Weekly Logistics Briefing Key logistics updates for the week (Week 4 of November 2023)

Due to the increase in the volcano Fagradalsfjall in Iceland, authorities declared a state of emergency and ordered the evacuation of the village of Grindavik from November 11. The area is more likely to explode as a 15-kilometer-long underground magma tunnel was detected near the Pagradalspia volcano. There is a possibility that air travel may be disturbed or dangerous due to volcanic ash, so the air warning level is raised to orange (the second highest level among the five stages). The Icelandic Meteorological Agency announced on the 11th, "The overall evaluation is that there is a high”.

Turkish cargo ship with 12 crew missing off country's Black Sea coast. Ship was drifting towards breakwater off Eregli, northwest Turkey's Zonguldak province. Severe storms on Sunday prevented air and sea vessels from carrying out searches. Search and rescue teams deployed in region and ready to launch operations when weather permitted. Coast was hit by powerful storms and the adverse weather prevented air, sea vessels being able to carry out search.

Wellington Airport resumed flights after low fog caused the cancellation of nearly 40 flights on Sunday. Although the skies are clear now, some delays continue. Low fog prevented 29 Air New Zealand flights and six Sounds Air flights from taking off or landing. The airport spokesperson confirmed the fog had cleared and flights were operating normally, but there might still be disruptions due to Sunday's cancellations.

Brussels Airlines faces potential disruption to its Christmas holiday flight schedule following the filing of an indefinite strike notice by cabin crew. The strike notice takes effect from November 23, announced Didier Lebbe, permanent secretary of the francophone Christian union CNE. Although there are no precise dates for the strike action, “staff are aiming for the Christmas holidays," said unions. Brussels Airlines said it had complied with legal obligations at all times and would continue to do so.

Passengers are facing delays at Heathrow Airport after strong winds and staff shortages led to air traffic control restrictions. British Airways said that it had been forced to make some adjustments to its short haul schedule. British Airways offered them rebooking options or a full refund and said that they expect the situation to improve that afternoon.

Several unions representing Italian transportation and public sector workers are scheduled to strike on November 17. Purpose of Strike is to condemn of public transportation privatization plan and salary conditions. The strike is expected to affect four central Italian regions such as Lazio(including Rome), Marquez, Tuscany and Umbria. This strikes are likely to affect railway and public transportation networks and additional strikes are scheduled in various regions in the next few weeks.

Several areas of the United Arab Emirates witnessed heavy rain and thunder on Friday morning. The National Centre of Meteorology(NCM) issued an orange and yellow across the country warning residents of heavy rain, thunder and strong winds. Numerous areas of UAE witnessed thunder and heavy rain on Friday, November 17. A spokesperson for Dubai Airports advised passengers to utilize the Dubai Metro, stay updated on traffic, and allocate extra time for their journey to Dubai International Airport(DXB).

Two yachts damaged after barter trade boat crashes into jetty in Port Klang. Boat lost control and crashed into Royal Selangor Yacht Club jetty. No injuries or loss of life reported. Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency reminds public to always consider their safety and check the conditions of their boats before taking them out to sail or doing any activity at sea to avoid untoward incidents.

Bangladesh will hold parliamentary elections on 24.1.7 as protests calling for the resignation of the prime minister spread across the country, Bangladesh Election Commission announced. The main opposition Bangladesh National Party (BNP) and various political parties/organizations are blocking roads and protesting, demanding the resignation of the current administration and general elections under a neutral government. Protests calling for the cancellation of elections are expected to continue nationwide at least until mid-December.

The MUA(Maritime Union of Australia) notices include 24 hour bans on work for Maersk, ANL Line and CMA CGM at particular ports as well bans on loading or unloading trucks. It also includes two hour stoppages and bans on overtime. Wharfies are striking in protest over DP World's proposal to introduce a more responsive roster system. DP World acknowledged the right of the MUA to notify industrial action during bargaining but said it was 'disappointing under the circumstances'.