Tool to streamline container standards 
The Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) has created the ‘Adopter Programme’, a tool that “enables stakeholders to streamline vendor selection when seeking standards-based, interoperable solutions.” The DCSA is an Amsterdam-based not-for-profit group with nine... more
DP World drives Somaliland's maritime links
DP World recently inaugurated the new container terminal at Berbera Port, Somaliland, following completion of the first phase of the port’s expansion at the Horn of Africa. The new terminal was opened at an official ceremony which was also attended by a delegation from Ethiopia.... more
Seaspan extends containerships lease for Cosco
The Seaspan Corporation, an independent owner and operator of containerships and a subsidiary of Atlas Corp, recently forward-fixed contracts and extended the lease terms for Cosco Shipping Lines of 17 containerships representing around 117,700 teu. The vessels’ charters were... more
Cold-ironing project in five European ports
Five North Sea ports – Antwerp, Bremen, Hamburg, Haropa (including Le Havre) and Rotterdam– have revealed plans to make the shipping industry cleaner by providing 14,000 teu containerships or larger moored in their hubs with power from the shore (cold ironing) by... more
Container index: the only way is up
The container throughput index of the RWI - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research and the Institute of Shipping Economics and Logistics (ISL) rose by 2.3 points (seasonally adjusted) to 128.6 in May, according to the current flash estimate. The value of the Chinese ports'... more
How maritime trade performed in 2020
The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) has published a report that aims to quantify the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic measures in maritime transport. Maritime trade in the European Union (EU) fell by 9.3% in 2020, which is equivalent to a loss of 226 million t of the... more
Zim completes early redemption
Haifa-based Zim Integrated Shipping Services recently announced “the full completion of the early redemption of 100% of the principal amount and accrued interest of its series 1 and 100% series 2 unsecured notes.” The measure, announced in April 2021, was originally only due for... more
How double sailings intensify port congestion
Copenhagen-based maritime consultancy Sea Intelligence recently analysed the impact of double sailings in the booming deep sea container shipping market. This is when two or more vessels sail in the same week on the same service string. What happens is that both the ports of... more
More space in Koper
The container quayside at the southern end of Pier I in Slovenia's Port of Koper has been extended by 100 m. It serves a new berth, named Link 7D. The project also includes the construction of a 25,000 sqm container storage area in the quayside’s hinterland. Construction is... more
Green light for methanol-powered tug
The port of Antwerp is set to become the first hub in the world to convert a tug to methanol propulsion. The move is part of the European Union-funded ‘Fastwater’ project, which aims to demonstrate the feasibility of methanol as a sustainable marine fuel. Rhine-based inland... more