Maritime

The Journal of Commerce is the most trusted source for maritime news and analysis about ocean container shipping, logistics, supply chains, global shipping ports, shipping technology solutions and end-to-end connectivity. Coverage tracks the movement of containerized cargo — from origin to destination — handled by marine terminals in the US and abroad, depots, container ports, container lines, drayage, consignees and shippers, forwarders, non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs) and off-dock warehousing providers, as well as pricing, capacity, volume and reliability on the trans-Pacific, Asia-Europe, North America-Caribbean, Central and South America and intra-Asia trades.

Subsections

The latest Maritime News & Analysis

Ocean carriers, retailers failing in drive to decarbonize: Ship It Zero

Greg Knowler, Senior Editor Europe | Aug 3, 2023, 11:05 AM EDT

A report card from the environmental campaigner claimed there was distinct lack of progress from the world’s largest retailers and ocean carriers on reducing supply chain emissions.

MaritimeContainer shippingContainer lines

Ocean market shows signs of life despite forecasts for muted peak season

Peter Tirschwell | Aug 3, 2023, 8:00 AM EDT

While the magnitude of peak season in any given year may have macroeconomic significance in shedding light on the strength of consumer spending and the economy overall, it is only one factor driving the market conditions that affect the physical movement of goods, writes Peter Tirschwell.

Container shippingContainer linesTrans-PacificAsia-EuropeNorth American portsInternational ports

Carriers tell FMC not to ‘weaponize’ proposed rule on refusal of service

Teri Errico Griffis, Associate Editor | Aug 2, 2023, 2:59 PM EDT

The rulemaking has underscored sharp divisions in the industry on whether the maritime regulator needs to take a heavier hand with liners following complaints by shippers.

Transport, trade and regulationContainer shippingContainer linesTrans-Pacific

Ocean carriers shift capacity as trans-Atlantic slumps: Alphaliner

Greg Knowler, Senior Editor Europe | Aug 2, 2023, 12:53 PM EDT

Ocean rates for North Europe to North America have fallen significantly below pre-pandemic levels on some trade lane indices after a wild three-year ride that took container shipping prices to record levels.

MaritimeContainer shippingContainer linesTrans-Atlantic

Hot summer turning up climate change heat on supply chains

Mark Szakonyi, Executive Editor | Aug 2, 2023, 12:47 PM EDT

Familiar reminders of the disruptions to supply chains caused by climate change, such as low water levels on the Rhine River and in the Panama Canal and wildfires in North America, are becoming more frequent and intense.

Supply ChainContainer shippingPort infrastructureRailNorth-American rail

EU carbon tax’s long reach to affect global rates, vessel deployments: analyst

Lars Jensen, CEO & Partner, Vespucci Maritime, and Journal of Commerce analyst | Aug 2, 2023, 8:00 AM EDT

Inclusion in the European Union’s emissions trading system will affect not only the cost of shipping to and from the EU, but will likely put upward pressure on pricing for cargo that doesn’t touch the EU at all, writes analyst Lars Jensen.

Container shippingContainer linesTrans-AtlanticAsia-EuropePortsTransport, trade and regulation

House bill would allow use of tax-deferred income to fund cargo equipment upgrades

Teri Errico Griffis, Associate Editor | Aug 1, 2023, 2:54 PM EDT

The National Association of Waterfront Employees says terminal operators are potentially on the hook for “tens of billions of dollars” to upgrade their cargo handling equipment and allowing them to use tax-deferred funds would increase their purchasing power.

Transport, trade and regulationNorth American portsPort infrastructure

Disruptive 2022 does little to upset global container port rankings

Eric Johnson, Senior Technology Editor | Aug 1, 2023, 11:51 AM EDT

Half of the world’s top 50 container ports grew their volumes last year while the other half saw declines, highlighting the contrasting fortunes of the global gateways.

PortsNorth American portsInternational portsSupply Chain

Tough market conditions slow DHL’s H1 profitability

Greg Knowler, Senior Editor Europe | Aug 1, 2023, 10:16 AM EDT

A challenging operating environment pulled down revenue and earnings at DHL, but the Germany-based integrator remains in a highly profitable position ahead of an uncertain second half.

Air cargo forwardingContainer shippingLTLLast mile

Europe pulls ahead of US as key lane for South America container trade

Keith Wallis, Special Correspondent | Aug 1, 2023, 8:00 AM EDT

The value of Brazil’s exports to European and Mediterranean countries is rising faster than those to the US, while Europe is also increasingly taking a greater share of Brazilian exports in percentage terms, trade figures show.

Container shippingContainer linesNorth American portsInternational ports

Western Canada port operations normal as next union contract vote looms

Bill Mongelluzzo, Senior Editor | Jul 31, 2023, 3:59 PM EDT

Negotiators for ILWU Canada and waterfront employers reached a second tentative contract agreement late Sunday after the union’s membership rejected an initial deal that had been struck last week.

MaritimeLongshore laborNorth American ports

ONE reports sharp drop in fiscal Q1 profitability as rates, demand fall

Greg Knowler, Senior Editor Europe | Jul 31, 2023, 9:59 AM EDT

The financial results of the Singapore-based carrier reflect a return to a more normal container shipping market, albeit one characterized by weak demand from inflation-hit destination markets.

MaritimeContainer shippingContainer linesTrans-PacificAsia-Europe

ILWU Canada’s contract rejection thrusts BC ports in limbo

Mark Szakonyi, Executive Editor | Jul 29, 2023, 8:37 AM EDT

The membership of the International Longshore Warehouse Union Canada has rejected a four-year contract at the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert, which employers say would have included a 19.2%. compounded wage increase.

Longshore laborContainer shippingTrans-PacificNorth American portsTransport, trade and regulation

Court denies SC Ports appeal of Leatherman ruling

Michael Angell, Associate Editor | Jul 28, 2023, 5:12 PM EDT

The latest decision upheld an initial ruling by the National Labor Relations Board that allowed the International Longshoremen’s Association to sue ocean carriers that called Charleston’s Leatherman terminal.

Longshore laborContainer shippingContainer linesNorth American ports

CMA CGM reports $1.3 billion Q2 profit despite flat volume

Greg Knowler, Senior Editor Europe | Jul 28, 2023, 1:16 PM EDT

"Normalizing" container shipping market conditions slashed more than $6 billion from CMA CGM's quarterly earnings compared with an overheated 2022, but the carrier remains in a healthy financial position.

MaritimeContainer shippingContainer lines

Change management key to unlocking AI’s productivity potential for 3PLs

Eric Johnson, Senior Technology Editor | Jul 28, 2023, 10:57 AM EDT

Forwarders have an opportunity to reduce labor costs and improve margins using artificial intelligence (AI), but managing the transition away from a human workforce could prove difficult.

Logistics technologyForwardingSupply Chain

FMC’s Dye offers fixes for container flow problems through US ports

Teri Errico Griffis, Associate Editor | Jul 28, 2023, 9:00 AM EDT

The FMC commissioner wants to implement uniform empty return dates and define “container availability” as when the container is available for pick up, among other proposals.

Transport, trade and regulationContainer shippingMarine terminalsNorth American portsTruckingLogistics technology

Cargo flow woes persist at India’s Mundra Port after cyclone disruption

Bency Mathew, Special Correspondent | Jul 28, 2023, 8:00 AM EDT

Concerned over the trade chaos at Mundra, India’s Container Shipping Lines Association said that vessel scheduling on services out of the country had become a major challenge for carriers.

International portsContainer shippingContainer lines

Ample Southern California warehouse space awaits muted peak season

Bill Mongelluzzo, Senior Editor | Jul 27, 2023, 1:26 PM EDT

After three years of operating at full capacity, warehouses and distribution centers outside the Los Angeles-Long Beach port complex are gaining space by shedding excess inventory, and a peak season that some say will be non-existent is not expected to disrupt that newfound fluidity.

MaritimeNorth American portsSupply ChainLast mile

Local issues stymie movement on new master contract between ILA, USMX

Michael Angell, Associate Editor | Jul 27, 2023, 11:50 AM EDT

Only local unions at the ports of New York and New Jersey and Baltimore have come to tentative terms on local issues, with the ILA’s chief negotiator saying employers in other ports “have not taken the talks seriously.”

Longshore laborContainer shippingNorth American ports

Port of Oakland taps visibility provider to plug gaps in container status

Eric Johnson, Senior Technology Editor | Jul 27, 2023, 11:15 AM EDT

Technology provider QuayChain will arm the Port of Oakland with milestone data in areas near its facilities to improve its visibility portal.

North American portsPortsSupply ChainLogistics technology

Western Canada port backlog to take weeks to clear: Canadian National

Mark Szakonyi, Executive Editor | Jul 26, 2023, 12:00 PM EDT

CN said it will take up to eight weeks to clear the cargo backlog at the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert as the industry waits to see if ILWU Canada’s rank and file will accept terms of the tentative deal reached last week.

North-American railContainer shippingTrans-PacificNorth American portsIntermodal providers

Strategic focus on higher-margin business pays off for forwarders

Greg Knowler, Senior Editor Europe | Jul 26, 2023, 11:49 AM EDT

The decision by DSV and Kuehne + Nagel to protect yields at the expense of volume is allowing the forwarders to move into an uncertain second half in a solidly profitable position.

MaritimeAir CargoContainer shippingAir cargo forwarding

New Jersey port stakeholders say state police ready for oversight task

Michael Angell, Associate Editor | Jul 25, 2023, 4:55 PM EDT

Maritime employers expect New Jersey State Police oversight of longshore hiring in the state will be easier and less burdensome than it was under the soon-to-be dissolved Waterfront Commission.

North American portsMarine terminalsLongshore labor

Major forwarders riding out slow return of traditional freight markets

Greg Knowler, Senior Editor Europe | Jul 25, 2023, 2:10 PM EDT

The CEOs of DSV and Kuehne + Nagel, shrugging off heavily distorted year-over-year comparisons, described their second-quarter results as “solid” and reflective of the evolving normalization of the air and ocean markets.

ForwardingContainer shippingAir cargo forwarding

ILA chief calls for global union fight against port, maritime automation

Michael Angell, Associate Editor | Jul 25, 2023, 9:56 AM EDT

The president of the International Longshoremen’s Association says automation and new technology are an existential threat to union members and other maritime employees worldwide.

Longshore laborContainer linesMarine terminalsNorth American ports

Savannah reopens berth at Garden City Terminal, boosting capacity by 25%

Teri Errico Griffis, Associate Editor | Jul 24, 2023, 5:01 PM EDT

The Georgia Ports Authority has acknowledged the added berth capacity was sorely needed during the worst of the pandemic-driven port congestion when Savannah’s queue hit more than 30 ships in September 2021.

North American portsTrans-PacificMarine terminalsPort infrastructure

Asia-Europe ocean carriers look to steady market with August rate hikes

Greg Knowler, Senior Editor Europe | Jul 24, 2023, 2:37 PM EDT

The new price levels signal the intent of carriers to drive up freight-all-kinds rates in a move to capitalize on any increased buying should a peak season emerge.

MaritimeContainer shippingContainer linesAsia-Europe

ILWU Canada caucus approves tentative deal; membership vote expected this week

Bill Mongelluzzo, Senior Editor | Jul 24, 2023, 10:10 AM EDT

The rollercoaster developments of the past three weeks, which began with a 13-day strike by ILWU Canada on July 1, have disrupted cargo handling at Vancouver, Canada’s largest port and a gateway to US and Canadian markets.

MaritimePortsLongshore laborNorth American ports

Retail 3PL GSC expands service scope with MacMillan-Piper acquisition

Bill Mongelluzzo, Senior Editor | Jul 24, 2023, 9:40 AM EDT

GSC intends to combine its expertise in servicing containerized imports in the retail sector with MacMillan-Piper's experience in warehousing and transloading of primarily export commodities.

North American portsTrans-PacificSupply Chain

Heightened biosecurity program drives Australian ro/ro port congestion

Keith Wallis, Special Correspondent | Jul 24, 2023, 8:00 AM EDT

A rigorous hunt for seeds and pollen is disrupting vehicle and high & heavy imports into Australia, leading carriers to pull back on services.

Breakbulk shippingRo/ro cargoPorts

Trans-Pacific preps for weak, shorter peak season before new capacity hits

Mark Szakonyi, Executive Editor | Jul 21, 2023, 1:48 PM EDT

With a significantly shorter peak season expected this year, the ability of carriers to match capacity to demand will be tested over the next six months as they seek to keep spot rates from dipping below contract levels.

Container shippingMaritimeContainer linesTrans-PacificPortsNorth American ports

NWSA auto imports up sharply amid new business from Hyundai, GM

Teri Errico Griffis, Associate Editor | Jul 21, 2023, 9:30 AM EDT

New and expanded auto imports landing at the Northwest Seaport Alliance come as carriers take advantage of its proximity to Asian ports during a time of scarce ro/ro tonnage.

Ro/ro cargoTrans-PacificNorth American ports

Clock ticking on Europe’s new multimodal green transport proposals

Greg Knowler, Senior Editor Europe | Jul 21, 2023, 8:58 AM EDT

With European parliamentary elections set for early June 2024, road and rail lobby groups have emphasized the urgency of getting the latest freight transport measures adopted.

MaritimeContainer shippingContainer linesAsia-Europe

Forwarders eager to transition to digital ocean freight booking: study

Eric Johnson, Senior Technology Editor | Jul 21, 2023, 8:39 AM EDT

Research by ECU Worldwide found that about half of ocean freight bookings are made via email, highlighting the importance of connecting booking platforms to email systems.

Logistics technologyForwarding

GRI success, rising imports drive spot rates higher as trans-Pac peak season nears

Bill Mongelluzzo, Senior Editor | Jul 20, 2023, 2:42 PM EDT

Retailers and NVOs aren’t sure if spot rates will continue to increase steadily through the peak season or whether new capacity expected to enter the trans-Pacific in the coming months will cause rates to fall again.

MaritimeContainer shippingContainer linesTrans-PacificNorth American portsInternational ports

UPDATE: Western Canada longshore workers retract notice of Saturday strike

Mark Szakonyi, Executive Editor | Jul 20, 2023, 12:18 PM EDT

The rejection of last week’s tentative contract deal by a caucus of ILWU Canada narrows the prospects of a resolution without one imposed by Parliament through back-to-work legislation.

Longshore laborTrans-PacificNorth American portsTransport, trade and regulation

Email technology provider Sedna snares funding targeting maritime, forwarding sectors

Eric Johnson, Senior Technology Editor | Jul 20, 2023, 11:24 AM EDT

Sedna’s approach of allowing companies to retain their email systems while extending their value has won new forwarding and bulk customers and a fresh capital infusion.

Logistics technologyMaritimeContainer shippingForwardingSupply Chain

India-US contract rates tick up after July GRI activity

Bency Mathew, Special Correspondent | Jul 20, 2023, 10:35 AM EDT

Freight forwarder sources in India believe the success of a fourth round of general rate increases scheduled for Aug. 1 will hinge on the ability of carriers to hold firm on recent pricing gains.

Container shippingContainer linesNorth American portsInternational ports

Rotterdam posts sharp drop in H1 volume, provides muted full-year outlook

Greg Knowler, Senior Editor Europe | Jul 20, 2023, 10:14 AM EDT

A weak global economy and limited demand in Europe has set the continent’s largest port on course for a second year of declining volume.

Marine terminalsInternational ports

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