Weekly Logistics Briefing Key logistics updates for the week (Week 1 of Mar 2025)

On February 28, the container ship ONE COLUMBA collided with the berthed CLIFFORD MAERSK at Hong Kong’s Kwai Chung No.9 Terminal. The incident occurred around 8:40 PM local time when ONE COLUMBA, arriving from CHIWAN, China, collided with the docked vessel CLIFFORD MAERSK. As the ONE vessel reverses after collision, container stacks on the deck of the Maersk vessel(CLIFFORD MAERSK) can be seen to teeter and three boxes fall from the deck into Hong Kong harbor. The Hong Kong Marine Department reported on Saturday the boxes had been retrieved from the harbor and, officials from the Marine Department inspected both vessels and reported minor damage terming it a “minor collision.” There was no pollution and no injuries. AIS data shows ONE Columba departed Hong Kong Saturday evening bound for Ningbo, China. The Maersk vessel departed on Sunday bound for Shanghai.

The Border Management Authority (BMA) has suspended operations at five border posts in Limpopo and the North West due to severe flooding. The affected border posts are Pontdrift, Makgobistad, Groblersbridge, Bray, and Stockpoort. Stockpoort port of entry is completely surrounded by water, making movement impossible. Cross-border travelers and commercial operators are advised to use alternative ports of entry.

The Runway 18R/36L at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos will be temporarily closed for maintenance on March 3 and 4. The closure is due to safety concerns as building equipment near the A2 Taxiway-link could jeopardize aircraft landing and takeoff. All flight operations will be conducted on the shorter domestic runway, 18L/36R, during the closure, which may cause delays due to its capacity limitations.

A strike by public sector workers occurred at the port of Hamburg, Germany, causing port operation disruptions. As the boat operation for pilot movement is suspended from 6 pm on February 26 (Wed), the movement of ships that require pilotage is restricted. The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) stated that ships not requiring pilots and intra-port traffic continue as usual. An agreement has been signed with the union, and the strike is scheduled to end on Friday morning, February 28.

Strikes continue at French ports in March, so there is a high possibility of increased ship delays. Dockworkers are planning 4-hour strikes on March 4, 6, 10, 12, 14, 24 and 28, and a 72-hour strike on March 18, 19 and 20.

Kenya Airways has suspended all flights to Mauritius due to the approaching tropical cyclone, Cyclone Garance, which is expected to bring gale-force winds, heavy rainfall, and rough seas to the region. Flights will remain suspended indefinitely until conditions stabilize due to safety concerns. The cyclone warning has led to the closure of Mauritius' main airport, leaving many tourists stranded.

A fire broke out on a conveyor belt carrying sulphur at the Cochin Port's Q-10 berth. The fire was detected due to thick smoke and was brought under control by fire and rescue personnel. The cause of the fire is being investigated by a technical team. No one was injured, and the fire was put out using over half-a-dozen fire tenders. The conveyor belt lacked an inbuilt fire-fighting mechanism and inert gas system, making it difficult to extinguish the fire.

Nearly 99% of ILA members have voted in favor a new six-year labor contract negotiated with the United States Maritime Exchange (USMX) representing employers on Tuesday, February 25. Members of USMX unanimously approved the contract in January and the ILA and USMX are now set to sign the new formal six-year agreement on March 11, which will be back-dated to be effective from October 1, 2024 until September 30, 2030. The approval vote gives ILA members a 62% pay raise over the six years of the contract, accelerated raises and improved benefits. The pact allows terminal operators and ocean carriers to introduce limited automation equipment in container handling linked to guarantees that protect union jobs.

In Greece, on the second anniversary of the train crash on February 28, 2023, a nationwide transportation strike is scheduled for 24 hours on February 28, demanding improved traffic safety and punishment of those responsible. Air traffic controllers, Railway workers, and Seamen's Federation will participate in the strike, and air/rail/ferry transportation will be suspended.

Air traffic to and from Munich Airport is expected to be suspended as Germany's Ver.di union has declared a strike of February 27 to February 28 for 48 hours in connection with wage negotiations. The airport announced on its website that both security and ground staff will participate in the strike, which is expected to have a significant impact on airport operations