Japan is one of Australia’s largest trading partners. Japanese imports from Australia were valued at over AUD $46 Billion in 2021. The value of Japanese exports to Australia in the same period reached over $24 Billion.

For Australia, this makes Japan our second largest trading partner for exports behind China.  For importing goods to Australia, Japan is our third largest partner behind China and USA.

Do you have goods you’d like to export to Japan, or import to Australia from Japan?

Trade Opportunities

In 2015 the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement came into place. This is a free trade agreement that immediately removed trade tariffs for a range of resources and goods, and phases out all tariffs by 2034.

Free trade agreements such as this help make goods more competitive within the markets of the countries involved. This opens opportunities for trade.

When it comes to goods traded, Japanese car imports are the largest component of trade to Australia. Further goods that Japan exports to Australia include;

• Machinery.
• Electrical goods and electronic components.
• Photographic equipment.
• Medical equipment.
• Pharmaceuticals.
• Chemical products.
• Perfumes, cosmetics, and essential oils.
• Toys and games.
• Musical instruments.
• Much more…

When it comes to exporting to Japan, there are a number of opportunities. The Japanese have an aging demographic and a culture that values quality. Unique, natural, and high-quality products are in demand.

Other than primary resources, product categories include;

• Aviation and aerospace equipment.
• Premium health foods and products.
• Processed foods based on Australian-grown ingredients.
• Wines and cheeses.
• Machinery.
• Cosmetics, especially those with natural ingredients.
• Medical equipment.
• Second-hand cars.
• Others…

Use the following link to explore further export opportunities to Japan.

Freight Forwarding & Shipping to Japan

There are direct shipping routes between Australia and Japan. The main port in Japan and for Tokyo is at Yokohama, though Tokyo itself still has a small working container port. As such, many goods will pass through Yokohama on their way to other destinations inside the country. Other major Japanese export ports are also at Osaka and Kobe.

Shipping to Japan is relatively straightforward and there is very little in the way of restrictions. Your freight-forwarding company should be able to help arrange shipping and any necessary paperwork to get your goods where they need to be. This is similar in many ways to exporting from, or shipping to South Korea.

One element worthy of note, however, is that the Japanese are very environmentally aware and quite strict with the rules. In particular for importers; you should carefully check the requirements for both product packaging and shipping components. If they do not meet the environmental standards you may find your good refused entry.

These standards, however, can present great opportunities for Australian suppliers. The Japanese appreciate any product customisations for their market and are often willing to pay a premium for high quality.

SPLS Freight Forwarders

At SPLS Freight Forwarders, we can help arrange also necessary freight shipping and paperwork, and advise on many aspects of your importing or exporting between Australia and Japan. Contact us now to discuss your requirements.

The post Import and Export to Japan from Australia appeared first on Air and Sea Freight Forwarding Logistics Specialists.

Many goods shipped overseas are easily packed into standard 40-foot or 20-foot shipping containers. Most of us have seen images of cargo ships laden with these shipping containers and don’t think much further on the matter. Freight shipping of standard containers can be relatively straightforward. For shipping bulky goods or heavy equipment, however, things can get a little complicated.

Transporting heavy equipment often requires specialised logistics and handling. In some cases, it may even require specialised vessels to manage the cargo. This means that there will be no standard shipping schedules, and longer than normal shipping times should be expected. The importance of speaking with freight specialists and developing a proper shipping plan should not be underestimated in these circumstances.

Heavy equipment shipping examples

There are many types of heavy goods for which special freight handling may be required. Anything that cannot be broken down into smaller components and packed into shipping containers can qualify.

Typical examples of heavy equipment shipping include;

• Mining equipment.
• Yachts, barges, and patrol boats.
• Large agricultural equipment.
• Wind turbines and parts.
• Earth moving equipment, construction equipment, and cranes.
• Heat Exchangers.
• Equipment used in many sorts of manufacturing.
• Trucks and large vehicles.
• Helicopters and aircraft parts.
• Components for space agencies.

Of course, there are many other possibilities for heavy goods that may need overseas shipping. If you are uncertain about what specialised logistics may be required, please contact us.

Considerations for heavy equipment transportation

At SPLS, when shipping specialised or heavy goods we always begin with one prime thought; start with the end in mind.

What is the goal? Know what it is you want to achieve.

First of all, be realistic with the time factor. Heavy shipping generally takes longer. There can be many more factors involved than with the shipping of more standard goods, and each takes time. Additionally, if an unusual type of vessel is required you will be limited by its availability.

Specialised logistics and planning is often needed, and each step of the journey should be covered;

A feasibility study.

Is it even possible to achieve the goal you have in mind?

Survey the route.

This is especially typical for road transportation and is often done as part of the feasibility study.

• What are the road gradients?
• Are there bridges or overpasses to contend with?
• Are there any road bends or other obstructions the load will have trouble passing?
• Will specially reinforced trucks be required?

Watch out for local standards.

Will these restrict the ability to transport certain goods? You may need to transport only at night,  avoid certain areas, or meet other conditions.

Permits and certifications.

Proper permits must be applied for and the conditions covered. These may include road escorts, extra insurance, or other factors.

Goods inspection and certification may be required.

For example, view some of the requirements for certification of imported agricultural heavy machinery to Australia.

Specialists and other personnel.

A whole range of contractors may be required, depending upon the project, and the goods themselves.

• Engineers.
• Water management professionals.
• Soil management and remediation.
• Crane operators.
• Specific goods handling professionals for certain cargoes.
• Road safety teams.
• Transportation escorts.

Cargo Insurance

Cargo insurance is a recommendation for any shipment, but even more so for heavy goods. Because of the often unique nature of the goods themselves and the additional factors and costs involved with their transportation, insurance is useful in protecting yourself against loss.

The cost of shipping heavy equipment overseas

Unfortunately, all the factors outlined above are usually going to increase the cost of shipping.

There are no standard pricelists for the shipping of heavy equipment as there are so many possible variables involved. Each shipment will be unique and will need to be examined in the context of the project.

How can SPLS help?

We are freight specialists with experience in shipping heavy goods and equipment.

SPLS can act as project managers for the entire process, from initial feasibility studies to the actual loading and unloading at origin and destination. We can organise and manage specialists and other personnel as required, and help get your equipment where it needs to be.

Contact us for a discussion of your project and how we can assist.

The post Shipping and Freight Handling for Bulky and Heavy Equipment appeared first on Air and Sea Freight Forwarding Logistics Specialists.

Over the last few years, international shipping has come under increasing pressure. The increased demand combined with the sometimes strained supply and access to human resources has seen shipping costs skyrocket.

Many of Australia’s ports have seen backlogs and congestion which adds further cost to sea freight shipments. Freight forwards such as SPLS (that’s us!) can always look for better deals or alternative arrangements for you, however, this is only part of the solution. Costs are rising globally and another part of the solution comes from port management.

One way for the ports to combat increasing costs is to deal with port capacity and congestion. A number of Australia’s major ports are doing this in various ways.

Port Melbourne – Australia’s largest container port

Port Melbourne handles more shipping container freight than any other port in Australia. As such, it is vital to much of the import/export trade for business and consumer goods throughout south-eastern Australia.

To reduce delays and increase throughput, Port Melbourne is adding new physical infrastructure in the form of quay upgrades. The main quay is being extended an additional 71 metres. This will allow two larger ships to be at berth at the same time, thereby greatly reducing waiting times.

Additionally, upgrade works for other docks include crane renewals and improvements to the wharf decks and safety elements. These will all help to extend their design life and throughput capacity. Furthermore, additional rail facilities are being added to the port in order to remove some of the stress on the surrounding road systems. This, in turn, should further improve container shipments that do require road transportation.

Port Botany – Sydney Freight Shipping

Port Botany in Sydney has taken an alternative approach to increase cargo movements. Instead of large-scale physical infrastructure works, the port has invested in new information technology.

A system known as “Dynamic Under Keel Clearance (DUKC)” delivers precise real-time data to assist in ship berthing. This technology helps berth ships more safely by monitoring ships’ displacement and dynamic motion whilst matching with live weather conditions.

DUKC allows ships to be berthed more quickly without reducing safety. It also allows larger capacity and deeper ships to be berthed as the factors required for this can be more accurately monitored in progress. New records were recently set for both the heaviest container ship to ever berth at the port, and also the deepest ship.

The end purpose of this new technology is to increase the size and number of ship berths at the port without impacting safety. This thereby increases the overall throughput of cargo and reduces congestion.

Port Headland – Western Australia

Port Headland is of major importance to mining (mostly iron ore), however, it also deals with bulk liquids and general cargo. The new development plan for the port supports a 41 percent upgrade in capacity compared to the previous review in 2012.

Much of this new development relates to bulk materials loading and transport, which is not so important for freight forwarding. There is, however, also a plan to develop a second general cargo berth. This will allow greater movement of shipping container cargo.

SPLS Freight Forwarders

It is hopeful that these and other port upgrades will help somewhat reduce the stress on international sea freight shipping (thought here are currently many other factors).

We can help with everything from simply arranging cargo shipping, to the development of a comprehensive freight plan to assist your business goals. If you want to import or exports goods between Australia and anywhere around the world, come and speak with us – the freight specialists.

The post Boosting International Freight Shipping With Australian Ports Upgrades appeared first on Air and Sea Freight Forwarding Logistics Specialists.

The world has seen a considerable amount of volatility over the last few years. The war in Ukraine is a more recent extension of those uncertainties.

There is a concern among importers and exporters about how the war in Ukraine will affect international freight shipping. Will there be further ocean shipping price rises? Will there be other impacts to businesses requiring container shipping?

Whilst it is impossible to know for certain, and future events may change the outlook, here are a few things we are seeing.

Shipping to Ukraine

Ukraine’s economy is expected to be severely reduced due to the war. When it comes to exporting goods to Ukraine there is likely to be a reduction in demand for any luxury goods in particular. As the country is literally fighting to survive, much of the economic demands will go back to basics.

Furthermore, there are obvious restrictions with regard to shipping. A number of Ukraine’s ports are severely damaged or destroyed. There is risk to shipping anywhere close to the conflict zones. There will also be ongoing uncertainty for the foreseeable future.

When it comes to exports from Ukraine, much of the trade is in bulk goods. This will not affect businesses needing container shipping to any great degree. Obviously, though, there will be a drop in the production of bulk and agricultural goods being exported from Ukraine.

Trade with Russia

Russia has been hit with increasingly severe economic sanctions for its actions in Ukraine. Many larger (and smaller) businesses have pulled back from trading with Russia as a result. Even if not directly affected by sanctions, many businesses wish to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

The risk of trade with Russia at the moment is also extremely high. Sanctions in the financial sectors mean that it may be difficult to pay or get paid in anything other than Rubles.

Additionally, Russian-registered shipping vessels are beginning to be refused entry into many ports. This will further restrict trade with Russia.

Similar to Ukraine, much of the trade with Russia is in bulk goods (and obviously energy products; oil, gas, and coal). Its relative trade in other goods is fairly small.

Global impact on container shipping

As both Ukraine and Russia are relatively small markets for container shipping, there is one positive aspect. Access to shipping containers should not be greatly impacted.

One primary concern with regard to international sea shipping will be the increase in oil prices. This will likely flow through to higher shipping prices, including freight shipping.

Also, as international shipping was already under strain from the impact of Covid-19, there is little room for flexibility at the moment. The war in Ukraine may further exacerbate existing issues. Any changes in routing and further pressure on maritime logistics will have a greater than normal impact on pricing.

For importers and exporters in general, global rises in the price of living will affect their business. For Australia, the increase in shipping prices due to these factors should be relatively modest. Unfortunately, economic modeling has suggested that the impact will be felt most by small island nations and developing economies.

SPLS Freight Forwarding

If your business trades in Europe, speak with us about any concerns you may have with your freight shipping. We can help develop a clear shipping plan that includes the current local and global outlooks.

The post How Will the War in Ukraine Affect Container Shipping? appeared first on Air and Sea Freight Forwarding Logistics Specialists.

If you’re moving overseas from Australia and looking for a new home, you’re more than likely going to be relocating a lot of your possessions. This article will outline the main differences between using self-pack shipping containers vs a professional moving company.

Preparing to move overseas

Relocating or moving overseas is a big change. One of the first things that you’ll need to consider is how many of your belongings you are going to take with you. Many people choose to use a self-pack shipping container when they move overseas because it can be affordable and convenient. There are some things that you need to know, however, that might help you decide if it’s right for you or if other options are better suited to your situation.

Because they allow you to load all of your belongings directly into the shipping container, self-pack containers can be incredibly convenient and cost-effective. The packing process can take place over multiple days or even weeks, giving you much more flexibility. Furthermore, you have full control over the packing process without worrying about possible loss or damage by removalists.

The main downside to using a self-pack shipping container is almost the same; you are responsible for loading and unloading the container yourself. As anyone who has moved house before will know; this can be quite a lot of work. The shipping container self pack method also means self unpack!

Professional moving companies, on the other hand, will come in and take control of the entire process. Of course, this comes at a considerable cost. If you are on a budget, or just want to save yourself expense, the self-pack container is the way to go.

Invest in the right self-pack moving overseas shipping container

When moving a family, the sheer size and weight of most furniture and appliances can be overwhelming. Choosing the right container is important for getting your belongings to their new destination in prime condition.

First of all – the size. The majority of shipping containers come in 20-foot and 40-foot sizes. These are designed to match the trucks, ships, cranes, and other infrastructure of international freight shipping. A 20-ft shipping container is typically large enough to fit the contents of a standard 3 bedroom house. There are more unusual container sizes. If you want to know more, read our article on shipping container sizes and types.

The most important thing to watch for when purchasing a moving overseas shipping container is the condition of the container. Older containers, if they have sustained too many impacts during their lifetime, may no longer be weatherproof or seaworthy. The last thing you want is to turn up at your new home and open a container full of mouldy or water-damaged belongings. This is also one of the reasons we recommend marine freight insurance.

If you are not certain, don’t worry. At SPLS we can help you purchase a suitable container and arrange the freight to your destination.

How to pack a container for overseas

As with any form of moving, it is important to properly pack your belongings to prevent damage during transport. This is perhaps even more necessary for moving overseas shipping due to the length of the voyage and any ship motion due to weather along the way. Additionally, boxes and items added to the container need to be stacked or secured so that they don’t shift in transit.

Lastly, everything should be well-labeled to facilitate unpacking at the other end of the journey. We always recommend having a last on/first off box that contains the essentials you want to access quickly.

If you’re not sure where to start, we have a number of articles with excellent packing tips and guidelines.

Final Word

Moving overseas is a big undertaking, but with the right planning and execution, it can be a relatively smooth process.

Contact us to help purchase a shipping container and arrange freight transportation to your new destination.

The post Using Self-Pack Shipping Containers for Moving Overseas appeared first on Air and Sea Freight Forwarding Logistics Specialists.

What is Cargo Abandonment?

International shipping and exporting goods to another country can at times be a complex and confusing journey. One issue not often considered by shippers until it happens is that of cargo abandonment. Whilst this issue of abandoned cargo has always been around, it is of growing concern in today’s difficult economic climate.

Cargo Abandonment (also known as abandoned goods or uncollected goods) occurs where, after a reasonable period a consignee either refuses to take collection of a shipment, or they cannot be found. Depending upon which country the goods are in, this “reasonable period” can differ anywhere between 30-90 days. For the shipper, this can pose a considerable risk and increased expense.

Reasons for abandoned cargo

There are numerous reasons that goods are abandoned.

• The goods have been mis declared and the customer refuses to take delivery of the cargo due to the discrepancy.
• Change of requirements. The customer doesn’t want or need the goods anymore.
• Change of regulations. The goods have become banned items that cannot legally be imported into the country anymore.
• The customer disputes to quantity or quality of the goods.
• The customer has gone bankrupt. They are no longer in business and cannot take receipt.

Whatever the reason, it is important to take action.

How to deal with abandoned goods

The initial step is to try and ensure that goods are not abandoned in the first place. This means drawing up clear and concise contracts. Clearly identify the obligations of the shipper, consignee, the shipping line, and the freight forwarder.

It is also vital to question whether you are dealing with reputable and reliable parties. Are they financially viable? Are they genuine traders? If you are not sure, be additionally careful when preparing contracts and payment terms.

If a situation of abandoned goods is encountered, the most important thing is to act quickly to mitigate any potential costs. The faster a situation can be resolved, the less cost to any or all parties involved. If the situation is left alone, it is possible for expenses to increase beyond the value of the cargo itself thereby making it more unlikely that the goods will be claimed.

Additionally, if you are dealing with any sort of perishable cargo, the longer the wait the more likely the goods will spoil.

Having a good freight forwarder who can keep you informed is essential at times such as these.

The consequences of cargo abandonment

When a cargo is left uncollected, the shipper may still be responsible for the additional charges. These can be;

• Demurrage fees. Fees for the delay in returning the shipping container to the shipping line that owns it.
• Port storage fees. Costs associated with the storage of the goods at the port.
• Disposal fees. If the goods remain uncollected, there may be expenses owing for their disposal. If you have not already been paid, you will also be out-of-pocket for the cost of the goods themselves.

These fees can quickly build and become a considerable (and usually unexpected) expense. Your freight forwarder can potentially help to mitigate some of these costs through prompt and ongoing communications between all parties.

These costs and the fact that there may be situations that are not possible to resolve are why we also recommend shipping insurance to cover such circumstances.

Actions to take if your cargo is abandoned

Where there is no hope of any party coming to claim the cargo, there are a number of options. Most of these will allow you to recoup some of the expense, though your profit margins may be slimmer. The typical options for abandoned cargo are;

• Resell the goods to a third party. This is easiest if the new customer is in the same location; they will simply need to arrange pickup. Should the buyer be at a different location, new shipping and import arrangements will need to be made.
• Return the goods to the shipper. This may, or may not be viable depending upon the nature of the goods themselves (such as perishables). It will also depend upon whether it is cost-effective to do so.
• It is sometimes possible to arrange auctioning of the goods through customs. This will likely result in a much-decreased sales value for the cargo.
• Donate the goods. If the cost is prohibitive to return and you can’t find an alternative buyer, it may be worthwhile donating the goods to a suitable cause.
• Destroy the goods. If there are no other options, you may need to destroy the goods. This will result in additional disposal fees.

How to avoid abandoned cargo

In order to avoid or minimise cargo abandonment issues, there are a few prime takeaways from this article. Importantly, know who you are dealing with and ensure your contracts are clearly formulated.

Secondly, take out marine cargo insurance to cover this eventuality. If your goods are abandoned, shipping insurance will at least help cover any losses.

Finally, ensure that you have a great freight forwarder on your side. They can help avoid many issues before they occur, and will be in your corner if they do.

At SPLS we are ready to assist with all your shipping needs. Contact us to discuss.

The post What is Cargo Abandonment? appeared first on Air and Sea Freight Forwarding Logistics Specialists.

Whether operating an existing business or starting a new venture, if it involves the import or export of goods you are going to need international shipping. This is where a good commercial freight forwarder is extremely useful.

There are two ways you can go about arranging international freight shipping:

• Deal with a shipping company directly.
• Speak with a freight forwarding company (such as ourselves).

Whilst there are merits to both options, you might wonder why businesses don’t always approach the shipping companies directly? There are many good reasons.

Just like arranging a mortgage, you might approach a bank directly or go through a broker. The bank will only ever offer you its own products; the broker offers the freedom to choose the best products for your circumstances. So it is with freight forwarding.

Reasons to use a freight forwarder instead of a shipping line.

All shipping, of course, goes through the shipping lines eventually. There are many good reasons, however, to use a freight forwarding service as an intermediary.

Knowledge of many shipping routes and companies

A good freight forwarding company will know the sea shipping routes and shipping lines. They are able to select the most suitable or best shipping companies for the specific job at hand. If you go directly with a single shipping company, you are locked into what they offer only.

Understands the shipping industry

A freight forwarding agent understands the industry – they have to, as that is literally their job. When dealing directly with shipping lines, this may not necessarily be the case. You may be dealing with a junior or someone with limited knowledge. Your shipping forwarder will have spent years building their knowledge and experience of the shipping industry and can bring all this to your project.

Industry contacts

The top freight forwarders will have a diverse range of industry contacts throughout the world and within different shipping providers. This provides a number of benefits;

• The freight forwarder is not typically dealing with the consumer level or junior level staff of a shipping company.
• Queries can be dealt with more quickly by asking the people who are best qualified to answer.
• The freight forwarder can negotiate deals on your behalf with the most appropriate people.
• They know who to contact if things happen to go wrong. In these circumstances, time can be of the essence.

Global shipping rules and regulations

A forwarding agent understands variations in shipping rules and regulations across many different countries and regions. Additionally, experienced forwarding agents will usually have knowledge of on-the-ground processes and procedures, and be prepared to handle issues if they arise.

The ability to foresee potential difficulties, in many circumstances, is an effective method for avoiding extra cost and delay.

A specialist in your corner

Most importantly, a good sea freight forwarder is someone who is going to be on your side if unavoidable problems occur. Shipping delays can occur for many and varied reasons, including;

• Extreme weather events. These can be anything from hurricanes through to serious snowfalls which prevent normal working conditions.
• For example; there are some South American locations that are only accessible via river transport. During serious drought, there is not enough water flowing to allow shipping.
• Port closures due to industrial action or other reasons. Any port closures will require that alternative routes be found.
• Pandemics. Need more be said?
• Wars or other conflicts. Border closures or conflict danger can prevent cargo from being delivered in a timely manner, or at all.
• Piracy.
• Shipping accidents. A recent serious case was the blockage of the Suez Canal by the ship, Evergreen. This caused extreme delays for a wide range of international shipping.

Help you understand the requirements for international shipping

Importantly, a dedicated freight forwarding service can help you understand the risks and responsibilities of international cargo shipping. They can act as a freight consultant to assist you through the process with the least amount of stress and anxiety. They’ll help you get your cargo where it needs to be. Even better, they can develop long-term freight shipping plans, minimising uncertainty and helping you grow your business.

If you would like to speak with an experienced commercial freight forwarding service, give us a call on 02 9706 5996 or contact us through our online form.

The post Commercial Freight Forwarding vs Shipping Lines appeared first on Air and Sea Freight Forwarding Logistics Specialists.

With the impact that climate change is making on our planet and civilisation, humans are investigating ways of becoming more environmentally friendly.

The freight forwarding and shipping industry in particular currently have limited options open to them. Ocean-going vessels for sea freight, aircraft for air freight, and trains and trucks for road transportation still rely primarily upon fossil fuels.

Additionally, the international freight industry typically deals with very large equipment (vessels averaging upwards of 100,000 tonnes deadweight). Because of the size and scope of the shipping industry, there are types of environmental impact other than the carbon footprint. These include marine noise pollution and other forms of air or water pollution.

The good news is; much research and development are being done to address these issues. Furthermore, legislation has been introduced in many countries aimed at limiting shipping pollution in all its forms.

Let’s start by looking at some of the research into alternative propulsion methods and types of fuel for shipping.

Alternative Marine Fuels

The development of alternative fuels is driven primarily by the need to reduce carbon emissions (as well as nitrogen and sulphur emissions). Whilst each of the alternative fuels mentioned below achieves this aim, the difficulty is in making the fuel production process economically viable. This will be an important challenge over the coming years.

Hydrogen

Hydrogen is currently seen as a promising option for eventually fuelling cargo ships and reducing environmental impact. Stored in fuel cells, hydrogen would power the ships propulsion, electricity generation requirements, and heating.

There are two types of hydrogen fuel available:

• Blue hydrogen, which is generated as part of natural gas or coal production, with carbon emissions being captured and sequestered.
• Green hydrogen, which is produced by electrolysis using renewable electricity from sources such as wind or solar.

Hydrogen can be completely emissions-free up to the point of combustion, however, it does have some drawbacks. Hydrogen is highly flammable and requires special storage conditions. It also has a relatively low energy value (meaning you need a lot of it to power something).

Combusting hydrogen in some circumstances can also produce nitrogen oxides (harmful pollutants) which would need to be captured as part of the process.

Green Ammonia

Ammonia is seen as a viable option to hydrogen. It has a much higher energy density and can be stored more easily and safely.

Ammonia can be produced from green hydrogen, loaded and stored on the ship, then converted back to hydrogen onboard.

The downsides to this fuel alternative are cost and toxicity. As there is an additional production step beyond green hydrogen, this will push the cost up. Also, ammonia is highly toxic to animals (both human and marine life). This will require careful handling.

Methanol

Methanol is already used as a fuel for some shipping and is available at over 100 ports globally.

Whilst is offers a generally clean fuel option, methanol does have a relatively high amount of formaldehyde emissions. It also has only a moderate energy density, delivering less mileage and requiring more frequent refuelling.

Some ships are being developed as dual-fuel vessels, given the option for various fuel usage depending upon the circumstances.

There is an additional issue with all of these alternative fuel sources; for them to become mainstream, a massive change in infrastructure will be required.

Clean Propulsion and Fuel Reduction Methods

Another way of reducing emissions is to make existing fuel usage more efficient. By reducing the fuel usage of a given voyage by 20% you thereby reduce emissions by 20% (as well as fuel costs, of course).

This goal is driving the development of new technologies that were not previously considered a priority. Energy efficiency technologies such as optimisation systems for steering and propulsion can deliver considerable fuel savings.

Other systems are available that monitor power production and match generation with predicted requirements much more accurately. By eliminating energy wastage, ships require less fuel.

Another growing trend, perhaps seen as an easy win, is wind-assisted ship propulsion. By adding sail-like configurations, sometimes to existing ship infrastructure, significant savings in fuel usage can be made. The “sails” take advantage of prevailing wind conditions to help propel the ships.

Lowering Carbon Emissions and Other Pollutants

Carbon dioxide is a primary emission contributing to climate change, however, there are other harmful pollutants as well.

Two common polluting emissions in the shipping industry are nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides. Both of these are generated (along with CO₂) with the combustion of traditional hydrocarbon fuels. Methods for onboard capturing and sequestering these pollutants is a goal for new technologies

Carbon capture systems for shipping are in ongoing development, with options recently becoming available and tested.

Alternative fuels do not have problems with sulphur oxide emissions, however, nitrogen oxides can still be an issue with hydrogen.  Ships using these fuels also require onboard systems for nitrogen oxide capture in order to remove these pollutants.

Noise Pollution

Up until now, we have spoken only about fuel usage in the shipping industry. There are other forms of marine pollution and environmental impact which shipping is a major cause of; namely noise pollution.

Marine noise pollution can have a serious impact on marine life, especially larger mammals such as whales and dolphins. It affects their ability to communicate properly, a little like a human trying to speak with someone at a loud party. This can lead to issues with navigation, such as mass strandings.

High levels of marine noise is also correlated with an increase in stress hormones with species of crabs and fish. This causes them to spend more time looking for danger than caring for offspring, with mortality rates increasing dramatically as a result.

More work is currently underway to understand the impact of marine noise and methods for avoiding it. The DNV classifications organisation has started a classification standard for ship noise, called the SILENT class notation. These offer goals and guidelines for measuring and reducing underwater noise in shipping and other marine activities.

Bans and Legislation – reducing environmental impact through law

The final angle this article notes with regard to progress for environmental protection is legal. In recent years there has been a growing understanding of the damage being done to the planet through human activity. In many countries legislation has been introduced to recognise and address this.

The current global standard for addressing pollution from shipping is, The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). This forms the basis from which many governments around the world introduce laws surrounding shipping.

These include, amongst others:

• Guidelines for the maximum level of sulphur content in shipping fuel oil.
• Ban for the usage and carriage of heavy fuel oil (HFO) in arctic regions.
• Recommendations for the treatment and suitable disposal of toxic or polluting substances in the shipping industry.
• Recommendations for the treatment and disposal of traditional garbage and waste created onboard ships.

Whilst there is much work to do, progress is being made. Many governments and companies are beginning to see the benefits, both environmentally and economically, of promoting change in the industry.

SPLS believe in supporting this change and actively look for environmentally friendly options in shipping, where possible. We can help develop shipping plans that take this into consideration.

If you are concerned about the environmental impact of your ocean freight shipping, come and speak with us.

The post A Green Future for Freight Forwarding appeared first on Air and Sea Freight Forwarding Logistics Specialists.

The freight forwarding and shipping industry has had a tumultuous few years, with no signs of a let-up any time soon.

Whilst there is always something happening in the shipping industry, the global nature of COVID-19 introduced a new set of issues. Together with the more standard everyday issues such as poor weather and industrial disputes, these have combined at times to create the “perfect storm”.

For anyone wanting to transport goods internationally, whether import or export, this means delays and costs.

Factors causing delays in international shipping

There are numerous factors that can cause delays in the arrival of goods to their intended destinations. These can range from minor to extreme, and common to rare in the likelihood of occurrence.

Whenever there is uncertainty with overseas shipping, especially sea freight, the added costs inevitably fall back onto the customer.

Weather

Poor weather is always the enemy of international shipping, especially for ocean freight. With climate change, however, the variability and incidence of extreme weather events are growing.

Bad weather can cause delays to the vessel’s arrival at a given port or force it to redirect to another port. In the worst case, extreme weather can cause damage to containers and contents, or the ship itself.

Industrial disputes, port strikes, and closures

More common in developed nations, industrial disputes can restrict cargo movements at a given port. This can result in delays in offloading, or redirection of the vessel to another port to offload.

Redirection to an alternate offloading port means that goods need to be shipped overland by road transport. This adds both additional time and costs to a shipment.

Trade disputes and restrictions

Trade disputes can cause disruption and uncertainty between different countries which can flow on to changes in shipping schedules. Even if your goods are not under restriction, the reduction of overall shipments can impact the time it takes to get yours.

Wars and civil conflict

Wars and conflicts break out at various times and places all over the world. This can lead to complete border closures or restrictions of cargo entering or leaving a given country. At the least, these tend to cause delay.

Extended quarantine

Whilst COVID-19 was a global event, there have at times been more localised epidemics. These can cause a high level of restriction and delay in shipping to the involved countries.

Extended quarantines can be required for certain goods, or shipments arriving from those countries. This complicates not only the actual transportation of goods but their handling at either end of the journey.

Additionally, under these circumstances, preference is often given to the personal safety of the crew, handlers, and port staff.

Access to shipping containers

There has been considerable upheaval in the flow of sea cargo around the world. Because of this, some regions can end up with an excess of shipping containers and others with not enough.

If there is a lack of containers in the country you wish to ship from it can take longer to source shipping containers. Additionally, some shippers are willing to pay more for containers in order to get their goods moving. This means shippers are faced with the choice of added cost per shipment or further delay.

Accidents

A notable recent event, the blocking of the Suez Canal, caused massive delays in shipping worldwide. Ships and shipping companies were faced with the choice of an unknown wait for the canal to be re-opened or a longer and more dangerous trip around the Horn of Africa. Either way, this caused delays and additional costs.

Accidents, unfortunately, cannot usually be predicted (though accidents due to safety issues could potentially be). In these circumstances, it is important to have your freight forwarder keep up to date with the situation, or look at other alternatives.

Further effects of international shipping uncertainty

Delays with international sea cargo shipping can have a variety of secondary effects, most of which further impact time and cost. These can include;

• Backlog of goods and containers waiting to enter the origin port.
• Vessels are more full than usual. This can result in longer unloading times, or more ports to visit.
• A possible end to ship-on-demand or drop-shipping for which turnaround times are growing too long. This may mean a return to more goods warehousing locally in order to balance out uncertainties in shipping times.
• The increasing price of some goods.
• Greater difficulty in sourcing certain raw materials for manufacturing.

The flow on from extended shipping times may touch upon many areas of business, which in turn will affect consumer access to goods.

The important thing is that trade will not stop; we’ll just need to discover new ways of working.

How you can save money or disruption in uncertain times

There will always be the potential for late shipments or additional costs with international freight. There are, however, a few things that may help reduce costs and disruption to your business.

• Use a freight forwarding company that knows the shipping industry well, like SPLS.
• Have your freight forwarders negotiate deals, or look at alternative shipping lines.
• Consider locking in shipments further in advance. Develop detailed shipping or freight plans.
• Don’t rely on ship-on-demand freight; it is no longer reliable. Consider shipping larger volumes but warehousing locally.
• Pair with other shippers, but only ones you trust totally.
• Integrate rises in shipping costs with your pricing models. Don’t worry too much about the competition with this. Almost everyone who import/exports is in the same boat (no pun intended), so they also need to either absorb the cost or pass it along.
• Look at local manufacturing alternatives, even if it is just to continue supply whilst awaiting further shipments.

To discuss your import/export shipping options, come and speak with us.

The post Uncertainty in International Shipping and Freight Forwarding appeared first on Air and Sea Freight Forwarding Logistics Specialists.

Appropriate packing of commercial goods for overseas shipping is essential. If you want your products to arrive in prime condition, it’s important to learn how to pack a container for overseas shipping effectively.

This is especially relevant for sea freight but also holds true for land and air freight. Similarly, whilst this article is targeted for commercial goods shipping, suitable packing of personal items for overseas relocation is just as important.

All overseas transportation involves long distances during which your packed goods are subjected to considerable stress. Unsuitable packaging, packing, and securing of your goods can result in damage and the associated costs to your business. Additionally, improperly secured loads can also result in personal injury to handlers or the final recipient when opening the container. Properly packing your shipping container for overseas transportation can avoid many of these issues.

Possible physical conditions when shipping overseas

All methods of shipping goods over long distances will involve some or many of the following;

• Vibration due to road conditions or air turbulence. This can vary between short-term or quite persistent over the entire length of the journey.
• Small impacts such as bumps, knocks, or drops that the shipping containers or individual cartons and crates receive as part of normal handling.
• Rolling or swaying motions, especially for sea transportation, can cause goods to shift positions. These movements can sometimes be quite violent, depending upon the weather.
• Goods that are not properly secured can fall from their intended position to potentially damage themselves and other products.
• Impact due to accidents. These can range from very minor to severe. How well your goods survive will be in direct relationship to how well they have been packed.

Sea freight, in particular, is subjected to the potential movement of cargo over considerable periods of time.

Tips for packing goods for shipping

When packing your goods for international shipping, always preference functionality over appearance. The primary goal is to get your items to their destination. There is no point in having beautiful-looking packaging that can’t survive the journey.

If you always assume that goods will shift during transportation, you’ll be thinking on the right track to prevent incidents. If you are manufacturing products yourself for export, including the shipping considerations into your overall process thinking. The first step is protecting goods with effective packaging, the second is knowing how to pack shipping containers themselves.

Individual cartons

If you have smaller items to transport, you will likely want to start by thinking about individual boxes or cartons.  Goods for export /import can benefit from thicker boxes, providing them greater structural stability and resistance to impact.

For more fragile items, you may also want to consider the individual item packaging or packing material inside the cartons. These should help prevent units inside each box or carton from shifting or knocking against each other. Packing material inside a box or carton should also help prevent the effects of sustained vibration.

Items on pallets

If goods are to be palletised, ensure that individual boxes or cartons cannot move or shift during transport. This can lead to boxes falling and damaging their contents or other surrounding items. In the worst cases, this can cause instability of the entire pallet.

Pallets should at the very least be well shrink-wrapped.  Consider adding a cardboard sleeve around the outside, or other structural elements to limit boxes from shifting or skewing.

For commercial cargo such as machinery, parts, or other non-boxed items, wrapping is essential. If left loose on a pallet you may find the international shipping depot refuses to handle them. They will return them to the origin at your cost.

Commercial cargo crates

If you are transporting machinery, it can often be worthwhile constructing or purchasing crates. A crate can help protect delicate or protruding parts of the machine from being impacted and damaged. A crate such as this will usually be designed with a pallet-style base for lifting with a forklift.

How to pack shipping containers for overseas transport

Whether packing a shipping container with pallets, or loading items directly, it is vital to secure them properly for transportation.

Assuming that your goods, boxes, or pallets will move during transport;

• Will moving damage them?
• Could they potentially crush or damage other goods?
• Is there potential for the items to tip or fall?

Standard shipping containers include plenty of tie-down points on the floor and walls. Use these to secure items within the container in order to prevent movement.

If possible, don’t leave too much open floor space. This will automatically limit how much items can slide around during shipping.

Other considerations

There are a variety of other points worth looking at when making decisions on how to pack a container for overseas transportation.

• Remember that packing items are non-returnable. In particular, don’t use Chep pallets as these will not be returned and you will lose your deposit.
• If you are planning to use single-use pallets, check the rules for the country of destination. Some countries will only accept treated timber or recyclable materials.
• Consider the difference between purchasing single-use pallets and the cost of unloading boxes, cartons, or goods from road transport directly into the shipping container.
• Take extra care with heavy goods. If they come loose during transportation, they can potentially cause damage to the shipping container itself. Guess who pays for that?
• If you transport hazardous materials of any sort, take extreme care to protect and secure the goods. A recent case involving a Sri Lankan vessel transporting nitric acid involved a spillage leading to a large fire. In the end, the vessel was irreparably damaged.
• Always check your total weights. The shipping of containers includes a limit by overall weight as well as volume.
• For LTL shipping, remember that other goods will be packed into a shipping container with yours. You have no control over what these are or how they pack them. Consider whether it is worth the savings or if it may be better to pay for an entire container.

Of course, it is possible (and advisable) to purchase shipping insurance for your cargo. Making a claim, however, can be complicated and frustrating, and should always be a last case scenario. Why risk your shipment when many potential issues can be solved with a little thought, care, and attention?

Contact Us

For advice and assistance with your overseas freight shipping, come and speak with us. A conversation can save you time and money. We can even help you develop long-term shipping plans.

The post How to Pack a Container for Overseas Shipping – the Best Methods appeared first on Air and Sea Freight Forwarding Logistics Specialists.