Weekly Logistics Briefing Key logistics updates for the week (Week 2 of Dec 2024)

Storm Darragh caused widespread chaos across the UK and Ireland, with severe winds up to 93 mph leading to extensive travel disruptions, power outages, and property damage. Hundreds of flights were canceled or diverted, train services were delayed, and major roads were closed due to fallen trees. Approximately 700,000 homes experienced power cuts, and restoration efforts are ongoing. Tragically, two fatalities and several injuries were reported due to falling trees, while significant damage to property included crushed vehicles and destroyed infrastructure. Sporting events were postponed, and authorities have warned of freezing fog and further temperature drops.

Workers responsible for transporting jet fuel to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) have issued a 72-hour strike notice, potentially initiating a strike as early as Tuesday. Represented by Unifor Local 114, these employees are employed by North Vancouver-based Fuel Facilities Corporation. The union has expressed concerns over wages and working conditions, emphasizing the critical role these workers play in maintaining airport operations. Unifor has urged the employer to engage in meaningful negotiations to avert disruptions, while YVR has acknowledged the situation and is monitoring developments to minimize potential impacts on travelers.

On December 5, the union confirmed its promise to stage an "indefinite strike" from December 17 if the government fails to implement wage revisions and productivity improvement measures before December 15. Total 12 government-owned ports are expected to go on strike, but if shipping companies transfer cargo to private ports, Port Congestion is expected to intensify. In India, private-owned ports have been on the rise over the past decade, Adani's Mundra port has become India's busiest container gateway, and Chennai has transferred much of India's southern container trade to nearby Kattupalli and Adani facilities in Ennore.

Storm Darragh has caused significant travel disruptions across Europe, with high winds leading to the cancellation of hundreds of flights. At Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, over 100 flights were canceled due to strong gusts, and passengers were advised to anticipate further delays and cancellations. The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute issued a code yellow warning for most of the country, forecasting wind gusts up to 120 kph (75 mph) over the Wadden Islands. The storm also affected rail services, with fallen trees and debris blocking tracks in multiple locations, leading to extensive delays. Authorities have urged caution, especially for high-sided vehicles on bridges and viaducts, due to hazardous driving conditions.

Over the weekend, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) experienced two significant power outages in Terminal D, disrupting travel during the busy post-Thanksgiving period. The first outage, caused by a fault in the cabling system, began on Friday evening and lasted 16.5 hours, delaying over 70 flights. A generator restored power on Saturday afternoon, but it failed on Sunday, leading to a second outage that delayed an additional 24 flights. Power was fully restored by bringing in a new generator later that evening. Travelers faced delays and flight rerouting, and the terminal continued operating on generator power with plans to return to commercial power by Tuesday.

Port workers related to the Confederation Generale du Travail union are scheduled to go on strike for 48 hours on December 9-10 amid ongoing disputes over pension reform negotiations. A related series of strikes in May-June 2024 resulted in disruptions to the ports of Marseille, Saint Nazaire, Le Havre, Rouen, Nantes, Bordeaux, and Cherbourg, where ferry services to the UK were also interrupted. Further strikes are expected to take place on January 7, 9, 13, 15, and 17.

On December 3, a container ship (HMM ST PETERSBURG) and an oil tanker (Gloria Maris) collided about 8.9 miles southeast of Algeciras, Spain. Both ships have been reported to have been damaged since the collision, and the cause of the accident will be investigated at the berth of Algeciras Port.

Truck drivers, as well as logistics and freight shipping workers affiliated with several unions are demanding a renewal of the contract and will stage a 48-hour strike across Italy on December 9-10. Demonstrations can be held in government offices, logistics facilities, and major highways, and highway blockades by truck drivers are also possible.

Protests have occurred for four consecutive days in Tbilisi, Georgia's capital, since the Georgian government decided to suspend discussions on joining the European Union for four years. Protesters blocked access roads to major commercial ports in the Black Sea city of Poti. Poti is being managed by APM Terminals, a subsidiary of Maersk. The police responded using tear gas and water cannons, which led to the detention of more than 150 protesters nationwide.

On December 2, a walk-out by ground operations staff at Helsinki Airport, organized by the Finnish Aviation Union (IAU), led to significant disruptions in Finnair's services. The protest, held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., affected critical operations such as aircraft maintenance, catering, customer service, and baggage handling, resulting in numerous flight delays and cancellations. The IAU initiated the walk-out in response to legal actions taken against two Finnair employees accused of unauthorized disclosure of confidential company information. Finnair condemned the walk-out as disproportionate and irresponsible, emphasizing its commitment to minimizing passenger inconvenience by rerouting affected travelers and providing necessary accommodations.