Dear Readers,
It is Thursday the 7th of May, and we are back.
In Europe, we have just been told by the European Commission that we should expect our economy to contract for the whole of the EU area wby 6-10%. This is the biggest contraction ever, and particularly hard hit are the countries of Greece, Italy, and Spain—not that it is surprising news generally as those said countries usually bring up the rear when it comes to the relative strength of economies in Europe. Still, these are hard numbers to digest, and there will be massive unemployment in the wake of this COVID-19 pandemic.
Hundreds of blank sailings on the major trade lanes between Europe and Asia also mask the massive problems that many in the shipping industry are having. Suddenly, in the blink of an eye, it almost looks foolish to have invested so much in mega containerships in excess of 20,000 TEU-carrying capacity in the past few years.
We reported last week that Hyundai Merchant Marine just received the first 1×24000 teu container vessel in a series of 12, so again, we can only hope and pray perhaps that the world trade will pick up very soon. Otherwise, these ships will be very expensive for everyone, in particular and ultimately for the ever-patient taxpayer.
I listened to a podcast on stitcher (the app) about this very issue. It seems that although we have hospital workers, store keepers, and staff deemed indispensable and vital staff to keep us going during the crisis, they still have not seen anything relating to better pay, a bonus, or such like. Let us hope that our politicians don’t only deliver hot air but also really ensure that funds are going to the needy and those on the front lines who do contribute more than most. Who else would risk their lives for the rest of us? They are certainly not found on Wall Street, The City in London or similar places elsewhere.
As you know, here in Sweden, we have become famous for NOT having a complete lockdown since the beginning, and I have been fortunate enough to take many walks. So besides finding the pleasure of books in the evening (after yelling kids have dozed off), I listen to podcasts. Besides enjoying the music, they make the 7-8 km that I walk daily at a brisk speed work like a charm. I continue with sports and, of course, replenish afterwards with Ritter Sport (a type of chocolate), so any immediate health benefits from my walking are probably to be found just like a rainbow, i.e. never!
Business-wise this week we interviewed a company called HASS Logistics, active in the West African country of Ghana. An interesting country, perhaps overlooked by many, as I have heard many positive words about both the people and business there. HASS tells us more about what they can do locally and via Ghana to the interior of the continent.
We then re-visit South America, and we start off by visiting Panama, famous for the enlarged canal (and perhaps for wealthy people having shell corporations), and we are reminded that AD Solutions, a local freight forwarder, is available to solve any problems you may have in logistics.
We then visit the country famous for Incas, food, Macchu Piccu, women, the seaside, but also serious crime and abductions in broad daylight, i.e. the country of Peru. Andina Logistics tells us more about this amazing country from a logistics point of view.
We naturally provide you with the usual condiments such as trade intel, shipping news, wisewords, and our featured video and photo of the week.
I hope you will enjoy them all, and whilst you are enjoying them, feel free to consider placing a banner ad (or link to a video) with us. You reach 40,000+ readers every Thursday. Costs are very reasonable, and given that we ONLY allow 4 ads each week, your ad WILL be noticed. In COVID-19 times, you certainly need to be seen when you can’t travel, right?
Until next Thursday, I remain,
Yours sincerely,
Bo H. Drewsen
bo.drewsen@projectcargo-weekly.com
HASS Logistics – Ghana
Interview with
Mr. Ignatius Afrifa
Managing Director
Ghana is a growing economy on the west coast of Africa. Most people, when thinking about logistics in Africa, consider French companies or perhaps Belgian companies due to their colonial past. Who are the owners of HASS Logistics? Can you also tell us more about your activities in Ghana?
Ownership is Ghanaian with significant backing from our Polish partners. This is a cooperation between two groups. One part is a group of experienced shipping and logistics business leaders with tremendous Ghanaian, local knowledge; having worked and managed at the highest level with the French Group (formerly SDV and now Bollore Transport and Logistics) and the Anglo Saxon Group, Hull-Blyth Ghana. This is our side. The other part is our partners, the Polish group with an enormous shipping and logistics tradition as owners of Euroafrica Shipping Lines. We believe this is a unique platform to deliver value to clients, and if the last two years’ results are anything to go by, then we are on course.
We offer total logistics solutions in both ports of Tema and Takoradi in Ghana: customs clearing, warehousing, sea-freight brokerage, oil & gas, people and material logistics, project cargo and dangerous cargo handling, etc.
AD Transport Solutions – Panama
Interview with
Ms. Dorita de Bolaños
Commercial Director
Can you give us more details about the ports of Panama, both on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts?
Panama has an interesting port infrastructure capable of handling not only containers but also special cargo such as oversize project cargo, vehicles, reefers, LNG, DGR, and others. Due to the strategic position, over 20 shipping lines are actually operating in Panama. This provides a good selection of alternatives in terms of capacity and connectivity.
In the Atlantic area, we have three ports: Manzanillo, Cristóbal and Colon Container Terminal. In the Pacific, we have three ports: Balboa, PSA, and PATSA. In addition to the port capabilities, we can add internal connectivity between the ports through rail and road systems, and the Panama Canal.4
Andina Freight SAC – Lima, Peru
Interview with
Mr. Renatto Castro
Project Manager
Peru is a big country with several ports. Can you give us an introduction to the ports of Peru, which are the main ports used for project cargo & containers? Can you organise inland transport in Peru as well?
Peru has 4 main ports with enough capacity for containers and special cargo; the most important one is Callao. Callao has five docks (1, 2, 3, 4 and north), which are direct berthing, type jetty;
The first four berths have exactly the same characteristics: 182.80 meters on the side; two docks are 30 meters wide and the other two have a width of 86 meters. There are two berths per pier, between 31 and 34 feet deep each and a length of 182.8 meters.
In addition, the north dock has four moorings, with a depth between 34 and 36 feet, each mooring has a length between 20 and 30 meters, the docks are specialized for containers, bulk and multipurpose. For project cargo you can use Callao (located in Lima), Paita (in the north) and Pisco (in the south), all are capable of receiving any kind of cargo, such as over height, overweight, etc.
New Shandong-Europe Express links China and Hamburg
Editor’s Note:
Not a day goes by when this or that city in China and Europe gets linked by a new “train” certainly business has increased a lot using the railway from Asia to Europe but it cannot replace the routes by sea. Still it is interesting to see that it is progressing.
China is the Port of Hamburg’s most important trade partner. Hamburg serves as the gateway to Europe for Chinese goods. Along with handling ocean shipping, the port city is also an important railway hub for transports to and from China. The new Shandong-Europe Express train from Jinan arrived in Hamburg’s Billwerder Terminal for the first time today. It carries valuable and time-sensitive cargo from China to Europe along the New Silk Road.
What are the key changes in Incoterms® 2020?
Editor’s Note:
It is imperative to follow always the latest news from ICC – International Chamber of Commerce. Although some shall we say “normal” rules of business seem to have been suspended during these corona times we must all hope and continue what we do under the assumption that normality will return to trade and trade rules.
The latest edition of the Incoterms® rules features an in-depth introduction to help users select the appropriate Incoterms® rule for their sale transaction. The introduction explains the purpose and use of the Incoterms® rules, identifies differences between Incoterms® 2010 and Incoterms® 2020, outlines best practice for incorporating the Incoterms® rules into contracts and explores the relation of contracts ancillary to the sale contract, the concepts of risk and delivery, the role of the carrier, and the care to be taken when using variants of the Incoterms® 2020 rules.
Port of Vancouver USA Receives Shipment of Longest Wind Blades to Date
Editor’s Note:
We need some positive news and we need a lot of it – here latest from the port of Vancouver a mega shipment of wind blades for a renewable energy project. Impressive to say the least and more is yet to come no doubt. Also see the video below.
The Port of Vancouver USA will receive a shipment this weekend of nine wind turbines including the longest wind turbine blades it has handled to date. The delivery is a joint effort between the turbine manufacturer Goldwind and the wind project owner Potentia Renewables.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic the port continues to operate to keep the supply chain and commodities moving,” said CEO Julianna Marler. “The port has proven our unique ability to handle these types of large projects,” she added. “Customers know our heavy lift mobile cranes, acres of laydown space, highly-skilled workforce, and dedication to renewable energy make the Port of Vancouver the perfect port for receiving wind energy components.”
Konecranes to Deliver a New Mobile Harbor crane to Ho Chi Minh City
At the end of 2019, Saigon Port JSC ordered another eco-efficient Konecranes Gottwald Mobile Harbor Crane for their operations at Tan Thuan Port in southern Vietnam. The crane will expand capacity at the port by handling all types of cargo.
Flisom to Establish High-capacity Solar Panel Plant in Hungary
Swiss solar panel maker Flisom will build a HUF12.5bn (€35mn) plant in Kecskemet, it was announced on April 28. The company is going to establish its first high-capacity production unit outside of Switzerland in the central Hungarian town, which is also the home to Daimler’s production plant.
Ballard Announces Follow-On Order From Solaris For 20 Fuel Cell Modules to Power Buses in The Netherlands
Ballard Power Systems today announced a purchase order from Solaris Bus & Coach S.A. (“Solaris”; www.solarisbus.com), a leading European bus and trolleybus manufacturer headquartered in Bolechowo, Poland, for 20 of Ballard’s new 70 kilowatt heavy-duty FCmove™-HD fuel cell modules.
Amerisolar Plans New 200 MW Solar Panel Factory in Brazil
China-based solar module manufacturer Amerisolar is planning to open a solar module factory in Brazil via a joint venture with local renewable energy company Nova Renováveis.
Steaming Ahead in the Bay of Biscay
Editor’s Note:
Onboard mv CMA CGM Christophe Colomb. Filming while standing aft and steaming ahead in the Bay of Biscay looking towards a large Yangming container vessel. It never ceases to amaze me how much power it takes to move a 165,000dwt ship through the ocean at 18-20 knots.
Editor’s Note:
I am lucky to be able to take many great photos during my trips as passenger onboard containerships. Here is one of my favourites, which I took onboard the mv “Lutetia” of Hamburg Süd close to Kingston, Jamaica a couple of years ago. It’s always difficult to get a good picture pointing directly at the sun but, I believe this one was just right. Great inspiration to see the sunrise and sunset always! ps. NO photoshop or other software used!
