Weekly Logistics Briefing Key logistics updates for the week (Week 2 of Jan 2025)

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) are scheduled to resume negotiations for a new master contract on January 7. The talks would take place only a week before the current contract extension expires on January 15, potentially leading to a second strike along the US East and Gulf coasts. Maersk urged customers to pick up containers ahead of the potential labour action. Liner operators (Maersk, CMA-CGM, Hapag-Llyod) are imposing surcharges ahead of expectations that US East Coast port workers will resume strike action on January 15.

Snow and black ice led to the cancellation of dozens of flights at Germany's largest airport, Frankfurt, on Sunday. Out of approximately 1,990 scheduled flights, 120 were canceled. A spokesperson noted that runways required clearing, and de-icing the planes was more complex and demanding. Poor visibility also contributed to the cancellations. In Munich, 35 flights were canceled as a precaution on Saturday evening out of 750 scheduled departures and landings. Berlin-Brandenburg airport experienced disruptions starting Friday evening, with 30 flights affected due to icy conditions. The meteorological office warned of freezing rain on Sunday following overnight snowfall and advised passengers to avoid unnecessary travel.

A Marshall Islands-registered cargo ship, the Panoria, caught fire near Pingtung, Taiwan, on January 4. The engine room blaze left the vessel powerless, stranding its 21-member crew. The Coast Guard responded promptly, deploying patrol vessels and coordinating with the Ministry of National Defense and the National Airborne Service Corps for rescue operations. Four crew members sustained serious injuries, including burns, and were airlifted to a hospital in Kaohsiung. Rescue teams continue to monitor the situation, with tugboats dispatched for further assistance.

Israel's General Labor Union (Histadrut) went on strike at January 5 morning in protest of the shift of temporary employees instead of regular employees. The strike was lifted in a few hours by the Israeli government's persuasion.

Heavy snowfall across the UK has led to significant disruptions at major airports, including Manchester and Liverpool. Manchester Airport suspended all incoming flights, causing at least 12 planes to divert to alternative airports such as London Heathrow, Birmingham, Dublin, Glasgow, and Paris. Liverpool's John Lennon Airport is actively clearing its runway, while flights at Leeds Bradford Airport are experiencing cancellations and delays. Amber weather warnings for snow and ice are in effect for regions including Wales, the Midlands, and up to Manchester, with up to 40cm of snow expected in some areas. Authorities are advising travelers to check flight statuses and consider the potential for significant travel disruptions.

Various Shia groups continue their indefinite sit-ins in various cities as of December 31. Purpose of Protest is to denounce ongoing sectarian violence in northwestern Pakistan since late November. In Karachi, 13 major roads, including sections of National Highway 5 and routes to the Jinnah International Airport (KHI), are facing disruptions due to closures, diversions, and blockades.

On December 30, two bulk carriers collided in China's Yangtze River. The Japanese-owned Vega Dream, operated by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, collided with the Singaporean-flagged Yangze 22. The collision caused damage to Yangze 22's hull, resulting in a spill of approximately 9 metric tonnes of fuel oil. Fortunately, no injuries to the crew were reported. The vessel is currently anchored at Hengsha East Anchorage for damage assessment. The Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration, along with support craft from Yangze 22's company, is managing the clean-up operations. The incident is under investigation.

Due to essential civil works on the rail network, rail services at Genoa VTE port will be affected by significant closures and restrictions. Disruption periods are from 00:00 on Thursday, 2 January to 04:00 on Tuesday, 7 January and from 00:00 on Saturday, 11 January to 24:00 on Sunday, 12 January. Maersk said that all trains to and from Genoa VTE will be canceled during the above period, and general routes to and from Vado via Genoa will also be suspended.

Unusually high waves have been wreaking havoc on Peru's northern and central coasts. The National Emergency Operations Center has announced the closure of 91 of the country's 121 Pacific coast ports through at least January 1 after large waves struck multiple areas of the Peruvian coastline on December 28. Localized coastal flooding was reported in multiple locations, leading authorities to close beaches and ports.

On the evening of December 28, the Chinese cargo ship Zhu Cheng Xin Zhou left Nhava Sheva for Mundra Port and collided with the fishing boat Tisai off the coast near Mumbai. The fishing boat was rescued without casualties.