Heilongjiang Lighthouse International Logistics Co., Ltd.

Building a multidimensional Belt and Road connectivity network. China will speed up high-quality development of the China-Europe Railway Express, participate in the trans-Caspian international transportation corridor, host the China-Europe Railway Express Cooperation Forum, and make joint efforts to build a new logistics corridor across the Eurasian continent linked by direct railway and road transportation. We will vigorously integrate ports, shipping and trading services under the “Silk Road Maritime,” and accelerate the building of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and the Air Silk Road.

Two of the largest container shipping companies, Maersk and CMA CGM have decided to collaborate on decarbonisation initiatives. Both ocean carriers believe that working together can assist in accelerating the green transition in shipping.

CMA CGM and Maersk have established a net-zero target for their shipping businesses, have found scalable technologies that can have an impact this decade and have already taken steps to promote maritime decarbonisation.

Additionally, both companies are investing in new green vessels. Maersk has placed an order for vessels that can run on bio/e-methanol, while the French shipping line has placed orders for LNG-propelled ships that can also run on bio/e-methane, the new green equivalent to current LNG, as well as vessels that can run on bio/e-methanol.

The annual "peak" shipping season began modestly at the Port of Long Beach, as warehouses remained overstocked and consumer demand continued to shift toward travel and other summer activities.

Last month, dockworkers and terminal operators in Long Beach moved 682,312 TEUs, translating to a 15.4% decrease from August 2022. Imports fell 15.4% to 325,436 TEUs, while exports fell 23.1% to 93,402 TEUs. The number of empty containers passing via the Californian port fell 12.5% to 263,474 TEUs.

During the first eight months of 2023, the Port handled 4,993,237 TEUs, representing a 24.4% decline over the same period in the previous year. Cargo flows have remained comparable to pre-pandemic levels this year, according to the port's announcement.

"We anticipated a modest peak season as our cargo numbers continue to stabilize at pre-pandemic levels," stated Mario Cordero, CEO of Port of Long Beach.

He added, "Over the long term we are strengthening our competitiveness by investing in digital and physical infrastructure projects that will keep goods moving efficiently for decades to come."

The number of piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asian waters increased by 32% until August this year compared to same period last year, data reported to a regional centre shows.

Until August 2023 some 78 incidents were reported to the information sharing centre of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP).

On the other hand, during the January - August period last year some 59 incidents were reported.

Data also shows that last year a total of 84 incidents were reported during the entire 12 months. On the other hand, within eight months of this year, some 78 incidents have already been reported hinting at a significant rise of incidents.

The half-yearly report of ReCAAP had shown a 40% increase in incidents this year compared to the same period last year.

The increase of incidents during the first six months had occurred in the Philippines, Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS), Thailand and Vietnam.

The major concern was the continued occurrence of incidents at the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, like in the recent past.

Data shows that of the total 78 incidents in Asian water during the January - August period this year some 56 incidents alone occurred in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore compared to 38 incidents during the same period last year.

In a latest weekly report, the ReCAAP advised ships to continue to exercise vigilance while underway or at anchor/berth at ports/anchorages; and the law enforcement agencies to enhance surveillance, increase patrols and respond promptly to reported incidents.

“Ship master and crew are to report all incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships to the nearest coastal State RCC and flag State.., it said.

They are also asked to exercise vigilance and adopt appropriate preventive measures taking reference from the Regional Guide 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia, said the regional centre.