American Shipper

The 5,616-TEU Maersk Kensington reported a fire Thursday in a cargo hold, but the cause of the fire is still unknown.

The Limassol, Cyprus-based port terminal operator posted a net loss of $53 million compared with a $61 million profit in 2016, despite rising volumes and relatively steady revenues, according to the firm’s most recent financial statements.

The Mississauga, Canada-based all-cargo airline posted net earnings of $23.7 million Canadian (U.S. $18.1 million) for the year compared with just C$2.4 million in 2016, as revenues rose 15.7 percent to C$382.9.

Medway will introduce a freight rail service between Spain and Portugal, expected to begin April 4.

PierPass President John Cushing said he suspects marine terminal operators at the two ports will make a decision within the next few weeks.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has requested consultations over several export promotion programs that the U.S. says violate World Trade Organization rules, including programs to support steel and special economic zones.

House members expressed concern about the stability of the Coast Guard budget, as well as the cuts to the Maritime Security Program and PL-480.

Acting U.S. Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Michael Khouri told House lawmakers at a hearing Wednesday that President Donald Trump’s fiscal year 2019 budget request of $27.49 million for the agency is sufficient to maintain its operations.

The world’s largest ocean carrier has projected Mexico’s container trade will grow 6 percent this year as the country continues to be fueled by various economic tailwinds.

The Export Control Reform Act of 2018 would formally authorize the executive branch to administer export controls, thus increasing congressional oversight.

The International Air Transport Association has launched a new online air cargo tool, dubbed Dangerous Goods AutoCheck, to assist airlines, handlers, third-party logistics providers and shippers comply with dangerous goods requirements.

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross will testify before the House Ways and Means Committee in separate hearings.

Broad-based economic expansion is accelerating thanks to “robust” investment growth and increases in international trade, but risks remain in the form of rising trade tensions, according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

The Government Accountability Office recommended that U.S. Customs and Border Protection work with partner government agencies to finalize an Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) work plan.

The consortium of companies, which also includes Accenture and a European regulatory agency, used a blockchain solution on 12 shipments to test its robustness.

Seaspan is increasing the size of its fleet by 29 percent through the acquisition of the remaining 89 percent of Greater China Intermodal Investments it did not already own.

The California port handled 14.9 percent more loaded import containers in February from 12 months prior, reaching 174,902 TEUs.

300cubits adds to advisory board and Cargojet appoints new board chairman.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) will allocate almost $500 million to 41 road, transit, maritime and rail projects under the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program.

United States tariffs on steel and aluminum could be constructive if the U.S. secures commitments from other steel-trading countries to eschew unfair trading practices and reduce overcapacity, according to a former acting deputy U.S. trade representative.