CMA CGM Updates Asia-West Africa Service

French-based container giant CMA CGM will reorganize its service on the Asia-West Africa route.

Starting in March, the company will make changes in response to "the West Africa market trend.”

The WAX 2 service, which consisted of ten vessels with a capacity from 4,500-5,400 TEU, is to be canceled.

Changes are being made to the WAX service (twelve 4,350 TEU vessels): South Africa and Nigeria calls will be discontinued, while Abidjan Westbound will be added. New port rotation of the WAX service: Shanghai, Ningbo, Chiwan, Nansha, Tanjung Pelepas, Singapore, Walvis Bay, Cotonou, Abidjan WB, Douala, Abidjan EB, Pointe Noire, Colombo, Singapore, Shanghai.

The Nigeria-focused WAX 3 service (twelve 4,350 TEU ships) will add a stop in South Africa. 

The ASAF service of twelve ships of up to 9,350 TEU remains unchanged: Qingdao, Xingang / Tianjin, Pusan, Shanghai, Ningbo, Nansha, Tanjung Pelepas, Singapore, Pointe des Galets, Cape Town, Pointe Noire, Luanda, Cape Town, Port Kelang, Singapore, Qingdao.

Jaxport and Panama Canal Collaboration

The memorandum of understanding was signed last week between Jaxport CEO and Panama Canal authorities. It's been agreed on continuing mutual modernization and improvements, technological interchange and joint marketing activities, as well as market studies and training programs. The port of Jacksonville port is preparing for the constant growth of cargo volumes due to Panama Canal expansion. As per both sides representatives this co-work will bring benefits to local infrustructure, trade and economics for both parties.

Snowstorms​ ​Affecting the Northwest, Midwest, and Northeast U.S

​Please​ beware of the winter storms, that can cause slight delays in ground transportation of the vehicles in some areas of USA. We will appreciate your patience and understanding.

Expanded Swedish Port of Kapellskär is ready

The expanded Port of Stockholm Kapellskar is ready to start operations with new 5 berths.  Now the port has 2 piers. The new one is 245 m length and it has been in operation since summer 2016​, the first pier was completely renovated. Expansion project included erosion piers protection, dredging operations, bollards, fenders and new safety barriers. Also new water and drain connections were set up.

According to Ports of Stockholm, the area was enlarged twice and now is ready to welcome the largest cargo vessels.

Alliance between Eletson Gas and Evergas

Eletson Gas of Greece and Evergas of Denmark, both transporters of liquefied petroleum gas, are set to form an alliance that will trade the companies’ semi-ref/ethylene capable vessels.

Starting today, the new venture is called the E3 Pool and will operate the 15-strong fleet of gas carriers. 4 new Eletson Gas ships are expected to join the service in the coming 12 months.

“A larger fleet will provide more flexibility and more options for charterers, reduce voyage related expenses through optimization of voyages and thereby reduce greenhouse gas emissions as a direct consequence of using less fuel for cargo movements,” Evergas said.

Eletson Gas currently uses a total of 12 vessels, while Evergas deploys 23.