Chinese President Xi Jinping and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte inaugurated the Chancay megaport (north of Lima) November 14 during Xi’s state visit to South America. Developed and majority-owned by COSCO (China's state shipping company) with an investment of $1.3 billion, the project is part of a $3.5 billion regional investment to establish a major logistics hub in S. A. The port, a former fishing community, features four berths with a depth of 56 ft., allowing ultra-large container ships of 18,000 TEU capacity. Future expansion plans include 15 berths and an industrial park. The port signifies China's largest strategic and geopolitical influence in the S.A. region. (The Maritime Executive, “China and Peru Leaders ...” 11/15/2024) VIDEO‍

UPDATE: Canadian ports have resumed operations after strikes, but shippers face a backlog of containers and potential detention and demurrage charges, particularly in Montreal. (The LoadStar, “Back to work order…” Charlotte Goldstone, 11/19/2024

Canada's Labour Minister intervening to end stoppages and move to binding arbitration

Canada's Labour Minister, Steven MacKinnon, is intervening to end port work stoppages in British Columbia and Montreal, which have disrupted supply chains and affected thousands of jobs. Declaring an impasse in negotiations, MacKinnon directed the Canada Industrial Relations Board to order a full resumption of port operations and move to binding arbitration. The Maritime Employers Association recently locked out 1,200 Montreal longshore workers after they rejected a final contract offer, while a separate lockout of 700 longshore supervisors in British Columbia last week halted container traffic on the West Coast. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business praised the intervention, urging the government to designate ports as essential services to prevent future disruptions. (More at: Vancouver Sun, “B.C. ports lockout: Ottawa moves to end port strikes … “ Canadian Press Staff, 11/12/2024)

‍

Transition plan underway for new CIO

FAIRFIELD, ME, UNITED STATES, November 7, 2024 /EINPresswire.com

Parsifal Corporation and Peredur Systems extend heartfelt congratulations to a long-time employee, associate, and friend.

Antoinette LaPetina, CIO, announced her retirement after 34 incredible years in the relocation technology space. Antoinette has served as CIO and will be leaving her position on December 31, 2024. She will remain involved as a contractor for most of 2025 to help oversee the transition to Parsifal’s new CIO, Obed Finelli.

‍

Earlier this year, Russia reportedly provided satellite data to Yemen’s Houthi rebels, aiding them in targeting ships in the Red Sea. The Defense Post summarized a report last Thursday by The Wall Street Journal, which cited anonymous sources and stated that this data was relayed through Iranian intermediaries and utilized for missile and drone strikes. The Houthis began these attacks in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. Consequently, shipping traffic has significantly declined, prompting the US and Britain to form a naval coalition for airstrikes on Houthi positions. President Vladimir Putin is reportedly seeking to counter Western isolation following the Ukraine invasion. This report follows a recent BRICS summit, which includes major nations like China and India, while Moscow faces renewed allegations of intensifying the Ukraine conflict. (More at: The Defense Post, “Russia Helped Houthis …” Staff writer with (AFP), 10/24/2024; photo: EUNAVFOR Aspides)

‍

‍

The American Trucking Associations praised the allocation of over $30 million for the construction of 260 new truck parking spaces in Ohio, Wisconsin, and Nevada, announced by U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. This funding aims to alleviate the chronic shortage of truck parking, which poses safety risks, disrupts supply chains, and impacts truck drivers' wellbeing. Chris Spear, President and CEO of the American Trucking Associations, commended the Secretary’s commitment to integrating truck parking into the transportation plans. The funding is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and was provided through the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Program. This announcement adds to previous awards in 12 other states, bringing the total number of truck parking projects under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to 14, adding approximately 2,000 spaces nationwide. (See ATA press release, “ATA Welcomes More Than $30 Million …” Office of Public Affairs, 10/22/2024)

Governor Ron DeSantis announced a $9.5 million grant to SeaPort Manatee to aid recovery from Hurricane Milton, which caused significant damage to the port’s infrastructure. The deep-water seaport, vital to Southwest Florida, sustained an estimated $225 million in losses including the destruction of 10 of 13 warehouses, 3 out of 10 docking facilities and substantial damage to office buildings. The port, which supported 42,094 U.S. jobs and contributed $7.3 billion to the economy in 2023, is expected to generate seven dollars in state and local taxes for every state dollar invested in its infrastructure.