PANAMA CANAL CLIMACTIC EMERGENCY Approximately 14,000 ships, accounting for 6% of global maritime trade, pass through the Panama Canal annually. This year, the numbers are expected to drop due to the unseasonably long drought impacting Panama. Watershed levels for the region are the lowest they have been since 1950. [...]
EUROPEAN UNION: SHIPPING INDUSTRY The shipping industry is crucial for the EU economy due to its energy efficiency, but it's also a major and increasing source of greenhouse gas emissions. In 2018, global maritime shipping emitted 1,076 million tonnes of CO2, accounting for about 2.9% of emissions. Projections suggest [...]
UPS AND TEAMSTERS REACH AGREEMENT UPS and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (Teamsters) reached a tentative agreement for a five-year contract on Tuesday averting a strike. Endorsed by the UPS Teamsters National Negotiating Committee, the tentative agreement adds new full-time jobs, increases hourly pay rates for both full and part-time [...]
POTENTIAL UPS STRIKE The pending strike by United Parcel Service (UPS) Teamsters is causing widespread concern throughout global supply chains. As negotiations between UPS and the Teamsters stagnate, businesses worldwide are preparing for potential disruptions to shipping and logistics services.  The potential August 1, 2023, strike may create bottlenecks and [...]
The ongoing strike by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Canada, which has entered its second week, is causing changes in port calls. Some vessels are now being redirected from Vancouver to Seattle-Tacoma. There are concerns about potential cargo backlogs near the ports of Vancouver and Seattle-Tacoma. The Vancouver [...]
NET ZERO EMISSIONS TRACKING METHODOLOGY FOR AIR TRANSPORT The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced plans to release an annual report called "Track Zero" to monitor the progress of the aviation industry in achieving its commitment to Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050. This report will utilize IATA's Net [...]
MARINE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION COMMITTEE MEETING During the recent gathering of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 80), representatives from various Member States of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) came together to discuss the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships. In a significant development, they unanimously approved the [...]
USMCA AUTOMOTIVE RULES OF ORIGIN The International Trade Commission (ITC) recently released its first USMCA Automotive Rules of Origin: Economic Impact and Operation report. The report is mandated by section 202A(g)(2) of the USMCA Implementation Act. This Act requires the USITC, an impartial federal agency responsible for factual investigations, to [...]
72-HOUR STRIKE NOTICE Labor negotiations between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada (ILWU Canada) and the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) have reached a tipping point. In a significant development, ILWU Canada issued a formal, written 72-hour strike notice indicating their intention to begin labor action on July [...]
SEVERE DROUGHT PROMPTS ADDITIONAL PANAMA CANAL DRAFT RESTRICTIONS Water levels in Gatun Lake - a main source of water for the Panama Canal locks - continue to fall below historic levels forcing the ACP to carefully manage this critical resource. ACP scheduled additional maximum authorized draft restrictions in June [...]
