Singapore still best port in the world

In a new review of 15 leading maritime cities, Singapore has retained its No.1 position followed by Hamburg, Oslo, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

Norwegian consulting company Menon canvassed a group of experts for their views based on five criteria: shipping centers, maritime finance and law, ports and logistics services, maritime technology and attractiveness and competitiveness.

Noting its "business friendly policies" and strategic location, the Menon report acknowledges Singapore "has gained a position in the global economy few would have predicted 40 years ago".

MAERSK LINE boosts Triple-E fleet with order for 11 even bigger containerships

With the twentieth and final delivery of its Triple-E series of 18,270 teu ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) due to take place this month, Maersk Line yesterday announced the next phase of its fleet expansion with an order for what will become the largest ships in its fleet.

A public signing ceremony at the DSME shipyard in South Korea yesterday saw Maersk Line chief executive Soren Skou place a new order for 11 Triple-E next generation 19,630 teu vessels for delivery in 2017 and 2018.

The ships represent a capacity increase of 1,360 teu on the original Triple-Es, or 7.4%, while in terms of physical dimensions – with a length of 400 metres, beam of 58.6 metres and a draught of 16.5 metres – they are virtually identical to the first generation, which just goes to show how container vessel design has changed in terms of squeezing out more slots from current dimensions since the Triple-E was first conceived.

Forwarders more upbeat about airfreight than seafreight

The Stifel Logistics Confidence Index for May indicated some improvements from April’s decline. In particular, the six-month outlook appears bright as airfreight gained 2.8 points to 63.4 and sea freight increased 2.1 points to 62.9.

Overall, the total index increased 1.1 points to 57.4. Even though this is down 0.6 points from one year ago, it is still 6.7 points higher than May 2013.

Airfreight continues to lead the optimism for both the six-month outlook as well as for the present. Sea freight however, remains troublesome for the present and while some ports have settled labour issues, other issues such as the rise of the mega-vessel and larger shipping alliances are straining port operations. Congestion is a big problem for many ports and perhaps airfreight is currently benefiting from this misfortune of ports.