IN THE NEWS
WSTA Update – Alcohol Duty Changes and Measures
The UK Government has announced several key changes to alcohol duty as part of the Autumn Budget 2024, and the WSTA (https://wsta.co.uk/) published a full briefing on the budget, with a summary of all relevant policies for businesses in the industry. In short, it could be summarized as follows: Duty Increase: Alcohol duty will rise by 3.65%, effective from 1st February 2025, in line with the forecast Retail Price Index (RPI) for Q2 2025. Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/wsta-update-alcohol-duty-changes-and-measures
ROAD FREIGHT
Advancing zero-emission vehicles
Partners and stakeholders of ZEFES – an EU-funded project testing electric and hydrogen long-haul trucks, with IRU playing a key role – came together for the second annual symposium to discuss key updates, challenges and future directions. The project aims to catalyse the decarbonisation of long-haul freight by showcasing real-world applications of both battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) across the EU. IRU has a pivotal role in this project, committed to exploring all options that will decarbonise transport. Read more here: https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/advancing-zero-emission-vehicles-insights-zefes
IRU marks UN World Sustainable Transport Day 2024
World Sustainable Transport Day, celebrated on 26 November, is a special occasion to highlight and advance safe, accessible and sustainable transport. Sustainable transport builds strong, inclusive and connected communities, enabling access to essential services like education, healthcare and economic opportunities. It drives robust economies, providing jobs, supporting livelihoods and reducing poverty, while reinforcing resilience.
The UN General Assembly adopted the resolution to designate a UN World Sustainable Transport Day at its 77th session in May 2023. The resolution, put forward by the government of Turkmenistan, followed IRU’s initial proposal for a dedicated World Transport Day. Read more here: https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/iru-marks-un-world-sustainable-transport-day-2024
Europe road freight rates Q3: Contract rates flat as spot rates fall
The Upply x Ti x IRU European road freight rates index has found that Q3 rates remained flat in the contract index quarter on quarter (q-o-q). In contrast, the spot rate index fell by 4.4 points q-o-q. Overall, both the spot and contract rate indexes have fallen year on year (y-o-y). Read more here: https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/europe-road-freight-rates-q3-contract-rates-flat-spot-rates-fall
SEA FREIGHT
CMA CGM announces Panama Canal surcharges in response to higher fees
To support large infrastructure investments and enhance transit certainty and flexibility, the Panama Canal Authority will implement a new prepaid slot allocation (LoTSA) for Neopanamax vessels starting January 2025, along with an increase in their booking fees.
In response to these additional costs and to continue providing reliable services through the Panama Canal, CMA CGM said it will introduce a Panama Canal Transit surcharge, which will be effective from the beginning of the next year. Read more here: https://container-news.com/cma-cgm-announces-panama-canal-surcharges-in-response-to-higher-fees/
Italy allocates 206 million euros for new terminal at the port of Trieste
The Italian Interministerial Committee for Economic Planning and Sustainable Development (CIPESS) approved the funding for the first construction phase of the so-called Pier VIII container terminal at the port of Trieste. The financing from CIPESS amounts to 206.8 million euros. The facility will likely be managed by HHLA and rail freight should have a prominent role.
The total cost for the construction of the new terminal in Trieste revolves around 315 million euros. The remaining 109 will be covered by private investments, Italian media AdriaPorts specified. The first ships should be seen docking at the new Pier VIII by 2027. Read more: https://www.railfreight.com/intermodal/2024/11/08/italy-allocates-206-million-euros-for-hhlas-new-terminal-at-the-port-of-trieste/
EU Council updates maritime safety package legislation
The EU Council has adopted four new pieces of the ‘maritime safety’ legislative package, amending the relevant directives on the investigation of accidents in the maritime transport sector, ship-source pollution, compliance with flag state requirements and port state control.
The revised ‘package’ aims to equip the EU with modern tools to support clean shipping by aligning EU rules with international standards while improving implementation and enforcement through an enhanced cooperation framework between European and national authorities. Read more here: https://safety4sea.com/eu-council-updates-maritime-safety-package-legislation/
MSC completes investment in Hamburg Container Terminal Operator HHLA
Fourteen months after proposing its investment in the Port of Hamburg’s Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft (HHLA), and despite political and labour opposition, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company completed the transaction yesterday, November 28. The new joint venture was completed with the City of Hamburg holding just over 50 per cent and control while MSC’s subsidiary now holds a 49 per cent interest and has an agreement with the City on the operation of the port. Read more here: https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/msc-completes-investment-in-hamburg-container-terminal-operator-hhla
RAIL FREIGHT
One year on, Southampton port’s rail freight scheme shows modal shift success
Countries all over Europe are facing the challenging task of taking goods off the road and putting them on the rails. In order to do its part, the port of Southampton introduced a financial incentive to boost such a modal shift. The UK’s third largest port has been providing a 70 pound subsidy for each container put on the rails. It seems to have been rather successful: the port has boosted its share of rail in outbound freight significantly. Read more here: https://www.railfreight.com/railfreight/2024/11/20/one-year-on-southampton-ports-rail-freight-scheme-shows-modal-shift-success/
FEATURES
Chris Porter: 40 years in the wine trade – A farewell but not goodbye!
Chris Porter, currently Business Development Manager at Kukla, began his working life in London in September 1979, in the warehouses of Rawlings Voight & Co, in Waterloo, before joining the family firm Porter & Laker Ltd (founded in 1878) in Kennington in 1980. Learning how to drive a forklift, repair broken pallets and make tea for irate drivers were part and parcel of understanding the day-to-day workings of a bonded warehouse. “It was a real education,” says Chris. “A steep learning curve but one which immediately helped me realise that having efficient warehousing and distribution networks was a cornerstone to the success of any drinks business. I quickly knew that my colleagues and people made it work.”, added Chris. Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/chris-porter-40-years-in-the-wine-trade-a-farewell-but-not-goodby
Testimonials for Chris Porter, Business Development Manager at Kukla, on his retirement
To commemorate the milestone of Chris Porter’s planned retirement at the end of the year, we reflect on his remarkable journey as one of our industry’s most cherished figures. After decades of dedicated service and commitment, Chris will retire from his role as Business Development Manager. However, as he said, this is A farewell but not goodbye!. Chris will continue to contribute by helping shape the monthly newsletter for Kukla and is likely to be present at the annual London Wine Fair.
In our December 2024 newsletter, we celebrate his professional achievements and the profound impact he has had on colleagues and clients alike. Through heartfelt testimonials and a nostalgic look back at his career, we aim to capture a small part of Chris’s legacy and the indelible mark he leaves on all of us. Below, we share a collection of memories and expressions of appreciation from those who have had the privilege to work alongside him. Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/testimonials-for-chris-porter-business-development-manager-at-kukla-on-his-retirement
Did you know? The rich history behind festive drinks for Christmas and New Year’s Eve
As the festive season rolls around, tables are decorated not just with twinkling lights and sumptuous feasts but also with an array of traditional drinks that have become iconic symbols of celebration. From the delightful wine enjoyed at Christmas to the bubbly cheer of champagne and prosecco on New Year’s Eve, these beverages are rich in history and cultural significance, enhancing the season’s spirit.
The traditions surrounding the Winter holiday drinks can be traced back centuries, intertwined with various cultures and their customs. In many countries, sharing a drink with family and friends during the holidays signifies unity and goodwill. Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/did-you-know-the-rich-history-behind-festive-drinks-for-christmas-and-new-years-eve
Stay informed with Kukla UK!
Check Kukla UK’s website for logistics updates, strikes, issues, regulations and much more. The page link remains the same throughout the year. We welcome your feedback and are always happy to hear from you. Access our dedicated page for the 2024 updates here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/information-update-2024
Kukla UK LIVE Sailing Schedule
The Sailing Schedule is updated weekly or as needed, so please bookmark it and refer to it when you need the information. Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/sailing-schedule