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Current Fuel Surcharge

CURRENT DOMESTIC FUEL SURCHARGE TASMANIA: 4.51 - 6.93% March 2009

Saturday, September 29, 2007

More cargo, fewer ships cut container air pollution: LA study

BIGGER ships carrying more containers have cut air pollution on per-TEU basis in the Port of Los Angeles, according to a recent air quality study.
Nitrogen oxide containership emissions decreased six per cent and sulfur oxides by four per cent as the TEU numbers per ship increased from 3,272 in 2001 to 5,260 in 2005, a 44 per cent increase in container volume. This also resulted in a 61 per cent increase densification per vessel as the number of containership calls fell from 1,584 in 2001 to 1,423 in 2005, said a port statement.
The port study also said that shipping fleets had installed diesel oxidation catalysts on more than 580 pieces of shoreside equipment and 165 on-dock tractors and 800 other pieces of equipment ran on cleaner fuels, the statement said.
Regulations, voluntary reduction and operational improvements also contributed to a 17 to 27 per cent reduction in emissions per 10,000 TEU. "Port-wide emissions of sulfur oxides showed the strongest decreases," said the report.
Meanwhile the number of containers leaving the port by rail had more than doubled between 2001 and 2005, contributing to the 70 per cent increase in rail-related emissions though it is also accepted that railways produce less air pollution by reducing truck volume.

Friday, September 28, 2007

Panama Canal Authority CEO travels world to raise awareness

(From Asian Shipper News - 28th September 2007)
PANAMA Canal Authority administrator and CEO Alberto Aleman Zubieta recently visited Seoul, London and Hong Kong, where he spoke to financial institutions and clients, among others, to provide an update on the canal's ongoing expansion programme.
Mr Aleman claims that the canal will earn US$1.7 billion in revenue for 2007.
Since July, the canal authority has been approaching the financial markets to determine the most viable way to finance its expansion programme. The process, which began in Panama, found its legs in New York, where the authority presented their plan to an audience of more than 100 representatives of financial institutions.
"We are pleased with the response that we have received thus far from the financial institutions. They understand that expansion is a financially sound, historic project and have expressed confidence in the plans we have laid out to accomplish it," said Mr Aleman.
Expansion will involve the building a new lane of traffic through the construction of a new set of locks, which will double capacity and enable the so-called post-Panamax vessels to finally use the canal.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

GOOD LUCK TASMANIAN EXPORT AWARDS ENTRANTS

GOOD LUCK TO ALL ENTRANTS IN THE 2007 TASMANIAN EXPORT AWARDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BRETT, DEBI AND JULIE FROM WILLARD ESTATE LOGISTICS WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE AND CHEERING THE LOUDEST FOR THE WINNERS.

WILLARD ESTATE BLOG

You may not be aware of a new tab on our web page titled “Interactive Blog”. By clicking on this tab you will be directed to a web page that contains information posted by Willard Estate Logistics that is relevant to international shipping or trade or indeed just Tasmania (I add to this “Blog” often throughout the month as I discover articles or information that I consider may be useful for importers, exporters or industry people). This “Blog” has been created to provide an avenue for our customers, suppliers and industry relative people to place a comment against any of our postings to the “Blog”. For instance, this Newsletter is posted story by story to the “Blog” and by just clicking the “comment” tab below the story you can leave a comment on the story provided (you can remain anonymous if you wish). You may like to add your own thoughts or experiences about the importing containers under the “Importers Beware” heading, or vent your frustrations or provide a solution for the ships delayed under the “Exporters Beware” heading. There is also a section at the bottom of the “Blog” to vote if you have found information in the “Blog” helpful. I know three people have looked at the “Blog” as there are three votes under excellent (a good start). I am aware that many of you are vocal on infrastructure and shipping as well as trade in Tasmania, I encourage you to use it as often as you can

EXPORTERS BEWARE

The ships that service the AAA run (Singapore to Bell Bay to Singapore) are falling further and further behind and I am sure that I echo all of the Tasmanian Exporters and Importers who use this service in saying that we are sick to death of the delays. It would be nice for me to be able to write that a solution is close to hand and that we will soon see a return to fixed day sailings that are published at the beginning of each month but the reality is that we are at the mercy of the current situation. I am aware that there is much talk behind the scenes and that omitting ports has been a tool to try and make up time, but the reality is that the only vessel that is currently keeping to its published schedule is the Sinotrans Shanghai. Weather, berthing issues, congestion, and increased volumes (thus more time at the wharf working the ship) are all valid reasons for delays and are indeed the reason for the late arrivals and departures. We continue to be vocal in our disappointment to the shipping lines and encourage them to work towards a fixed weekly service for Tasmania. Whilst it is of little consolation, the same situations are being experienced in many ports in Australia and indeed the world.

IMPORTERS BEWARE

This time of year (October – January) is traditionally a terrible time for import shipping and 2007 is not going to be any different. Just recently the Sinotrans Shanghai departed Singapore with a large number of containers left behind. The reason for this is that the volume of cargo coming from the Far East to Australia is staggering and quite frankly there is not enough room on ships to carry the cargo (on this occasion the ship was directed to leave the port by the Port of Singapore due to the weight stability of the vessel). Importers would be aware of increases in rates (GRI – General Rate Increases) and Peak Season Surcharges (PSS) being applied to the rates out of Asia. Just recently we received the last quarter rates for 2007 and in some cases import container rates ex some ports in China have increased by US$450.00 per container.
If you are importing containers from Asia to depart anytime from September to January, please be aware that delays may occur. Should you have shipments that are imperative to production schedule, please ensure you make Willard Estate Logistics aware so that we can put in special requests for space allocation for your containers (please note that this is not guaranteed but will help to have your containers loaded). Please also check the validity date on your quotations and if it has run out, or is about to run out, request updated rates prior to placing orders – it can be very disheartening (not to mention expensive) to assume that rates quoted in July are still applicable for November).

Sunday, September 23, 2007

An interesting fact: Maritime Manure Shipping

In the 16th and 17th centuries, everything had to be transported by ship and it was also before commercial fertilizer's invention, so large shipments of manure were common. It was shipped dry, because in dry form it weighed a lot less than when wet, but once water (at sea) hit it, it not only became heavier, but the process of fermentation began again, of which a by product is methane gas. As the stuff was stored below decks in bundles you can see what could (and did) happen. Methane began to build up below decks and the first time someone came below at night with a lantern, BOOOOM! Several ships were destroyed in this manner before it was determined just what was Happening. After that, the bundles of manure were always stamped with the term "Ship High In Transit" on them, which meant for the sailors to stow it high enough off the lower decks so that any water that came into the hold would not touch this volatile cargo and start the production of methane.
Thus evolved the term " S.H.I.T " , (Ship High In Transit) which has come down through the centuries and is in use to this very day.

Friday, September 21, 2007

Logistics problems loom as Chinese production moves inland


THE rapid growth in trade with China has created unprecedented complexity, costs and choke points in thousands of global supply chains, says Brian Lutt, president of APL Logistics.
Speaking at the first Transpacific Maritime Asia Conference in Shenzhen, Mr Lutt said: "Getting products to market from China quickly, reliably and cost-effectively already keeps logistics providers and their customers up at night."But the main production and consumption zones are still clustered in the east of the country. So the challenges we face today will be multiplied many times once China's vast hinterland is unlocked," he said.

Mr Lutt praised China for seeing that transport infrastructure is linked to its economic prosperity. He said China had been successful in developing container ports.

"From a container logistics perspective, additional road and rail must be matched by connectivity with ocean transportation and other value-added logistics services. Without this connectivity and integration, supply chains will falter."

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Hyundai Merchant Marine pays $680,000 fine to FMC

South Korea's Hyundai Merchant Marine has paid penalties of $680,000 to the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission after reaching a compromise agreement relating to allegations the Seoul-based container line breached the Shipping Act of 1984.Hyundai was alleged to have violated section 10(b)(1) of the 1984 act by allowing shippers to obtain transportation for property at less than the rates or charges established in its tariffs or service contracts by permitting (a) use of its service contracts by persons who are neither signatories nor affiliates to those contracts, (b) unlawful equipment substitution, and (c) misdescription of commodities.It was also alleged that Hyundai violated sections 10(b)(11) and 10(b)(12) of the act by entering into service contracts with, and providing transportation services to, an ocean transportation intermediary that didn't have a tariff, license or bond as required by the act.The FMC also reached compromise agreements with Air & Ocean Shipping Inc. (doing business as Compass Marine) for $110,000 and with Oconca Shipping (NY) Inc. for $40,000.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Shanghai Evacuates Thousands Ahead of Typhoon

Quoted by: By VOA News 18 September 2007

China has evacuated about 1.6 million people from coastal areas as a powerful typhoon churns toward the coast of Zhejiang province and the country's commercial center, Shanghai.

Shanghai residents struggle through flooded roads as a typhoon bears down on the city, 18 Sep 2007Meteorologists say Typhoon Wipha likely will make landfall near Shanghai by early Wednesday. Earlier, China's national meteorological center said the storm, a so-called "super typhoon," was moving toward the coast at 25 to 30 kilometers per hour, with winds as high as 198 kilometers an hour.

Authorities warn that Wipha may be the most destructive storm in a decade. Some ferry services have been suspended and fishing boats called into harbor as authorities evacuated people from Shanghai, Zhejiang and neighboring Fujian province.

Organizers of the Women's World Cup, which is under way in Shanghai, rescheduled Tuesday's game between Norway and Ghana to Wednesday and moved its location to the city of Hangzhou in Zhejiang province.

Authorities in northern Taiwan ordered schools, offices and the stock market closed.
Another storm, Typhoon Nari, hit South Korea Sunday. It killed 14 people and displaced nearly 1,000 others.

Flooding from that storm knocked out electricity to thousands of homes, destroyed hundreds of houses and businesses, damaged crops and washed out roads.
Forecasters say South Korea could again be pounded by heavy rains as Typhoon Wipha heads back out to sea later this week.

Monday, September 17, 2007

Ports of New York-New Jersey and Rotterdam agree to grow green

THE US Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the Port of Rotterdam have signed an agreement to jointly strengthen and expand environmental initiatives at both ports.
The accord calls for both ports to share information and experiences that will enhance existing programmes to improve air, water, soil and wildlife quality.
The agreement is part of a US Environmental Protection Agency initiative known as "International Sustainable Ports and Carriers Partnership".
Said NY-NJ Port Authority chairman Anthony Coscia: "This agreement will help develop a strategy for implementing alternative energy solutions."
TNT crowns the Dow Jones green index 2007
TNT, a provider of global express services, has been ranked first in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) 2007.
TNT said in a statement that it improved its score from 84 in 2006 to 91 this year, attaining both the leading position in the "Industrial Goods and Services" section, which includes transport, and the highest score of any company in the DJSI.
According to SAM Research, one of the co-founders of the index, TNT "has consistently improved not only its sustainability reporting but also its sustainability performance."
The company achieved particularly good results in the areas of risk and crisis management, human capital development, stakeholder engagement and environmental management. Initiatives such as "Planet Me", TNT's programme to cut carbon dioxide emissions, was said to have further underscored the group's leadership role.
Said TNT chief executive Peter Bakker: "This is the third time in a row that TNT ranks first in its sector, but it is the first time we achieved an overall number one position with the highest score."
Launched in 1999, the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes are the first global indexes to track the financial performance of the leading sustainability-driven companies worldwide. Based on the co-operation of Dow Jones indices, STOXX Limited and SAM they provide asset managers with benchmarks to manage sustainability portfolios.

Friday, September 14, 2007

Mac-Nels Line and Willard Estate Logistics launch direct service to Tasmania

MAC-NELS Line, the first Singapore-based NVOCC, has partnered with Tasmanian firm Willard Estate Logistics to develop a direct service between Singapore and Tasmania, Australia.
Traditionally, LCL cargo has had to enter first through the Port of Melbourne and then be shipped across the expensive stretch of water between Melbourne and Tasmania known as Bass Strait, said a company statement.
This service intends to use Singapore as a hub for cargo to Tasmania from around the world in a bid to cut costs, transit time and handling for Tasmanian importers by utilising the service directly from Singapore into Bell Bay.
Said Mac-Nels Line CEO Nicholas Er: "This partnership with Willard Estate Logistics, and our joint approach to develop this trade, emphasises Mac-Nels Line's commitment to developing services outside the major shipping hubs."
The schedule for LCL shipping to Tasmania is expected to be announced by Mac-Nels Line later this month.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

National Transport and Logistics Strategy – ‘T&L2012’

The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) has been commissioned by the Honourable Mark Vaile MP to lead the development of a new National Transport and Logistics Strategy – ‘T&L2012’

The ALC wrote to all of its members and contacts (over 1000 recipients) regarding the mandate on the 23rd March 07. This letter also requested input re advising the ALC on key priorities they believed the new national strategy should cover as well as asking them to send to the ALC any relevant information on their own strategic plans for the future.


The ALC issued a questionnaire on the 6th June again to all of its members and contacts asking them specific questions regarding strategic programs or projects they may have running in their own organisations so that the ALC could be aware of these key initiatives as feeders into the national strategy

On the 24th July the ALC announced an invitation to the Industry to attend one of the Strategy Consultation Workshops being run by the ALC around Australia. The first workshop was held at the VTA in Port Melbourne on the 8th August. So far we have also gone to Dandenong, Mt Gambier, Walkerville, QLD CBD, Townsville, Sydney CBD and Mascot. Over the next 5 weeks we will also be going to Hobart,
Launceston, Darwin, Fremantle, Canberra, Dubbo and Newcastle. The workshops finish on the 12th October. (Willard Estate Logistics attended and contributed to the Launceston workshop).

* The proposed Key Themes of:


* Leadership of the Industry
* Human Capital
* Rules and Regulation
* Infrastructure and Planning
* Energy and the Environment
* The Future of the Industry

have been workshopped at each session to identify whether they are appropriate themes to have within the new strategy and if they are, what the priority actions and initiatives are for those themes that the industry needs to progress over the next 5+ years.

Common threads are emerging at each workshop such as:


* the need to progress harmonisation of industry rules and regulations (as well as to identify the cost of de-harmonised rules and regulations),
* the need for a national 15yr+ Infrastructure Plan that addresses the needs of all transport modes and components of Supply Chains
* the need for intensive industry communication strategies (in terms of industry branding, career attraction and retention
* the need for the industry to take the lead in researching and taking a leadership role in terms of the environment, what the industry impact is terms of carbon emissions and our use of alternative energy sources
* the need for a single voice to represent the industry which takes into account the needs of all transport modes as well as state, local and regional priorities
the need to review apprenticeships and traineeships on offer within the industry and how to manage more effectively the cross-over points between schools, TAFE’s, universities and potential employers

Willard Estate Logistics will report more on the National Transport and Logistics Strategy – ‘T&L2012’ as more the process progresses and as news comes to hand.

Saturday, September 08, 2007

Panama Canal expansion begins in earnest

THE historic expansion of the Panama Canal has officially begun after a crowd of 30,000, including world leaders in business and government, joined the Panamanian government and the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) at a groundbreaking ceremony.

The event was held to celebrate the start of the first-ever expansion of the nearly 100-year-old waterway.

The expansion works will lead to the construction of a new lane of traffic along the Panama Canal through the building of a new set of locks, which will double capacity and allow more traffic and longer, wider ships.

Work on a dry excavation project on Paraiso Hill begins the construction of the new Pacific Locks access channel that will connect the Gaillard Cut to the new Pacific Locks.

"It's a historic day," said ACP chairman and Minister for Canal Affairs Dani Ariel Kuzniecky. "Expansion will have a significant role in world trade and the maritime industry. This project brings a true sense of pride and a real sense of responsibility. We are ready to meet the demands ahead and, truly, the best is yet to come," said ACP chairman and Minister for Canal Affairs Dani Ariel Kuzniecky.

Expansion will double capacity to more than 600 million tons, tighten the global supply chain and help get goods to market faster.

"We have researched and planned this project for years; we have the approval of the Panamanian people. As we stand here today, our vision and perseverance have paid off. Now, it is time to execute. Now it is time to begin the expansion of the Panama Canal," said ACP administrator and CEO Alberto Aleman Zubieta.

Monday, September 03, 2007

SHIP DELAYS AAA SERVICE

Sorry to report once again that the AAA service has been failing to meet the sailing schedule departure dates. It is the same problem as always, bad weather and ports. We are advised that should bad weather delay the arrival of a vessel in Brisbane port and that vessel misses its scheduled berth, then it needs to go into a queue to get a berth – this may take a day or two. So, the main reasons for the delays is bad weather and waiting for slots in Brisbane port. I wish we had a solution for this but to date Willard Estate Logistics have not been able to control the weather – we are working on it however!
You will note from the sailing schedule that the Kota Pusaka V96 is omitting Bell Bay port to try and make up its schedule once again. As we get closer to the week beginning 10th September, Willard Estate Logistics will evaluate the requirements for LCL capacity and determine if alternative methods are required (last time there was an omission, Willard Estate Logistics packed an FAK via Melbourne to maintain the weekly service).

INTERNET TRACKING OF BILLS OF LADING

Willard Estate Logistics have updated their web page to include an internet tracking tab. All Bills of Lading for import and export cargo that are routed through Willard Estate Logistics can now be tracked through our web page. When you visit www.willardestate.com you will notice a new tab under tools called “Shipment Tracking”. Click on this tab and you will be directed to the Mac-Nels tracking system. All Bills of Lading should be able to be tracked within 48 hours of the vessels departure. Please note that Willard Estate Logistics will still be sending transshipment advices for the time being, but we encourage you and your customers to use the tracking tab on our web page (you can now track your cargo any where at any time in the world through our web page – you just need your Bill of Lading number).

IMPORT LCL SERVICE

Just another reminder that Willard Estate Logistics have an import FAK service operating directly into Tasmania. This service is fortnightly and with the recently agency partnership between Mac-Nels Singapore and Willard Estate Logistics, the aim is definitely to be weekly. Mac-Nels Singapore will be promoting this service throughout Asia and through it’s agencies around the world so we expect that the support for the service from overseas based entities will assist to ensure that this service is regular. Willard Estate Logistics stand by to assist any importer with any questions they may have about this service.

LAUNCESTON BUSINESS AWARDS

Willard Estate Logistics were a winner of an award at the Launceston Chamber of Commerce (CGU) Business Awards. We were entered in the Professional Service category which we were not successful and post the announcement of this award category we toasted the winners of the award and then partook in the culinary and liquid delights of the evening. To our utmost surprise, the judges of the event had requested a separate category for our business and thus Willard Estate Logistics were announced as the winners of the Business Inspirational Award. We would like to thank Inspired I-Land for sponsoring this category as well as the Launceston Chamber of Commerce for the great job they did in creating another fantastic evening for Launceston Business. We would also like to thank all of those who have sent their congratulations to us (after being subject to viewing our mugs in the Examiner Newspaper the following day). We are very proud of this award and look forward to continuing to strive to be a business worthy of such awards well into the future.

New Technology - About this blog

Willard Estate Logistics are committed to continually improve on our services and as such are exploring new methods of communication and electronic mediums to ensure that information is readily available for our customers and suppliers. This Blog is being designed to provide importers and exporters an alternative method of information and indeed communication. We will publish our Newsletter on this Blog as well as load pictures and video of operational aspects of international shipping. It is hoped that as more people become aware of this Blog that comments can be left so that it can become interactive (IE: exporters or importers may like to leave an annyonomous suggestions that would enable Willard Estate Logistics to improve on it's services).
This Blog is not designed to remove any aspect of our personal service, indeed we see this as an extension of our reach to customers that prefer to use this medium rather than phone or email. With technology always improving and communications evolving, Willard Estate Logistics hope to always be at the forefront of new methods.
We encourage comments about this Blog or any information contained within. We hope that you find this new method of communication useful.
Sincerely
Brett Charlton