IN THE NEWS
ROAD FREIGHT
Austria becomes latest country to go paperless with e-CMR
Following Italy’s accession to e-CMR earlier this year, Austria has become the latest country to go digital. e-CMR, the digital protocol to the United Nations CMR convention for international road freight, entered into force in Austria at the beginning of August, setting a legal foundation for fully paperless road freight. By eliminating paperwork, e-CMR lowers handling costs, eliminates administrative and invoicing delays and reduces discrepancies at delivery sites. Read more here: https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/austria-becomes-latest-country-go-paperless-e-cmr
Second TIR logistics hub opens in western China to advance trade
A second TIR logistics hub has opened in western China, offering a one-stop-shop for TIR transport companies, customs services and supply chain players. The Urumqi TIR Logistics Hub consolidates all essential transit services under one roof: customs clearance, warehousing, cargo handling, route development and transport-capacity matching. Read more here: https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/second-tir-logistics-hub-opens-western-china-advance-trade
SEA FREIGHT
Shifting routes and early peak reflected port volumes boost
The latest port throughput figures reflect the disruption caused by various unexpected events that disrupted supply chains and caused congestion at key terminals around the globe, boosting shipping lines’ income and making shippers wary of similar crises.
Disruptive events, including the pandemic and wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, not to mention the Ever Given blocking of Suez and drought affecting the Panama Canal, have all contributed to the sometimes chaotic and volatile supply chains. Read more here: https://container-news.com/shifting-routes-and-early-peak-reflected-port-volumes-boost/
The challenges for containerships braving the waters around the Cape
Sailing around the Cape of Good Hope was regarded as foolhardy in the days of tall ships and wooden hulls. But even for the sophisticated vessels of today, there are dangers. Two recent high-profile container-loss incidents – the CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin lost 44 boxes with damage to another 30 in July, and 99 containers were lost this month from CMA CGM Belem – have reduced confidence in the suitability of massive containerships for tougher ocean conditions. And it could have been much worse: a bulk carrier, Ultra Galaxy, was caught in another of South Africa’s late-winter storms, capsized and broke-up off Cape Town. Read more here: https://theloadstar.com/the-challenges-for-containerships-braving-the-waters-around-the-cape/
Singapore Begins Testing Seafarers for Monkeypox
In a decision reminiscent of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Singapore has decided to begin testing foreign seafarers for the presence of monkeypox on arrival. From August 23 onward, Singapore’s health ministry will carry out temperature and visual screening at the nation’s two international airports for inbound travelers and crew. The exams will be limited to arriving flights from places which may be exposed to the risk of monkeypox outbreaks. Read more here: https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/singapore-begins-testing-seafarers-for-monkeypox
RAIL FREIGHT
Sale of the century: Final offers for DB Schenker are in, new owner to be chosen soon
Danish shipping giant DSV and a consortium led by private equity fund CVC Capital Partners submitted their final offers to purchase DB Schenker, the logistics arm of the German railway group Deutsche Bahn. What has been called as the logistics sale of the 21st century should thus be finalised in the coming weeks. Read more here: https://www.railfreight.com/railfreight/2024/08/26/final-offers-for-db-schenker-are-in-new-owner-to-be-chosen-soon/
European Commission approves French State aid for combi terminals
The European Commission (EC) has approved French State aid totalling 9.3 million euros to support the ongoing development of two multimodal freight terminals. One of them is at the port of Calais, near the English Channel and the other is at the Mediterranean port of Sète. Calais and Sète will receive financial support of 6.3 million euros and 3 million euros respectively. The beneficiaries are CargoBeamer Terminal Calais, a company specialising in the transportation of non-cranable semi-trailers, and Sète Terminal Société Investissement, an SNCF group company specialising in passenger and freight rail transport, the EC explained. Read more here: https://www.railfreight.com/policy/2024/08/26/european-commission-approves-french-state-aid-for-combi-terminals/
FEATURES
David Richardson (WSTA): “Border processes are significantly changing and we’ll probably not get to ‘business as usual’ until about 2028”
Navigating the post-Brexit landscape is no small feat, especially when it comes to border processes. As the UK continues to refine its customs and trade operations, significant changes are on the horizon. To help businesses stay ahead of the curve, Kukla UK talked with David Richardson, Regulatory & Commercial Affairs Director at the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA). He provided crucial insights into what’s coming down the track, from streamlined customs procedures to potential risks and opportunities for industry input. Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/miles-beale-wsta-ceo-calls-for-stable-policy-and-enhanced-trade-alignment-to-secure-uks-position-as-global-trade-hub
Miles Beale, WSTA CEO, calls for stable policy and enhanced trade alignment to secure UK’s position as global trade hub
Kukla UK also sought insights from Miles Beale, Chief Executive Officer of the WSTA, who emphasises the critical need for a reset in the relationship between the Government and the wine and spirits industry. With the sector contributing over £22 billion in Gross Value Added and generating £76 billion in economic activity, Mr Beale underscores the importance of a stable policy environment, simplified customs procedures and continued alignment with the EU to maintain the UK’s position as a global trade hub. Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/miles-beale-wsta-ceo-calls-for-stable-policy-and-enhanced-trade-alignment-to-secure-uks-position-as-global-trade-hub
Test your wine wisdom: A holiday quiz for wine pros!
Ready to join in the holiday quiz fun? We prepared to test your grape knowledge, winemaking skills and regional expertise – and maybe pick up a few interesting facts along the way! Let’s raise a glass to a good time and a fun challenge. Cheers to putting your wine wisdom to the test! You’ll earn 1 point for each correct answer. Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/test-your-wine-wisdom-a-holiday-quiz-for-wine-pros
Stay informed with Kukla UK!
Our communication with you is essential to us. Check Kukla UK’s website for logistics updates, strikes, issues and regulations. The page link remains the same throughout the year. As always, we welcome your feedback and are always happy to hear from you. Check our page dedicated to 2024 updates here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/information-update-2024
Stay up-to-date with Kukla UK LIVE Sailing Schedule website page
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
