2020 Ocean Sulphur Change

Even if ships have always been the most sustainable transport mode for goods and commodities, ships becoming even more energy efficient, they use heavy fuel oil containing sulphur. SOx are known to be harmful to human health. Limiting SOx emissions from ships improves air quality and protects the environment. IMO regulations on energy efficiency support the demand for greener and cleaner shipping. IMO regulations to reduce SOx emissions from ships came into force in 2005. Ocean carriers have upgraded engines, bought lighter bunker and implemented surcharges like LSS or LSF. From 1/1/20, the limit for sulphur in bunker will be reduced to 0.5% (currently at 3.5% with some specific areas already at 0.1%). This will significantly reduce the amount of SOx and should have major health and environmental benefits. A ship which is more energy efficient burns less fuel so emits less air pollution.

A 2016 study to IMO estimated that by not reducing the SOx limit for ships from 2020, the air pollution from ships would contribute to more than half million premature deaths worldwide between 2020-2025.

Let’s be prepare to some increases in the LSS or LSF surcharges in early 2020 and maybe late 2019.

Read more: 

• IMO
• CMA-CGM
• HAPAG
• MAERSK
• MSC

Merge of 2 existing services from MED to U.S. Atlantic ports

Once all charges deducted, MED rates to U.S. Atlantic ports are low and can’t be sustainable enough for carriers.

The immediate consequence will be the merge of 2 services in 1.

As from December, the services of THE Alliance (Hapag-Lloyd, ONE & YML) and OCEAN Alliance (CMA, APL COSCO & OOCL) will merge in a single service.

The vessels deployed will be bigger (8000-8500 TEU) which may reduce their operating costs per TEU, however there is no capacity increase compared to the existing 2 services.

Read more: 

• CMA-CGM
• HAPAG-LLOYD
• ONE

Reefer containers to prevent and protect your wines

Fall is coming, let’s remember some changes in temperature can occur and be extremely sensitive or suddenly severe especially in some areas such as the Mid-West and/or when your wines are shipped from far away sailing with a long transit time making difficult the anticipation of temperature upon arrival.

Please note that the coverage of "alteration of temperature" with a container equipped with thermal blanket is suspended during the period from November 1 (date of arrival) through March 31rst for any shipment going to the Mid-West Area – Great Lakes area or any “remote” inland destinations.

So it is recommended to use reefer containers to prevent and protect your wines with that upmost solution.