InterManager Daily News 15.01.2024.

1. Columbia Group forms venture capital arm Shipmanangement giant Columbia Group has formed a new venture capital firm named Galactic Beacon Ventures to help drive innovation in maritime and other sectors.With the backing of the Columbia Group and its network of clients, partners, and industry contacts, Galactic Beacon Ventures will have access and exposure to numerous sectors across the maritime, logistics, energy, and leisure spheres. https://splash247.com/columbia-group-forms-venture-capital-arm/
2. Korean shipping companies face soaring challenges as Q4 Performance takes a downturn In the fourth quarter of last year, the annual performance of South Korea’s largest container shipping company HMM and bulk carrier operator Pan Ocean plummeted due to a slump in the shipping industry. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2024/01/12/korean-shipping-companies-face-soaring-challenges-as-q4-performance-takes-a-downturn/
3. ZIM announces agreement with Hoopo Systems to deploy Hoopo’s Tracking Devices on ZIM’s Dry-Van Container Fleet The Deployment of hoopoSense Solar Cutting-Edge, Robust, and Cost-efficient Trackers on a Large Scale Puts ZIM at the Forefront of Technological Innovation in this Field ZIM’s Smart Container Powered by Hoopo is Designed to Improve Supply Chain Management with Highly Durable, Safe, and Power-Efficient Tracking Solution https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2024/01/12/zim-announces-agreement-with-hoopo-systems-to-deploy-hoopos-tracking-devices-on-zims-dry-van-container-fleet/
4. Hapag-Lloyd to continue to avoid Suez Canal, decide again next week Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd will continue to divert its vessels away from the Suez Canal and around the Cape of Good Hope for security reasons, a spokesperson for the company said on Tuesday.“We deem the situation still dangerous,” the spokesperson for the world’s fifth-biggest container liner said. “We have daily re-assessments and will have next decisions taken Monday Jan. 15.” https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2024/01/12/hapag-lloyd-to-continue-to-avoid-suez-canal-decide-again-next-week/
5. Polish Shipping Association joins ECSA membership ECSA is proud to welcome the Polish Shipping Association as a full member as of 1 January 2024. The Polish Shipping Association brings together the Polish Shipowners’ Association (ZAP) and the Polish Shipping Companies Association (PZPŻ). https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2024/01/12/polish-shipping-association-joins-ecsa-membership/
6. East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook by ENGINE Despite average bunker demand in Singapore this week, the availability of VLSFO remains constrained, leading to extended lead times of 9-13 days. Several suppliers are facing challenges in meeting delivery schedules, contributing to longer delivery lead times. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2024/01/12/east-of-suez-bunker-fuel-availability-outlook-by-engine-18/
7. Baltic index logs biggest fall in a month on slipping vessel rates The Baltic Exchange’s dry bulk sea freight index fell on Tuesday to a nearly seven-week low in its worst showing in more than a month, as rates across vessel segments hit multi-week lows.The overall index, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax and supramax shipping vessels, lost 147 points, or 7.3%, to 1,875, hitting a fresh low since Nov. 23. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2024/01/12/baltic-index-logs-biggest-fall-in-a-month-on-slipping-vessel-rates/
8. COSCO and Fratelli Cosulich JV buys Italian logistics firm Trasgo COSCOS, the joint venture between China’s COSCO Shipping and Italy’s Fratelli Cosulich, has acquired the entire capital of the Novara-based trucking and logistics player Trasgo.Established in 1981, Trasgo boasts 14 warehouse facilities with almost 300,000 sq m and over 320 trucks and handling units. https://splash247.com/cosco-and-fratelli-cosulich-jv-buys-italian-logistics-firm-trasgo/
9. Houthis Vow To Escalate Attacks On Shipping The Houthi movement threatened a “strong and effective response” after the United States carried out another strike in Yemen overnight, further ratcheting up tensions as Washington vows to protect shipping from attacks by the Iran-aligned group. https://gcaptain.com/houthis-vow-to-escalate-attacks-on-shipping/
10. APM Terminals pledges Rs 3,320 crore for expanding Pipavav Port as concession extension chances brighten Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd and Gujarat Maritime Board signed an MoU at the Vibrant Gujarat? Global Summit to facilitate necessary permissions for the construction of liquid berth, container berth and yard, container handling equipment, and marine infrastructure development at Pipavav Port, estimated to cost some Rs 3,320 crore. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/APM+Terminals+pledges+Rs+3%2C320+crore+for+expanding+Pipavav+Port+as+concession+extension+chances+brighten