Global Aperture

Analysis from Sea-Intelligence reveals that a record number of last-minute blank sailings have been announced ahead of China’s Golden Week holiday which begins on September 29th, with 29 cancellations in transpacific lanes and 18 more between Asia and Europe.

The Panama Canal Authority may be required to reduce the maximum number of authorized daily vessel transits even further if drought persists. August wait times on either side of the canal rose to 10 days. Additional restrictions affecting shipping routes and costs may be imposed over the next ten months.

During the G20 Summit in New Delhi, a major international infrastructure project was unveiled that will connect India, the Middle East, and Europe with railways, shipping lines, high-speed data cables, and energy pipelines. This initiative is seen as a countermeasure to China's Belt and Road Initiative and aims to create an alternative infrastructure network while strengthening economic ties between the involved regions, including India, the Middle East, and the EU.

Americas

USA: Los Angeles World Airports is launching a Cargo Modernization Program at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to improve outdated cargo facilities and enhance airside and landside infrastructure, including automation to expedite processing. While there are concerns from some stakeholders about the project's impact, the program is seen as a critical step towards making LAX more competitive, boosting the economy, and improving the overall efficiency of the supply chain, with calls for increased federal funding to support similar initiatives at major US airports.

Asia-Pacific

Bangladesh: Bangladesh's National Economic Council (NEC) executive committee has given its approval to a project aimed at expanding and modernizing Mongla Port facilities in Bagerhat. This initiative, which involves funding from the Chinese government, is focused on improving container handling capacity, constructing a container terminal, and enhancing hazardous cargo handling capabilities at the port.

India: India is planning to eliminate cabotage laws, allowing foreign-flagged ships to operate along its coast without obtaining permits from the Directorate General of Shipping. This move is aimed at promoting coastal shipping and reducing road and rail transportation in the country, with a focus on enhancing port infrastructure and connectivity.

Europe, Middle East & Africa

Luxembourg: Following strike action that led to grounded flights in Houston, Dubai, Baku, and more on September 14, Cargolux reached an agreement with unions representing its pilots and mechanics that ended the strike with immediate effect.

UK: Portsmouth International Port has implemented the government-funded Sea Change system in three berths, allowing vessels to use shore power instead of running engines. This shore power system is expected to save 20,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually and improve air quality around the port, supporting Portsmouth's goal of becoming the first net carbon-neutral port in the UK by 2030.

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