WORLDWIDE MARITIME NEWS (XVII)

1.-EGYPT: NEW SUEZ CANAL

Egypt is planning to build a new Suez Canal alongside the existing 145-year-old historic waterway in a multibillion dollar project to expand trade along the fastest shipping route between Europe and Asia. This project will increase the capacity from 49 to 96 vessels and reduce from 11 to 3 hours the waiting time.

 2.- DHL : NEW LCL ROUTES

 DHL Global Forwarding, the air and ocean freight specialist within Deutsche Post DHL, has announced the launch of new direct routes for Less Than Container Load (LCL) shipment from Qinghao (China) to Santos (Brazil); Le Havre (France) to Veracruz (Mexico); Miami (USA) to Colón (Panama) and Hong Kong (China) to Managua (Nicaragua). These new routes will provide a safe and reliable cost effective service that will provide faster transit times and best departures.

3.- GLP-CMSTD: JOINT VENTURE

Global Logistic Properties (GLP) is to buy a 15.3 stake in China Materials Storage and Transportation Development Company (CMSTD), China's largest state-owned logistic company, for USD 324 million. The two firms will form a joint-venture aiming to invest over USD 583 million to develop 1.3 million square meters of buildable area across China.

 

4.- PORT OF SETUBAL: RO-RO TRAFFIC

In the first half of 2014 the Port of Setubal moved 78.5 thousand cars, 65% of which were destined for export, which means an increase of 20.4% in relation to the same period of last year. In addition is planning to expand its ro-ro terminal in more than 5 hectares to increase the supply of services in import and export of cars. The aim is to transform its facilities in a ro-ro hub between the routes of the Atlantic, Africa and Asia, enhancing the distribution of cars in Portugal and Spain.