World trade declining 
The German research body Rheinisch-Westfälisches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung (RWI) reported that the RWI/ISL container throughput index for May shrank by almost two points from a (revised) 119.8 to 117.9 points. The index thus plunged to a low level that was last seen... more
Most terminal incidents are preventable
A TT Club analysis shows that some 82% of accidents in the port and terminal sector can be attributed to human error, which is why the insurer strongly urges counter measures. This could include professional training in particular, and the installation of safety technology, to... more
APMT steps up investments in Tema
The terminal operator APMT is to partner Bolloré Africa Logistics and the Ghanaian ports and harbour authority and invest USD 1.5 billion in a massive upgrade of Tema, Ghana’s most important port. The new project comprises both a new greenfield port outside the present... more
Singapore scores maritime pole position
Norway-based analyst Menon has once again rated Singapore as the world's top maritime hot spot. The Southeast Asian city scores with its business friendly policies and strategic location on the trade route between Europe and Asia. The analyst points out that Singapore lacked... more
DNV GL analyses pros and cons of alternative fuels
The classification society DNV GL has issued a position paper analysing affordability, sustainability, safety and reliability and includes case studies involving LNG, shore-based electricity, biofuels (including pyrolysis oil and bio methanol) and hydrogen. The document presents... more
Risk management - from state-of-the-art to "hope"
The international accountant and shipping adviser Moore Stephens (MS) has published a new survey showing that the shipping industry has satisfactory levels of sound enterprise and business risk management at present. However, MS said that those companies which did not encompass... more
Transnet bags locomotive funding
The South African state-owned transport firm, Transnet, has concluded a ZAR 30 billion (EUR 2.2 billion) loan facility agreement with China Development Bank to fund the traction that Transnet is building with China South Rail and China North Rail. The loan will be used to... more
Iata sees early signs of slowdown in airfreight
The International Air Transport Association (Iata) has issued its April airfreight analysis and reports that volumes were up 3.3% for the month compared to a year ago, although they were below the 4.3% expansion so far this year. The April result suggests that there are early... more
Global schedule reliability improves in April
According to Seaintel’s latest industry liner performance report, global schedule reliability increased by more than 3 percentage points from March to April. On-time performance increased to 73.3% in April (based on 10,877 vessel arrivals), which is the highest so far this year.... more
Bremer Reederei E&B opens branch at Baltic port
Bremer Reederei E & B GmbH, a Germany-based shipping company that specializes in transport services in Europe, opened a branch office in Sassnitz ferry port on Germany’s Baltic Sea coast at the beginning of June. This is the first time that a shipping company with... more