DHL launches "UbuntuConnect" service via Dubai 
DHL Global Forwarding has launched a dedicated 100 t weekly airfreight service for organizations and governments shipping goods from China to Africa and the Middle East. Named after the Nguni Bantu word, ubuntu (humanity) used across Africa to refer to the universal bond of... more
IRU-UNECE call for coordinated measures
The International Road Union (IRU) and the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) continue their cooperative and proactive joint response to the Covid-19 pandemic. In a joint letter addressed to customs administration bodies, the two organisations stressed the importance... more
Hapag-Lloyd changes rotations in the Med
Hapag-Lloyd is adapting its Adriatic Express Service (ADX) and changing its current rotation as of week 18. On 20 April 2020, the service will be converted from the previous butterfly concept to a round trip. The first vessel performing the new rotation will be the "MV Okee... more
Peak of blank sailings reached?
Copenhagen (Denmark)-based maritime analyst Sea-Intelligence reports that, as of 11 April, the number of blank sailings due to the pandemic now amounts to 384. Over the last week, the carriers announced an additional 83 blank sailings on various deep-sea trades. The count of... more
Covid-19 invites new visitors to China
Tunisair has landed in China for the first time since 2001, when a B737-500 prepared a presidential visit. On 10 April, one of the two A330-200 aircraft operated by Tunisia's flag carrier arrived without passengers in Chengdu, where it loaded 27 t of auxiliary equipment that had... more
ICS guidance for Covid-19 compliance at sea
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has issued further information and advice to ensure that essential goods and commodities such as energy, food and medical supplies can be transported on the seas during the pandemic. The "coronavirus (Covid-19) ship and... more
African airlines double up efforts
Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services, the freight division of Ethiopian Airlines which celebrated its 74th anniversary on 8 April, has extended its reach to 74 destinations. During March, Ethiopian transported 45,848 t of cargo deploying both its freighters and PAX fleets,... more
Airmail by night
Freight and mail are usually carried during off-peak times – but they have been flying by night only for exactly 90 years: the world's first night-time air link took off in the night from 14 to 15 April 1930. The Fokkker D.VII was piloted by Prosper Cocquyt (1900-1954), who... more
Grindrod supports governments in southern Africa
Grindrod's management is committed to support the governments of the countries in which the company operates, to deliver on their actions, and is working closely with key stakeholders to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 and address the long term effects on its business. The... more
A good 2019 for Liebherr maritime cranes
The Liebherr group generated a turnover of EUR 11.75 billion in 2019, whereby the maritime crane division posted a turnover of EUR 887 million. This corresponds to an uptick of EUR 175 million or 24.6% compared to the previous year. The company invested EUR 101 million... more