International Maritime

APM Terminals Mobile has been in place for a while , but the ILA is using the issue as leverage in local talks over staffing and other issues .

The union has broadly resisted efforts to bring automation to marine terminals through its master contract with the USMX , which currently prohibits the development of fully automated terminals and equipment .

However , there is more leeway in the adoption of semi-automated equipment as long as “ both parties agree to workforce protections and staffing levels ,” according to the contract . Terminals that want to implement technology must go through a joint ILA-USMX committee and notify the local unions .

Another labor source at the Port of Mobile told the Journal of Commerce that the local union only recently became aware of APM Terminals ’ technology projects , saying the terminal operator did not go through the procedure outlined in the master contract for notifying labor about such projects .

The exact nature of the technology projects at Mobile is not clear . But the source said APM recently installed cameras on its yard tractors and has also instituted a new traffic system for yard tractors , which haul containers between the berth and the yard , requiring them to stop at newly installed lights on its container cranes . In the past , a longshore worker has typically directed traffic .

Maersk has shown interest in ways to automate the container supply chain . In 2021 , its venture capital arm invested in Cambridge , Mass . -based startup iSee , which is developing an autonomous yard tractor . Last year , Maersk announced a pilot with autonomous truck developer

The ILA claims technology in use at APM Terminals Mobile ( pictured ) violates its master contract . Andriy Blokhin / Shutterstock . com

Kodiak Robotics to run dry-van trailers between Houston and Oklahoma .

Maersk said in its statement it is “ committed to upholding our agreements and fostering a safe and efficient working environment for all employees .”

“ We remain in full compliance with the ILA-USMX master contract ,” the company said .

email : michael . angell @ spglobal . com

Asia – Europe carriers pulling capacity , charter levers amid robust demand

By Greg Knowler

Carriers are deploying new services on Asia-Europe , entering expensive charter deals and adding ships to strings as port congestion and longer transit times around Africa continue to absorb capacity urgently needed to cover the strong demand .

The unseasonal surge in volume on the westbound routes to Europe is filling all available capacity with virtually no idle vessels and scrap = ping at low levels as carriers and forwarders report ships fully booked into July .

“ The fundamental issue is back to the same as during the pandemic — container demand exceeding container vessel capacity ,” Alan Murphy , CEO of Sea-Intelligence Maritime Analysis , said in the company ’ s Sunday Spotlight newsletter .

“ There are quite simply not enough seats on the bus for all who want a ride ,” Murphy added . “ Someone will have to be left behind .”

Carriers are pulling various levers to add more seats to the bus and accommodate the sustained demand for space from European importers that has resulted in an early start to the peak season .

Mediterranean Shipping Co . ( MSC ) and CMA CGM announced two new services in the second week of June . MSC will launch its new standalone “ Britannia ” Asia – North Europe loop on July 1 that will focus on UK cargo , with Liverpool the first port of discharge in Europe and London-Gateway as the last European load port following calls at Rotterdam , Antwerp and Hamburg , Alphaliner noted in its weekly newsletter .

CMA CGM on June 11 announced the deployment of seven 7,000-TEU ships from June 30 until early September as extra loaders on the Asia – North Europe and Asia – Mediterranean trades . Branded as the “ French Peak Service ,” the ships will add 25 % to the carrier ’ s deployed capacity on the trade lanes with bi-weekly departures from China to destinations alternating between Le Havre and Antwerp in Northern Europe and between Fos-sur-Mer and Malta in the Mediterranean .

“ Since space is currently tight due to the exceptionally www . joc . com July 1 , 2024 | Journal of Commerce 15