EU | UK news digest. 28 July
“After the storm always comes a rainbow”, although Europe might not be the case yet. It is busy times – apart from dealing with usual challenges, companies have to add some more exquisite tasks to their agendas.
As soon as Northern Europe survives the flood and heavy rain and takes a gulp of air, new forecasts predict that the region is about to be hit by new storms and more traffic delays could be expected. Previously the two vessels near the Liege container terminal sank and cargo-carrying barges have been forced to reduce speed near the site. In turn, Dutch authorities have already announced that they were extending their storm warnings.
The shortage of workers has not been the issue of the UK hauliers solely but also of the warehouses. During the COVID restrictions, the workers had to self-isolate which caused significant delays. Initially, those who were fully vaccinated were supposed to be exempted from self-quarantine; however, with many employees having to stay home, the situation has gotten worse. In this context, the CEO of the UK Warehousing has written to the Department for Transportto address this issue and seek clarification from the government on the process for individuals and businesses to apply for the exemption.
Meanwhile, the search for rail getaways continues and the next participant in the competition of becoming “the one” is Greece with the Rail Cargo Group that aims to be the leading provider. Some experts advocate for this option, while others see important obstacles. One of them is a need for better infrastructure – even the full electrification in the country’s main routes is still not in place. However, upgraded facilities would facilitate rail freight transport through Greece, reduce CO2 footprint, and increase the tonnage of trains.
Although green initiatives do advocate for “clean” consumption, responsible consumerism, and eco-friendly technologies, it seems like members of the International Plant Protection Convention have decided to impose their understanding of “clean”. In a quite literal meaning. They are now pushing for the industry to clean every container transported by ship, with certification that it is pristine, to prevent the spread of invasive species. The companies must be delighted to deal with another challenge that has landed on their “to-do” list.
The attempt of Volga-Dnepr Group to become the possible launch customer for the MC-21 freighter version has failed and been claimed as political posturing. After the discussion of the prospects of the production of a freighter version amid the capacity constraints, Manufacturer Irkut has not supported the plan.
As for ports’ throughput increases worldwide, many facilities are undergoing expansions. Thus, DCT Gdańsk S.A has been awarded the lease to a new container hub in the Port of Gdańsk. The new terminal will increase the handling capacity of DCT Gdańsk by 1.5 million TEU with the overall investment worth $480 mil. In turn, GB Railfreight finishes the upgrade of Eastleigh and Bescot Local Distribution Centers backed by major engineering associations. At the same time, the company commemorated the closure of the London King’s Cross Power Signal Box, the rail icon of the 70s.
The capacity shortage that has not omitted the automotive sector either, pushes Abu Dhabi Ports to complete its new big commercial and retail areas at Rahayel Automotive and Mobility City. A centralized hub will enable more effective cost-efficiencies and streamlined value chains for automotive enterprises.
The goal to achieve zero-carbon emission keeps taking one of the leading positions in the list of companies’ agendas. Hence, the global marine fuel and lubricants supplier bp together with Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center has announced the beginning of their collaboration in the shipping industry. It is not a secret that achieving the long-term target of decarburization requires new fuel types and deep changes within the industry, however, both sides have something to bring to the table with their extensive expertise.
As pandemic slightly eases the grip, such agreement as to the one between pilots and Lufthansa Cargo, according to which during the pandemic, they would operate for longer than the periods designated in their contracts, has come to an end. As the result, the company had to cut between 3% and 5% of its freighter flights mostly concerning Asian destinations.
Earlier CMA CGM announced the suspension of the Le Havre call in its North Europe - East Coast South America service, and according to the recent update, it has extended it. The rotation remains as it has started before.
Hyperloop transportation may need to move for its potential competitor, a high-speed flatcar introduced by Sinara Transport Machines Holding. It promises to allow Russian Railways to transport containers from China to Europe in seven days.
