Improved Service News

Shipping industry majors Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk have signed an agreement for a new long-term operational collaboration called ‘Gemini Cooperation’, which will start in February 2025.The ambition is to deliver a flexible and interconnected ocean network with industry-leading reliability.The new cooperation between the companies will comprise a fleet pool of around 290 vessels with a combined capacity of 3.4 million containers (TEU). Maersk will deploy 60% and Hapag-Lloyd 40%, the shipping giants said.As a part of the agreement…

Tidewater Inc., the world's largest fleet operator in the offshore support vessel (OSV) industry, has signed a Global Value Agreement (GVA) with engine manufacturer Caterpillar to ensure comprehensive parts, service, monitoring and maintenance support to help reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) and increase uptime and availability.Tidewater’s fleet of more than 200 OSVs, including platform supply vessels (PSV), anchor handler towing supply vessels (AHTS), offshore tugs and crew boats…

Roger Fellows, owner of Western Marine Electronics (WESMAR), Arcturus Marine Systems (ABT-TRAC), and SmartCatch, announced Wednesday the formation of a new marine technology company, INOV8V Marine Group, encompassing all three legacy brands.Fellows says combining the three companies produces a more complete, higher-performing product line, with improved service after the sale.“Whether operating pleasure yachts or commercial fishing vessels, our customers demand performance, reliability and aftermarket support,” Fellows said. “INOV8V Marine Group is in a stronger position to deliver than our component brands would be by themselves.”WESMAR has been innovating since introducing the world’s first solid-state sonar in 1965.

The Biden administration recently issued a sweeping Executive Order [1] aimed at protecting and enhancing competition, and the transportation sector—including air, ocean, and rail—is among the industries specifically identified and likely to see heightened antitrust scrutiny under the new directives. This executive action was soon followed by the long-awaited announcement of Biden’s pick to lead the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division (Division), Jonathan Kanter, who…

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding held a christening and launch ceremony May 13, 2021 for the first of two large ferries being built for Japan Railway Construction, Transport and Technology Agency (JRTT) and Meimon Taiyo Ferry Co., Ltd. The ceremony took place at the Enoura Plant at MHI’s Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The handover is scheduled for December 2021 following completion of interior work and sea trial. The new vessel will replace the Ferry Kyoto II…

The members of THE Alliance, Hapag-Lloyd, Ocean Network Express, and Yang Ming have welcomed Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) as a new core member of THE Alliance.With the US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) acceptance of HMM membership, THE Alliance offers an attractive upgraded product package and it will be launched around April 1st, 2020.Based on the existing comprehensive network of THE Alliance, the newly en-hanced product package will offer increasing frequency particularly from South East Asia, as well as new direct port coverage and improved transit times.Now that HMM joined The Alliance, its new offering for 2020 will consist of 33 services, 280 ships and a coverage of 78 ports globally.

Genscape Maritime’s Vessel Coverage of U.S. Inland Waterways offers new perspectives and a leg up on the competition. In today’s transportation markets, information is everything.It was back in 2016 that Genscape announced the complete integration of more than 400 terrestrial AIS antennas in North America, providing an impressive level of data accuracy and visibility into ship movements in the U.S. today, Genscape’s proprietary antenna network offers customers insights into ship movements, commodity flows, and other important data metrics in North America.Genscape’s private monitoring network covers every commercial port in the U.S., and over 90 percent of U.S. inland waterways, including extensive coverage of key regions such as the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, and the Gulf Coast.

THE Alliance members Hapag-Lloyd, Ocean Network Express(ONE) and Yang Ming have published details of a rationalised revamped network for east-west trades effective from next year.The forthcoming THE Alliance products of 29 services will cover 76 ports in Asia, Europe including Mediterranean, North and Central America, the Middle East, Red Sea and Indian Subcontinent, said a joint press release.Deployment of over 249 efficient container ships with expanded capacity, offering improved service coverage, comprehensive port connections and rapid transit times.The major enhancement of THE Alliance product includes a newly designed pendulum service to replace Far East Europe 1 service (FE1)…

Hutchison Ports London Thamesport’s growing reputation as a short-sea container hub has been further enhanced by Helsinki-based Containerships plc’s introduction of a second weekly service from Gdynia, Poland.Containerships has chosen the Kent based port for its second direct service to and from the southern part of the UK. The service offers regular and fast connections with Poland, with improved service and transit times from Gdynia of 3-4 days and 4-6 days for the return journey.Mark Taylor, on behalf of London Thamesport, said:  “We are delighted to welcome Containerships’ second weekly service to London Thamesport. Containerships’ port of choice reflects the growing interest we are seeing for short sea container services into London Thamesport.

Hapag-Lloyd, Ocean Network Express, and Yang Ming announced the strategic cooperation with CMA-CGM, COSCO, OOCL to enhance their Mediterranean-U.S. East Coast service AL6 (Atlantic 6) to deliver a more efficient and comprehensive service quality.The improved service is consolidating the AL6 service (operated by Hapag-Lloyd, Ocean Network Express, and Yang Ming), and the Amerigo service (operated by COSCO, CMA-CGM, OOCL) into one larger loop with a deployment of six 8,000-TEU vessels (three by Hapag-Lloyd, Ocean Network Express, and Yang Ming and the remaining by CMA-CGM and OOCL).The newly designed port rotation for the service will…

Hapag-Lloyd, Ocean Network Express, and Yang Ming announced the strategic cooperation with CMA-CGM, COSCO, OOCL to enhance their Mediterranean-U.S. East Coast service AL6 (Atlantic 6) to deliver a more efficient and comprehensive service quality.The improved service is consolidating the AL6 service (operated by Hapag-Lloyd, Ocean Network Express, and Yang Ming), and the Amerigo service (operated by COSCO, CMA-CGM, OOCL) into one larger loop with a deployment of six 8,000-TEU vessels (three by Hapag-Lloyd, Ocean Network Express, and Yang Ming and the remaining by CMA-CGM and OOCL).The newly designed port rotation for the service will…

ZIM Integrated Shipping Services (ZIM) reported total revenues were $803.2 million in Q2 2018, compared to $745.7 million in Q2 2017, an increase of 7.7%. It  carried 772 thousand TEUs, an all-time record (reflecting a growth of 17.1% compared to Q2 2017).However, the operating cash flow was $52.6 million, compared to $88.9 million in Q2 2017.Eli Glickman, ZIM President & CEO, said: “Q2 2018 was characterized by the continued rise in fuel prices and chartering rates, as well as low freight rates, all with a negative impact on the results of carriers, including ZIM."Eli added: "In spite of these adverse circumstances, we were able to increase liftings, maintain exceptional service to our customers and record an adjusted EBIT margin above industry average.

In a continued effort to provide our customers with reliable and efficient service, CMA CGM Group will upgrade its service offering connection India and Middle East to East Africa., said press release from the company.Starting 17th August 2018, the group will offer a new product to East Africa whilst combining NOURA 1 and NOURA 2 former rotations.Strengths of this new offer is one direct service serving 6 ports of call in East Africa range.Revised port coverage as follows: Khor Fakkan, Jebel Ali, Mogadishu, Longoni, Beira (1/2), Port Victoria, Khor Fakkan; Khor Fakkan, Jebel Ali, Mogadishu, Longoni, Nacala (1/2), Port Victoria, Khor…

Domestic ferries adjust their business models to met regulatory pressures and exceed environmental standards with an eye towards improved service. And, not a minute too soon. In North America, stalwarts in the ferry business continue to shorten journey times compared to surface alternatives, while at the same time, bring accessibility to barrier and coastal islands that would otherwise be impossible to reach. Established stakeholders continually fine-tune their operations in a…

​ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd (ZIM)  has announced a significant upgrading of its Atlantic network, offering improved connections between US, Canada and the Mediterranean, starting April 2017, subject to FMC approval. ZIM Container Service Italy (ZCI) - A new premium string, offering improved service to the Italian and French markets, connecting with Canada and the US East Coast, with faster transit time, additional ports of call in Italy and a direct call in Fos, France. ZIM’s flagship service, ZIM Container Service Atlantic (ZCA), operating 7 vessels, will focus on the East Med and Spain, with a new call in Algeciras, serving the South Spain market and adding new direct calls in two major Turkish ports- Izmir and Mersin.

Evac Group, the world’s leading provider of integrated waste, wastewater, and water management systems for the marine, offshore, and building industries, has acquired Uson Marine. The acquisition is expected to increase Evac’s market share in dry and wet waste management systems, as well as strengthen the Group’s position with regard to small and medium-sized marine and offshore vessels. Thanks to the acquisition, customers of both Evac and Uson Marine will benefit from an improved service network and enlarged offering. After this acquisition Evac Group’s turnover will be over 110 MEUR. Uson Marine provides dry and wet waste management systems, including food waste systems, for maritime and offshore industry customers.

In a continued effort to provide increased reliability and quality services in a challenging environment, CMA CGM will reorganize its services connecting India Middle East Gulf to East Africa strategic markets. Starting mid July 2016, NOURA EXPRESS and SWAHILI services new configuration will provide significant improvements: Positive developments for reefer cargo from Port Victoria direct to India and to Europe with a weekly frequency instead of fortnightly. Improved service reliability to Mogadishu from Mundra with direct service in 18 days instead of in transhipment, very fast transit time from Jebel Ali to Port Victoria in 18 days. NOURA EXPRESS service operated with 4 vessels of 2,200 TEU will stop Salalah call and add in its port coverage Mundra and Port Victoria.

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), India’s largest port developer and a part of Adani Group, a global integrated player, entered into a strategic partnership with National Collateral Management Services Limited (NCML), a major Agri-infrastructure player, for collateral management and warehousing services. The objective of these services will be to assist industries, traders, Importers and exporters in financing their capital requirements at all stages of the supply chain, ranging from Post harvest storage to export or Import stages. Mr. Sanjay Kaul , MD & Chief Executive Officer, NCML, signed the agreement with Capt Unmesh Abhyankar, Chief Executive Officer (Mundra Port) and Mr. Vipul Shah, Head –Sales and Mktg, Adani Hazari port in presence of Mr.

Clarkson PLC, world’s leading shipping services group, reported robust performance during the six months ended 30th June 2015. Andi Case, Chief executive, commented, “The multi-cyclical and volatile nature of our markets has once again been demonstrated by the sudden shift in oil and other commodity prices, giving rise to a consequential change in the demand supply balance in many markets. Across our broking and banking businesses, this backdrop has created both opportunities and challenges. The group made a solid start to the year, testament to the strength and breadth of our strategy and unique client offer. “The acquisition of RS Platou completed during the first quarter and we are delighted with the level of interaction between the teams…

Sailors’ Society, one of the largest seafarer support charities operating internationally, has developed ‘Chapplaincy’ a Smartphone App which will enable port chaplains and ship visitors to deliver more effective care to the world’s 1.5 million seafarers. Developed with the support of Augustea Group, Chapplaincy enables real-time activity reporting and maintains a history of ship visits and support provided to seafarers. Data can then be accessed by chaplains in other ports and subject to confidentiality and data protection policies, can be used to provide ongoing care and assistance as ship and crew continue their voyage. The App is the first of its kind and is made possible by access to global ship tracking data from MarineTraffic…

Maersk Line has announced a new direct service with short transit time from West Coast South America to Japan for dry and reefer cargo. In our continuous efforts to provide our customers with a competitive and fast connection from West Coast South America to Japan, we will now offer a new short transit time service from San Antonio and San Vicente in Chile to Yokohama, Japan for both dry and reefer cargo. This service will also offer improved service time from Ecuador, Bolivia and Peru. Meanwhile,  Maersk Line's AC2 loop, which operates between Asia, and the western coasts of Mexico, Panama and Colombia, is in the process of upgrading to larger vessels, according to the Danish ocean carrier's most recent online service schedules. Between Nov. 15 and Dec.

CMA CGM is pleased to announce an improved service offer directly connecting North Europe with Central America. The enhanced ECS service will provide one of the shortest transit times on the market, linking Rotterdam from Costa Rica in only 14 days and adding London as a port of call in 15 days. This offer is dedicated to reefer transport from Central America and the Caribbean to North Europe and allows to connect the United Kingdom with all of the Caribbean through CMA CGM’s strategic hub in Kingston, Jamaica, one of the most modern ports in the area. Offered in cooperation with Hapag–Lloyd, the service will be run by five state of the art CMA CGM vessels with 2300 TEUs and 550 reefer plugs and one Hapag–Lloyd vessel.

As Wilhelmsen Ships Service’s (WSS) new Northeast Asia Distribution Center, located in Busan, South Korea approaches its first birthday, the 6,500 sq. m warehouse facility continues to help the firm establish its position in the regional marketplace. Situated beside the Busan New Container Terminal, WSS officially opened the facility on January 1, 2015, marking a shift in the company’s regional strategy by creating a dedicated Northeast Asian base and allowing the former Asian hub in Singapore to focus on the Southeast of the region.