In April 2017, a cargo phosphates was loaded on the bulk carrier NM CHERRY BLOSSOM at El Aaiun, Western Sahara. This was one of a regular shipment of phosphates sold fob by the Moroccan company, OCP SA, to the New Zealand Company Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd.

Mounting world activity in infrastructure and other construction projects has prompted the second major Canadian bulk shipping enterprise in two years to establish a global cement shipping joint venture to broaden its revenue stream.

Kristen Decas, Port Director & CEO of the Port of Hueneme, a Southern California port, predicts auto shipments and cargo tonnages will rise modestly in 2018.

Maersk’s CEO Soren Skou commented recently on the state of container shipping noting that government subsidy helps to create over capacity and promotes competitive imbalance. Advocating a competitive approach, he stated that the market will sort out carriers with profitable business models.

Ocean Network Express Pte., Ltd, better known as ONE, is a brand new company. Jeremy Nixon, the CEO of the container ship operator, stressed the point in an interview with the American Journal of Transportation (AJOT) at their brand new headquarters in One East Tower in Singapore.

The Port of Prince Rupert, DP World Prince Rupert and CN have announced a new weekly marine carrier service at the Fairview Container Terminal. Yang Ming and its partners in THE Alliance, Hapag-Lloyd and Ocean Network Express, have added Prince Rupert as the first North American port of call on the amended PS8 trans-Pacific service this spring.

Quebec City-based Groupe Desgagnés has christened and launched in Montreal the M/T Mia Desgagnés, the world's first polar-class dual-fuel oil/chemical tanker. It entailed an investment of C$50 million, including some C$9 million for the dual fuel/LNG equipment. Desgagnés operates a fleet of some 21 vessels deployed on North American, Arctic and overseas trades.

HR 5417 The Responsible and Effective Standards for Truckers or REST Act would allow drivers to stop the clock for up to three hours during their active shift.

Almond Board of California President and CEO, Richard Waycott expressed concerns about losing exports to China, if China assesses an additional 15% tariff on U.S. almonds.

While tens of thousands of sports entertainment aficionados were throwing down less than a mile away at WrestleMania 34 events at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, a couple hundred participants in the 10th anniversary Cargo Connections Conference found themselves grappling with far more serious issues.