Have you ever seen a big ship at a port with a huge arm over its chimney? That arm is part of a system that sucks up the dirty smoke from the ship and filters it before letting it out. This way, the air around the port becomes cleaner and healthier for the people who live and work there. Ships are one of the main sources of air pollution in the world. They burn a lot of fuel that makes carbon dioxide, which causes global warming, and other harmful gases and particles, which cause smog and health problems. Some of these gases and particles are called diesel particulate matter (DPM) and nitrogen oxide (NOx). California has some of the busiest

The Impact of the Crisis on Global Trade The Red Sea Crisis, which began in October 2023 when the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen launched attacks on Israeli and international ships, has disrupted the global trade and supply chains, forcing many carriers to avoid the route and take longer and costlier detours around Africa. This has increased the shipping costs and delivery times for many importers and exporters, especially those in the US and Europe who rely on the Suez Canal as a vital link to Asia and the Middle East. The Benefits of Foreign-Trade Zones However, some businesses have found a way to mitigate the impact of the crisis by using foreign-trade zones (FTZs), which are designated areas within

The Red Sea, one of the world’s most important shipping routes, has been disrupted by a series of attacks from the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have declared war on Israel in response to its bombardment of Gaza. The attacks have targeted commercial vessels, especially oil tankers and container ships, with drones, missiles, and even hijackings. The situation has escalated in the past week, forcing some of the biggest shipping companies to halt or reroute their traffic, while the US has announced a maritime coalition to defend shipping against the attacks. How the Red Sea Crisis Impacts Global Trade and Shippers The Red Sea crisis has put a strain on the already fragile global supply chain, which has been suffering

The world is facing a new challenge to global trade and health, as the conflict between Yemen’s Houthi rebels and a Saudi-led coalition escalates in the Red Sea. The Houthis have been launching missile and drone attacks on ships passing through the Red Sea, a vital waterway for international commerce and energy. The attacks have endangered the lives of international crews, disrupted the flow of goods and oil, and increased the risk of environmental damage and marine pollution.   The Red Sea crisis is not only a regional issue, but a global one, that affects the interests and values of the United States and the world. The crisis also reminds us of the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, which

Longer routes around South Africa increase costs and delays, but also ease supply pressure Maersk confirm Valentine presents will have to take a different journey this year As a U.S. Customs Broker and Freight Forwarder, John S. James Co. is always monitoring the global shipping situation and how it impacts our clients. Recently, we have witnessed a major disruption in the Red Sea, where attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels on container ships have forced many operators to suspend their services along this route. This means that cargo destined for Europe or the U.S. from Asia has to take a longer and more expensive detour around the Cape of Good Hope.   This unexpected crisis has created a mixed picture for

Published in The Loadstar, January 22, 2024 Containerships are proving less vulnerable to Panama Canal draught restrictions than other shipping sectors, but the resulting overall supply chain costs are expected to be significant.   Daily transit and weight restrictions have been imposed on ships transiting the canal since last March in a bid to preserve water levels after drops caused by higher temperatures, a delayed rainy season and the El Nino weather phenomenon.   On 1 January, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) increased the number of transit slots up for auction to 24 a day, from 22. Before restrictions, there were around 34 to 38 daily transits.  Analysis from Drewry estimates that, while monthly data from the ACP shows the number of transits across