Title: Vietnam Shipper 108
Date: (01-10-2013)

Mega ships to put pressure on rates, warns analyst
The arrival of 18,000 TEU Triple-E ships are going to put further pressure on container freight rates.

The cost-saving attributes of the mega size vessels could cut both ways as shippers would like some of these savings in costs to be passed on to them in the form of lower freight rates. …(Read more on Vietnam Shipper Issue No. 108)

 

China-Europe rail route cheaper and faster

With shorter transport times and lower costs for freight, international rail lines linking central and western China with Europe have helped to improve connectivity and trade between the regions.

Starting in Chongqing, the Chongqing-Xinjiang-Europe International Railway passes through Xi\'an, Lanzhou, Urumqi and the Alataw Pass, where it enters Kazakhstan, before continuing through Russia, Belarus and Poland, finally ending in Duisburg, Germany …(Read more on Vietnam Shipper Issue No. 108)

 

Cuban port woos foreign investors

Cuba has published rules and regulations on governing its first special development zone, touting new port facilities in Mariel Bay in a bid to attract investors and take advantage of a renovated Panama Canal, reported Reuters.

The decree establishing the zone and related rules takes effect on November 1 and includes significant tax and Customs breaks for foreign and Cuban companies while maintaining restrictive policies, including for labour. …(Read more on Vietnam Shipper Issue No. 108)

 

Airfreight

Middle East Surging

Middle-East-based carriers were among the top gainers in the World Air Transport Statistics for 2012. Emirates SkyCargo made one of the most significant advances, rising to the top spot, past FedEx, in the regional category and achieving third overall, behind FedEx and UPS Airlines in total scheduled freight tonnes carried.…(Read more on Vietnam Shipper Issue No. 108)