Home About Us Services Shipping Tools Request a Quote Contact Blog Port Authority NY & NJ: Support Harbor Deepening to 55′ November 9, 2020/in All About Shipping /by Joseph Cuccurullo The following announcement is from the NY & NJ Port Authority: Dear Port of New York and New Jersey Stakeholders: Since the completion of the historic 50’ Harbor Deepening Project in the Port of New York and New Jersey (Port) in 2016, we have seen significant year-over-year growth in the number of containerships 10,000 TEUs or larger calling on terminals in the Port. Recently, we welcomed the largest ship to call the US East Coast to our Port, the CMA CGM Brazil, at 15,072 TEUs and we look forward to serving even larger vessels soon. As we look to the future, we know that it is crucial to keep up with rising cargo demand and increasingly larger containerships. Our Port Master Plan 2050 emphasizes the imperative to maximize the safety, efficiency and capacity of the Port’s waterways both in the short term, since the existing channels are designed for a 6,400 TEU vessel, and as we plan for the next generation of vessels. To that end, following Congressional Authorization in 2019, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (Port Authority) partnered with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to conduct the New York and New Jersey Harbor Deepening Channel Improvements Study (NYNJHDCI or Study.) New York and New Jersey Harbor Deepening Channel Improvements Study This Study is designed to determine the technical, economic and environmental feasibility of a range of measures that could improve the safety and efficiency of vessel navigation including but not limited to deepening, channel widening, meeting and passing zones and bend easing. These improvements are expected to result in positive changes to the more restrictive navigation guidelines in place for Ultra Large Container Vessels and larger, as outlined in the current US Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Services User Guide. These changes will benefit all users throughout the harbor, regardless of vessel size, as the flow of vessels throughout the harbor’s waterways will be smoother, safer, and more reliable. Public Comment Period On October 30th, the USACE published the NYNJHDCI Integrated Feasibility Report and Environmental Assessment and opened a 45-day public comment period. Based on the USACE’s forecast of the future fleet, the design vessel for this Study is the Maersk Triple E Class (LOA: 1,308’, Beam: 193.5’, Draft: 52.5’, Capacity: 18,000 TEUs). Based on this vessel class, the Corps has determined substantial net benefits from deepening the harbor channels to either 54 or 55 feet Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW). The benefit cost ratio of both options is so close that additional economic analysis is being conducted. Deepen Channels to 55’ MLLW The Port Authority feels strongly that the only option is to deepen our channels to 55’ MLLW to: maximize the safety, efficiency and capacity of the navigational channels allow vessels to maximize their load factor while allowing adequate under keel clearance and align channel depths with the draft of the largest vessels capable of passing under the Verrazano Narrows and Bayonne Bridges with an air draft of 215’ (24,000 TEUs). To strengthen our position for this essential deepening and channel improvement project, we ask our Port stakeholders to submit letters of support to the USACE, supporting a minimum deepening depth of 55’ MLLW. Understanding that your business may not directly use 55’ of channel depth, we believe that the safety, efficiency, and capacity gains from this project will benefit all of us in the Port of New York and New Jersey, from the smallest work boats to the largest container vessels. Join Briefing on November 18th We invite you and your colleagues to join us for a briefing on the New York and New Jersey Harbor Deepening Channel Improvements Study on Wednesday, November 18th from 3:00pm-4:00pm. At that time, we will provide more information on the analysis conducted to date by the USACE and how you can assist in ensuring that future channel improvements benefit you now and long into the future! RSVP here to join the briefing. Intertek awarded contract by the COSQC in Iraq for Standardization March 6, 2020/in All About Shipping /by Joseph Cuccurullo Total Quality Assurance for Import and Export requirements for Algeria, Botswana, Egypt, Kenya, Kuwait, Nigeria, The Philippines, Russia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Uganda. The following announcement was published by Intertek. Exporting to Iraq – Intertek awarded contract by the Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control (COSQC) in Iraq. Intertek has been awarded a contract by COSQC as an authorised Certification Body to issue the Certificates of Conformity required for Iraqi Customs clearance for goods exported to Iraq. From 1st March 2020, exporters and importers trading with Iraq who need to comply with the requirements of the Iraq Conformity Assessment Programme can apply for the mandated Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for their regulated product shipments through Intertek. The CoC is required in order to clear Iraqi Customs on arrival of the shipments at Iraq Ports and Borders. Failure to present a Certificate of Conformity for the regulated product shipment can result in severe delays in goods clearance, penalties, or even shipments being returned. The Iraq Conformity Assessment Programme, also referred to as Pre-Inspection, Testing and Issuing of Certificates of Conformity Programme of Goods Imported into Iraq ,verifies the conformity of products being shipped to Iraq against approved Technical Regulations , National standards or in its absence international standards. Regulated product shipments must comply with these Technical Regulations and standards in order to receive the Certificate of Conformity (CoC) to clear Iraqi Customs, thus giving Iraq’s consumers the assurance they need in the quality and safety of goods being imported and helping to protect their environment. Intertek have been appointed by the Iraqi authorities to issue this CoC. WISTA Promotes Diversity February 4, 2020/in All About Shipping /by Konstantina Papadakos As only 2% of seafarers are women, the maritime industry should welcome gender diversity; its future depends on it! WISTA is an international networking organization that connects, promotes and supports women at the management level, in the shipping, trading and logistics sectors. Collaborating with merchant fleet companies, it offers custom-tailored solutions that deliver real benefits for understanding, acceptance and inclusion of female seafarers among male colleagues. Digital technology has revolutionized the industry and initiated new positions and functions for people with unique perspectives, different skill sets and competencies, who may not have a traditional maritime education or experience. Diversity is about universal inclusion and key to protecting the future success of the maritime world…commercially, socially and environmentally! Source: Inclusion at Sea Insights in the Maritime Industry January 23, 2020/in All About Shipping /by Konstantina Papadakos In order to survive, shipping corporations should make digital transformation a priority. By integrating the right technology, container shipping lines will continue to own their client and customer relationships and achieve cost-effective, intelligent and safer operations. An estimated $30 billion worth of value is destroyed because organizations are not exchanging information. Such miscommunications bring about much inefficiency in the maritime industry. It’s beneficial for the global shipping sector (ports, vessels, truckers, railroads) to collaborate and share data. Additionally, the current trade wars are causing rapid shifts in global commerce. In the near future, regional trade will increase, especially within Asian and Europe. Companies that easily adapt to change, are sustainable, collaborate and comply with IMO’s 2020 requirements will succeed, secure growth and profits. Source: Shipping Sector Saloodo! Digital Logistics Platform January 2, 2020/in All About Shipping /by Konstantina Papadakos Saloodo!, a subsidiary of DHL Global Forwarding, has launched its first international digital road freight initiative in South Africa! This innovative platform will offer real-time visibility, efficiency and security to the geographically widespread nation, as well as to 16 interlocked countries within Sub-Saharan Africa. The logistics technology will provide a single, simple and reliable interface for shippers and transport providers to best optimize their cost, routes, cargo and transit times. The region’s road network will become more transparent and efficient, empowering shippers to find trusted and reliable freight carriers. Carriers, will also be able to better manage their existing fleets and optimize capacity, with full truckload shipments. The easy-to-use interface was first instituted in 2017 in Germany and was recently introduced in the emerging Middle Eastern markets. The service has grown to more than 30,000 shippers and over 12,000 carriers in 35 countries! Saloodo! affords a solution of choice for convenient tracking, documentation and payment, as well as safe transportation of customers’ cargo. Source: Digital Trucking E-Registry of Ships October 29, 2019/in All About Shipping /by Konstantina Papadakos The Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), along with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and tech startup Perlin, are collaborating to develop an advanced blockchain ship registration/preparation system, called the International E-Registry of Ships (IERS). This innovative digital platform will streamline, standardize and remarkably improve the currently arduous manual, paper-based ship registration and renewal processes. Immediate benefits will include: substantial reductions in operating costs, time, human error and fraud. Once the IERS is successfully developed and deployed in Singapore, the ICC will propose that it become the adopted standard solution, on a global scale, to help bring great efficiencies in the maritime industry! Source: Ship Registration System Resources for Export Documentation October 22, 2019/in All About Shipping /by Konstantina Papadakos There are many resources that can assist exporters to correctly process their documents. As an exporter, you should: communicate with your customers and learn what documents are required understand your freight forwarders’ expertise on specific procedures or the export process, in general partner with the appropriate bank to determine the best payment methods for your exports meet with a US Commercial Service member to learn about compliance, market research, business matching, international partner searches and advocacy obtain invaluable advice from the District Export Councils (DECs) on international business review books and manuals that explain export documentation requirements. Source: Adapted from the article, 7 Essential Resources for Completing Export Documents, published on the Shipping Solutions International Trade Blog. Used with permission. Export Shipping Costs October 15, 2019/in All About Shipping /by Konstantina Papadakos A ‘smart’ exporter is keenly aware of the required regulations and restrictions for international shipping. Ignoring export compliance procedures can shut down a business! By understanding these rules, you can better manage the following variables associated with high export shipping costs: speed, method of transport, interruption in the supply chain, quantity, location, fuel costs, volume and size. You should interview various freight forwarders and customs brokers to find the right fit. Also, compare costs and services, to ensure you are receiving the best current rate. It’s very important to record the right information on the invoices and condense all items in boxes, to eliminate as much weight as possible. Use the correct Incoterms, making sure that any additional costs are incorporated in the negotiated price of the goods. By creating a strategy of when to ship your products and consolidating your shipments, you’ll pay a single monthly customs clearance fee and reduce transportation costs. The US Customs and Border Protection, Export.gov and the Bureau of Industry and Security are excellent resources on regulatory responsibilities, documentation/filing requirements, country stipulations and processing instructions! Source: Adapted from the article, Understanding and Controlling Export Shipping Costs, published on the Shipping Solutions International Trade Blog. Used with permission. Export Compliance Program October 10, 2019/in All About Shipping /by Konstantina Papadakos An Export Compliance Program (ECP) is created to manage export-related decisions and transactions, to ensure compliance with the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and help reduce the risk of export violations and penalties (fines/prison). A good ECP includes these components: Commitment by management Continued risk assessment of the export program Well written export authorization procedures Clear record keeping assignments Ongoing training of employees/staff on exporting policies Regularly conducting compliance audits A plan for resolving compliance issues/problems/violations Scheduled reviews and updates of the written ECP, as changes occur Developing and implementing an effective ECP will help organizations efficiently manage their export activities, by integrating requirements from export controls with their business processes, minimizing risks and streamlining export operations! Source: Adapted from the article, Your Company Needs an Export Compliance Program, published on the Shipping Solutions International Trade Blog. Used with permission. Foreign Principal Party in Interest October 8, 2019/in All About Shipping /by Konstantina Papadakos The FPPI (Foreign Principal Party in Interest) is the foreign buyer of the exported products, who may be the ultimate consignee. In a routed export transaction, the FPPI: controls the movement of the goods out of the U.S. designates/hires a forwarder (U.S. agent) to facilitate the movement of the cargo and file the AES provides the power of attorney (or written authorization) to the forwarder, in order to file through the AES A routed export transaction mandates that a person must reside in the U.S. for AES filing, therefore, the FPPI must give their U.S. agent (freight forwarder) authorization to prepare and file the EEI (electronic export information) through AESDirect, on their behalf. Source: Adapted from the article, Who Is the FPPI and Why Are They Important?, published on the Shipping Solutions International Trade Blog. Used with permission. 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