The Director of the Belgian Chamber of Movers (BKV), warns Belgium's moving sector to expect substantial obstacles in 2025 due to rising operational costs. The director (KoenVangoidsenhoven) of the BKV, advises that their recent study shows sharp increases in labor (3.8%), fuel (11.7%), and general operating costs (3.2%), with the health index further impacting around 20% of total expenses. Using a weighted average formula, the study calculates a minimum cost increase of 5.7%, prompting Vangoidsenhoven to encourage moving companies to reflect the increase in their 2025 rates. He emphasizes the urgency for businesses to adjust rates and contracts to navigate these financial pressures and maintain sustainability in the sector. (FEDEMAC NEWS, “Belgian movers should increase prices” 12/19/2024)

Continued Houthi attacks in Gulf of Aiden since late 2023

The U.S. military repelled Houthi missile and drone attacks on American-flagged vessels for the second time in 10 days, with destroyers USS Stockdale and USS O’Kane intercepting threats in the Gulf of Aden on Dec. 9-10. Major container lines have rerouted Asia-Mediterranean and U.S. services around the Horn of Africa, incurring higher costs passed on to shippers. These changes have generated windfall profits worth billions for liner operators amidst the ongoing disruptions. (See: FreightWaves, “US again defeats Houthi attacks …” Stuart Chirls, 12/10/2024)

U.S. Coast Guard issued Directive to address cybersecurity risks

The U.S. Coast Guard has issued MARSEC Directive 105-5 to address cybersecurity risks posed by Chinese-manufactured ship-to-shore cranes, which dominate 80% of U.S. port infrastructure. The directive builds on earlier measures, citing vulnerabilities in remote access and control features, alongside intelligence on China's interest in disrupting critical U.S. infrastructure. Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries (ZPMC), a Chinese state-owned company, is the leading supplier of these cranes. A September report from the House Committee on Homeland Security highlighted significant cybersecurity and national security risks tied to these cranes, prompting heightened security measures to safeguard U.S. maritime operations. (More at: gCaptain, “U.S. Coast Guard Sounds Alarm on Cyber Threats …” Mike Schuler, 11/22/2024)

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GenLogs offers a free investigative service through an asset intelligence platform to address fraud and theft in the trucking freight industry. (FreightWaves, "GenLogs launches initiative ..." Grace Sharkey, 11/20/2024)

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)

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