FEATURE
Q&A with Emma Walsh – Team Leader, the Italian Operations Kukla UK
This month, we invite you to explore more about the management of Italian wine transport. We recently had a fascinating conversation with Emma Walsh, the Team Leader who oversees the Italian Operations team at Kukla UK. She shared her day-to-day responsibilities of leading one of Kukla’s busiest teams. Her team handles 3600 purchase orders annually, with a current split of 60% for intermodal road, 35% by sea, and 5% for all road transport. You’ll also discover the most important skills that an Operations Manager should possess, according to Emma, along with the common challenges to overcome in operations management, among other interesting facts. Read more here: Q&A with Emma Walsh – Team Leader, Italian Operations Kukla UK – Kukla Beverage Logistics (kukla-spedition.com)
IN THE NEWS
Port of Liverpool plans layoffs due to continuing volume declines
Faced with a prolonged downturn in container volumes and saying it sees no meaningful improvements ahead, UK port operator Peel Ports is considering layoffs of up to 125 people at the two container terminals in Liverpool. Management filed the official notifications required under British labour law, starting a consultation period with the union before moving forward with the layoffs.
In a statement, Peel Ports called the decision “extremely regrettable but unavoidable,” citing the continuing low volumes at UK ports. The company says it will do everything possible to offer alternate positions, while Unite the labour union said it would also seek to reassign employees to other roles. Read more here: https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/port-of-liverpool-plans-layoffs-due-to-continuing-volume-declines
DEFRA announced significant updates to organic food and feed import regulations
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) are significantly changing the certification of organic food and feed imports into Great Britain. DEFRA has announced immediate changes to the Certificate of Inspection (COI) template from 1 September for organic food and feed imports into the United Kingdom, as well as a delay to the requirement for COIs for organic foods from the EU, EEA and Switzerland deferred until 1 February 2025. Read more here: https://kbl.kukla-spedition.com/defra-announces-significant-updates-to-organic-food-and-feed-import-regulations
SEA FREIGHT
Ports of Singapore and Rotterdam join forces to cut shipping emissions
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the Port of Rotterdam Authority (PoR) and 20 partners in the Green & Digital Shipping Corridor are collaborating to cut international shipping emissions by 20%-30% until 2030. The agreement was made in the third Green Corridor workshop, which was held in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
The Green & Digital Shipping Corridor was formed in August 2022 to bring together supply chain partners to achieve zero and near-zero emissions shipping on the Rotterdam-Singapore route, with the ultimate goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Read more here: Ports of Singapore and Rotterdam join forces to cut shipping emissions – Container News (container-news.com)
On the same topic, it’s important to note that the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) will be implemented starting 1 January 2024. The ETS will cover shipping activities within the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes EU member states Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. As part of the regulations, ship operators must monitor and report their emissions and surrender allowances for every ton of CO2 they emit. Our October Newsletter edition will include a full update on the subject and how it may impact our mutual business. So, stay tuned!
Protestors March Through Hamburg Opposing MSC’s Investment in HHLA
Employees of Hamburg port operator Hamburger Hafen und Logistik took to the streets of Hamburg on 19 September to demonstrate their dissatisfaction with the planned sale of nearly half of the company to Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). It was the latest example of the growing opposition the City of Hamburg faces in completing the proposed $1.4 billion transaction. Read more here: https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/protestors-march-through-hamburg-opposing-msc-s-investment-in-hhla
ROAD FREIGHT
European Parliament: TRAN proposes realistic decarbonisation path
IRU, the world road transport organisation, welcomes the vote in the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) on new CO₂ standards for heavy-duty vehicles, setting a realistic pace for road transport decarbonisation and preserving essential technology options, which will include electric-battery, hydrogen fuel cell and combustion engines based on carbon-neutral fuels or hydrogen, in line with the sector’s needs and calls. Read more here: https://www.iru.org/news-resources/newsroom/european-parliament-tran-proposes-realistic-decarbonisation-path
RAIL FREIGHT
Britain’s big winners go the extra mile in the latest official figures
The UK Office of Rail and Road, supported by the Office for National Statistics, has published its latest quarterly review of the rail freight industry. It was reported a 14% rise in rail freight traffic, with construction accounting for over a third of all freight moved. The sector saw volumes of 1.38 billion net tonne-kilometres, the highest since April 1998. Intermodal maritime traffic also saw a significant increase of 7% year-over-year, accounting for over a third of all freight moved. Positive figures were also noted in the ship-to-shore intermodal maritime and bulk and construction materials sectors. Read more here: https://www.railfreight.com/railfreight/2023/09/22/britains-big-winners-go-the-extra-mile-in-the-latest-official-figures/
Another sanction measure could impact China-Europe volumes
A new sanction measure, which will take effect at the end of this month, could impact China-Europe volumes. Starting 30 September, the import of certain Russian iron and steel products processed in a third country will be prohibited from being imported into the EU. This ban applies not only to the raw materials but also to the products that have been processed or contain them. Read more here: https://www.railfreight.com/railfreight/2023/09/22/another-sanction-measure-could-impact-westbound-silk-road-volumes/
Ports of the World Quiz – Revealing the correct answers!
In our previous newsletter, we presented an exciting challenge that allowed you to test your knowledge while exploring the world through a series of photographs and clues. The challenge consisted of identifying ten significant ports that play a crucial role in global commerce and cultural exchange. Each correct answer earned you one point. If you missed the quiz, here is the Ports of the World Quiz – Test your knowledge! – Kukla Beverage Logistics (kukla-spedition.com).
It’s also time to unveil the correct answers here: Ports of the World Quiz – Revealing the correct answers! – Kukla Beverage Logistics (kukla-spedition.com)
Transported by Song Quiz – Revealing the correct answers!
We are excited to reveal the correct artists and song titles for the ten lyrics from famous songs that reference a wine-producing country in one way or another. Additionally, five other lyrics referenced wines or spirits for those seeking extra points. In case you missed it, there is the Transported by Song Quiz – Test your knowledge! – Kukla Beverage Logistics (kukla-spedition.com).
Find the correct answers here: Transported by Song Quiz – Revealing the correct answers! – Kukla Beverage Logistics (kukla-spedition.com)
Stay up-to-date with our 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
