Hapag-Lloyd partners with IKEA for cleaner shipping
08.05.2024
Hapag-Lloyd and IKEA Supply Chain Operations have entered into a cooperation to decarbonise container shipments from Asia.
From March 2024 until February 2025, both companies have agreed to use Hapag-Lloyd’s highest product option for biofuels “Ship Green 100”, which relies on waste- and residue-based biofuel instead of conventional marine fuel oil. The expected result for IKEA during this period is a CO2 emission reduction of around 100,000 tonnes.
“IKEA stands as one of our valued customers, known for its unwavering commitment to sustainability. By joining forces, we are reducing CO2e emissions significantly”, said Danny Smolders, Managing Director Global Sales at Hapag-Lloyd. “Ship Green is an important aspect of our decarbonisation journey and brings us one step closer to our goal of net-zero fleet operations by 2045.”
The IKEA goal is to reduce the relative GHG emissions from their product transportation by 70% by 2030 and to only use zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles and ocean vessels by 2040.
“It’s through efforts like this one that we can reduce immediate emissions from ocean shipping in the short-term”, says Dariusz Mroczek, Category Area Transport Manager, IKEA Supply Chain Operations. “However, biofuel is not the ultimate solution and we need to continue to collaborate to make the necessary shift toward zero emission fuels and technologies.”
Hapag-Lloyd has launched the Ship Green product to offer its customers emission-reduced ocean transport solutions. Based on biofuel, Hapag-Lloyd’s customers can choose between 100%, 50% or 25% CO2e emission avoidance. Ship Green is available for all shipments, including standard, reefer, hardtop, or tank equipment.
Houthis fire another MSC-operated vessel
01.05.2024
MSC-operated 15,000 TEU container ship MSC Orion was targeted by a long-range Houthi drone in the Indian Ocean on 26 April with Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree confirming the attack.
Houthis fired the vessel despite MSC's efforts to move all Israel-linked ships out of the Persian Gulf, following the capture of MSC Aries by Iranian forces.
MSC Orion, which departed Portugal’s Sines port on 6 April, was targeted while it was on its way to Oman’s Salalah port to discharge its cargo on 28 April, and omit its scheduled call at Abu Dhabi on 30 April. Currently serving MSC’s Himalaya Express service, its next assignment is yet to be confirmed.
The attack is one of the most far-reaching perpetrated by the Houthis, as MSC Orion was 300 nautical miles from the Horn of Africa.
After MSC Aries was captured by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on 13 April, MSC began shifting MSC Orion and nine other Israel-linked ships, namely those owned by Zodiac Maritime and Eastern Pacific Shipping away from the Persian Gulf.
MSC is negotiating with Tehran to get the MSC Aries and its crew released, and under international pressure, Iranian authorities have indicated that the crew would be liberated on humanitarian grounds.
Even as the threat of assaults has seen nearly 5 million TEUs rerouting from the Red Sea to around the Cape of Good Hope, the Houthis have previously vowed to spread their attacks to parts of the Indian Ocean.
Retaliating against Israel for the Gaza War, the Houthis are going after ships associated with Israel or its ally, the United States. The 2020-built MSC Orion is among a series of ships owned by an affiliate of Zodiac Maritime, which is controlled by Israeli tycoon Eyal Ofer.
Combined Maritime Forces, a 43-nation military coalition in the region, said MSC Orion sustained mild damage and none of the crew were hurt, but debris from what appeared to be a drone was found on the ship.
Temporary channel opens in Baltimore to facilitate ship traffic after bridge collapse
22.04.2024
The Captain of the Port of Baltimore established the Fort Carroll Temporary Alternate Channel, which is on the northeast side of the main channel in the vicinity of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and will provide limited access for commercially essential vessels.
The Fort Carroll Temporary Alternate Channel, depicted in green, has a controlling depth of six metres, a 90-metre horizontal clearance, and a vertical clearance of 41 metres, and will facilitate additional commercially essential vessel traffic through the port.
This action is part of a phased approach to opening the main channel.
“This additional channel increases the types of vessels able to transit inbound and outbound the port of Baltimore,” said US Coast Guard Capt. David O’Connell, Captain of the Port and Federal On-Scene Coordinator, Key Bridge Response 2024. “We estimate facilitating approximately 15% of pre-collapse commercial activity.”
The current 1,830-metre safety zone around the Francis Scott Key Bridge remains in effect and is intended to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment. No vessel or person will be permitted to enter the safety zone without obtaining permission from the COTP or a designated representative.
“Everyday, members of the Key Bridge Response Unified Command are working tirelessly to complete the steps necessary to support full access to the Fort McHenry channel,” noted O’Connell. “The opening of this third channel represents continuous progress towards this overarching objective.”
AD Ports Group partners with ADNOC Distribution for marine lubricants
19.04.2024
AD Ports Group has announced its Ports Cluster's expansion into the global distribution of marine lubricants.
This decision follows a strategic partnership with ADNOC Distribution, a leading manufacturer of marine and automotive lubricants in the UAE.
"This agreement will see two major global corporations, with vast expertise in their respective fields, creating new opportunities within the marine lubricants market. The distribution solutions offered by the Ports Cluster, which now owns or operates 24 terminals globally, adds tremendous value to our partners and stakeholders. This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering unparalleled value to our customers worldwide," commented on the deal, Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO - Ports Cluster, AD Ports Group.
As per the agreement terms, the Ports Cluster will utilize its extensive network and advanced infrastructure to distribute high-demand, globally recognized lubricants initially in the UAE, with plans for further global expansion. Both entities are committed to collaborating on expanding the global marine lubricants market, recognizing its critical importance to the shipping and maritime sectors.
“As a leading manufacturer of marine, industrial and automotive lubricants in the UAE, ADNOC Distribution offers an extensive range of lubricant products that perform in any environment. By signing a strategic agreement with the Ports Cluster, part of AD Ports Group, we are further expanding the distribution base for our products, gaining access to over 70 international destinations to provide the highest quality lubricants, and facilitating a consistent and trusted supply for our valued customers,” stated Bader Saeed Al Lamki, CEO, ADNOC Distribution.
Saudia Cargo launches flights to China’s e-commerce heartland
15.04.2024
Saudia Cargo, the global logistics powerhouse, has announced its expansion into the growing Shenzhen market by initiating bi-weekly flights designed to boost e-commerce connectivity between the Middle East and Asia.
As e-commerce continues to surge, achieving double-digit growth annually, Saudia Cargo’s new operation marks a strategic enhancement of its service offerings in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.