Author Archives: just2bruce

Big Ships, Big Problems?

An MIT conference discussed some problems with the very large ships.  Aside from simply creating too much supply of capacity, there are other problems, such as loss of flexibility.  But of all the problems about big ships such as the deep water ports required, and the need for different loading/unloading technology, it is interesting that the worst service reported was at South American ports.  Many of these only handle small ships, and may have older cargo handling gear.

However, the problem of information exchange, a key point of the article,  has nothing to do with the supply or size of ships.  Service issues and the lack of prompt information about them are seriously damaging the ocean shippers.  They need to jump on it, and not hide their heads in the sand.

Big Ships, Big Problems?.

G6 service to omit Oakland calls

But only for 4 weeks. It’s not a slowdown, but an actual shortage of labor, and more workers are being hired, according to the report.

American Shipper

G6 service to omit Oakland calls | AS Daily Newsletter | AS Daily | American Shipper.

There are ships standing in the bay waiting, and more of them holding outside the Golden Gate.

Maersk bets on Baltimore

Another example of significant supply chain revision for many shippers.  Supply chains now run through Baltimore!   How will supply chain integration improve (or not!) with this change?

Maersk bets on Baltimore with three new container services | AS Daily Newsletter | AS Daily | American Shipper.