and CMA CGM have ventured into a collaborative effort to advance the adoption of eco-friendly alternative fuels for pushing containerships. Their specific initiatives include:

• Developing high standards for alternative sustainable, green fuels and helping to set the framework of mass production of green methane and green methanol.
• Improving and upholding safety and operational standards for green methanol-powered vessels and expediting the readiness of ports worldwide for bunkering and supplying bio/e-methanol at strategically significant port locations.
• Continuing to explore jointly R&D on other components of the net zero solution as new alternative fuels, like ammonia, or innovation technology for our ships.

A.P. Moller – Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc said:

A.P. Moller – Maersk wants to accelerate the green transition in shipping and logistics and to do so, we need strong involvement from partners across the industry.  We are pleased to have an ally in CMA CGM and it’s a testament that when we unite through determined efforts and partnerships, a tangible and optimistic path towards a sustainable future emerges.

Methanol Fuel Ships and Shipping Industry

Methanol is usually produced from natural gas, coal, biomass, and carbon dioxide sources. Ships using these fuels are called Methanol Fuel Ships.

👉🏻For more detailed information about Methanol Fuel ships and the shipping industry, you can click here and check out our blog post on the subject.

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Why MSC Select the Name ‘Türkiye’ for New Container Ship

MSC’s business relations with Türkiye are at a very advanced stage. The company, which has a critical position in the region, also gives sponsorships within the country. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye, the company named the ship “Türkiye.”

MSC Container Tracking at ShipsGo

The Mediterranean Shipping Company, or MSC, is a world-famous and privately-owned shipping line that has been operating for over 40 years. Established in 1970, MSC has grown to become one of the largest container shipping companies in the world, with a fleet of over 500 vessels and operations in over 200 countries. MSC is dedicated to providing its customers with efficient, reliable, cost-effective services.

Suppose you use the MSC shipping line for your import and export needs. ShipsGo offers a comprehensive container tracking system to help you stay on top of your shipments. Here’s everything you need to know about MSC container tracking with ShipsGo.

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