EES Shipping February Newsletter

It's February! This month we're talking about the West Coast USA ports, the new Chain of Responsibility Laws and the ICC Cricket World Cup.

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West Coast USA shutdown averted

There now appears to be an end in the on-going congestion experienced in the West Coast ports of the United States. Trouble on the wharves started in October 2014 and was caused by disputes between International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association, which
represents port employers.

Both parties have been involved in negotiations for nine months. With vessels waiting to berth outside Los Angeles and Long Beach, the busy waterway resembled Singapore's. A whopping twenty-nine ports on the West Coast continue to struggle with setbacks. Both importers and exporters are feeling the crunch of these delays, but there is hope that a five year contract deal has averted any further trouble.

Stink Bugs

Late January/early February saw the introduction of emergency measures for the importation of break bulk and containerised vehicles, machinery, automotive parts and tyres shipped from the East Coast ports of the United States. The mandatory introduction came after significant interceptions of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs.

Chain of responsibility

We're reminding everyone again of the new Chain of Responsibility laws that will be introduced into Western Australia law on the 27th April 2015. All parties involved in the logistics chain should be familiar with this new transport law for container movements by this date.

New crane for DP World

Monday the 23rd February saw a brand spanking new crane pull alongside at Fremantle wharf. The white and red post panamax crane is a workhorse, with an outreach of fifty metres and a rated capacity under spreader of 65 tonnes. The new crane arrived in Fremantle on a specialised "crane ship".

World Cup Fever Hits Australia & New Zealand

For the next month, all cricketing eyes will be focussed on Australia and New Zealand as the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup takes place. Broadcast to over 2 billion people worldwide, 14 countries will compete in 49 matches across 14 venues to decide who will lift the ultimate prize in international cricket. Australia will be looking to lift the trophy for a record fifth time and while there is some friendly rivalry happening in the EES Shipping workplace (between Australia, England, New Zealand and Bangladesh), we look forward to a great tournament. HOWZAAAAAAT!!!!!

February celebrations

This month was a big one for anniversaries here at EES Shipping.
Firstly, Geoff, Managing Director and Helen, Administration Director, celebrated their twenty ninth year with EES. Customs Broker David, Cartage Controller Amanda and Sam from Sales Support, all joined hands and rejoiced in their first year with the EES family. Congratulations to you all on these fantastic milestones.
We can’t forget to mention that Phil Gray, EES Customs Manager, also celebrated his birthday in February. Happy Birthday Phil!