CMA CGM reshuffles Europe-Med-W Africa services to reach
landlocked

FRENCH shipping group CMA CGM Group, the world's third largest carrier, has reshuffled its port network coverage from Europe and the Mediterranean to West Africa to provide five services from mid-December 2013 using Tangier as an operational hub.
The group said the rationalisation of it container shipping services will enable it to adapt to the market and serve the heart of Africa by utilising intermodal solutions, including Through Bill of Lading (TBL), to reach land locked countries and deliver cargo to its "client's door".
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Greater demand in eastern Europe helps boost growth in
Asia-Med tradelane

CARGO volume from Asia to the Mediterranean fell in September and October 2013 compared to the normal peak season period between April and August, but year-on-year growth remained impressive, particularly to the eastern Mediterranean, according to the Container Insight report issued by Drewry Maritime Research.
As expected, cargo growth from Asia to the Mediterranean tailed off in September and October last year, following the rush to move goods into the Mediterranean ahead of the August holiday period.
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Eastern European exports gain momentum as
Asia-Mediterranean trade continues to boom

DESPITE more mega ships in the world fleet, vessel capacity cascading into the Asia-Mediterranean tradelane between has been minimal, according to London's Drewry Maritime Research.
But carriers need to cancel sailings from Asia to stabilise westbound rates as there is little sign of economic recovery in the western Med to do the job, say Drewry analysts.
The withdrawal of the ABX Black Sea service alone - a reduction of vessel capacity of seven per cent on the tradelane - will still not be enough to keep utilisation above 90 per cent during the winter, they said. >More
 

Box volumes from Med and Northern Europe to ECSA drop
while to North America increase

CONTAINER cargo volumes from Europe to the east coast of South America (ECSA) fell nine per cent between August and September to 74,114 TEU, yet volume in the third quarter was still six per cent higher than the previous quarter. On the other hand, box volumes on transatlantic trade increased in both directions in October while freight rates struggled to reach levels in the same period 2012.
Imports from northern Europe from August-September decreased five per cent to 54,000 TEU, while imports from the Mediterranean dropped 18 per cent year on year to 20,500 TEU, says Drewry using Datamar figures. >More