DP World and Brazilian railway operator to build new terminal at Santos
05.04.2024
DP World has joined forces with Brazilian railway operator Rumo to build a new terminal at the Port of Santos to handle 12.5 million tonnes of grains and fertilizers per year.
The total investment for the construction of this state-of-the-art facility, according to Rumo's estimations, reaches US$500 million, which will be financed through a combination of Rumo's resources, loans, and potential partnerships.
This is in addition to recent investments in DP World container handling facilities increasing capacity from 1.2 million to 1.4 million TEUs, while expanding the size of the quay from 1,100 to 1,300 metres.
Once complete the new terminal will handle 9 million tonnes of grains and 3.5 million tonnes of fertilizers a year. With construction expected to take 30 months, all other services including container handling at Santos will continue, with no impact on container handling operations, according to DP World's statement.
Under the 30-year agreement, DP World will provide the terminal area, located on the left bank of Brazil’s Port of Santos, to Rumo and assume responsibility for operations and port services. The port is one of the largest and most modern private multi-purpose port terminals in the country.
The new terminal marks DP World’s fourth round of investment since operations began in Brazil in 2013. It comes at a time when the port achieved record cargo movements in January, handling 11.9 million tonnes of cargo. Bulk solids, such as sugar and soy, accounted for 5 million tonnes, up 13.9% compared to the same period in 2023, according to the Port of Santos.
"This new terminal will not only bolster trade capabilities but also create long-term value for our customers and stakeholders," pointed out Fabio Siccherino, CEO of DP World Santos.
In line with DP World's global decarbonisation strategy, the new terminal will be equipped with 21 new pieces of equipment, featuring advanced technology to reduce consumption and emissions of polluting gases. Meanwhile, DP World began the process of electrifying its Rubber-Tired Gantry Cranes (RTGs) at the Port of Santos in 2023.
DP World has already invested US$35 million in 2023 to expand and modernise its facilities at the Brazilian port with the terminal currently inhabiting 845,000 m², with an additional 130,000 m² available for expansion.
The accident history of ship that crashed into Baltimore bridge
28.03.2024
The 10,000 TEU container vessel Dali that hit Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has been involved in another shipping accident back in 2016.
In particular, the boxship smashed into a quay at the port of Antwerp in Belgium on 11 July 2016, as it was exiting the North Sea container terminal.
The Antwerp port authorities said the vessel had remained at the dock for repairs for some time after the incident.
The Antwerp accident happened due to a mistake by the Master and pilot on board the vessel, according to VesselFinder reports.
As is evident, Dali's latest accident is notably more severe, likely resulting in fatalities and expected to cause significant challenges to the global supply chain.
Etihad Cargo and Astral Aviation launch first Nairobi-Abu Dhabi flight
25.03.2024
Etihad Cargo and Astral Aviation announced the successful completion of their first flight from Nairobi, Kenya, to Abu Dhabi, UAE. Following the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between the two carriers, the event marks a new era of connectivity between the Middle East and Africa.
The inaugural flight is part of a broader capacity-sharing agreement offering Etihad Cargo’s partners and customers increased cargo space on Astral Aviation’s weekly flights from Nairobi to Abu Dhabi.
Yang Ming vessel knocks over three cranes after hitting Turkish wharf
19.03.2024
A ship operated by Yang Ming Marine Transport slammed into a wharf in Turkey’s Evyapport on 16 March, while attempting to dock.
The 2015-built 14,000 TEU ship, YM Witness, chartered from Seaspan Corporation, reportedly knocked down three container cranes in the accident.
YM Witness, assigned to Yang Ming’s MD3 Asia-Mediterranean service, had arrived from another Turkish port, Ambarli, had a pilot on board and was trying to berth around 3.45pm local time when the accident happened.
Video footage taken by port staff shows that after the paddle wheel of the YM Witness hit the wharf, a crane swayed to the right, and collapsed after hitting another crane. As the first crane fell to the ground, it hit a second crane.
Reportedly, a worker operating one of the cranes was injured in the accident. Evyapport officials said that several containers on YM Witness also fell into the waters.
The damages are estimated to be in the region of US$50 million.
Information from VesselsValue shows that since its delivery, YM Witness has been on a 10-year charter to Yang Ming.
As of today (19 March), YM Witness remains anchored in Turkey’s Yarimca port pending investigations and repairs.
In a customer advisory issued on 18 March, Yang Ming confirmed the accident occurred and said that the rescheduling of ships and cargo transfers would be made in due course.
The Taiwanese shipping line stated, “Whereas navigational behaviour and seamanship are under the supervision and management of the ship owner, administrative enquiries and a full investigation into this incident are currently conducted in conjunction between the ship owner and the relevant maritime authorities. According to the ship owner, there are no casualties following the incident and no marine pollution has materialized for the time being.”
OCEAN Alliance rolls out new service network
15.03.2024
OCEAN Alliance, consisting of CMA CGM, COSCO, Evergreen and OOCL, has announced the launch of its updated service network, called "DAY 8 Product".
After extending their partnership for an additional five years, the four ocean carrier allies are unveiling their new programme aimed at tackling the emerging challenges posed by the volatile conditions in the Red Sea.
The DAY 8 Product, which is expected to commence in April, will include:
The deployment of 321 container ships, including 119 vessels for the CMA CGM Group
35 services worldwide
A total capacity of approximately 4.5 million TEUs
The OCEAN Alliance DAY 8 Product will offer the following services from/to Asia:
6 services between Asia and Northern Europe
4 services between Asia and the Mediterranean
20 Transpacific services - 8 between Asia and the East Coast of the United States and 12 services between Asia and the West Coast of the United States and Canada
2 Transatlantic services connecting Northern Europe to North American ports
3 services between Asia and the ports of the Persian Gulf.
At the same time, the OCEAN Alliance will suspend its two services connecting Asia to the Red Sea until further notice due to the unstable environment in the region.