Coast Ports

Mediterranean Shipping General Rate Increase

Mediterranean Shipping Company announced a General Rate Increase that will affect westbound freight moving from the USA to Asia effective January 1, 2010. All commodities including exempt (exception reefer) US west coast port/port    : $200/40 ft and $150/20 ft Originating from intermodal points & moving through/via US west coast ports: $200/40 ft and $150/20 ft US east coast and gulf port/port: $200/40 ft and $150/20 ft Originating from intermodal points & moving through/via US east coast or gulf ports: $200/40 ft and $150/20 ft Reefer cargo US west coast port/port: $250/40 ft and $190/20 ft Originating from intermodal points & moving through/via US west coast ports: $250/40 ft and $190/20 ft From or through US east coast and gulf ports: $300/40 ft and $225/20 ft Originating from intermodal points & moving through/via US east and gulf coast ports: $300/40 ft and $225/20 ft

US East & Gulf Ports Labor Talks Make Progress

International Longshoreman's Association (ILA) & United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) make progress in contract negotiations Concluding three of four days of scheduled negotiations, the two sides announced agreement in principle on issues involving the introduction of new technology and automation and maintenance and repair of chassis within marine terminals and at off-pier facilities at the East and Gulf Coast ports.

Labor Dispute Closes Canada's West Coast Ports

A dispute over the use of nonunion labor and wages that has shut down nearly all shipments through Canada's West Coast ports entered its fourth day Wednesday, with no sign of a resolution in sight. Most shippers have switched to ports in the U.S. since the lockout of longshore workers began on Sunday. But there was concern over added costs and possible congestion problems at alternative facilities. No negotiations are planned between the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA)

'Keep Talking' Retailers Urge Gulf Port Contract Negotiators

The National Retail Federation urges labor & management officials at the US East and Gulf Coast ports to continue contract negotiations The National Retail Federation wishes to avoid any potential supply chain disruption, delay or stoppage, which could stifle global commerce and jeopardize the fragile U.S. economic recovery. “We urge you to quickly agree on a framework for a new contract and commit yourselves to having a contract ratified well before the current contract’s

Saudi Aramco Charter 3 VLCC's for U.S. Crude Import

The very large crude carriers (VLCC's) will load at Ras Tanura terminal for deliveries to a US Gulf Coast port next month. The very large crude carriers will each load 280,000 metric tons of oil at Saudi's Ras Tanura terminal between April 3 and April 9 for the voyage via the Cape of Good Hope to the Port Arthur, Texas terminal, reports Bloomberg from various sources. Saudi Aramco, as Saudi Arabian Oil Co. is known, and Royal Dutch Shell Plc (RDSA) operate refineries through Motiva

Maersk Awarded $26M Deal

Maersk Line, Limited, Norfolk, Va., is being awarded a $25,900,821 firm-fixed-price contract with reimbursables subject to the availability of fiscal year 2006 funds. The contract is for the operation and maintenance of eight fast sealift ships. These ships move cargo primarily in support of deployed U.S. military forces worldwide. This contract includes four one-year options, which, if exercised, would bring the total value of the contract to $134,796,176. The ships

Sub Seized in Drug Bust

The Colombian navy has seized a 60-foot long submarine that likely was used to haul tons of cocaine out to sea for shipment to the United States. No drugs were found when the fiberglass submarine was discovered Thursday about 30 miles from the Pacific Coast port of Buenaventura, but three people were arrested and two speedboats seized. The submarine carried cocaine to speedboats in the Pacific Ocean for transportation to Central America and on to the United States

MAN Diesel Establishes New York Service Center

MAN Diesel has extended its capabilities to provide after-sales service to all customers calling on the east coast ports. H.W. Ramberg Incorporated (HWR) is aimed to enhance MAN Diesel’s technical and support with its personnel and equipment. HWR’s 80 years of service experience in the maritime community, over 35 years as an MAN Diesel Authorized Repair Shop for reconditioning and exchange, will continue to provide support to MAN Diesel’s customers.

MARAD: U.S. Vessels Can Clear West Coast Backlog

Maritime Administrator Captain William G. Schubert highlighted the capabilities of the U.S.-Flag fleet in an effort to respond to allegations that U.S.-flag vessels are not available to ease present cargo congestion in West Coast ports. "Qualified Jones Act vessels are standing by with available tonnage on the West Coast to assist any shipper or carrier in moving cargo forward as necessary," Schubert stated. Schubert added

Big Canadian Terminal Joins Green Marine

Fraser Surrey Docks (FSD) the multi-purpose marine terminal on the West Coast of North America, joined Green Marine. The Green Marine Environmental Program is an action plan that addresses nine major environmental issues identified by the Canadian and American marine industry. The program requirements are developed with the participation of industry stakeholders and representatives from environmental groups, governments and the academic sector.