Insight
Concerted drive to futureproof European ports
Europe has been in an economic malaise and industrial output has been on the wane. Still, there is a concerted drive to develop port infrastructure that is not only capable of handling the next generation of oversize cargoes but is sustainable and resilient. Technology and cooperation are touted as central to realising progress, although financial bottlenecks continue to hinder the market. David Kershaw reports.
Japan: Wind offers project cargo promise but challenges remain
Much of Japan’s project logistics prowess is borne out of projects that are managed by the nation’s EPC contractors but are ultimately executed abroad. However, there are domestic opportunities in the renewables sector that are likely to keep the region’s logisticians busy if red tape and infrastructure challenges can be overcome.
Busy US project logistics sector awaits election outcome
The USA’s project logistics business has been at full tilt in recent years. Although operators remain busy, there is growing caution about the market with projects on hold awaiting the outcome of autumn’s presidential race. Ian Putzger reports.
Environmental challenges for ports persist in the wake of Hurricane Milton
While Gulf Coast ports have reopened following Hurricane Milton, issues regarding the impact of weather and its disruptive potential on port operations remain a key concern for multiple industries and logistics in particular.
CHIPS act spurs project logistics activity as power demands surge
The US government’s CHIPS and Science Act, signed in August 2022, has spawned the development of new semiconductor production facilities across the country. Those spoken with by Ian Putzger in HLPFI’s latest USA report highlight how this sector has emerged as a strong source of work for the project cargo community.
Ukraine conflict shaking up infrastructure in the Baltic and Caspian seas
The outbreak of war in Ukraine in 2022 led to a cascading of supply chain disruptions worldwide. The Caspian and Baltic regions have both been impacted significantly with the drive towards domestic alternative energy production being spurred on by a cutting off of Russian gas imports in the Baltics and the opening up of the Middle Corridor as a result of supply chain pressure through the Caspian.
Offshore wind surges amid policy uncertainly and turbine size race
Energy data and intelligence provider TGS has released its latest quarterly market overview report for global offshore wind. While there have been records set in terms of project awards, complications include low uptake in key markets and issues around the emergence of 20 GW turbines.
Energy Hubs Newsletter: East Coast specialists in the thick of the action
Gregory DL Morris shares the latest updates from ports, terminals, developers and transport engineers active in the USA’s rapidly emerging offshore wind energy market. Activity is ramping up as project ownership is revised, with ports in the thick of the action.
Quantifying the impact of the Red Sea crisis
Sea-Intelligence has shared data on the impact of the Red Sea crisis on the container shipping business.
IUMI warns of ‘changing world’ for marine insurance
International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) president Frédéric Denèfle has cautioned of a changing world for the marine insurance sector.
Cuxport gets expansion green light as Verdi calls on port workers to agree to latest offer
The EU has given the green light to Germany’s state support for infrastructure development at the port of Cuxhaven. Moreover, trade union Verdi recommends that its port worker members accept the latest labour agreement tabled.
Record claim expected from Baltimore collapse
The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge is not expected to have any long-term supply chain impact but is likely to result in the largest marine insurance claim in history, writes Gregory DL Morris.
