Transnet and South Africa’s major labour union reach three-year wage deal
Transnet SOC Limited and South Africa's trade union, United National Transport Union (UNTU), reached a three-year wage agreement on 17 October after severe strike actions.
The agreement will be applicable from 1 April 2022 until 31 March 2025, in a process mediated by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).
"This ends the current industrial action by UNTU members with immediate effect," said Transnet's announcement.
Container News
India approves new terminal development at Kandla Port
The government of India has approved the development of two deep-water marine terminal projects at Kandla Port (Deendayal Port), a major west coast harbour.
The plan consists of a container terminal and a multipurpose cargo facility, estimated to cost Rs. 4,539.84 crore (US$550 million) and Rs. 2,250.64 crore (US$272 million), respectively. Of the projected investments, the port authority will spend Rs. 296.20 crore (US$36 million) and Rs. 531.42 crore (US$64 million), respectively, towards dredging of the common user access channel and construction of common road infrastructure.
Container News
SC Ports developing near-dock rail at the Port of Charleston
With great support from South Carolina elected leaders, South Carolina Ports will soon have near-dock rail and an inner-harbor barge operation to ensure fluidity and capacity for the Southeast supply chain.
SC Ports officials and elected officials gathered today in North Charleston to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Navy Base Intermodal Facility. SC Ports is developing the rail-served intermodal yard to provide near-dock rail to the Port of Charleston.
AJOT
FMC initiates chassis overhaul study, part of Ocean Shipping Reform Act
The Federal Maritime Commission is funding a $500,000 study to address challenges within U.S. intermodal chassis pools, which have contributed to congestion at major U.S. ports during the pandemic, the agency said last week.
The agency contracted the National Academies of Sciences’ Transportation Research Board to examine existing chassis pools and determine the best model to “support an efficiently functioning supply chain,” according to a release. The study is mandated as part of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 signed in June.
Supply Chain Dive
Hamburg uses feeder ships to replace trucks transshipping containers
The Port of Hamburg along with several of its major operators has come up with a novel way to handle port congestion and backlogs as well as the emissions resulting during the transshipment of containers in the vast port complex. Starting November 1, a project will launch with Unifeeder, which calls Hamburg its largest hub port for transshipments, using the line’s vessels to move containers instead of trucking containers over the roads between terminals.
The Maritime Executive
EPA to speed review of new chemicals for electric vehicles
The Environmental Protection Agency is launching an effort under the Toxic Substances Control Act to streamline its review of new chemicals that have applications in batteries, electric vehicles, semiconductors and renewable energy generation.
This effort follows a February announcement from the White House of a $35 million investment to boost domestic production of rare earth metals. Streamlining review of new chemicals that could improve supply chain issues is in line with the Biden administration’s focus on boosting domestic output of lithium and rare earth minerals to meet demand for future technology and ease the country’s reliance on China.
Supply Chain Dive
Boeing offers 737 Max jets to Air India amid US-China trade tensions
Boeing Co. is offering 737 Max jets once slated for Chinese customers to Air India Ltd. as the planemaker tries to offload some of the roughly 140 aircraft it’s currently not allowed to deliver.
The Indian carrier, which is overhauling its fleet under new owner Tata Group, is one of a number of potential customers for Boeing, which is in talks with lessors and other airlines, according to people familiar with the matter. Many operators are eager to line up new narrowbody jets while Boeing and rival Airbus SE struggle to hit production targets amid labor and parts shortages.
AJOT
