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

Power outages at Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport caused flight disruptions, including delays and at least one diversion. The outages were due to problems with the airport's energy provider, BPUB. Although power has been restored, the situation remains fluid, and travelers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight information. Airport officials are working with BPUB to prevent future disruptions, but a timeline for a permanent fix has not been provided. The airport remains operational but is closely monitoring power stability.

The Single Union of Customs Personnel of the Argentine Republic (SUPARA) announced further strikes after salary negotiations with customs authorities failed. This round of strikes will take place on April 3 and 4, from 09:00 until 17:00 in the AMBA(Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires) region and from 08:00 to 16:00 in the rest of the country. It will be expected delays to the release and delivery of containers at container terminals. Furthermore, the CGT Union has announced a nationwide 24-hour strike on Thursday, April 10.

Air traffic controllers in Greece are going on a 24-hour strike, cancelling almost all flights and causing major disruptions. Only emergency and urgent flights will be handled during the strike, including flights carrying heads of state, hospital flights, and humanitarian aid flights. The strike is scheduled to start at 12.01am on Wednesday, April 9 and last until midnight.

A ship loader that transfers grain caught fire at the Port of Vancouver along the Columbia River. The fire was reported at around 4:30 p.m. and was put out by about 30 firefighters with the help of a fire boat. The smoldering grain was removed from the grain loader and no one was hurt in the fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Vancouver Fire Marshal's Office.

Eruptions at Poás Volcano in Costa Rica have intensified since early Monday, and at 12:54 a.m. on March 31, a plume of ash and gas soared 600 meters above the crater, marking a continuation of heightened volcanic activity. Shifting winds carrying volcanic particles westward, impacting communities such as Bajos del Toro, Cabuyal, Alto Palomo, Zarcero, and parts of Grecia and the Poás canton. The Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI) maintains an level 3 (out of 4), indicating significant concern but not yet the highest emergency state. There has been no effect on the operation of airports and ports so far.

Volcanic eruption starts at April 1, 9:45 am (local time) as of 10:54, no volcanic ash is detected. According to the Icelandic Meteorological Agency, the volcano is still active, but eruptions decrease in the afternoon. No visible activity has been observed in the fissure since 15:00. The nearby Keflavik Airport was not affected by the volcanic eruption and is currently operating normally.

More than 300 flight delays were reported at O'Hare and Midway airports due to thunderstorms in the Chicago area. A ground delay was implemented at O'Hare, with an average delay of over two hours. As of 7:20 a.m., 285 flights were delayed and 61 canceled at O'Hare, while 50 flights were delayed and 29 canceled at Midway. Stronger storms are expected in the afternoon, potentially bringing damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes.

On March 30, a tragic vessel collision occurred in Ningbo, China, involving a cargo ship and a chemical tanker. The cargo ship sank following the collision, leading to the loss of several crew members' lives. Rescue operations were swiftly launched, successfully saving some of the crew, but others remain missing. Authorities have started an investigation into the cause of the accident, and maritime safety procedures are under review to prevent future incidents.

A temporary power outage at Roberts International Airport caused significant disruption to operations on Sunday evening. The outage was due to an electrical issue from the Liberia Electricity Corporation power grid. The disruption affected both passengers and staff, causing operational challenges at the airport's terminal. Efforts are underway to restore full power, with the Liberia Airport Authority working closely with LEC technicians to resolve the issue.

On March 30, a cargo vessel named MV Castphill caught fire near Limbones Island, Nasugbu, Batangas. The fire reportedly started when strong winds blew styrofoam materials into the vessel’s funnel. All 12 crew members were successfully rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), with first aid provided immediately after rescue. Some crew members, including the captain, sustained minor injuries. Authorities also deployed another vessel to monitor and address a potential oil spill, as the burning vessel was carrying nearly 80,000 liters of diesel. The PCG emphasized their ongoing commitment to maritime safety and rapid emergency response.