South East Shipping News

Crowley focuses LCL shipments to Caribbean at Houston

HOUSTON, Texas - Crowley Maritime Corporation announced today that it will begin offering weekly, fixed-day, less-than-container-load (LCL) shipping services from Houston to 33 port destinations throughout the Caribbean Basin on July 1. The new logistics service will be the only one of its kind available from the Houston gateway. This new offering is designed to further enhance supply chain options for those shipping directly into the Caribbean Basin from the West and Gulf Coasts of the U.S. “Customers will be able to drop their cargo in Houston, and with our weekly, fixed-day service, have their cargo landed virtually anywhere within the eastern and western Caribbean, and Central America,” said Mike Griglione, Crowley’s general manager of logistics in Houston. “This is just another way we are adding value to our customers’ supply chains by both increasing the velocity of those supply chains with our integrated services and reducing their total landed cost.” “No other logistics company is providing a weekly, fixed-day, LCL service like this to the Caribbean Basin from Houston,” said Ken Black, Crowley’s general manager of logistics in Miami, adding that it is just one facet to a comprehensive suite of logistics services being provided by Crowley in Houston. In addition to LCL transportation, Crowley also offers custom packing options, cargo consolidation and deconsolidation, warehousing, distribution, cross-docking, freight forwarding, import/export documentation, last-mile delivery, cargo insurance and customs brokerage services for cargo of all types and sizes. LCL cargo shipments from Houston should be booked by calling 1-800-CROWLEY, and the cargo should be consigned to Crowley Logistics, Inc. c/o Customer Name, Destination Country; 15894 Diplomatic Plaza Dr., Houston, Texas 77032. Weekly cargo cutoff is noon every Thursday to ensure prompt departure and delivery to destination.

Good signs for Caribbean Trade

Crowley, SeaFreight and Lannaman & Morris to Hold First Forum for Jamaica Growers and Exporters

By: AJOT | May 06 2016 at 07:17 AM | Breakbulk & Projects  

Kingston, Jamaica - To better serve the diverse needs of growers and exporters across Jamaica, Crowley is teaming up with subsidiary SeaFreight, and on-island shipping agent Lannaman & Morris, to hold an educational breakfast forum on Thursday, May 12 at 8:00 a.m. at Terra Nova All Suites Hotel in Kingston.

The event will feature a presentation from Christopher Prendergast, supervisor/agricultural specialist, United States Department of Agriculture Jamaica Preclearance Program, regarding procedures related to northbound shipments of agricultural goods to the U.S. Those interested in attending this free event are asked to RSVP to Stacia Nosworthy-Cunningham at 876-923-5541 or [email protected].

Additionally, representatives of Crowley companies Customized Brokers, which specializes in customs clearance of all U.S. imports; CrowleyFresh, which offers cold-chain storage and logistics; and SeaFreight, which offers scalable liner and logistics solutions in the Caribbean and Central America, will be on-hand to discuss the full complement of the company’s complete supply chain solutions.

“We at Crowley are uniquely positioned to add value to our customers’ supply chains by both increasing the velocity of those supply chains with our integrated services, and in doing so, reducing their total landed cost,” said Mark Kearns, director, logistics operations. “This forum in Jamaica and other discussions like it, with both current and potential customers, is all about that proven value proposition.”

Atlas Air Worldwide to Acquire Southern Air
x Strategically Compelling, Highly Complementary Business
x Immediately Accretive All-Cash Transaction; No Debt Being Assumed
x Expands Platform into 777 and 737 Aircraft Operations
x Drives Greater Diversification, Scale and Global Footprint
PURCHASE, N.Y., January 19, 2016 – Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: AAWW)
today said that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire privately held Southern Air
Holdings, Inc., a premier provider of intercontinental and domestic air cargo services, in an
immediately accretive, all-cash, debt-free transaction valued at approximately $110 million. The
transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and approval by the U.S. Department of
Transportation, and is expected to close in the next few months.
Southern Air is the parent company of Worldwide Air Logistics Group and its two operating
subsidiaries, Southern Air, Inc. and Florida West International Airways, Inc.
“We are very pleased to announce a strategically compelling, highly complementary and
immediately accretive acquisition of Southern Air,” said William J. Flynn, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Atlas Air Worldwide. “And we are eager to capitalize on the substantial
opportunities that the transaction will provide, especially 777 and 737 aircraft operations.
“The result will be a more diversified and profitable company offering access to the widest range
of modern, efficient aircraft, together with a broader mix of services and a greater scale and
global footprint that will drive significant value for our customers and shareholders.”
“We very much look forward to joining the Atlas Air family of companies,” said Daniel J.
McHugh, Chief Executive Officer of Southern Air Holdings. “We share the same commitment to
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providing superior customer service via our exceptional team of aviation professionals. And
Southern Air will now have a strong and viable parent to enable us to continue to grow.”

Strategic and Financial Benefits of Transaction
x Enhanced Service Offerings and Customer Relationships: The transaction provides Atlas
Air Worldwide immediate entry into 777 and 737 aircraft operating platforms, with potential
for developing additional business with existing and new customers of both companies.
Southern Air’s main operating company currently flies five 777-200Fs and five 737-400Fs
under flight services (CMI, or Crew, Maintenance and Insurance) agreements with DHL
Express, the leading global brand in the logistics industry.
The platforms provided by these aircraft will augment Atlas Air Worldwide’s ability to offer
customers the broadest array of aircraft and operating services for domestic, regional and
international applications.
x Complementary Businesses: Atlas Air Worldwide and Southern Air have complementary
operations, which will aid in providing seamless operations for customers. Further, the
transaction will enhance Atlas Air Worldwide’s position as a leading global provider of
outsourced aircraft and aviation operating services.
Southern Air’s highly professional, experienced workforce and its capabilities complement
Atlas Air Worldwide’s 747 ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance) and Charter
operations, its 747 and 767 CMI services, and its freighter-centric Dry Leasing portfolio of
777, 757 and 737 aircraft. Together, the companies will have a fleet of more than 75 aircraft.
x Increased Revenues: The combination with Southern Air is anticipated to add
approximately $100 million to Atlas Air Worldwide’s annual revenues and provide a solid
foundation for additional growth.
x Immediately Accretive to Earnings: The transaction is also expected to be immediately
accretive to Atlas Air Worldwide’s adjusted earnings per share in 2016 with EBITDA and
adjusted net income margins in line with Atlas Air Worldwide’s. The impact of this
transaction will be included in Atlas Air Worldwide’s 2016 earnings framework, to be
discussed during the company’s next earnings release on February 18, 2016.
x Transaction Funding: Reflecting the company’s balance sheet position, Atlas Air
Worldwide intends to fund the acquisition of Southern Air using available cash on hand.
About Atlas Air Worldwide:
Atlas Air Worldwide is a leading global provider of outsourced aircraft and aviation operating
services. It is the parent company of Atlas Air, Inc. (Atlas) and Titan Aviation Holdings, Inc.
(Titan), and is the majority shareholder of Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc. (Polar). Through
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Atlas and Polar, Atlas Air Worldwide operates the world’s largest fleet of Boeing 747 freighter
aircraft.
Atlas, Titan and Polar offer a range of outsourced aircraft and aviation operating services that
include ACMI service – in which customers receive an aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance
on a long-term basis; CMI service – in which customers receive crew, maintenance and
insurance but not an aircraft; express network and airport-to-airport cargo service; cargo and
passenger charters; and dry leasing of aircraft and engines.
Atlas Air Worldwide’s press releases, SEC filings and other information may be accessed
through the Company’s home page, www.atlasair.com .
About Southern Air Holdings:
Southern Air Holdings is the parent company of Worldwide Air Logistics Group, Inc.
Worldwide is a leading provider of domestic and international ACMI and CMI air cargo services
through its separate operating subsidiaries, Southern Air, Inc., which operates Boeing 777 and
737-400 aircraft, and Florida West International Airways, Inc., which operates Boeing 767-300
aircraft. Worldwide offers customers highly reliable and efficient air cargo business platforms
with a strong record of performance excellence and safety.

Miami Airport gets CEIV certified, with ambitions for global pharma hub status

By Alex Lennane in Miami
11.05.2015 •

The air cargo community, led by airports, are taking matters into their own hands to encourage greater use of the mode by pharma shippers.
Yesterday, Miami airport became the second globally, and the first in the Americas, to achieve CEIV pharma certification. In a noisy press event at Air and Sea Cargo Americas in Miami, the airport noted huge growth in its pharma business and its plans to become a leading global pharma hub.

The state of Florida sponsored the certification, hoping to catch a share of the $300bn pharma market. The airport last year saw $3.3bn-worth of pharma pass through the airport – 80% growth since 2010.
The pharmaceuticals business in Latin America is growing, with new markets developing, in particular in Colombia.
“Cargo was flat globally in 2014, and we grew,” said Emilio Gonzalez, CEO of Miami-Dade Aviation Department. “I think we’ll do just fine this year but we have to move beyond flowers and fish. We have indentified the pharma business, and we are turning into the perfect transhipment centre.”
Steven Polmans, cargo head at Brussels Airport, the first to be certified, urged more airports to become CEIV certified.
“We didn’t do it for competitive advantage. We want to grow the whole pie,” he said, speaking on the sidelines of the event.
“We see that shippers are getting more involved in the logistics supply chain, including which airline or airport to choose. We want pharma shippers to see that we have a high-quality service for pharmaceuticals to the benefit of the whole air cargo industry.”
Global Distribution Practice certification varies around the world and is mostly intended for warehousing and storage, while CEIV, which is IATA-validated, is a standardised programme, focused specifically on air cargo logistics.
“GDP is only legislation for basic requirements. It doesn’t audit the pharmaceutical chain. CEIV has everything GDP requires, but so much more.”
While the necessary training and infrastructure can be costly – making it uneconomic for airports with naturally small pharma flows – those with existing flows and training programmes would find it better value. Re-tests are required every three years.
More CEIV companies are expected to be announced in coming months.
“It started slowly but more large companies are coming on board, and it’s picking up speed. Pharma shippers are pleased with it and it will grow the whole air cargo pie,” added Mr Polmans.
He said cargo volumes at Brussels had shot up since it became certified. “Shippers were tired of air cargo – there was too much mishandling.”
One pharma shipper had found that 63% of its shipments had seen a temperature variation over the summer months.”That’s just gambling,” said Mr Polmans.
IATA’s regional vice president Americas said that pharma shipment damages amounted to $12bn last year.
“This is unacceptable for a $300bn market. CEIV improves the quality and reduces the losses from mishandled goods.”
Mr Polmans added: “We are a very fragmented industry and that’s part of the reason we are not making sufficient progress. I want to be an airport, and a person, that’s acting for the benefit of air cargo. I don’t want to be commenting from the stadium – I want to be the coach, and have some influence over the game.”

From where will they sail?

 

Cuba cruise and ferry services get a little nearer

New regulations would allow Carnival's fathom brand to use Adonia as a floating base while in Cuba

SEPTEMBER 18, 2015 — Obstacles facing cruise lines and ferry operators seeking to offer services from the the U.S. to Cuba continue to lessen. Today, the U.S. announced a slew of further changes to the restrictions imposed by the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

 

They will take effect on Monday, September 21, 2015, when they are published in the Federal Register. Coincidentally, or probaby not, that's the day before Pope Francis arrives in Washington, DC, from Cuba.

The Pope is widely credited with initiating the dialogue that led to the new direction in U.S.-Cuba relationship.

A fact sheet issued by the the Department of the Treasury and the Department of Commerce includes the following regulatory changes:

• Transportation by vessel of authorized travelers – between the United States and Cuba only and without stops in third countries – will be authorized by general license. Certain related lodging services aboard vessels used for such travel will also be authorized.
• License Exception Aircraft, Vessels, and Spacecraft (AVS) will authorize temporary sojourns to Cuba of certain categories of vessels. Eligible categories of vessels are cargo vessels for hire for use in the transportation of items; passenger vessels for hire for use in the transportation of passengers and/or items; and recreational vessels that are used in connection with travel authorized by the Treasury.
• License Exception AVS will authorize aircraft on temporary sojourn to remain in Cuba for up to 7 consecutive days and authorizes vessels on temporary sojourn to remain in Cuba for up to 14 consecutive days.

While there's no explanation as to how spacecraft got in there, the "temporary sojourn" authorization should be particularly useful to Carnival Corporation's start up brand fathom. It intends offering cultural exchange voyages to Cuba starting in May 2016, using the 704 passenger cruise ship as a "comfortable home base" during travelers stay on the island.

Cruise lines and ferry operators are now waiting for the Cuban permissions needed to initiate service.

Read the Treasury backgrounder HERE

 

Peruvian fruit heading to more Florida ports

                           

 Lima, Sep. 13. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved the Cold Treatment Protocol required for the entry of fresh citrus fruits, blueberries and grapes from Peru by including three new Florida State ports starting October 1, Peru's Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism informed after learning the USDA's decision through its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). 

The three new ports areJacksonville, Tampa and Manatee.

It should be noted this request was approved since the pilot program for the entry of grapes and blueberries was accepted by the end of 2013, and that for Peruvian citrus fruits in 2014 throughMiami and Fort Lauderdale (Florida), as well as Savannah harbor (Georgia).

According to the Peruvian Trade Office inMiami (OCEX Miami), the standards established by APHIS require the fresh fruits to enter the USA through ports located above the 39° latitude. 

However, the Cold Treatment Project was aimed at allowing the entry of fresh and perishable products into theUSA's market through Southern ports. Considering this, it would be possible to reduce the shipping time and final costs to be assumed by the consumer as well as to preserve the products.

Through OCEX Miami, Mincetur has boosted the Cold Treatment Protocol before it was launched in 2012. Likewise, it continuously supports the work undertaken byMiami's Port officials, industry leaders, State and federal representatives, such as the U.S. Agriculture Department, Customs and Florida Perishable Trade Coalition. 

The exports of Peruvian grapes to theUnited States increased by 65% between January and July, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. 

Balearia of Port Everglades gets Cuba ferry nod

 

Baleària gets U.S. approval for Cuba ferry service

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JULY 21, 2015 —  Spain's Baleària Group has obtained a U.S. Treasury Department license to operate a ferry service between the U.S. and Cuba, following its application to the Treasury's Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) back in March (see earlier story).

Although Baleària has all the needed U.S. approvals it still has to get the nod from Cuban authorities before initiating service.

The company has operated in the Caribbean region since late 2011 under the brand Bahamas Express, connecting Fort Lauderdale and Freeport (Grand Bahama Island), using the ferry Bahama Mama. Previously, the fast ferry, Pinar del Rio, which still remains in the area operated, on the route.

Baleària plans to operate two routes between Havana and Florida: a  high-speed vessel service from Key West with a crossing time of three hours and a conventional ferry from Port Everglades (North Miami) with a travel time of about 10 hours.

A real Ferry Deal Twixt Miami and Havana

 

 

 

 

Attica Holdings S.A., a member of Marfin Investment Group (MIG), announced that the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), granted Attica approval to operate through its wholly owned US subsidiary, Superfast Ferries (USA) LLC, a marine route between US and Cuba, in connection with travel or transportation of persons, baggage or cargo between the United States and Cuba. Attica is in the process of applying for appropriate regulatory and other approvals from the Cuban government. Attica Group’s financial and operational success in Greece and the broader South European region has provided the platform for this expansion initiative.

The US-Cuba route enables Attica Group to leverage its long industry experience operating in developed and competitive markets and unique know-how in maritime transport, in the fast growing US-Cuban market.Attica’s fleet of 13 modern and technologically advanced vessels include a number of vessels ideally fit for the US-Cuba route. Two of these vessels have initially been identified for this service, each with carrying capacities of about 1,700 passengers, 700 berths and 2,000 lane meters garage, capable of carrying about 570 cars.

All ferries are fully equipped with restaurants, duty free shops, swimming pool, bars, playroom and other family oriented activities. Spiros Paschalis, CEO of Attica Group, stated, “We are pleased to receive the US government approval and are excited to be able to offer service on the historically important US-Cuba marine route. The US license confirms the reliability, trust and superior quality for which Attica Group’s fleet has been internationally renowned for. Our proposed ferry service would provide daily non-stop transportation between the Port of Miami in Florida and the Port of Havana in Cuba, a distance of 230 miles, in less than 10 hours, in a relaxed and casual atmosphere with our usual superior service standards.”

Spiros Paschalis continued, “Opening up the U.S.-Cuba route is an important step in rebuilding relations between the two countries. We hope to be able to provide travelers an opportunity to experience the immense beauty and rich cultural heritage of Cuba. We are proud to be chosen as trusted operators to carry passengers and cargo back and forth to an exciting new destination.”

PortaMiami's Maersk terminal no sure thing for new Sealand service

 No promise which "South Florida" port gets the new call

SeaLand expands service network with North Atlantic Express Service

By: AJOT | May 20 2015 at 02:49 PM | Liner Shipping  

SeaLand, the intra-Americas regional ocean carrier of the Maersk Group, announces today the addition of the North Atlantic Express (NAE) service to its comprehensive North-South network. This service is a result of a joint Vessel Sharing Agreement (VSA) between SeaLand and APL. The service is designed to create even more connections across the extensive SeaLand network, serving the West Coast of South America, Central America, Caribbean and U.S. East Coast. In particular, shippers requiring refrigerated services across this network will benefit from competitive transit times, state-of-the art reefer equipment, and highly trained professionals monitoring their cold chain every step of the way.

The announced Vessel Sharing Agreement (VSA) between SeaLand and APL is subject to regulatory approval. Upon receiving approval, more details will be available including: schedules, confirmed terminals, number of sailings, and more.

Overall market capacity does not change with the addition of the NAE as the implementation of this service is an output of recent overall structural changes within the trade.

NAE service description:
“Our passion is rooted in our desire to connect the Americas with superior services that help our customers grow their businesses and succeed. With our ‘can do spirit’ we develop strong partnerships, such as the one with APL, working closely with them to enhance our services connecting the West Coast of South America to the East Coast of North America,” said Craig Mygatt, CEO of SeaLand. “We will enter into additional agreements of this type to continue to strengthen our service offerings characterized by a sustainable cost structure across the region. Vamos Juntos!”

• The three vessels under this VSA will offer a weekly frequency and capacity of 1700 TEUs. Two vessels will be operated by SeaLand and one by APL.
• Service rotation: Cartagena – Manzanillo – South Florida – New York – Philadelphia – Savannah – South Florida
• The NAE service adds significant connectivity to SeaLand’s network through transshipment hubs allowing for increased access to the America’s market.
• Connections between Colombia, Panama (hub in Manzanillo), and the US East Coast - South Florida, New York, Philadelphia, Savannah
• The anticipated first sailing under this new service is scheduled for late June–early July 2015

Something's up in Puerto Rico

 

American Fast Freight, Inc. Acquires Caribbean Shipping Services, Inc.

FIFE, Wash., May 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- American Fast Freight, Inc. (AFF) today announced that it acquired Caribbean Shipping Services, Inc. (Caribbean Shipping).  Caribbean Shipping is based in Jacksonville, Florida and is a leading cold chain provider.  Caribbean Shipping operates primarily in the Puerto Rico market specializing in refrigerated freight forwarding.  Mr. Paul Robbins, Chairman and Co-Founder of Caribbean Shipping will remain as President, which will operate as a new subsidiary under AFF, Inc., the parent company of AFF.  Caribbean Shipping will work jointly with AFF's current efforts in the region.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150508/214765LOGO

The purchase of Caribbean Shipping Services will add substantial enhancements to AFF's current operations on the Eastern Seaboard.  Through its affiliate, AFF de Puerto Rico, LLC, AFF has pursued the development of the dry goods forwarding business under the direction of AFF de Puerto Rico General Manager, Mr. Andy Pacheco.  AFF intends to utilize synergies with Caribbean Shipping's cold chain knowledge and its penetration in the Eastern United States to greatly increase the ability to meet the increasing demand of AFF's customers in this much valued market.

"This acquisition is a great stride forward for AFF," said company President and CEO, Kevin Kelly.  "We are extremely excited about adding Caribbean Shipping Services to our family of companies and are pleased about the further services and reliability we will be able to offer our customers in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean." 

"Joining the AFF companies is the right succession plan for our family business and our business family," said Paul Robbins. "We could not have chosen a better partner to broaden our capabilities and better serve our customers in the Puerto Rico and Caribbean market."

About American Fast Freight, Inc. 
American Fast Freight, Inc., also known as AFF, (www.americanfast.com) is a transportation and logistics company headquartered in Fife, Washington. AFF and its affiliated companies and divisions provide a wide range of ocean freight forwarding, trucking, project logistics and warehousing-distribution services. The core business is ocean freight consolidating and forwarding, specializing in the domestic Jones Act markets of Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and Puerto Rico.  AFF is an indirect subsidiary of a portfolio company owned by The Jordan Company II, LLC and members of AFF management.