Trade Transportation News

FMC Commissioner Carl W. Bentzel weighs in, urging policies to help Puerto Rico become an Offshoring and Distribution Hub. His staement of today, follows:Events of recent years have made many who are interested in trade, transportation, and supply chain issues question the model of relying predominantly on manufacturers based in one nation located far from the United States. Identifying manufacturing capacity closer to our shores has become a priority for leaders in government and industry.Puerto Rico is a location that with the proper incentives and support could be a vital manufacturing and distribution hub serving the mainland United States.

For the sixth year running, Singapore has clinched the top spot among the world's maritime centers in the Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index.The island city-state in Southeast Asia beat 42 other cities such as Hong Kong, which ranked second, as well as London, which ranked third.Based on the evaluation scores, Singapore shows strength in ship management and shipbroking services, while Hong Kong is benefiting from China’s Belt and Road Initiative and economic opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area.London’s first-class services in shipbroking, legal and shipping finance were highlighted.

Evergas announced that the first 85.000cbm very large ethane carrier (VLEC) was successfully undocked in China and will be delivered in the first quarter of 2019.Following the successful undocking of the first VLEC, the steel cutting of the second vessel was celebrated in the workshop of the leading Chinese shipyard, DSIC and shows our strong commitment to the emerging ethane market.These two VLECs will be delivered to INEOS Trading & Shipping to add to their existing fleet of eight Dragon class vessels, which will enable INEOS to grow their global ethane delivery capability. These VLECs will be managed commercially and operationally in-house by Evergas…

The expansion of the Panama Canal will take traffic through the inter-oceanic passage to a new level, which already handles around 6 percent of global trade transportation, its administrator said on Saturday. With the expansion of the canal's width and depth, the volume of traffic will double, as Panamax-class vessels will now be able to pass through, carrying up to 14,000 cargo containers. Jorge Luis Quijano, administrator of the Panama Canal, said at a press conference that this expansion, which will be inaugurated on Sunday, will open up new opportunities in sectors such as logistics and ship repairs. The main contractor for the expansion was the consortium Grupo Unidos por el Canal.

Shifting international trade patterns at America’s seaports – with mega-size vessels requiring higher capacity road and rail connections serving ports, along with deeper harbors, bigger cranes and sturdier berths – can bolster a region’s economy while straining its infrastructure. Because there’s no stopping these trade shifts, ports – and the communities they serve – must learn to adapt in order to bolster job growth, prevent traffic snarls and remain competitive. To address these issues…

Designed to expand awareness of the economic impact of commerce on the Lower Mississippi River and highlight career opportunities and pathways, the Summit will feature an array of speakers from industry and academia, along with a panel discussion on how industry can collaborate with educators to fulfill current and future workforce opportunities. “This Summit is designed to educate community stakeholders of the economic impact of trade, transportation and logistics throughout the region and build a coalition of advocates to help leverage resources to develop a highly-skilled local workforce for the future,” said Gary LaGrange, Port President and CEO. The summit begins at 8:30 a.m. in the Great Hall of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

The Maritime Alliance promotes the 6th Annual event Novemeber 12-13, 2014 at the McMillin Companies Event Center in San Diego, CA  as a unique opportunity to understand trends, network with leaders from the public and private sector, see innovative technologies by the exhibitors, and identify possible partners. Recent studies are helping us understand the size and dynamic nature of the Blue Economy and particularly the BlueTech sector that is enabling us to explore, measure and develop ocean industries like never before. And financial and strategic investors are recognizing the opportunity evidenced by an increasing number of M&A and financing transactions - four sizeable transactions announced in the San Diego BlueTech community in the last 120 days alone. Leaders from the U.S.

OW Bunker, one of the world’s leading suppliers and traders of marine fuels and lubricants, has announced the appointment of two additional personnel to its expanding operations in North America, as Senior Account Manager and Junior Trader bolster teams in Connecticut and Houston. Phillip Sissener joins the company as a Senior Account Manager, working out of the Stamford, Connecticut office. Prior to OW Bunker Mr. Sissener worked for a global shipping agency company in Norwalk, Connecticut, where he gained a wealth of experience as General Manager, Marine Solutions. Also joining OW Bunker’s North American operations is Don Morales, who will be based in the company’s Houston office as Junior Trader. Mr.

The TK Foundation has announced the approval of eight grants totalling nearly $2 million. The TK Foundation is a strong funding vehicle for maritime programs and youth development. Its maritime grant-making program is proactive, inviting maritime organizations to submit requests for funding in specific areas of interest to the Foundation. In keeping with its focus on supporting non-profit organizations and programs that improve the maritime realm, The TK Foundation has granted eight awards. The World Maritime University (WMU) is a centre of excellence for maritime education and research, operating under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

U.S. Anti-corruption enforcement is on the rise in the United States and worldwide. International traders, as well as transportation and logistics companies, have been hit hard by enforcement actions. The speakers at the FTA seminar will discuss measures that companies can take to comply with these legal requirements and how to mitigate the risks associated with anti-corruption enforcement actions. The significance of Panalpina and associated cases and the UK Bribery Act will be discussed. Williams Mullen International partner, Trade Attorney Evelyn Suarez will speak on 'Mitigating Risk' and she states: "Prudent companies involved in international trade…

NOL Group has completed the transition to a new CEO and that Ng Yat Chung will take the helm of the global transport and logistics company October 1, 2011. Mr. Ng, an NOL Executive Director since May, will succeed Ron Widdows who retires from the company Dec. 31. “We have completed the implementation of our executive succession plan and are moving ahead under Yat Chung,” said NOL Chairman Cheng Wai Keung. Mr. Ng, a former Temasek Holdings executive and one-time Chief of Defence Force in the Singapore Army, takes control of a leading name in trade, transportation and logistics. NOL is the parent of APL, the world’s seventh-largest container shipping line. Its other major brand is APL Logistics, the global supply chain management business. NOL designated Mr.

TOC Events Worldwide announced the addition of more industry executives as speakers at the upcoming 8th TOC Americas Conference and Exhibition, taking place November 18-20 at the Long Beach Convention Centre, CA, USA. Dave Sanborn, Senior Vice President and Managing Director Americas Region for DP World, will share the global terminal operator’s views on terminal investment and development against the backdrop of the world financial crisis, including a perspective on investment frameworks and public-private sector relations. Mr. Sanborn joined DP World in May 2005 following senior management positions with CMA CGM, American President Lines and Sea-Land Service, Inc. Mr.

“Old sailors never die, they just drop the anchor,” Robert J. “Bobby” Pfeiffer said over a decade ago as he was contemplating retirement. Pfeiffer, one of Hawaii’s most renowned sailors and captains of industry, dropped the anchor on Friday, September 26, 2003, at age 83, at his home in Orinda, Calif., after a lengthy illness. During his 12 1/2 years at the helm of Alexander & Baldwin, Inc., Pfeiffer became practically synonymous with business leadership in Hawaii. He charted a course of modernization and diversification, and led A&B through one of its strongest periods of growth and prosperity. At the same time he earned a reputation for leadership –– personal as well as corporate –– in support of charitable and other community causes.

In part one of a two-part series, William G. Schubert, the new U.S. Maritime Administrator (MarAd) speaks with H. Clayton Cook, Jr. about the current standing and future direction of maritime activities in the United States. Mr. Administrator, this interview is being conducted for a piece that will be published in the August 2002 issue of Maritime Reporter and Engineering News, the largest magazine of general circulation in the maritime community. So, we have a good many readers who are interested in what you are doing. Your interview will be headlined on the magazine cover. And, we are very pleased that you have agreed to speak with us today. Cook: Would you tell our readers about yourself and life in Washington as the Maritime Administrator?

The Port of Tacoma Commission today selected Timothy J. Farrell as the Port's Executive Director, effective January 1, 2005. Farrell has served as the Port of Tacoma's Deputy Executive Director since 2000 and as Acting Executive Director since July 1, 2004. Andrea Riniker, who has served as the Port's Executive Director since 1997, will continue on in a transitional role until January 1, 2005. She will work with the Port Commission, and travel with Farrell and Port of Tacoma Commission President Clare Petrich to meet with customers to assure a smooth changeover to Farrell's leadership. Before joining the Port of Tacoma four years ago, Farrell, 38, was Deputy Port Director of Business & Administration for Massport, Boston.

The NY/NJ Foreign Freight Forwarders and Brokers Association announced that Christopher Koch, president and CEO of the World Shipping Council, will be honored as “2006 Person of the Year” at their annual dinner to be held in New York on January 25, 2006. This recognition is given to someone who demonstrates commitment, contribution and achievement in the international trade, transportation and logistics arena. “We are most pleased to have Mr. Koch as our 2006 honoree,” said Stewart B. Hauser, president of the NY/NJ Foreign Freight Forwarders & Brokers Association. Christopher Koch serves as President and CEO of the World Shipping Council, a trade association representing the international liner shipping industry on public policy issues and public affairs.

The Federal Maritime Commission is publishing an updated list of controlled carriers. Section 3(8) of the Shipping Act of 1984 (“Shipping Act”), 46 U.S.C. app. (B) that government has the right to appoint or disapprove the appointment of a majority of the directors, the chief operating officer, or the chief executive officer of the carrier. As required by the Shipping Act, controlled carriers are subject to special oversight by the Commission. Section 9(a) of the Shipping Act, 46 U.S.C. app. No controlled carrier subject to this section may maintain rates or charges in its tariffs or service contracts, or charge or assess rates, that are below a level that is just and reasonable…