Record for loaded containers at the Oakland Port

The US Port of Oakland reached an all-time record of loaded containers in 2016 due to containerized export boom and as well as import raise. In 2016 the port handled 2,37 million of 20' containers, which is 4% higher than in 2015.

Export container volume increased by 10,5% and import by 4,7%. According to the port, it loaded 52% of total export volume last year. In December 2016 export grew in double up 13,5% and import 6,1%. 

As per the Oakland Port its aim in 2016 was to protect cargo volume when the number of marine terminals was reduced. 

Tropical Shipping Boosts Canadian Service

US-based Tropical Shipping will launch a container shipping service from the Canadian Port of Halifax today.

The transporter's 1,118 TEU containership Vega Omega will sail from Halterm International Container Terminal in Canada to Florida, The Bahamas, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.

Kim Holtermand, Halterm’s Chief Operating Officer, said that “the terminal can meet both Tropical Shipping’s performance needs in 2017 and plan for extended operations in 2018 through 2019 when Tropical will take delivery of larger capacity vessels.”

Tropical Shipping's 15 vessels provide direct service to Florida and the Caribbean.

Antwerp Port Reported Record Cargo Volumes in 2016

The Antwerp Port Authority​ revealed the statistics of 2016 freight turnover, it's been more than 214 million tonnes of cargo.

The container freight volume rose by 4.1% - more than 10 million TEU. Such figures were reached mostly due to expanded Antwerp - Hamburg - Le Havre service, as well as trade with Far East during last years.

However the RORO shipping rates have declined by 1.9% (export is 16.5% less and import +9.5$).

In general, all the figures are showing that Antwerp port has been visited by bigger and larger vessels. In comparison with 2015, it's been 138 vessels more welcomed at Antwerp port.

NYK, Kline and MOL shipping lines will join their operations 

Three Japanese carriers decided to merge their container liners and international port operations. This will happen to make profit on a regular basis even when market is poor. New joint venture will be formed this July and will start operating the common service in April, 2018. Alliance's top priority is to restore profitability and the ordinary income level for every of these carriers. The routes will remain the same: Europe-North America, Asia-North America, Asia-Europe.

Taiwanese carrier Wan Hai Lines and Japan company K Line will provide new direct container service in the south-east Asia route between Thailand and Belawan. New service will be available from January 7, 2017. 

The total effective capacity of two containerships on the route will be 1400 TEU. Wan Hai and K Line will offer 1 vessel each. 

New service will have 14 days round trip schedule and the following port rotation: Bangkok – Laem Chabang – Singapore – Port Klang North Port – Belawan – Singapore – Laem Chabang – Bangkok.