Trendwatch: Shippers breathe again as threat of Indian port strikes eases; Retailers urge talks to avoid US east coast port strikes; Global trade shows durability amid Red Sea, tariff threats

Shippers breathe again as threat of Indian port strikes eases

Indian exporters and importers are breathing a sigh of relief as fears of a nationwide strike by unionised dockworkers across major government ports fade, according to industry sources.

Labour groups last month threatened to launch indefinite work stoppages from 17 December in a bid to force the government to implement terms of a wage contract hammered out two months ago at port management level.

Retailers urge talks to avoid US east coast port strikes

Retailers and other leading trade associations are urging US east coast and Gulf Coast box terminal bosses and unions to hold talks to avoid potential strike action in January.

A temporary contract between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and US Maritime Alliance (USMX) agreed in October after three days of strikes is due to expire on January 15, sparking concerns of further industrial action.

Global trade shows durability amid Red Sea, tariff threats

Global trade is showing resilience in the face of headwinds including attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea and threats of new tariff barriers next year by the incoming U.S. president.

The World Trade Organization’s merchandise barometer was little changed at 102.7 in the latest reading, compared with 103 in September, the Geneva-based organization said on December 9. The measure’s baseline is 100, which would indicate growth over the next quarter that’s in line with medium-term trends.

FMC requests additional information about Premier Alliance

The US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) said the Premier Alliance of HMM, Ocean Network Express (ONE) and Yang Ming will not go into effect, because the Commission needs more information to determine the potential competitive impacts of the arrangement.

The Premier Alliance Agreement would have gone into effect on 12 December absent this action by the Commission.

TIACA signs joint declarations to celebrate the birth of commercial aviation 80 years ago

The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) announced it has signed two joint declarations submitted to ICAO (International Civil Organization) to celebrate the birth of commercial aviation 80 years ago.

Two joint declarations have been signed by numerous aviation organizations as well as associations. The declarations sent to ICAO by the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) and the International Aviation Foundation (IAF) celebrate the strength of the Chicago Convention signed 80 years ago and underlines the industry’s continued commitment toward ensuring international aviation continues to work towards safe, secure and sustainable growth.

Beyond a waterway: The Panama Canal at the forefront of sustainability and innovation

The Administrator of the Panama Canal, Dr. Ricaurte Vásquez, participated in a series of prominent maritime industry events in Houston, last November, to showcase the Canal's sustainability progress, present new initiatives, and strengthen ties with customers and strategic partners.

Dr. Vásquez highlighted that, in response to climatic and operational challenges, the Panama Canal is evaluating strategic initiatives, such as constructing an oil pipeline to diversify operations, and reduce sole reliance on maritime transport.

Asia-Pacific CO2 shipping market forecast at 100m tonnes by 2050

A joint study by the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) and Boston Consulting Group (BCG) sees a key role for shipping in carbon capture in the Asia – Pacific (APAC) region.

The new report looking into opportunities for shipping to enable cross-border Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Sequestration (CCUS) initiatives see a particular opportunity for maritime in the APAC.

Dutch government announces latest plan to limit Schiphol flights

The Dutch government has announced its intention to limit flights at Schiphol to 478,000 aircraft movements next year.

Earlier this year, the government announced it would limit flights at the airport to between 475,000-485,000 movements as part of efforts to reduce noise at the airport.

The cut has now been confirmed at 478,000, which is around 4.4% down on the current 500,000 limit.