CMA CGM Belem losing99 containers

‍Severe weather conditions off South Africa's east coast has led to the Maltese-flagged container ship CMA CGM Belem losing 99 containers, marking a repeat incident from a month ago. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) reported that the ship encountered adverse conditions near Richards Bay, resulting in a substantial stow collapse of its cargo. Following the incident, SAMSA issued a navigational warning and called for public assistance in spotting any floating containers. The vessel, which initially sought refuge at Maputo Bay, is now en route to Port of Ngqura (at Gqeberha) and is expected to arrive by August 18, 2024. (See: WorldCargo News, “Another CMA CGM vessel loses containers …” by WCN Editorial, 8/19/2024)

CBC News has reported that as an unprecedented railway stoppage nears, logistics firms are turning to trucks as an option to transporting goods normally moved by rail, though this approach is not optimal. Since February, shippers have been preparing for this scenario by increasing trucking capacity as a backup, according to Stephen Laskowski, president of the Canadian Trucking Alliance. Calgary-based Jori Logistics began this shift last week, focusing on the ocean container segment, which usually relies on rail for port transport, said company president Sam Woods. Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) are at risk of locking out thousands of workers Thursday if they can't resolve contract disputes with the Teamsters union, which represents “9,300 engineers, conductors, and yard workers.” (CBC News, Paula Duhatschek, 8/20/2024, updated 8/21/2024)

Sirva Closes Transaction with New Ownership GroupSirva Worldwide, Inc. distributed a press release on Tuesday announcing “that it has completed a transaction with the support of the Company's lenders and equity sponsors, Madison Dearborn Partners and Relo Group.” It was further explained that “Through the transaction, the Company's new ownership group is led by certain credit funds and accounts managed by KKR Credit Advisors (US) LLC, Evolution Credit Partners, BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. and affiliates thereof, and Indaba Capital Management, L.P.” (See full Press Release)

Massive explosion on the YM Mobility at Ningbo Port, China

‍Container xChange warns of major global supply chain disruptions following an explosion aboard the Yang Ming vessel YM Mobility at Ningbo Port, China. The incident, which occurred on August 9, involved a container with hazardous materials, leading to the closure of Ningbo’s Phase III Terminal, a key global trade hub. The terminal remains shut as investigations continue into the cause of the explosion. This closure, combined with previous disruptions from Typhoon Gaemi in July, exacerbates existing congestion at Asian ports. Container xChange CEO, Christian Roeloffs predicts further delays in ocean schedules, increased dwell times, potential rerouting of shipments, and a tighter supply of containers, especially for hazardous goods. (More at: gCaptain, “Explosion at Ningbo Port seen impacting supply chains” by Mike Schuler, 8/12/2024) SEE VIDEO of explosion and fire

1,100 containers onboard at the time of the fire

As recently reported by The Loadstar, shippers with cargo on the Maersk Frankfurt, which experienced onboard fires in July, will receive General Average (GA) notices from vessel owner Tokei Kaiun. (GA is a maritime law that requires all those shipping cargo to contribute to the costs of salvage, repairs, or other expenses incurred during a voyage when a vessel is damaged or stranded, and the cargo is partially or totally lost.)  Richards Hogg Lindley were the GA adjusters assigned to handle the necessary security arrangements. Affected cargo will not be released for delivery until these arrangements are completed. Maersk which chartered the vessel, will soon provide guidelines on the GA process. The ship, with about 1,100 containers onboard at the time of the fire, has not had its official container count confirmed by Maersk. (See Loadstar, “Maersk Frankfurt owner declares GA …”, Angelo Mathais, India correspondent, 07/25/2024) -SEE VIDEO

Japan's Transport and Tourism Ministry proposes a 310-mile automated underground system to transport goods between Tokyo and Osaka, aiming to tackle logistics inefficiencies, reduce road congestion, and address severe labor shortages. This system could replace 25,000 trucks daily, alleviating traffic, cutting pollution and CO2, while potentially solving the shortage problem of truck drivers. With Japan facing a historic population decline of 837,000 people in the year leading up to October 2023—equivalent to about 96 people per hour—the government sees this project as crucial to maintaining social functions. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida warns that Japan is nearing a point where social stability could be compromised. (More at: FASTCOMPANY, “Japan is building a giant underground conveyor belt …” 07/03/2024)