Weekly Logistics Briefing Key logistics updates for the week (Week 4 of Jan 2025)

Nearly 300 flights at Denver International Airport (DEN) were disrupted on January 19, due to freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall. As of 3:45 p.m., 245 flights were delayed, and 8 flights were canceled. United Airlines and SkyWest Airlines accounted for the majority of delays, with a combined 161 flights delayed. United also canceled 6 flights, the highest among carriers. The severe winter weather also impacted flights heading to other northeastern airports, including New Jersey's Essex County Airport, New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Pennsylvania's Philadelphia International Airport, with delays and cancellations reported.

The Port of Durban's Pier 2 container terminal is facing significant operational disruptions due to a shortage of straddle carriers—essential equipment for moving and stacking containers. This equipment deficit, compounded by frequent breakdowns and adverse weather conditions, has severely impacted recovery operations and service delivery at the terminal. Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) has acknowledged the challenges and informed customers that components for four new straddle carriers are being assembled, with plans to have them operational by mid-January.

On January 15, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) canceled more than 100 flights due to fog. KLM expected additional suspension and canceled 40 flights scheduled for January 16. Schiphol Airport also announced that flights may be delayed or canceled due to fog on January 16, and that even if the fog clears, it can affect flights throughout the day.

On January 15, a severe lightning storm struck Sydney, leading to the temporary suspension of all flights at Sydney Airport. The storm, characterized by devastating winds exceeding 100 km/h, large hail, and heavy rainfall, caused significant disruptions across the city. Public transport services, including light rail between Town Hall and Circular Quay, were halted due to power outages. Additionally, residents in affected areas were advised to stay indoors and unplug household electronics to ensure safety during the storm.

On January 10, the Israeli Air Force launched a retaliatory attack on targets in western Yemen, including the ports of Hodeidah and Ras Isa. U.S. and British troops were also involved in the attack, but coalition forces attacked targets different from Israel. Hodeidah has been attacked six times and parts of Ras Isa are reported to be burning. Israel's defense minister announced that Hodeidah was "paralyzed" by the attack.

On January 13, a severe winter storm swept through the southern United States, bringing biting cold and wet snow that led to school closures and significant travel disruptions. Major airports, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport, experienced numerous flight cancellations and delays. By Saturday afternoon, approximately 1,000 flights at Atlanta's airport were either canceled or delayed. The National Weather Service warned of dangerous road conditions due to potential refreezing of melted snow, particularly on secondary roads.

On January 12, the Malaysia-registered tanker Silver Sincere sank in Singapore's territorial waters near Pedra Branca. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) received a distress call at approximately 3:40 p.m. local time, reporting that the vessel was taking on water. The ship's master promptly evacuated all eight crew members into life rafts. An Indonesia-registered freighter, Intan Daya 368, directed by MPA, successfully rescued the crew, who were reported to be in good health and were subsequently disembarked at Batu Ampar, Indonesia. Following the rescue, MPA initiated salvage operations and deployed oil spill response vessels as a precautionary measure. Navigational safety advisories were issued to ensure passing vessels steer clear of the incident site. This incident occurred just a day after the sinking of the Vietnam-registered freighter Dolphin 18 in the same vicinity, where all 18 crew members were also rescued.

On January 13, Belgium experienced a nationwide strike organized by the country's three main unions to protest proposed pension reforms. The industrial action led to significant disruptions in both air and rail services. Approximately 40% of flights at Brussels Airport were canceled as baggage handlers, security personnel, and other ground staff participated in the strike. National train operator NMBS/SNCB operated only a limited number of trains across the country, causing widespread inconvenience for commuters. Public transport within Brussels was also heavily impacted, with many services reduced or halted.

In January 2025, Australian ports, including those in Sydney and Melbourne, experienced significant disruptions due to industrial action by the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA). The strikes, primarily over wage disputes and working conditions, led to delays in the delivery of goods, including new vehicles. Car importers and dealerships faced challenges in maintaining inventory levels, resulting in extended waiting times for customers. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) expressed concerns over the impact on supply chains and urged for a swift resolution between the MUA and port operators to mitigate further economic repercussions.

On January 11, the Vietnamese-registered freighter Dolphin 18 sank approximately 274 nautical miles southwest of Vung Tau, Vietnam. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPAS) reported that all 18 crew members were safely rescued from lifeboats by the Hong Kong-registered container vessel Nicolai Maersk, which had received a distress call from the sinking ship. The rescue operation was coordinated by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Singapore, which also ed Vietnamese authorities and issued navigational broadcasts to nearby vessels. The rescued crew members were found to be in good health and were scheduled to disembark at Nicolai Maersk's next port of call in Tanjung Pelepas, Malaysia.