Blogs

ZIM Teams Up with MSC and MAERSK to Cooperate with 2M Alliance ZIM, the Israel-based boxline company, has joined hands with the founders of the 2M Alliance – MSC and Maersk, in an attempt to upgrade its Pacific services. Even though ZIM has stayed away from any container alliances, this cooperation regarding the journeys between Asia and the US East Coast will prove to be very beneficial in the long run. Currently, the two huge names in the industry (Maersk and MSC) are busy operating five loops on the Asia-USEC trade, whereas ZIM is supervising two loops. This new combined operation of five loops between Asia and USEC will commence from September 2018, wherein ZIM will take charge of one loop. The CEO and President of ZIM, Eli Glickman, is of the opinion that ZIM is thankful to both MSC and Maersk, for appreciating its strength and capability. This joint venture will definitely allow ZIM to not only improve its position in the trade but also to achieve new heights in operational efficiencies. The CEO also highlighted the fact that the company is being praised for its brilliant technological initiatives, like the new blockchain project. Read More . Addition of Umm Qasr by APL Enhanced Its Commitment towards Asia-Middle East Service Recently, APL has added the Umm Qasr Port (Iraq) on the Gulf Asia Express 2 (GA2) service to boost its commitment towards Asia-Middle East service. APL is constantly trying to improve the market connectivity between the Middle East and the Far East. It has also added a second halt at the Jebel Ali Port during the return journey of its service rotation to Asia. The new changes will offer Asian shippers a direct access to the Umm Qasr Port, which earlier was accessible only through feeder services linked to the Jebel Ali Port. Now, the improved GA2 service will allow all shippers to avail the best-in-class transit time for exporting shipment from the Jebel Ali Port to the Far East. The new GA2 service will start its operations on 6 th August. The port rotation schedule will read as follows: Shanghai- Ningbo- Taipei- Shekou- Tanjung Pelepas- Port Klang- Jebel Ali- Umm Qasr- Port Klang- Hong Kong- Shanghai. Read More Essar Vizag Terminal Has Launched the Vizag Iron Ore Handling Complex The Essar Vizag Terminal has introduced a brand-new iron ore handling complex with a capacity of 24 million tons per annum ( mtpa ). Mr. Prashant Ruia, Director of Essar, is of the opinion that the Vizag iron ore handling complex is no less than a national asset and will accentuate the port-led development in future. The implementation of advanced technology in its state-of-the-art cargo equipment will enable the new complex to have the fastest vessel turnaround time for iron ore, as compared to the other ports in the country. The iron ore handling complex is perfectly eco-friendly as it employs world-class practices in sustainable environmental protection and mechanization that has, in turn, eliminated the risk of spillage and dust emission. Moreover, the complex will be an all-weather, deep-draught facility that will loyally serve the ever-growing markets of South-East Asia. The exporters will greatly benefit from shorter turnaround times and reduced freight rates. Read More Three Important Ports in India Will Soon Acquire DCI An announcement has declared that three major ports in India, namely the Visakhapatnam Port, New Mangalore Port and the Paradip Port, will receive a controlling stake in the Dredging Corporation of India (DCI). This update has been shared by Mr Nitin Gadkari (the Minister of Shipping) after a review of the port sector. The Minister has also stressed the fact that the DCI will engage in a much-required modification of its operations and will participate in the inland waterways field. Back in 2017, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs had already given its permission to promote a strategic disinvestment in DCI. As matter of fact, the Indian Government holds around 73.47 per cent of the paid-up equity in DCI. Read More Nigerian Container Terminals Went Through Severe Disruption that Delayed Cargo Arrivals Over the last week, the main container terminals in Nigeria has seen chaos in management, which has inevitably delayed the cargo arrivals for Maersk and Cosco. On 14 th July, the Nigerian Port Authority had no other choice but to suspend the local operations of Cosco Shipping, Maersk Line, Africa Port Services and Lagos & Niger Shipping Agencies, as well. Reportedly, this has been a direct result of the poor infrastructure in the Nigerian Port, which has failed to handle three containers at one time. Read More Want to know more news Around the World ? Stay tuned every Monday to ODeX and get the latest in shipping.