/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Cargo • Shipping

Port Klang fire: 22 containers burned, 38 damaged

A severe fire broke out at the Westports terminal in Port Klang, Malaysia's main container port, with 22 containers burned and 38 damaged.

Port Klang Authority general manager K. Subramaniam said the fire started at 4.15pm (local time) on April 4. At around 4.45pm, the Port Police Control Centre (PPCC) received a call about a fire in the container yard.
After answering the call, the PPCC called the Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) from Port Klang, which deployed two fire trucks to extinguish the blaze shortly after.
It took firefighters 11 hours to put out the blaze, which was fully extinguished around 3 a.m. on April 5.

Subramaniam pointed out that the container holds general cargo and does not contain dangerous goods. Affected box contents include auto parts, cotton products, baby walkers, audio equipment and lubricants.

"At this time, we are unable to determine the extent of the damaged containers. All affected box operators will be notified in due course," Westports said in a statement.
"There was no damage to port equipment and infrastructure. We are also pleased to inform that there were no injuries or disruptions to our operations.
"We would like to thank everyone involved in helping us put out the fire, especially the FRDs from various stations."

While investigating the cause of the fire, Subramaniam said: "Other than the blockade of the fire area for investigation, the container cranes were not affected and other areas of the port were operating normally."

Selangor Fire and Rescue Department chief Norazam Khamis said the fire initially spread to eight containers, which were stacked in two rows by weight. Westports crews attempted to move other containers to prevent the fire from spreading.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Cargo • International • Shipping

Maersk Bars on CMA CGM: We Oppose Stopping Plastic Waste

Not long ago, liner giant CMA CGM announced that it has banned all ships from transporting plastic waste, a move that has received support from NGOs.

But Maersk recently expressed a different view. The shipping company, also headquartered in Europe, warned that stopping the transportation of plastic waste will not only not improve the marine environment, but may also prevent the transportation of this waste to recyclable sites.

The NGO Plastic Change has urged Maersk to stop shipping plastic waste after rival CMA CGM announced it would no longer ship plastic waste for environmental reasons. Louise Lerche-Gredal, head of Plastic Change, wrote in an article, “It is time for Maersk to take a stance on whether they will continue to be part of the waste transport issue. Plastic waste not only contributes to pollution, it also contributes to the climate crisis. , and affect the most vulnerable societies in the world.”

Maersk said it would not do what CMA CGM did because banning the transport of plastic waste due to environmental concerns is not a good idea. "We do not think a blanket ban on the transport of plastic waste is feasible because such a ban would prevent us from helping responsible companies and organisations to transport plastic waste and other recycled materials to recycling sites in a responsible manner."

According to a Feb. 11 press release from CMA CGM, the decision to stop shipping plastic waste comes as the French carrier wants to work to prevent plastic waste from being "exported to destinations where sorting, recycling or recycling cannot be guaranteed." “About 10 million tons of plastic waste ends up in the ocean every year. If we don’t take action, this number will triple to 29 million tons per year in the next 20 years, which will cause irreversible damage to marine ecosystems, flora and fauna ."

CMA CGM said it transported around 500,000 tonnes of plastic waste in 2021. Maersk doesn't disclose the volume of veteran plastic waste shipped, but according to Plastic Change, Maersk ranks third.

Maersk emphasizes that it is "a responsible company and we of course take environmental protection seriously. Ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory procedures regarding the import and export of plastic waste has always been embedded in our business and daily activities."

Maersk also works with an ocean cleanup organization. The organization recycles plastic waste in the Pacific, and stopping the shipment of plastic waste will prevent Maersk from assisting the organization in delivering the collected plastic to recycling sites.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Cargo • Shipping

Invisible ‘killer’ microplastics

What are microplastics?

Microplastics generally refer to plastic particles between 0.33 mm and 5 mm in size [1]. Microplastics can come from a variety of sources, including microbeads from personal care products; fibers from synthetic clothing; pre-manufactured granules and powders; and fragments that degrade from larger plastic products. These smaller plastic particles can be ingested by aquatic organisms. ACC's Plastics Division and its member companies work to better understand the potential role of microplastics in the marine environment.

Multiple studies have shown that microplastics in the marine environment can absorb persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
Microplastics are small in size, but have a very large specific surface area, and have a strong ability to adsorb pollutants in the environment. Why is this?

Specific surface area refers to the total area possessed by a unit volume of material. Assuming that the microplastic is a cube, it is continuously cut, but the total volume remains unchanged. It can be found that the smaller the microplastic is cut, the larger the total contact area. The larger the contact area, the more adsorption sites, and the larger the adsorption capacity, so the microplastics have strong adsorption.

Why are microplastics bad?

We've known for years that microplastics are problematic, but a growing body of research continues to highlight just how much they affect the environment and our health. Microplastics are extremely persistent, which means it is nearly impossible to remove them from the environment in which they accumulate. Because of their persistence and the chemicals that make them up, research suggests they can be very harmful to the organisms they come into contact with, including causing reduced feeding, poisoning, and increased mortality. They also tend to facilitate the transfer of contaminants along the food chain, with potentially serious consequences for human health. Scientists warn that the situation is out of control. They found microplastics almost everywhere they looked: on mountains, in the ocean, in Arctic sea ice, and in our air, drinking water and bodies.

Where exactly do microplastics come from?

On the one hand, there is plastic waste, which is formed by physical, chemical and biological decomposition, which is secondary microplastics. Another major source is the friction particles such as polyethylene and polypropylene added in our daily use of toiletries, such as facial cleansers, toothpaste, and scrubs, which are primary microplastics. There may be more than 300,000 plastic microbeads in just one scrub. Microplastics eventually flow into the sea continuously. It is estimated that the amount of sediments on the seabed around the world has reached tens of millions of tons. It is imperative to control microplastics!

How to reduce microplastics?

Wastewater and drinking water treatment is very effective in removing microplastics. Research, albeit limited, has shown that they can remove more than 90 percent of microplastics.
But there is also a lot that individuals can do to reduce microplastics. Perhaps the most important step is to change the way we think and behave.
Modern lifestyles are full of single-use plastic items such as straws and cups. People think we use plastic cutlery for an average of three minutes at a time, but it remains in the environment for hundreds of years. Single-use plastics, including food packaging, are also one of the biggest contributors to plastic pollution.
Thinking about how plastic is made and what happens to it after it's used makes a difference.

"We need to ask ourselves if we really need to use certain types of plastic, like disposable forks," Alex said. "If we do, we need to question how we are responsible for it and how we can best handle it. It only takes a few seconds.

'An example of this is accidental littering. People might throw garbage into a full bin thinking they've done their part and the garbage collectors will take it from there, but all it takes is a gust of wind to blow it down and you've got Garbage everywhere. So while it may be well-intentioned, it is not a responsible disposal.

"Responsible disposal may be that you end up taking your rubbish home so you can properly recycle it. Every situation and individual is different.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Cargo • Shipping

Konecranes-Cargotec merger cancelled as UK CMA blocks deal

According to a final report by the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on March 29, the remedy - which would eliminate all overlapping operations of the two companies and be accepted by the European Commission (EC) - will not effectively address the Cargotec & Konecranes board of directors The CMA's concerns and the planned merger between Konecranes and Cargotec could not be completed, the statement wrote. Previously, the merger plan has been approved by China's State Administration for Market Regulation and nine other major regulators, as well as conditional approval from the European Union.

The CMA found that "the expected merger between Cargotec Corporation and Konecranes Plc is likely to result in a significant reduction in competition as
Consequences of horizontal unilateral effects in the supply of the following types of equipment in Europe (including the United Kingdom (Europe)):

(a) Rubber Tyred Gantry Cranes (RTGs);
(b) Automatic Stacking Cranes (ASC);
(c) Shuttle Cars (ShC) and Straddle Carriers (SC);
(d) Empty Container Handlers (ECH);
(e) Heavy Duty Forklifts (HDFLTs);
(f) Reach Stackers (RS); and
(g) Automated Terminal Tractor (ATT).”

According to the CMA's final report, the remedies that would eliminate all overlapping operations of the two companies and accepted by the European Commission would not effectively address the CMA's concerns, so the planned merger between Cargotec and Konecranes could not be completed.
Completion of the planned merger requires approval from all relevant competition authorities, the companies said in a joint statement.

"As a result, Cargotec and Konecranes have decided today to cancel the planned merger," the director said.

Konecranes and Cargotec have the same origin. When the Finnish company KONE (KONE) underwent a large-scale reorganization in 1994, Konecranes was split into an independent company. In 2005, KONE was split into Cargotec and ( new) KONE two public companies. The merger will bring Konecranes back to the arms of Finland's wealthiest family, the Herlins, in a deal potentially worth up to 4.5 billion euros.
The two giants who share the same business are the leaders in the port machinery industry. If the two merge, they will have little impact on the market share in the field of quay cranes, but they will have a market share in tire cranes, automated tire cranes, and automated rail cranes. The rate will be in the leading position in the industry, the market share in the field of straddle carriers will reach almost 100%, and it will also become the world's first in the field of port handling equipment such as reach stackers and stackers.

Konecranes Chairman Christoph Vitzthum said: "As planned and announced on October 1, 2020, the combination of Konecranes and Cargotec will create a company that is greater than the sum of its parts.

"The merger control process was extensive and the investigation was thorough, and the Konecranes board is disappointed that the remedial package offered has not met all regulators' concerns.
“At the same time, we believe that further remedies are not in the best interests of Konecranes shareholders, as they would alter the strategic rationale of the transaction. Konecranes will continue to advance its strategy and pursue its value creation potential on an independent basis.

Ilkka Herlin, Chairman of Cargotec, commented: "The Board of Cargotec believes that the merger will create considerable value for the entire industry as well as shareholders by improving sustainable logistics. The merger will create a strong European company that will accelerate without compromising competition. Share innovation capabilities.
"We have done everything possible to achieve the merger and are disappointed to have to abandon our plans. After a long and extensive regulatory review process and preparation of the merger plan, it is time to shift our full focus to executing Cargotec's own strategy and creating value opportunity."

On March 29, 2022, the two companies announced that the CMA believes that the remedies will not address monopoly concerns and prevent the merger. Konecranes and Cargotec believe that there is no solution that simultaneously addresses the concerns of the CMA, is in the best interests of both companies and the combined company, and does not compromise the original intent of the merger, which requires approval from all relevant regulatory agencies. The company decided to cancel the merger plan. Both parties believe that the cancellation of the merger is in the best interests of their respective companies and shareholders, and will continue to operate independently and execute their own strategies. As of the end of 2021, Konecranes and Cargotec have included 56 million euros and 57 million euros in the related transaction and planning integration costs of the merger, respectively. The total transaction cost of 125 million euros is still valid. The two parties will follow up when appropriate. Report final transaction costs.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Cargo • Shipping

What is the LCL loss fee?

Hamburg harbour Cargo terminal.

LCL cargo refers to the small-ticket goods that are not filled with a full box. Usually, the bulk cargo consolidation contractor collects the goods separately, and collects them at the container freight station or inland station, and then assembles two or more tickets. Within a container, it is also required to be unpacked at the destination container freight station or inland station for separate delivery.
For this kind of goods, the carrier is responsible for the packing and unpacking operations, and the packing and unpacking fees are charged to the cargo party.
In international trade, companies often fail to ship the goods due to various reasons, so they have to bear the corresponding loss of LCL costs. The most important thing is that many shippers are not very aware of these costs, so they are hard to guard against.

What is the LCL loss fee?

In the process of LCL export by sea, after 11:00 noon on the working day before the cut-off date of the order, the goods could not be shipped in time due to the reasons of the booker, resulting in the vacancy of the LCL company's space, and the LCL company sent the booking company accordingly. The fee charged by the cabin crew to make up for the loss.

How is the loss fee calculated?

Forklift handling container box loading to freight train

(1) Algorithm based on full load (standard cubic number): The calculation of the deficit fee is based on the cost of vacant space.
The specific calculation formula is: difference fee u003d booking billing cubic x (full container freight + full container shipping port cost) / standard cubic number. For example, the FCL is 2000usd (the freight paid by the LCL company to the shipping company), the port miscellaneous fee is 800usd, the container type is 20GP, the number of defective products is 8CBM, and then: (2000+800)/25x8u003d896usd.
(2) When quoting customers, it is charged according to the simple calculation rate: loss fee u003d price per cubic meter x number of invoicers of lost goods.
For example, if you quote 50usd/cbm to the customer and 5cbm to the lost cargo, you will lose the cabin fee u003d50x5u003d250usd
(3) Lost Cabin feeu003d (FCL fee/number of billing parties in the cabinet) x number of billing parties Lost goods
For example: if the cost of the whole box is 2000usd, the chargeable amount of the goods in the container is 20cbm, and the chargeable amount of the out of stock is 8cbm, then: the loss fee u003d 2000/20x8u003d800usd. The calculation results of the above three methods are different. Usually the third method calculates the least freight loss, but few LCL companies will calculate the freight loss according to the first method. Unless it is an important customer with good cooperation, the LCL company may consider the third type, or even a reduction. Lost Cabin Fee

Common reasons and preventive measures

(1) The owner of the cargo is too late to enter the warehouse or the person who temporarily cancels the shipment, but the booking person fails to cancel the booking in time. Precautions: Please keep the freight forwarder regularly in communication with the owner before the customs cut-off date and provide timely feedback. And inform the cargo owner that he has the responsibility to notify, otherwise it will incur loss of shipping charges.
(2) A larger proportion of super square/reduced square/overweight. Precaution: Please ask the freight forwarder to ask the owner of the consignment to be consistent with the actual cargo as much as possible, and notify in time if there is any change .
(3) After the goods have entered the warehouse, it is found that the characteristics or specifications of the goods cannot be carried, such as "liquid/dangerous goods/oversized and overweight items". Precautions: Please inform the freight forwarder not to accept liquid/dangerous goods/semi-dangerous goods, and oversize and overweight items must be confirmed in advance.
(4) The customs inspection resulted in the inability to ship in time. Precautions: Please ask the freight forwarder to require the owner of the declaration to be consistent with the bill, the documents and the goods. If the customs has any questions, please cooperate with the customs broker of the freight forwarding company to reply to the customs in time and clearly. What are the requirements of the customs to cooperate as far as possible to ensure timely shipment of the goods.

Prevention: Please ask the freight forwarder to require the owner to declare the same documents, documents, and goods. If the customs has any questions, please cooperate with the customs declarers of the freight forwarding company to reply to the customs in a timely and clear manner. What are the requirements of the customs to cooperate as much as possible to ensure that the goods are shipped in time.​​

In a nutshell, the most important thing for the prevention of LCL loss is to maintain close and good communication between the cargo owner and the freight forwarder. At the same time, the freight forwarder is dedicated to solving problems for the owner in a timely manner, and the owner should also trust the forwarder and meet each other frankly.

/ By tjchinafreight ivy / Cargo • Shipping • Transport

ONE publishes special loading requirements for these two categories of cargo

On March 28, 2022, ONE issued a security bulletin on Special Stowage Requirement for Non-DG and Non-Special Cargoes.

ONE stated in the announcement that when transporting goods, safety is the number one priority. To ensure compliance with

global acceptance policies and safety standards, ONE verifies all bookings to ensure that all shipments are properly declared,

packed and loaded. This measure is a critical step in preventing accidents and ensuring safe handling of cargo.

 

ONE emphasizes that in addition to dangerous goods and special cargoes, the following non-dangerous goods and non-special

cargoes booked at ONE also require special loading to be loaded onto the ships of ONE and its partners.

Additionally, in order to complete the verification, the customer will be required to provide additional instructions and documentation.

This will help ONE achieve a higher standard in the safe transportation of goods.

 

ONE said it was the responsibility of shippers to declare correct cargo information and therefore reminded its customers to check that all

bookings are properly declared.