Shipbuilding Comeback in the US: Promise or Pipe Dream?
From tariffs to trade disruption, the first six months of the year have continued to throw curve balls at the shipping industry. Among the many policy announcements that made headlines earlier this year, the bi-partisan SHIPS for America Act and President Trump’s Maritime Executive Order of April 2025, directing the development of a Maritime Action Plan, have the potential to be truly transformational. US-Brazil Trade War Intensifies with New 50 per cent TariffJuly 10, 2025 - President Donald Trump has announced that the US will impose a 50 per cent tariff on all Brazilian imports. The new tariffs will take effect on 1 August, with Trump framing the move as a response to what he described as a politically motivated “witch hunt” against Bolsonaro, who faces charges related to an alleged coup attempt. Reuters revealed that in a letter addressed to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Trump criticized Brazil’s judiciary, accusing it of undermining democratic institutions. Sappi Europe to Close Two Paper Machines at Alfeld Mill in Germany
The Alfeld mill produces coated and uncoated packaging and specialty papers, along with chlorine-free bleached pulp. The mill houses five paper machines. Over recent years, Sappi has taken considerable steps to improve the financial performance of its Alfeld Mill. However, despite reducing losses significantly, the complexity of the current product and asset portfolio has limited the mill's ability to operate sustainably under current and foreseeable market conditions. PCA Agrees to Buy Greif Containerboard Business for $1.8 Billion
The Greif containerboard business includes two containerboard mills with approximately 800,000 tons of production capacity and eight sheet feeder and corrugated plants located across the United States. The business generated approximately $1.2 billion in sales and $212 million of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for the 12 months ended April 30, 2025 (the LTM period). Two New Container Cranes Arrive at JAXPORT
A third 50-gauge crane is currently being built at Liebherr’s facility in Ireland. Scheduled for delivery in December 2025, the third crane will be deployed at the port’s Talleyrand Marine Terminal in early 2026. The new cranes are designed to handle wider vessels. Each can reach up to 19 containers across a ship’s deck and have a container lift capacity of up to 65 long tons. The Legacy Paper Group Announces Plans to Restart PM8 at Port Huron Mill
The company did not disclose an approximate timeline for the restart. The restart addresses growing market demand for sustainable, lightweight specialty papers used in food packaging and other critical applications. CMPC Celebrates Official Launch of Forest Products Business Unit in Atlanta
According to the company, the Atlanta office marks a new step in its internationalization strategy and closer relationship with the North American market. "This step allows us to be closer to our customers in the United States and respond more quickly to their needs, offering first-class service right down to the last mile," said Francisco Ruiz-Tagle, general manager of CMPC. UPM Expands Its Baltic Sea Collaboration to Include Forestry Water Protection
"As part of our Forest Action forest responsibility program, we want to be at the forefront of promoting sustainable practices in forestry water protection," said Tuomas Kara, Environmental Manager at UPM Forest. "A lack of clear, research-backed information in certain areas is still holding back the development of effective practices. Metsä Fibre Taking Temporary Downtime at Its Joutseno Pulp Mill in Finland
The shutdown is the result of low order volumes from Asia. "Our Joutseno pulp mill will be shut down until further notice," said Ismo Nousiainen, CEO of Metsä Fibre. "This temporary production shutdown enables us to adjust our pulp inventory levels to match the low order volumes from Asia and the uncertain market situation." Suzano and Kimberly-Clark Announce $3.4 Billion Joint Venture Partnership
Suzano will pay Kimberly-Clark US$1.734 billion in cash for its 51 percent stake at the closing of the transaction, subject to certain customary post-closing purchase price adjustments. Mercer Holz Presents Electric Trucks for Environmentally Friendly Timber Transport
The E-truck and Infrastructure project is being funded by the Federal Ministry of Transport with a total of 1.03 million euros as part of the directive on the promotion of light and heavy commercial vehicles with alternative, climate-friendly drive systems and associated refuelling and charging infrastructure. Funding for this measure is also provided as part of the German Recovery and Resilience Plan via the European Recovery and Resilience Facilities in the NextGenerationEU Programme. The funding guideline is coordinated by NOW GmbH and applications are approved by the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility. Read more at Mercer International 2026 Forest Products Transport Symposium to be Held at Port of Mobile and Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa
The global symposium will feature a series of high-level presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities aimed at addressing the most pressing issues in the forest products transportation sector. With a focus on emerging trends, new technologies, and sustainability practices, the Symposium will offer valuable insights into the global forest products trade, transportation efficiencies, and the evolving market landscape. Verbrugge International Welcomes “GREEN ITAQUI” and Its Cargo of Wood Pulp
The GREEN ITAQUI is a new vessel in the 77,000 DWT-class. The vessel has a length of 225 meters and a draft up to 14.5 meters. Located in the port of Vlissingen in The Netherlands, Verbrugge Scaldia Terminals handles various bulk, break bulk and project cargoes. With a deep draft, multiple shore cranes and extended warehouse capacity close to the quay, the Verbrugge Scaldia Terminal is very suitable to accommodate these types of vessels.
AF&PA Details U.S. Paper Production and Capacity Trends
The industry utilized its assets more effectively with total paper and paperboard operating rate reaching 87.5% in 2024, a nearly four percentage point increase from 2023. U.S. paper and paperboard production increased 3.2% last year, with increases in all categories, led by strong growth in containerboard. U.S. paper and paperboard capacity declined by 2.0% in 2024, to 78.1 million tons. By comparison, the average annual rate of decline since 2015 was 0.9%. Georgia-Pacific to Close Its Cedar Springs Containerboard Mill in Georgia
In a written statement, Georgia-Pacific said, “Various factors influenced this difficult decision. Ultimately, we do not believe that the mill can competitively serve our customers in the long term. This decision has nothing to do with the quality of work of Georgia-Pacific’s employees at the Cedar Springs mill.” Canfor Pulp Reports Results for the First Quarter of 2025
Commenting on the Company's first quarter results, CPPI's President and Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Mackie, said, "With improved operational performance and some positive momentum in market conditions early in 2025, we are pleased to see another quarter of positive results for our pulp business. Smurfit Westrock to Close CRB Mill in Minnesota; Containerboard Mill in Texas
Smurfit Westrock has also initiated consultations with local works councils in Germany with a view to permanently closing two converting facilities there. Approximately 650 employees in the U.S. and Germany will be impacted as a result of these closures. UPM Moving Towards ‘-30 by 30’ Emission Reduction Target through Smarter Logistics
In 2022 UPM launched the ‘-30 by 30’ Programme with the aim of reducing CO2 emissions related to purchased materials and logistics (Scope 3*) by 30%. As part of the programme suppliers are required to provide data on the carbon footprint of the goods and services they sell to UPM. This includes accounting for all relevant emissions from the supplier's upstream supply chain and operations. SCA Logistics’ New Crane Lifts Service at Terminal in Sundsvall, Sweden
“We already have a crane of the same model and now that we have two, we can load larger ships more efficiently,” says Tommy Berglund, department manager for the operational side. Increased Security The new crane also means that safety and the working environment are improved. The crane has, among other things, a safety system that means that there is no risk of implements, such as a beam, colliding with the cab. In addition, the crane warns of heavy loads, so that the crane operator can work efficiently and safely. Arauco Lays the Cornerstone for Its New Pulp Mill in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
The event was attended by national and local authorities including the Vice President of Brazil, Geraldo Alckmin, along with the entire Arauco team, headed by the CEO of the Arauco group, Cristian Infante, and the CEO of Arauco in Brazil, Carlos Altimiras. Valmet was represented by the South America Area management and the team members working for the project. Heinzel Group Commissions Paper Machine 11 at Laakirchen Mill in Austria
According to Heinzel, several key investments have been made at the site in recent months to support the machine's conversion, including: A new plant for pulp processing from waste paper, a new waste paper storage hall, as well as an additional anaerobic wastewater treatment plant, significantly increasing biogas production and enhancing sustainability. PM11, operating at a width of 8.9 metres and a speed of 1,600 metres per minute, has the capacity to produce up to 470,000 tonnes per year of corrugated base paper. Norske Skog Getting Ready to Start Production of Containerboard at Golbey Mill in France
The EUR 300 million project includes the conversion of paper machine 1 (PM1) from the production of newsprint to recycled containerboard. The machine has the capacity to produce 550,000 tonnes per year and is expected to reach 95% utilization within 2-3 years after startup. According to Norske Skog, finalizing the pre-commissioning of the new containerboard machine is the main outstanding item before the project is completed and production can start. Stora Enso Starts-up Converted Consumer Board Machine at Oulu Mill in Finland
In October of 2022, Stora Enso announced its decision to convert the remaining idled paper machine (PM 6) at the Oulu site into a highly flexible consumer packaging board line for folding box board (FBB) and coated unbleached kraft (CUK), with an annual capacity of 750,000 tonnes. The project is being completed according to the original timeline and budget of approximately EUR 1 billion. IFPTA "On the Road" at Shanghai Pulp Week
IFPTA's event was well-received and attendees expressed their interest in participating in the networking get-together again in 2026. Cepi Calls on EU Commission to Continue Negotiations on US Tariffs to Avoid Supply Chain Disruptions
On March 12, the United States government-imposed tariffs on steel and aluminium and signaled that it may impose tariffs on a broader range of EU goods, potentially including pulp and paper products, in April. Cepi, representing the European pulp and paper industry, is now taking part in a consultation launched by the European Commission on the list of American products targeted by European retaliation measures. UPM to Reduce Paper Capacity in Germany; Streamline Its Structure to Ensure Performance
Should the plans be implemented, the number of positions affected in Ettringen is estimated at 235. The participation process with the workers council will start immediately in line with local legislation. “In a dynamically changing market that has been characterized by overcapacity for years, operational competitiveness is key to underpinning our long-term commitment to the still sizeable graphic paper markets. EUDR to Impact Every Part of the Timber Supply Chain — New Study
“The results indicate that high-deforestation countries, such as Brazil, Indonesia, and Malaysia, are expected to face significant reductions in roundwood production and exports, with downstream effects on sawn wood and panel prices. At the same time, low-deforestation countries, including Canada (1.4% increase) and the United States (0.1% increase), may experience slight increases in production to meet EU demand.” Metsä Board to Close Tako Board Mill in Tampere, Finland, in 2Q 2025
The measures will lead to a total reduction of 208 jobs. The Tako board mill has two folding boxboard machines with annual production capacities of 70,000 and 140,000 tonnes. This represents approximately 13% of the company's current annual production capacity of approximately 1.6 million tonnes of folding boxboard. New Technology Increases Breakbulk Capacity at the Port of Sundsvall
Here, three employees of SCA Logistics share their experience of and insights into the development of breakbulk handling at the Port of Sundsvall. Larger Vessels and More Efficient Loading“We have seen a distinct trend towards larger vessels, meaning we can transport larger volumes of cargo at a time and reduce the cost per shipped tonne,” says SCA Logistics’ Sundsvall Terminal Manager Dennis Melarti. Read more at SCA BlackRock Agrees to Buy Panama Canal Ports in Win for Trump Effort to Reassert U.S. Influence
The deal brings ownership of key Panama Canal ports back into American hands, making it a win for President Donald Trump, who has warned against the perils of China’s growing amount of influence over the canal. BlackRock’s group of investors is buying two Panama Canal ports, Balboa and Cristobal, and various companies owned by CK Hutchison that control 43 ports in 23 countries worldwide. The Panama Canal transaction will proceed on a different timetable than the rest of the ports, because the Panamanian government will have to confirm it. Read more at National Review We Have the Trees — Trump ‘Frees Up’ Forests for Timber Production
The new order reverses an order from Joe Biden – who pledged to protect old-growth forests from logging – and comes just weeks after newly appointed Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins pledged to increase timber output in federally controlled forests. “We’re so restricted environmentally… We have more forests than almost anybody. We don’t need anybody’s trees. We don’t need trees from Canada or anybody else,” President Trump said. The United States is the world’s largest producer of pulp, paper, and lumber but also the second-largest consumer of timber (behind China), leaning on 30% of Canadian lumber to meet domestic demand. However… Read more at WoodCentral AF&PA Congratulates U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer
“We congratulate Mr. Greer on his confirmation to serve as U.S. Trade Representative. AF&PA members make about 87% of the pulp, paper, paper-based packaging and tissue products made in the U.S., supporting over 900,000 American manufacturing jobs in mostly rural communities across the country. “We encourage Mr. Greer to swiftly engage with the European Commission to address concerns about the EU Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR). Europe is an important market for American-made essential paper products, and this one-size-fits-all regulatory approach ignores the U.S. as among the most responsible suppliers of forest fiber in the world. “We look forward to working with Mr. Greer to have the U.S. recognized as not contributing to global deforestation. The burden EUDR places on U.S. pulp, paper and packaging manufacturers will not achieve the EU’s stated policy goal.” VTT, Oulu Port and Technology Firms in EUR 12.8 Million Project to Improve Security and Resilience in Ports
The total budget for the international research and development project is EUR 12.8 million. The project is funded by the participating organizations, foreign public research funders, and Business Finland. The project focuses on developing a secure situational awareness concept that enhances trust and security by building autonomous resilience into the system. JAXPORT Growth Outlook Includes Business Diversification, New Trade Lane Connectivity
Cargo activity through Jacksonville’s seaport supported more than 228,100 jobs in Florida and $44 billion in annual economic output for the region and state in 2024, according to newly released data. As new global ocean carrier alliances begin this month, JAXPORT is maintaining and growing its container services through strategic partnerships with the world’s top ocean carriers. These new and modified service routes provide JAXPORT with access to more global markets than ever before, expanding the port’s connectivity to new and emerging markets.
Panama Gives in as US Pressure on Panama Canal IntensifiesFeb. 4, 2025 - Under increasing US pressure, Panama has elected not to renew its belt and road (BRI) deal with China and will also allow toll-free transits to American warships. Following the first overseas trip by US secretary of state Marco Rubio (above), Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino said the BRI agreement with China, which expires in two to three years, would not be renewed. And US Navy vessels will now no longer pay $5.50 per displacement ton when transiting the canal. Mr. Mulino is also said to be considering reviewing a 25-year concession with Hutchison Port Holdings. The Hong Kong-based terminal operator is under fire from the US over alleged links to the Chinese government. Hutchison and Panama renewed a 25-year concession for Balboa, at the western entrance, and Cristobal, on the Atlantic side, in 2021. IntermodeX Announces Construction of LinX Logistics Facility at the Port of Prince Rupert
Set to launch in Q1 2027, Phase 1 will span over 30 acres and feature a 100-door facility, providing seamless transloading for both import and export cargo between North America and the Asia-Pacific region. The LinX facility will be the anchor tenant of the newly developed South Kaien Import Logistics Park (SKILP), a joint venture between PRPA and Metlakatla Development Corporation. Port of Savannah’s Ocean Terminal Receives Four New Electric Ship-to-Shore Cranes
Once all cranes are commissioned and berth construction is completed, the eight ship-to-shore cranes at Ocean Terminal will have the capability to service two vessels simultaneously. “The completion of this project upgrade in 2028 will enable Ocean Terminal to accommodate the largest vessels serving the U.S. East Coast,” said Ed McCarthy, Chief Operating Officer of Georgia Ports. Suzano Announces Global Price Increases for Its Hardwood Market Pulp
The price increases are as follows (all in USD):
The price increases are effective as of February 2025. WALLENIUS SOL and BB Logistics Create Warehouse Partnership in Kemi, Finland
The contract became effective January 1. The contract includes a 12,000 m² warehouse in the Port of Kemi, which will be operated by BB Logistics. This collaboration will enable WALLENIUS SOL to offer comprehensive warehousing solutions for its customers on the weekly liner service to Kemi. “Through this agreement, we are securing essential warehousing capacity in Kemi, which is vital for meeting the increasing demand in the region... Port of Vancouver Installing New Navigation Aids to Enhance Marine Traffic Safety in Eastern Burrard Inlet
This work includes installing two solar-powered range lights and a sector light off Berry Point, and illuminating the pillars of the Second Narrows Rail Bridge. Installation will start mid-January and is scheduled to be completed in the spring, with the navigation aids expected to be turned on and trialed by the Pacific Pilotage Authority and BC Coast Pilots starting late-April. Unifor Members of Local 101R at Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway Vote in Favor of Strike Action
"This strike mandate shows the strength and determination of CPKC workers to achieve a fair deal," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "Members are united in their demands for job security and work ownership, fair wages, and improved working conditions." The vote authorizes the union to initiate strike action if a deal is not reached by 12:01 a.m. EST on January 29, 2025. SCA Announces Price Increase for Its NBSK Pulp in Europe
The new price will be effective February 1. "We observe improvements in several global markets, while producer stocks are decreasing," sais Henning Ellström, VP Sales and Marketing Pulp at SCA.
Metsä Group’s Tissue Paper Transports in Scandinavia Switch to Renewable Fuels
Approximately 40 percent of Metsä Tissue Scandinavia’s outbound transports are now powered by HVO or bio-diesel. These biofuel transports represent a vast majority of the outbound transports that Metsä Tissue organizes by itself in the region and the company’s short-term target is to extend the biofuel coverage of own transports to 100 per cent. Box Lines Anticipate Strike, Slap US East Coast Surcharges
Linerlytica’s report this week stated that the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the US Maritime Alliance (USMX), which represents the US East Coast terminal operators, remain deadlocked in their wage negotiations. The consultancy stated: “Stakeholders are gearing up for another port strike on 15 January 2025. Various carriers have already issued advisories to their customers on contingency actions in the event of a strike, with expectations of a coast-wide closure of ports and container depots across the US East and Gulf coasts expected to cause transpacific freight rates to spike.” Maersk Line has announced… World Shipping Council Board Elects Soren Toft as Chair; Randy Chen as Vice Chair
Toft and Chen will serve a two-year term, effective immediately. The new Chair and Vice Chair succeed Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd AG, and Jeremy Nixon, CEO of ONE, who have served as co-Chairs of the WSC Board for two terms, starting November 2020.
Port of Antwerp-Bruges Kick-off Construction of New Coordination Center
The new ACC will be a recognisable orientation point along the river Scheldt. This eight-story building, covering an area of 8,000 m² and 46 metres tall, is being built between Zandvliet Lock and Berendrecht Lock. It will replace the current coordination centre, which was built in the 70s. With a flexible and modular structure that can respond to changes in the future, it will be a central hub where teams such as shipping guidance, lock operators, pilotage and boatmen work closely together. Grieg Star Announces Promotions of Ann-Kristin Eidsvik and Heine Hallaråker
Eidsvik joined Grieg Star in 2011 as Port Captain and most recently held the position of Marine Manager. According to the company, Eidsvik has been an invaluable member of its team for many years. Her systematic approach and immense knowledge related to cargo operations make her a perfect Head of Operations, Grieg Star said. Metsä Board Introduces QR Code with Recycling Information for All Its Delivery Packaging Materials
By providing accessible and clear recycling information, the company aims to make it as easy as possible for customers to sort and recycle all the materials they receive with the product deliveries. In addition... Port of Rotterdam Utilizes Sector-Wide Negotiations for More Efficient Road Transport of Containers
Within the sector-wide negotiations, the challenges are being tackled to improve traffic flow, safety and sustainability of road transport to strengthen the port of Rotterdam’s competitiveness. Such initiatives already existed for inland shipping and rail. West Coast Port Strike in Canada Disrupts Global Supply Chain
The West Coast ports are essential, managing about $576 million in daily trade and serving as a key part of North America’s ports, railroads, and trucking network. However ... Södra Deploys First Electric Truck to Transport Pulp from Värö in Sweden
The Värö mill produces softwood kraft pulp with a capacity of 760,000 tonnes per year. It is also a supplier of green energy, generating 1.6 TWh annually. This month, some shipments of pulp from Värö will be delivered by electric truck as part of Södra's climate efforts to achieve net zero emissions of fossil greenhouse gases by 2040. This one truck is expected to save 48 tonnes of CO2 per year, compared with a diesel-powered truck. Delivered by DFDS, the truck will transport pulp from Värö to port terminals in Gothenburg and Varberg during the pilot project. Each journey will have a load weight of 40 tonnes, which is the same volume as previous trucks using fossil fuel. Government of Quebec Announces Investments of $252 Million to Support Forestry Sector
The additional investments of $252 million over five years announced today will enable initiatives worth $540 million over the next seven years to provide support to the wood processing sector and invest in reforestation efforts. Forwarders Slam Canadian Government 'Late Intervention' in Port Strikes
Responding to labour minister Steve MacKinnon’s order to the Industrial Relations Board (IRB) this week to extend existing collective bargaining agreements and impose arbitration on all parties, one forwarder told The Loadstar: “The big question here is why the government waited until the damage was done before stepping in. “It was clear to everyone they’d have to get involved and, once again, they waited until the strike was in full effect before coming to the rescue. “Industry is pleased that goods will be moving again, but probably more annoyed that it’s kind of too late, the damage has been done.” Despite the intervention, unions, including the Longshoremen’s CUPE Local 375 at the port of Montreal, have vowed to fight the action in the courts. European BEK Pulp Prices Tumble by Triple Digits a Third Time
The hardwood pulp market continues to face a situation where supply outstrips demand. Low prices in China and on the European spot market have also contributed to the past months’ rapid decline in BEK prices. Market analysts consider the NBSK market comparatively more balanced, and they spoke less about spot market activity. “There is too much pulp and [not enough] demand. That’s it,” a trader said about the BEK pulp market. “The gap between the spot and the list price is too high, so the list price must go down until it reaches spot levels. That’s the normal dynamic.” Commenting on demand, sources said that the tissue segment continues to do well, but the picture remains more negative for ... International Paper to Review of Strategic Options for Global Cellulose Fibers Business; Close Georgetown Pulp and Paper Mill
IP's GCF business creates safe, high-quality absorbent pulp for a wide range of applications like feminine care, incontinence and other personal care products that promote health and wellness. In addition, its specialty pulp serves as a sustainable raw material used in textiles, construction materials, paints, coatings and more. The GCF business generated $2.9B in revenue in 2023 and has operations in three countries, with eight mills and two converting facilities. Canfor Pulp Reports Results for the Third Quarter of 2024
For the third quarter of 2024, the Company reported an operating loss of $209.3 million, including an asset write-down and impairment charge totaling $211.0 million within its pulp segment. In recent years, the Company, like other pulp producers in central and northern British Columbia, has experienced a significant reduction in the supply of sawmill residual chips driven by extensive temporary and permanent sawmill curtailments and closures in the region. In response to these fibre constraints, the Company has taken several actions including securing additional fibre supply, prioritizing discretionary capital spending to maximize fibre utilization and recovery, as well as making rationalization decisions with respect to the Company's operating footprint. Paper Excellence Group Rebrands All Legacy Businesses as Domtar
Domtar will maintain its corporate offices in Fort Mill, South Carolina, Richmond, British Columbia, and Montreal, Quebec. Södra Increases Price for Saw Logs; Launches New Pricing Tool for Transparency
“Over the past year, Södra has stepped up efforts to develop business relationships with members, while the mills’ focus on using every wood fibre is continuing with the same intensity. We are doing so to strengthen the position of forest owners in a situation where we see long-term demand for raw material from family forestry as more and more players want to use forests for various purposes. Ahlstrom Agrees to Sell Its Aspa Pulp Mill in Sweden to Sweden Timber
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Sweden Timber is a Swedish wood processing company with assets also in papermaking and wood composites. The Aspa pulp mill, which is located in Aspa, Sweden (about 122 km or 76 miles south of Stockholm), produces bleached and unbleached softwood pulp that is used in a broad range of applications in paper and sold globally. It has an annual capacity of approximately 200,000 tonnes and 174 employees. The Art and Science of Handling Breakbulk
JAXPORT’s worldwide cargo service, including direct connections to 140 ports in 70 countries, enables these items to regularly cross the docks at the Talleyrand and Blount Island terminals. Terminal operators Enstructure and SSA Marine specialize in all aspects of handling breakbulk cargo, including storage when needed. About 90 percent of the breakbulk that moves through JAXPORT is temporarily stored in one of the facilities that make up the port’s combined 1 million square feet of on-dock warehousing before being shipped out by truck and rail. Marubeni Corporation Acquires 28% in Gearbulk
Mr. Jebsen is Chair of the G2 Ocean Board of Directors and Chairman and CEO of Gearbulk. The transaction is expected to be concluded soon. Marubeni is a major integrated Japanese trading and investment conglomerate, which will bring additional financial strength and extensive business experience – important for Gearbulk’s continued growth. Longshoremen’s Tentative Agreement Leaves Automation Debate Unresolved
Automation has been introduced at all major U.S. ports, according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), with technology increasingly handling container movements and other critical tasks. Despite studies suggesting automation can improve efficiency and create new jobs, the ILA maintains that it threatens the livelihoods of dockworkers. Suzano Expects to Reduce Production of Market Pulp in 2024 by Four Percent
Suzano's new pulp mill located in Ribas do Rio Pardo (state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil), which the company named "Cerrado Project" while under construction, started-up in mid-July 2024 and has the capacity to produce 2.55 million tons per year of eucalyptus pulp. Not including the new Ribas do Rio Pardo pulp mill, Suzano's installed production capacity of market pulp is about 10.9 million tons per year. NORDEN Closes Its Acquisition of Norlat Shipping
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Norlat Shipping specialises in the shipment of forest products and other bulk commodities, with main trading routes from Northern Europe to North Africa and North America. Norlat’s offices in Norway and Stockholm, Sweden join the growing NORDEN global office network servicing customers across the world. EU Commission Proposes Postponement of Implementation of Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
The EU Commission has proposed [on Oct. 3] a draft amendment to postpone by a year the implementation of a regulation aiming to limit deforestation linked to commodities, not only imported but also produced and exported from the European Union. Long-expected guidelines to the implementation of the EUDR have now been published in conjunction with the announcement, but the information system build by the EU to enforce the tracking of materials and commodities remains to be completed. A benchmarking system assessing the risk level by country is also still pending. Did the ILA strike fully shut down East and Gulf Coast ports? We asked.
The International Longshoremen’s Association began a strike shortly after 12 a.m. ET on Tuesday after the union’s master contract with the United States Maritime Alliance, or USMX, ended. While both the ILA and USMX had exchanged counteroffers 24 hours before the strike was set to start, the union rejected a wage package, calling it insufficient. “The ILA intends for the demonstrations to continue round the clock, 24/7, for as long as it takes for United States Maritime Alliance to meet the demands of ILA rank-and-file members,” the ILA said in a statement on Tuesday. Here is what Supply Chain Dive learned about the status of several East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, as of Tuesday afternoon. Read more at Supply Chain Dive USEC Strike Begins with Predictions of Chaos
Hong Kong consultancy Linerlytica has warned that the shipping lines have not done enough to mitigate the potential for chaos and claims that the strike has thrown the container shipping market into “turmoil” with the lack of government intervention seen as adding to the disruption. Carriers have been slow to respond to the threat of industrial action, only recently applying disruption charges, announcing port omissions, or discharging cargo at upstream facilities. “On the eve of the port strike on 29 September 2024, there were 54 container ships of 371,000 TEUs docked at ports on the East Coast with a further 90 ships of 505,000 TEUs that are scheduled to call at the East Coast in the next seven days with the build-up of ships expected to cause severe port congestion over the coming weeks,” said a Linerlytica report. Spliethoff Expands Fleet with Order of Eight New L-type Vessels
The L-type vessels are specially designed for the transportation of various dry cargo types, including paper products, bulk cargo, project cargo and containers. These Finnish/Swedish 1A Ice-Classed vessels will measure 203.25 m in length, 28.25 m in width, and will have a maximum draft of 10.5 m. They will have a total capacity of about 33,700 m3 and a deadweight (DWAT) of 28,600 mt, making them the largest vessels in the Spliethoff fleet. Mercer International Taking Maintenance Downtime at Its Peace River Pulp Mill
Mercer currently expects the repairs and related assessments will be completed in mid-October and anticipates that NBHK production at the mill will be reduced by approximately 45,000 tonnes as a result of the downtime. IFPTA and TTOBMA Enter Collaboration to Organize 2026 Global Forest Products Transport Symposium
This biennial conference will alternate between major North, Central, or South American and European port cities, with the inaugural Fall 2026 Global Forest Products Transport Symposium to be held in the Americas. The selected city will be announced in early 2025. PhilaPort Receiving $217 Million in Federal Funding to Expand Port; Increase Efficiency
On Sept. 20, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) and U.S. Representatives Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5), Dwight Evans (D-PA-3), and Brendan Boyle (D-PA-2) announced the funding for PhilaPort. “This funding will improve Philadelphia port infrastructure and will allow greater efficiency in handling and transporting goods,” said Congressman Boyle. “Most of all, this funding will create jobs by increasing trade, and enhancing global competitiveness. Philadelphia ports must always be kept updated and modernized to remain competitive in both the regional and global supply chain economy.” Port Officials Brace for Potential Strike by Dockworkers Along the East Coast
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is "coordinating with partners across the supply chain to prepare for any impacts" from a possible work stoppage by workers represented by the International Longshoremen's Association as they negotiate with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), a Port Authority spokesperson told CBS MoneyWatch on Friday. "We urge both sides to find common ground and keep the cargo flowing for the good of the national economy," added the spokesperson, noting that $240 billion in goods move through the two ports each year and that such trade supports more than 600,000 local jobs. According to the union, a strike would affect ports from Maine to Texas. A stoppage could involve up to 45,000 workers at ports that account for roughly 60% of U.S. shipping traffic, leading to a major disruption of shipments, Oxford Economics said in a report. "Even a two-week strike could disrupt supply chains until 2025," Grace Zwemmer, associate U.S. economist with Oxford, said in the report. Winstone Pulp International Closing Its Pulp Mill and Sawmill in New Zealand
The Karioi pulp mill produces 220,000 air dried metric ton of high yield Bleached Chemical Thermomechanical Pulp (BCTMP) from 100% Pinus Radiata grown in responsible Forest Stewardship Council-certified forests. The Tangiwai sawmill produces sawn timber that is sold domestically within the New Zealand market along with being exported throughout Asia. Winston Pulp chief executive Mike Ryan said the company could not keep operating due to skyrocketing power prices. What to Know about ILA Demands in Potential Port Strike
The contract between the ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance, which negotiates on behalf of management of the ports, terminals and shipping lines, is due to expire at midnight on Sept. 30. The contract covers 25,000 workers and ports stretching from Boston to Houston, the ILA said. Billions of dollars worth of imported goods, from cars and light trucks to electronics to food, clothing, jewelry and agricultural products come into the U.S. through East Coast and Gulf Coast ports. Canfor to Close Plateau and Fort St. John Sawmills in Northern BC
"Our company has proudly operated in BC for more than 85 years, supporting jobs and economic activity in communities around this province. During that time, we have always been prepared to manage through challenging times and market fluctuations, recognizing the cyclical nature of our business. However, .... Port of Port Arthur Names Andy Powell as Deputy Director
Powell’s global management experience includes tours of duty in Bergen, Norway; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and Vancouver, Canada, before returning to the U.S. in 2010. He is a well-respected industry professional with extensive experience in international business, customer relations, and ocean carrier operations. “Andy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will benefit our Port’s continued growth. We are excited he joined our team,” said Larry Kelley, Port Director/CEO, Port of Port Arthur. Eldorado Brasil Celebrates One Year of Operations at New EBLog Terminal in Santos
In order to provide an outlet for the pulp, the figures for the first year are impressive: more than 20,000 trucks unloaded; around 2,000 containers stuffed (loaded); more than 60 ships operated, with an increase of more than 45% in the volume of pulp shipped in the break bulk mode (loose cargo) compared to the previous terminal. G2 Ocean Fleet Expands with Two Additional Dual-Fuel Vessels
These new vessels, will be provided by Gearbulk, one of G2 Ocean’s valued shareholders and pool partners. These units will be sister vessels to the previously ordered Pulpmax vessels ordered earlier this year, and will be built in the same shipyard. The vessels will be delivered in October 2028 and January 2029. Canadian Freight Railroads Shut Down, Dealing a Potential Blow to North America’s Economy
Nearly a third of the freight handled by the two railroads — Canadian National (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Southern (CPKC) — crosses the US-Canadian border, and the shutdown could disrupt operations in a number of US industries, including agriculture, autos, home building and energy, depending upon how long the shutdown lasts. “CPKC is acting to protect Canada’s supply chains, and all stakeholders, from further uncertainty and the more widespread disruption that would be created should this dispute drag out further resulting in a potential work stoppage occurring during the fall peak shipping period,” the company said in a Thursday statement shortly after the start of the lockout at 12:01 am ET. “Delaying resolution to this labor dispute will only make things worse.” The shutdown would drive home how closely linked the two nations’ economies are, with many industries depending on the free movement of goods across the border for their efficient operations. For example, some US auto plants could temporarily shut down if they’re unable to get engines, transmissions or stampings done at Canadian plants. US farmers might find shortages of fertilizer and US water treatment plants near the Canadian border could run of out chlorine they use to purify water. This is the first time that both major Canadian railroads have shut down at the same time due to a labor dispute. The most recent work stoppage in the industry was a 60-hour strike at Canadian Pacific in 2022. Before that, there was a nine-day strike at Canadian National in 2019. Massive Looming Canadian Rail Shutdown Could Have Economic Ripple Effects Throughout America
Failing last-minute deals, both Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Kansas City plan to lock out workers from the early hours of Thursday. It marks the first time that the country has faced a simultaneous labor stoppage at the railroad firms as they normally negotiate their labor agreements in alternate years. The stoppages could cripple the shipment of food grains, beans, potash, coal and timber which form a large part of Canada’s exports, while also impacting shipments ranging from petroleum products to chemicals and cars. Norfolk Southern to Invest Over $200 Million in 3B Corridor Serving Alabama
The 3B Corridor is strategically aligned with the Port of Mobile, which contributes $85 billion in annual economic value to Alabama. The corridor represents an important segment of Norfolk Southern's annual traffic, serving critical industries like agriculture, automotive, chemicals, forestry, and steel. The investments are expected to yield immediate returns when they begin to come online in 2025. SCA Logistics Using New Hub in Falköping, Sweden, for Rail Freight
“We are delighted to be able to offer a terminal with such a tremendous environmental profile, built from the ground up with optimal conditions for handling forest industry products,” says Mathias Olsson, CEO of XR Solutions, the company operating the terminal. The new train terminal is located in the Skaraborg Logistic Center, which has been described as the best logistics hub in the Gothenburg region, with good connections to both the Western and Southern Main Line and a direct link to the Port of Gothenburg. Built to meet XR Solutions’ needs and environmental requirements, the transhipment terminal is owned by Jula Logistics. Classed as a green building, the terminal meets high environmental standards and contributes to reducing negative environmental impact. SCA Logistics will continue to run three trains a week carrying Kraftliner from the SCA paper mills in Munksund and Obbola, as was the case with the Skövde route. On the return northbound journey, trains are loaded with recycled fibre for destined for the mills. Double trouble: B.C.'s economy threatened by rail and port strikes
Railway workers with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) at both Canadian National Railway Co. and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. voted to strike in May. The job action was temporarily paused, after Canadian Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan ordered the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to consider whether a railway strike would be detrimental to the health and safety of Canadians. In essence, it is considering whether or not railways, or parts thereof, should be deemed an essential service. Meanwhile, the Freight Management Association and the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade (GVBOT) are warning it could be a case of double trouble in B.C., because ports here would be not only affected by a strike by railway workers, but of dock foremen as well. Read more at Business in Vancouver Canfor Pulp Reports Second Quarter 2024 Results
The Company reported an operating loss of $5.6 million for the second quarter of 2024, compared to an operating loss of $15.7 million for the first quarter of 2024. These results largely reflected an uplift in global pulp pricing, primarily in response to global pulp supply disruptions, and the correlated improvement in the Company's average Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft ("NBSK") pulp sales unit realizations. Although global pulp producer inventories remained relatively balanced throughout the current quarter, the uplift in global softwood kraft pulp markets experienced at the end of the first quarter continued well into the second quarter, as global supply disruptions gave rise to an uptick in global pulp pricing. As a result, NBSK pulp list prices on orders from China, the world's largest consumer of pulp, saw steady increases throughout most of the period, reaching a 15-month high of US$825 per tonne in May, before declining in June, to end the quarter at US$810 per tonne. Suzano Begins Operation of New Pulp Mill in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
The new pulp mill, which Suzano named "Cerrado Project" while under construction, has the capacity to produce 2.55 million tons per year of eucalyptus pulp. The project is the result of a total investment of R$22.2 billion (US$4.3 billion), of which R$15.9 billion (US$3.1 billion) was earmarked for the construction of the mill and R$6.3 billion (US$1.2 billion) for initiatives such as the formation of the planting base and the logistics structure for the flow of cellulose. Suzano Begins Testing First High-Capacity Electric Truck to Improve Sustainable Transportation
The “Atlas” truck, developed by VIX, has the potential to save up to 8,300 liters of diesel per month and reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 21 tons. Suzano’s ambition is to reduce emissions by 20% on the route between the mill and Portocel – where products from Suzano’s Aracruz Unit are exported to different parts of the world. Paper Industry in Europe Saw Sharp Decrease in Paper and Board Production in 2023The Confederation of European Paper Industries (Cepi) has released its final summary and statistics report for 2023.
The decrease in paper and board production in 2023 (-13%) resulting from low demand was far more pronounced even than during the Covid-19 crisis (-4.7% in 2020). This is a trend that is not particular only to Europe, but the global slowdown has been worsened in the EU by comparatively high costs for production inputs, notably energy. The European economy as a whole has lost momentum, against the background of a high cost of living, monetary tightening, and a weak external demand. Smurfit WestRock CEO Celebrates "Momentous Occasion" at New York Stock Exchange Opening Event
Yesterday, Tony Smurfit, Group CEO and President at Smurfit Westrock, in his LinkedIn page, commented on the start of the new paper-based packaging company's journey. "Today was a truly amazing day! I was so honored on behalf of all my colleagues to officially announce our company Smurfit Westrock, to the world on the NYSE at 9.30am EDT. I was privileged to be surrounded by my family and so many amazing colleagues who have made this truly historic event happen. Suzano Getting Ready to Start-up New Pulp Mill in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
Initially announced in May of 2021, the Cerrado Project involves the construction of the new pulp mill that will have the capacity to produce 2.55 million tons per year of eucalyptus pulp, increasing Suzano's installed market pulp capacity to 13.5 million tons per year. The R$22.2 billion project is one of the largest private-sector investments currently under development in Brazil. ONE Modern Inaugurates New Savannah-India Connection
“This new offering from ONE is a recognition of India’s growing role as a manufacturing hub,” said Georgia Ports Authority President and CEO Griff Lynch. “As the world’s most populous country, with a growing consumer class and significant infrastructure investment, India represents a remarkable opportunity for trade via Savannah.” DP World Announces Major Investments in Latin American Ports to Boost Capacity and Efficiency
The expansions come amidst an increasingly complex global supply chain landscape, as leaders are seeking ways to mitigate risks and enhance resilience. Situated on the West Coast of South America, Peru and Ecuador are pivotal to DP World’s global strategy, serving as key gateways to international trade. Norske Skog Plans to Enter the Pulp Market with New Production Line at Saugbrugs
The potential new pulp line is based on reutilizing a portion of the mill that housed PM6, which was heavily damaged during a rockslide that occured in April of 2023. PM6, which had the capacity to produce 260,000 tonnes per year of SC (supercalendered) magazine paper, was shut down and remains idle. Warehousing and Distribution Provider Terminal Corporation Opens North Jacksonville Facility
The company’s anchor tenant, ARAUCO, a global manufacturer and distributor of forest products, will move premium plywood, millwork (moldings like baseboards and chair rails), lumber, and wood pulp. Other commodities, including steel, aluminum, and building products, will also move through. UPM to Permanently Reduce Graphic Paper Capacity in Germany by 610,000 Tonnes
Should the plans be implemented, the number of positions affected is estimated approximately at 135 in Hürth and 210 in Dörpen. Metsä Fibre Has Started Pulp Deliveries to Green Bay, Wisconsin
According to the company, “The port of Green Bay is close to paper mills in the Wisconsin area, which are significant users of market pulp. Our first pulp shipment set off from Rauma, carrying softwood pulp, which will be used, among other things, for the production of tissue and specialty papers.” PhilaPort’s European Rep Lutz Ehrhardt Retires; Uwe Gaede Named Successor
Ehrhardt will be succeeded by Uwe Gaede, a well-known shipping leader, who was ocean carrier Hamburg’s Süd’s marketing director in North Europe for the last 20 years. From his home city of Hamburg, Germany, Lutz was Port of Philadelphia’s liaison with ocean carriers, shippers, and government officials in one of the largest shipping markets in the world.
BC Council of Forest Industries Urges Government to Move Faster to Stabilize Timber Supply
“Escalating closures and curtailments of lumber, pulp and paper mills in BC mean the provincial government needs to move faster to stabilize timber supply. Additional transition measures are needed within the next 60 days to address current challenges in approval and permitting systems, and changing land use policies that are leading to dramatic declines in harvest levels. “Each time a mill closes in BC, there is a substantial direct impact on employees and their families, with further consequences for local communities as well as across supply chains. The loss of high paying jobs, local tax revenue and relocation to new employment opportunities have lasting effects in rural communities. Verbrugge International Discharges Pulp Bales from G2 Vessel at Scaldia Terminal
The vessel was loaded with approximately 65,000 tonnes of wood pulp out of South America. Located in the port of Vlissingen, Verbrugge Scaldia Terminal handles wood pulp, agri bulk, wood pellets, paper, metals, steel, concentrates, high and heavy project cargo and offshore wind projects. CMPC Announces Intention to Build 2.5 Million TPY Pulp Mill in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
The project, called Natureza, has an integral scope that combines industrialization, road and port infrastructure, sustainable associative forestry, conservation and cultural promotion, and involves the construction of a pulp mill with the capacity to produce up to 2.5 million tons per year of bleached short-fiber kraft pulp (BHKP) West Fraser Completes Sale of Its Two Pulp Mills in Western Canada to Atlas Holdings
West Fraser first announced its intention to sell the two pulp mills to Atlas Holdings in September of 2023. At that time, West Fraser said the combined total cash proceeds from the sale are US$120 million. International Paper Announces Agreement to Acquire DS Smith
"Combining with DS Smith is a logical next step in IP's strategy to drive profitable growth by strengthening our global packaging business," said Mark Sutton, Chairman and CEO of IP. "DS Smith is a leader in packaging solutions with an extensive reach across Europe, which complements IP's capabilities. UPM’s First Pulp Transport by Rail Ran Successfully in Uruguay
The reconstruction of the Central Railway line from Uruguay inland to the capital Montevideo is one of the most important infrastructure projects in Uruguay's history, carried out as a public-private partnership. The 5 Minutes That Brought Down the Key Bridge
The terse command from an officer in Baltimore’s busy commercial shipping port was one of the first warnings of a disaster that experts now predict will transform shipping on the Eastern Seaboard and change how ships and bridges function around the world. But after the cargo ship Dali lost power early Tuesday, there were precious few minutes to act. In those minutes, many people — from the ship’s crew, who sent out a mayday signal, to the transportation authority police officers, who stopped traffic heading onto the Francis Scott Key Bridge — did what they could to avert catastrophe, most likely saving many lives. Major Bridge in Baltimore Collapses After Being Struck by Cargo Ship
It was not immediately clear how many people were on the span — the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which is part of Interstate 695 — when the cargo ship struck. Baltimore’s fire chief, James Wallace, told a news conference that officials were searching for “upwards of seven people” and that two others had been pulled from the water. One of them was in serious condition. He said the fire department had used sonar to detect vehicles that fell into the water. Richard Worley, the Baltimore police commissioner, said there was “absolutely no indication” that the vessel had intentionally struck the bridge. Here’s what else to know: Read more at the New York Times Buffalo Rail & Infrastructure has Acquired Taylor Pulp Assets from Canfor for $7 Million
The Taylor pulp mill has been idle since the first quarter of 2022 due to ongoing uncertainty with regards to the availability of economically viable fibre in the region and market weakness for its product — Bleached ChemiThermo Mechanical Pulp (BCTMP). According to Buffalo, the property will be repurposed over time into a multi-use industrial distribution and logistics hub focused on serving the region's energy, agricultural and forestry industries. DB Cargo First Deliveries of Wood to UPM Leuna Biorefinery in Germany
65 Metric-Ton Pulp-Producing Piece of Equipment Moves Through JAXPORT
Owned by American paper and pulp manufacturer and distributor Georgia Pacific, the drum is a type of project cargo due to its large size, spanning 32 feet long and 15 feet wide. It moved from Europe to Jacksonville, Florida, onboard the Spliethoff breakbulk vessel Sampogracht and was lifted off the ship onto a special trailer used for transporting big pieces of cargo. Metsä Group's Kemi Bioproduct Mill Ensures Efficient Logistics
Pulp bales produced at the bioproduct mill are automatically loaded onto HCT (High Capacity Transport) trucks. These trucks, powered by biodiesel, transport the bales to a port warehouse located 15 kilometers away. The specially designed HCT truck can carry approximately 72 tons of pulp load at once, about 1.5 times more than a standard truck load. These solutions significantly reduce the carbon footprint of transportation. Red Sea Crisis Hits Swedish Exports of Forest Products
“We calculate that our industry is the single largest transport buyer of container freight from Sweden via the Suez Canal, where costs have now unexpectedly jumped by 100 to 200 per cent, so we view the future with some concern. There is a risk of container shortages, delays and disruption. Going around the Cape of Good Hope instead of via the [Suez] Canal can take up to 30 extra days for a round trip,” says Christian Nielsen, Market Expert Wood Products at Swedish Forest Industries. Europe's Road Freight Spot Rates Drop Below Contract Rates
A recent update from the IRU, Transport Intelligence (Ti) and Upply explained that falling spot rates have been driven by declining industrial demand, while contract rate rises have been prompted by new emission tolls and general cost growth. The update said: “Contract prices are climbing above spot rates from Germany to Paris, Birmingham, Milan, Lille, Madrid, Rotterdam and Antwerp.” Thomas Larrieu, CEO at digital freight solutions platform Upply, said: “At the start of 2024, shippers now have access to spot rates that are lower than contractual rates. Wisconsin Paper Group Marks 90 Years of Shipping Excellence
The Wisconsin Paper Group, also known as The WPG Shippers Association, acts as an extension of their members’ logistics teams. Members tender orders for less-than-truckload and shared truckload shipments to WPG for consolidation into multi-stop or single-stop truckload deliveries. The Impact of the Suez Canal Disruption on Pulp Prices and Shipments
These assaults, occurring on a crucial East-West trade route, have prompted a significant change in shipping routes. Instead of taking the shorter route through the Suez Canal, over 100 container ships have rerouted around southern Africa. This diversion adds approximately 6,000 nautical miles to the typical journey from Asia to Europe, resulting in potential delivery delays of three to four weeks. Read more at ResourceWise Georgia Ports Authority provides Update on Blue Ridge Connector Project
The Blue Ridge Connector is a catalyst for enabling businesses to succeed through a competitive supply chain in a growing Northeast Georgia regional market. Opening in 2026, the Blue Ridge Connector will serve as an important connection for this growing distribution area. Port officials offered an update recently to representatives from surrounding counties and customers about the arrival of this new infrastructure for future growth. Red Sea Crisis Changes Container Shipping Situation from Glut to Tightness
In the report, Vespucci Maritime CEO Lars Jensen wrote that up until mid-December 2023, the baseline outlook for 2024 was for a continued cyclical downturn likely with freight rates bottoming out in late 1Q or early 2Q 2024. “After this, it was anticipated that carriers would begin to idle more capacity to stabilise and strengthen rates from what had already become loss-making levels. The de-facto closure of the Suez routing has changed this baseline outlook fundamentally.” Read more at Container News Resourcewise's 2024 Forest Products Industry Predictions
1. The inventory destocking that occurred in virtually every industry in 2023 is coming to an end. This brings positive implications for the global pulp and paper industry and solid wood and lumber markets. Inventory destocking was one of the more important factors that contributed to the 2023 economy. With the end of destocking and indications of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes ending, confidence in the economy has been embedded. This sets the stage for a resurgence in economic activity within the industrial sector, which is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2024. Read more at ResourceWise Editorial: SC Port Expansion is Needed, but Keep North Charleston’s Needs in Mind
The Global Gateway project consumed several years of planning and efforts that turned out to be in vain, as opposition to the expansion ultimately scuttled it and led the port instead to expand its operations on the southern end of the former Charleston Naval Base, an expansion now known as the Hugh Leatherman Terminal. That’s why we support Gov. Henry McMaster’s request that lawmakers provide $55 million to purchase a now-shuttered WestRock paper mill on the Cooper River, just next door to the North Charleston terminal. It’s not every day the state has a chance to buy from a willing seller a significant chunk of industrial waterfront property near its major port operation; those chances should be seized when they appear. It certainly will put the port in a better position to expand in the long run. Read more at The Post and Courier West Coast Shipping Rates Surge as Red Sea Fallout Goes Global
The Red Sea crisis coincides with drought restrictions in the Panama Canal. Asian cargo bound for East and Gulf Coast ports had previously been switched from Panama to the Suez Canal, and is now being rerouted on even longer voyages around the Cape of Good Hope. The much shorter route from Asia to the West Coast is looking increasingly attractive. At 14 knots, a direct voyage from Shanghai to New York via the Cape of Good Hope takes 43 days, according to Sea-Distances.org. A direct voyage from Shanghai to Los Angeles takes only... Read more at Freight Waves SSA Jacksonville Container Terminal Expansion Project Reaches Halfway Mark
The phased construction project began in 2022, with the company recently completing four of the project’s eight phases, including installing upgraded terminal lighting and a redesigned terminal gate system, as well as paving nearly 40 acres with heavy-duty asphalt. Six new outbound truck lanes are also currently under construction and scheduled to open in February 2024, with improvements to the terminal’s six inbound lanes scheduled for completion in late 2024. Holmen Paper: Logistics with Sustainability in Focus
In many aspects it refers to a "backwards planning" - to "do the math" from when the customer wants the delivery and going all the way back to our own operations. If we do this the proper way, we have the best chance to deliver the right volumes to the customer, when they want it and in a cost-effective and sustainable way. CN to Acquire Iowa Northern Railway
The terms of the deal were not disclosed. The transaction closed into an independent voting trust pending regulatory review of the transaction by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB). IANR serves upper Midwest agricultural and industrial markets covering many goods, including biofuels and grain. This transaction represents a meaningful opportunity to support the growth of local business by creating single-line service to North American destinations, while preserving access to existing carrier options. All Berths Open for Business at Port of Savannah; Dock Renovations, Crane Commissioning Complete
“For the first time in two and a half years, all berths are open at Garden City Terminal for faster, more efficient cargo handling,” said Georgia Ports Authority President and CEO Griff Lynch. “We appreciate our customers’ patience during the renovation of Berth 1, and look forward to providing the world-class vessel service they have come to expect from GPA.” The Port of Savannah handled 449,000 twenty-foot equivalent container units in October, for its fourth-busiest October ever and a 5 percent increase over the same month in 2019, the most recent year not affected by the pandemic. Autonomous Trucks Cutting a Path in Forestry Sector
Nov. 14, 2023 - In an untamed Quebec forest, a Canada lynx watches curiously from the bush as a platoon of Mack Granite logging trucks, one of them operated autonomously, passes by on a remote logging road. Meanwhile in Maryland, engineers from Robotic Research Autonomous Industries (RRAI) watch the lynx on screens set up to monitor the performance of the autonomous truck platoons serving a Resolute Forest Products facility. This is the rugged Canadian wilderness, where forestry trucks encounter some of the toughest conditions imaginable. And this, according to Robotic Research, is the perfect environment for the near-term automation of commercial trucking. Gabe Sganga is head of commercial growth for RRAI. The company got its start in automation more than 20 years ago, before anyone in the commercial trucking sector was even thinking about automating heavy trucks. Robotic’s origins involved working with the U.S. Department of Defense to develop automated military vehicles. In recent years, the company realized its AutoDrive self-driving platform had commercial potential as well. UPM Pulp’s Regular Customer Surveys Provide Valuable Input for Development of Services
UPM Pulp conducts a survey twice a year to measure customer satisfaction. The survey has been carried out in its current form for three years and this is sent out to around 500 customer contacts. According to Miikka Kangas, Senior Manager Commercial Development, Pulp Sales at UPM Pulp, the aim has been to keep the survey light and simple, with only two main questions. Prince Rupert Port Authority to Begin Construction On $750 Million Export Logistics Project
The investment promises to deliver critical trade infrastructure that will improve supply chain resiliency, strategic market access and enhanced competitiveness for Canadian exports. The project will consist of a 108-acre greenfield development on Ridley Island that will commence operation in Q3 2026. Paper Excellence Canada Restarts Pulp Operations at Catalyst Crofton Mill
"While market conditions allow for the restart of our pulp operations, the curtailment of paper operations at Crofton is being extended to the end of October," the company said in a press release. Krista Cuddy, Catalyst Crofton, Interim Director - Operations & Integration, explained, "In spite of challenges posed by exceptionally low pulp and paper prices driven by global market fluctuations, we are pleased to announce that we are resuming pulp production and reinstating a portion of our workforce at our Crofton mill. Klabin Holds Inauguration Ceremony for Puma II in Paraná, Brazil
According to Klabin, the Puma II project is the largest investment in the company's history and the largest private investment ever made in the State of Paraná. With an investment of R$12.9 billion, Klabin installed two new paper machines -- MP27 and MP28 – which are both in operation and have a combined production capacity of 910 thousand tons per year of packaging paper grades. Together, the two machines increase Klabin's annual production capacity to 4.7 million tons of paper and cellulose. West Fraser to Sell Two Pulp Mills in Western Canada to Atlas Holdings for $120 Million
The agreement announced today includes related woodlands operations and timber holdings in Alberta and a long-term fibre supply agreement for the Quesnel River Pulp facility. Upon closing of the transaction, the Quesnel River and Slave Lake pulp mills will be operated by Millar Western Forest Products, which joined the global Atlas family of manufacturing and distribution businesses in 2017. Resolute Invests in Innovative Truck Platooning Technology
The project is spearheaded by FPInnovations, a private not-for-profit R&D organization that specializes in developing solutions to make the Canadian forest products sector more competitive. G2 Ocean Adds Two More Ammonia-Ready Vessels to Its Fleet
Following its commitment to only purchase newbuilt vessels with zero-emission technology, Grieg signed a contract in May 2023 with the shipyard CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Longxue which included two firm plus two optional 82,300 deadweight tonne (dwt) ammonia-ready open hatch vessels. Last week, Grieg exercised its option for the two additional vessels. All four vessels will be delivered to G2 Ocean’s pool in 2026. Alexander Global Logistics Opens New Country Office in United Arab Emirates
The establishment of the new country office coincides with a 10-year Strategic Partnership Agreement signed by AGL and AD Ports Group in May of 2022. According to the agreement, the two parties would collaborate to form and launch a transshipment hub in Abu Dhabi dedicated to handling pulp and paper products. Georgia Ports Authority, CSX Offer New ‘Carolina Connector’ Service
“This is an exciting logistics solution for existing and new customers across North Carolina,” said Georgia Ports Authority President and CEO Griff Lynch. “In collaboration with CSX, we’re offering daily access and faster service, bringing world-class port services to the doorstep of the area’s business and industry.” The Georgia Ports Authority and CSX have teamed to provide 7-day-a-week rail departures between GPA’s Mason Mega Rail Terminal in Savannah and the Eastern North Carolina location, offering customers three-day ship-to-shore transit time. Metsä Group Says Logistics Solution is Ready for New Kemi Bioproduct Mill
Two thirds of the new mill’s wood will be transported by rail, using the new private track. The transports are powered by VR’s latest engines. Vectron electric locomotives can handle loads as heavy as 2,500 tonnes, which means approximately 20–25 per cent more wood per train. All in all, more than 400 wagons will be used for the Kemi bioproduct mill’s rail transports, and the fleet is assigned exclusively to these transports. Traffic infrastructure and related improvements have been addressed from the project’s outset, and they have been designed jointly with the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency and VR. The mill’s private track enables wood transports with electric locomotives all the way to the mill. As Deepsea Rates Dive, Carriers Hunt for Intra-Europe Shortsea Returns
European shortsea services, such as Ellerman City Liners’ North Europe to Iberia routes and WEC Lines’ new Euro-Maroc service, which launches this month, are not only confirmation of demand, but also that sustainable freight rates can be achieved on intra-Europe routes. And as ocean carriers idle their huge newbuild deliveries, due to poor demand prospects on the Asia-Europe and transpacific trades, many secondary and small routes continue to thrive, creating demand for smaller tonnage. Moreover, feeder operators, no longer hobbled by owners’ demands for lengthy time-charter periods and sky-high daily hire rates, are now Port of Kemi Expansion Project Enters Finishing and Testing Phases
According to the Port, expansion work has advanced as planned and finishing work as well as testing is now underway in the expansion area. “At the moment, an inspection of the safe clearance depth is ongoing in the dock area according to the specifications of the Finnis Transport and Communications Agency Traficom.” said Jari Heikkilä, Technical Manager at Port of Kemi. “The inspection will be finished by the end of August, after which Traficom will give the green light for the new waterway. Port of Jacksonville Closed Wednesday, Aug. 30 Due to Hurricane Idalia
The port anticipates reopening tomorrow, Thursday, August 31, pending storm impacts and once federal reopening safety protocols are completed. Port of Savannah Receives Four New Electric Ship-to-Shore Cranes
“Along with the completion of our project to improve Berth 1, these cranes will help deliver faster turn times to our ocean carrier customers, including the largest vessels calling on the U.S. East Coast,” said Griff Lynch, Georgia Ports Authority president and CEO. “No other terminal in the nation can bring more cranes to bear, or match the efficiency, productivity and global connectivity of the Port of Savannah.” Designed by Konecranes of Finland, the all-electric cranes arrived on the vessel BigLift Barentsz. European Softwood Lumber Exports to the US Cooled in Second Quarter of 2023
Imports from the 10 largest European suppliers fell to 428 million board feet (mmbf) in the second quarter, down 30% from the record-setting first-quarter volume of 610 mmbf and lagging the year-ago total by 12%. European shipments to the US declined to the lowest quarterly total since the last three months of 2021. US imports from Europe through the first half reached 1.04 billion board feet (bbf), up 12% compared to the year-ago pace through June. Shipments jumped 38% in the first quarter compared to the 2022 pace through March after reaching all-time highs last year. Exports of Pulp from Brazil Climb to USD 4.1 Billion in First Half 2023; China, North America, Main Destinations
The value of paper exports to North America also increased by 20.8%, reaching R$ 130.8 million between January and June. In the first half of 2023, the increase in pulp exports to China positioned the country as the main destination for exports of pulp produced in Brazil, reaching USD 1.8 billion traded in the first six months of 2023, followed by Europe with USD 1 billion. WestRock Announces Plans to Close Pulp and Paper Mill in Tacoma, Washington
WestRock is committed to improving its return on invested capital as well as maximizing the performance of its assets. The combination of high operating costs and the need for significant capital investment were the determining factors in the decision to cease operations at the mill. "WestRock is working to optimize our operational footprint and consolidate production in order to improve our return on invested capital, and we have made the difficult decision to close the Tacoma mill as part of this effort," said David B. Sewell, chief executive officer at WestRock. "One of the most critical factors... Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper Acquires Thunder Bay Mill from Resolute
Thunder Bay is a leading northern bleached softwood kraft and northern bleached hardwood kraft pulp, paper, newsprint and directory producer. The mill has been a landmark in northwestern Ontario for more than a century. Kent Ramsay, who has served as General Manager of the Mill since 2019, has been named President of Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper. Canfor Pulp Reports Results for Second Quarter of 2023
"Financially, this was a challenging quarter for the pulp business as declining global pulp market conditions weighed heavily on results. While we continue to navigate the current external challenges facing our pulp business, including the ongoing weak global pulp market fundamentals, we greatly appreciate our employees' continued efforts in navigating through these difficult conditions." Global softwood pulp market fundamentals and pricing experienced considerable pressure during the second quarter of 2023 as tepid global demand was combined with rising global softwood pulp producer inventory levels. As a result, NBSK US-dollar list prices to China dropped sharply throughout the quarter to end June at a low of US$648 per tonne. First Shipment of Pulp from UPM Paso de los Toros Mill Arrives in Qingdao, China
Some of our key pulp customers in China together with our Pulp APAC team members celebrated this important milestone together. In collaboration with Saga Welco's team, the UPM Pulp team organised an informative vessel tour providing our customers with valuable insights into UPM's efficient, reliable and sustainable logistic network. In addition, they witnessed the unloading of the first batch of pulp from the UPM Paso de los Toros mill in central Uruguay. The B.C. Port Strike Is Over, But Economic Impact Could Last WeeksJuly 15, 2023 (CBC News) - The British Columbia port strike might be over, but it's expected to take weeks — even months — for supply chains and affected businesses to recover, according to experts. The Railway Association of Canada estimates it could take three to five days for supply chains to recover for each single day the port was shuttered. Following a 13-day shutdown, that's at least 5½ weeks. Some industry experts say it could take even longer. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada (ILWU) and the B.C. Maritime Employers Association agreed to a tentative four-year deal on Thursday morning to end the shutdown, and about 7,400 workers are expected to be back at work today. The details of that agreement haven't been made public yet. Canfor Pulp Temporarily Curtailing Northwood Pulp Mill Due to Ongoing Labour Dispute at B.C. Ports
The curtailment is due to limited storage space for pulp products that cannot be transported overseas as a result of the ongoing labour dispute at B.C. ports. The downtime is expected to remain in place for the duration of the labour dispute and will remove approximately 11,000 tonnes of market kraft pulp per week. US ILWU Rejects Diverted Vessels Amid Canada Strikes
With 16 vessels currently anchored off the Port of Vancouver and another six vessels at Prince Rupert, CNBC has reported that another 15 containerships are bound for Vancouver and nine for Prince Rupert, ships of which the ILWU would avoid, should they be rerouted. Two of the vessels to be diverted were the MSC Sara Elena and the OOCL San Francisco, while the MSC Matilde V recently departed back to Qingdao after holding cargo intended for Vancouver, reported CNBC. Mondi to Acquire Hinton Pulp Mill from West Fraser for USD 5 Million
As part of the transaction, Mondi will enter into a long-term partnership with West Fraser to access local, high-quality fibre from a well-established wood basket. The intention, subject to pre-engineering and permitting, is to invest EUR 400 million in the expansion of Hinton, primarily for a new 200,000 tonne per year kraft paper machine, anticipated to be operational from the second half of 2027. UPM Permanently Cuts 485,000 Tonnes of Graphic Paper Capacity in Europe
The employee consultation process in Schongau was conducted in line with local legislations and has now been finalized. The number of persons affected is 136 for the site. The uncoated publication paper machine 6 will be permanently closed today. UPM Schongau continues graphic paper production on the remaining cost-competitive machines. US West Coast Port Deal Eases Strike Tensions as SCFI and FBX Indices Follow WCI
Ports, such as Seattle, displayed 10-day congestion at the port even as ports, such as Los Angeles and Long Beach, saw some ease-off. On the other end, in China, the People's Bank of China reduced the rate on one-year medium-term lending facility (MLF) loans, totalling 237 billion Chinese yuan (US$33 billion), by 10 basis points. The rate cut, its first in 10 months was done on the expectations to re-induce some demand in the economy and ease factory deflation to an extent. Whether the extent of these played into rates and the global freight market and how they will play remains to be seen. Cargo Loaders at B.C.'s Ports Vote Overwhelmingly in Favour of Strike
The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada says a vote over the weekend yielded 99.24 per cent support for strike action against the B.C. Maritime Employers Association "if necessary.'' The strike vote gives cargo movers additional leverage in talks with employers, allowing the union to file 72-hour notice for a strike that could begin on June 24 if negotiations do not progress. The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade issued a statement saying a strike could have serious implications for both the B.C. and Canadian economies, given that supply chains have already suffered major blows from the COVID-19 pandemic and recent climate-related disasters, including catastrophic flooding in 2021. SCA’s New RoRo Schedule Optimizes Routes
Above all, the new schedule means that one more trip will call at Umeå. The main background to the change is SCA's expansion of kraftliner manufacturing in Obbola. The decision rests on the increasingly strong demand for renewable packaging in Europe, a need that continues to grow in line with increased e-commerce, growing population and the ambition to reduce plastic use. “Our previous schedule had a structure based on 2016 volumes. We have of course made adjustments over the years, but now we have really optimized the system based on the volumes we have today and the development we see going forward,” says Andreas Disby, Forwarding Manager, Vessel Operations at SCA Logistics. First Shipment of Pulp from UPM Paso de los Toros Mill Sailed from Montevideo
The M/V Saga Faith sailed on Friday, 26 May, carrying a full ship load of about 50,000 tonnes of UPM Euca pulp to Asia, where the vessel is expected to arrive around mid July. UPM’s pulp terminal in the port of Montevideo started operations in October 2022. The highly specialised, fit-for-purpose pulp terminal operates 24/7 with an annual operating capacity of over 2 million tonnes of pulp and 80 ships per year. Norske Skog Bruck Begins Commercial Deliveries of Recycled Containerboard
In early April, Norske Skog started production of recycled containerboard at its Bruck mill in Styria, Austria. Bruck mill's PM3 was converted from the production of newsprint to testliner and fluting, and has the capacity to produce 210,000 tonnes per year. APM Terminals Pledges EUR 962 Million Investment in Brazilian Terminals by 2026
This figure includes a EUR 296 million (R$ 1.6 billion) of a total EUR 483 (R$ 2.6 billion) investment exclusively for the Phase One development of a new terminal in Suape. The terminal, located in Estaleiro Atlântico Sul, is in the final stages of acquisition and will rejuvenate infrastructure and increase competition in the port. APM Terminals has committed an additional EUR 666 (R$ 3.6 billion) of investment to the company’s four other terminals and inland depots, by 2026. A large share of this, around EUR285 million, is allocated to Brasil Terminal Portuário, Santos. Georgia Ports Authority Wins Environmental Approval for Gainesville Rail Hub
GPA recently received NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) approval for the Northeast Georgia Inland Port in the Gainesville-Hall County area. The Authority will now finalize a grant agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration, and then move on to construction. MARAD has awarded GPA a grant of up to $46.8 million to build a new inland container port along the I-85/I-985 corridor. Earthwork is slated to begin in July, with terminal construction scheduled to begin January 2024 and wrap up by July 2026. WestRock to Close Paper Mill in North Charleston, South Carolina
"WestRock and its predecessor companies have had a long history in the region operating the North Charleston mill, and the contributions of the team members over the years have been greatly appreciated," said David B. Sewell, CEO at WestRock. "The decision to close a facility and impact the lives of our team members is never easy, and we are committed to assisting our North Charleston team with exploring roles at other WestRock locations and outplacement assistance." Total U.S. Containerboard Production Decreased 10 Percent in Q1 2023
All containerboard grades experienced operating rate increases relative to Q4 2022. Liner grades had a combined quarterly operating rate of 83.5%, up from 78.7%, while Medium grades were at 90.9%, up from 86.1%. Export production in Q1 was 22.9% higher than the previous quarter, but trailed Q1 2022 production by 23.5%. Mill inventories dropped below 400,000 short tons for the first time since September 2021. Metsä Group and Royal Wagenborg Collaborate to Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions
“The majority of our products are delivered to our customers by sea, and Royal Wagenborg is an important partner for us. Shipping as a whole represents about three percent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, and it is important to achieve emission reductions," said Jari Voutilainen, Director of Procurement and Logistics at Metsä Group. VR’s First Electrically Driven Train Transporting Roundwood Arrives at Metsä Group’s Kemi Bioproduct Mill
At the Kemi bioproduct mill, rail transports will account for approximately two thirds of the roundwood consumed. This translates to roughly 5 million cubic metres per year, or around 8–10 trains per day. Large volumes of wood can be transported in an efficient and environmentally friendly way, with wood loading, rail transports and unloading designed to work smoothly. The Northwest Seaport Alliance Launches Rail Cargo Incentive Program in Pacific Northwest
Approximately half the import cargo that moves through the NWSA gateway is bound for destinations outside of the Puget Sound region, primarily the Midwest. The 2023 Rail Cargo Incentive Program will provide a $50 incentive per rail lift for eligible rail volumes moving through the gateway beginning on May 1, 2023. UPM's Pulp Mill in Paso de los Toros, Uruguay, Ready for Start-Up
The new pulp mill has an annual production capacity of 2.1 million tonnes of eucalyptus pulp. First customer deliveries are expected to start within the first month following the start-up. Port of Savannah Adding 55 Hybrid Yard Cranes
The hybrid machines will exclusively operate off electric battery power, with diesel generators running only to recharge batteries. This will reduce fuel consumption by an estimated 47 percent compared to all-diesel machines. Per year, that is a reduction of 8,800 gallons of diesel per crane, or nearly 500,000 gallons annually across the Ocean Terminal fleet. This will result in a fuel purchase savings of more than $1.6 million per year at current rates. Lucart Invests in New Logistics Hub in Saint-Diè-des-Vosges, France
In 2022, the mill produced 65,000 tonnes of high-quality tissue paper. The new logistics hub located in the Hellieule business park is a 22,000-square-metre building built on 10 hectares of land with a storage capacity of 20,000 pallet columns. The site was created to concentrate finished product stocks before they are shipped to customers in France, Germany, the Benelux and Northern Europe. Klabin Officially Inaugurates Port Terminal in Paranaguá
With the capacity to receive one million tons of pulp and paper per year, the Terminal is part of the investment package in logistics made by the company in Paraná in recent years. With the operation, the unloading of short and long fiber pulp, fluff pulp and paper, from the Puma Units, located in Ortigueira (PR), and from the Monte Alegre Unit, in Telêmaco Borba (PR), can be carried out within the Port of Paranaguá. Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern Combination Approved by U.S. Surface Transportation Board
The decision authorizes CP to exercise control of KCS as early as April 14, 2023, at or after which point CP and KCS would combine to create the new CPKC. CP is reviewing the full 212-page decision in detail and in the coming days will announce its plans with respect to the creation of CPKC. DP World to Invest $35 Million to Boost Container Capacity in Brazil in 2023
With the investment, the company plans to increase annual movement capacity from 1.2 million TEUs (unit equivalent to a twenty-foot container) to 1.4 million TEUs and expand the size of the quay from 1,100 meters to 1,300 meters. The terminal currently inhabits 845,000 square meters, with an additional 130,000 square meters available for expansion. The port is also home to extensive cellulose pulp operations. ContainerPort Group Further Develops Operations in Philadelphia
“As the cargo continues to flow through the east coast, our customers are turning to us for additional trucking capacity throughout the Northeast, and particularly in Philadelphia. We already have a presence across other ports including New York/New Jersey, Norfolk, Baltimore, and more, so broadening our footprint to include Philadelphia was a next logical step for our business and for our customers,” said Joey Palmer, President, CPG. Woodfiber Shortages Deepen in British Columbia While Pulp Operations Stall
“Inventories dropped quickly during the fourth quarter,” a wood buyer said. He added that there is further weakness in the logging and trucking force. “That’s a real fear.” Most of British Columbia’s (BC) pulping capacity is dependent on sawmill residuals for furnish, so to backfill lost volume, mills are turning to more pulp logs and expensive whole-log chips. Some are buying low-grade sawlogs. But with the lack of sawlog demand, less pulp logs are being harvested as they are a come-along product. “There are no incremental sawmill chips available,” a source said. “We’re chipping logs, which now provides 25% of our supply.” Attributing government “issues,” such as the old-growth deferral and other set-asides, a contact said, “Everyone is running at 75% capacity or so and it will be like that at least through the year. The pulp mills in BC are down about 6 million m3/year of available supply.” The complete article is available at Fastmarkets: Read more at Fastmarkets Pactiv Evergreen to Close Canton, North Carolina, Pulp and Paper Mill
Pactiv Evergreen did not disclose the production capacity of the Canton mill, however Beth Kelly, Director, Communications said the mill has four paper machines. Production from the Olmsted Falls facility will be reallocated to other sites, Pactiv Evergreen said. The company also continues to explore strategic alternatives for its Pine Bluff, Arkansas, mill and Waynesville, North Carolina, facility. The Company has not set a timetable in relation to this process. Prince Rupert Port Authority Announces Milestone on Ridley Island Export Logistics Project
The Federal Authorities have determined, in accordance with the requirements of Section 82 of the Impact Assessment Act (IAA), that the Ridley Island Export Logistics Project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. This concludes the Federal environmental review process, which is a prerequisite for the Federal Authorities to consider the required authorizations for the project to proceed. Following receipt of required permits, early works are planned to begin in early March, with tree clearing and site preparation activities. Bracell Adopts the Use of a 100% Electric Truck for Pulp Transport
According to Bracell, the initiative is unprecedented in this type of operation with heavy vehicles (trucks weighing more than 40 tons) and it is estimated that the company will avoid the emission of 132,000 kg of CO2eq per year from a single truck. In this way, the company reinforces its commitment to sustainable development in all its operations, processes and activities and expands its actions aimed at sustainability also to the logistical stage of the production chain, Finnish Transport Workers’ Union Rejects Employer’s Proposal, Strikes Begin at Ports
AKT and employer organisations are at an impasse over wages and working conditions. The strike that started earlier today will last until further notice with all vessel operations in Finland's ports, gate moves and handling of containers within terminals having been suspended until further notice. Spliethoff Takes Delivery of First of Two Spliethoff DP2 B-type Vessels
The Spliethoff DP2 B-type vessels are the next generation offshore supply vessels with a number of versatile characteristics that makes them unique in the market. These state-of-the-art vessels combine the intake of a multi-purpose vessel with a superior DP2 station keeping ability, making them ideal for supplying large volumes and weights of cargo directly offshore. Metsä Board Concludes Logistics Agreements for Kemi Board Mill in Finland
"Efficient export logistics is a key factor in paperboard production. We require efficient and low-emission solutions from our chosen partners in logistics," says Timo Ahonen, VP, Kemi Board mill. The signed agreement is a continuation of an agreement signed earlier by Metsä Group for the transportation of products from the bioproduct mill under construction in Kemi, and has a part in ensuring efficient and environmentally friendly logistics solutions between Metsä Group's Kemi integrated mill and the Ajos harbour. MSC and Maersk to Discontinue 2M Alliance in 2025
In a joint statement, CEO Vincent Clerc of A. P. Moller - Maersk, and CEO Soren Toft of MSC say: “MSC and Maersk recognize that much has changed since the two companies signed the 10-year agreement in 2015. Discontinuing the 2M alliance paves the way for both companies to continue to pursue their individual strategies. Georgia Ports Authority Names Flavio Batista as Vice President of Sales and Marketing
“We’re delighted to add Flavio to our team,” said Cliff Pyron, Chief Commercial Officer at GPA. “His depth of knowledge and the energy he brings to this new position will continue and strengthen the customer-centered focus that has been a hallmark of Georgia Ports.” Batista comes to GPA from the Wallenius Wilhelmsen Group, an ocean carrier focused on developing sustainable shipping and logistics solutions for manufacturers of cars, trucks, heavy equipment and specialized cargo. Kruger Energy’s First Two All-Electric Class 8 Tractor-Trailers Now on the Road
These are among the first all-electric class 8 vehicles operating in Canada, and the first in the Canadian tissue industry. The vehicles have been branded with visuals illustrating Kruger Energy’s activities related to the development and management of renewable energy power assets. The two electric trucks will replace one standard diesel truck and will enable the Company to reduce its GHG emissions by 380 tons of CO2 per year. Spotlight: Domtar’s Supply Chain & Transportation Logistics
Our supply chain and transportation logistics professionals acted with agility and innovation to find new ways to get our customers their pulp products when every mode of transportation was bogged down, slowing the movement of goods throughout the world. At Domtar, the shortage of vessel space, containers, rail cars and over-the-road trucks during and after the pandemic created new shipping challenges. Goods that couldn’t be shipped right away needed to be stored. At times, we held more than 100,000 tons of backlogged pulp product at our mills waiting to be exported. Canfor Pulp to Permanently Close Kraft Pulp Line at Prince George Mill
The closure of the pulp line will result in a reduction of 280,000 tonnes per year of market kraft pulp. Canfor pulp said the Specialty Paper facility at the site will continue to operate. "In recent years, several sawmills have permanently closed in the Prince George region due to reductions in the allowable annual cut and challenges accessing cost-competitive fibre," explained Kevin Edgson, President and CEO of Canfor Pulp. International Forest Products Promotes Michael Collins to Senior Vice President
Collins joined IFP in 2008 and has served in a wide variety of roles, including logistics, sales operations and trading. He will continue to oversee IFP’s domestic containerboard trading; however, as part of his new role, he will also focus on strategies to improve IFP’s operational efficiency and to prepare the company for future growth. Metsä Group and VR Intensify Their Cooperation on Sustainability
In addition, Metsä Group aims to transfer some of its current road transports to railways. Wagenborg Orders Fourth EasyMax Vessel with Royal Niestern Sander Shipyard
According to Wagenborg, the repeat order fits perfectly into the production process at the yard, as the construction of the third Easymax is currently in full swing. This sister ship of the MV ‘Egbert Wagenborg’ and MV ‘Máxima’ is expected to be delivered by the end of 2023. |
July 14, 2025 - The Trump administration says it can revive U.S. commercial shipbuilding through new executive orders, port fees and legislation such as the SHIPS for America Act. But can the U.S. really deliver? And what would it mean for carriers, forwarders and global logistics?
July 9, 2025 - Sappi Europe on July 8 announced the initiation of a consultation process at its Alfeld Mill in Germany as part of a proposed partial asset restructure. This step is being taken in response to sustained financial challenges and a structural decline in demand across Europe.
July 1, 2025 - Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE: PKG) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase the containerboard business of Greif, Inc. for $1.8 billion in cash. The transaction is expected to close by the end of PCA's third quarter, subject to certain customary conditions and regulatory approvals.
June 24, 2025 - Two new 50-gauge ship-to-shore container cranes have arrived at the Jacksonville Port Authority’s (JAXPORT) Blount Island Marine Terminal. Manufactured by Germany-based Liebherr Crane Company, the cranes arrived in multiple large components and are being assembled on the terminal. The cranes are expected to be operational by the end of 2025.
June 11, 2025 - The Legacy Paper Group, a subsidiary of BMI Group US, today announced plans to restart Paper Machine #8 (PM8) at its Port Huron facility in Michigan, bringing 30,000 tons of annual production capacity back online after a four-year shutdown.
June 10, 2025 - With the presence of key clients, CMPC on May 12 celebrated the official launch of CMPC Forest Products in Atlanta, Georgia (USA).
June 10, 2025 - UPM is deepening its over 15-year collaboration with the Baltic Sea Action Group (BSAG) by developing forestry water protection. The new commitment focuses on research into sustainable forestry and the development of new practices in peatlands, among other areas.
June 9, 2025 - Metsä Fibre is initiating a temporary production shutdown at its Joutseno pulp mill in Lappeenranta, Finland, starting today, June 9.
June 5, 2025 - Suzano, the world's largest pulp producer, and Kimberly-Clark, a global leader in the consumer staples industry, today announced the creation of a US$3.4 billion joint venture focused on the manufacture, marketing and distribution of consumer and professional tissue products, such as toilet paper, napkins, paper towels and facial tissues in over 70 countries. Suzano will acquire a 51 percent interest in the new entity, with Kimberly-Clark holding a 49 percent interest.
May 28, 2025 - Mercer Holz is setting a strong example for sustainability and innovation in the transport sector: Mercer Holz presented its two new, fully electric e-trucks for the first time at the Open Day event at its sister plant Mercer Rosenthal. In the near future, Mercer Rosenthal will take over part of the wood chip transport between the Mercer Timber Products sawmill in Friesau and the Mercer Rosenthal pulp mill.
May 2025 – TTOBMA, in collaboration with the International Forest Products Transport Association (IFPTA) and The Port of Mobile, is excited to announce the inaugural Forest Products Transport Symposium. This landmark event will be held October 5-7, 2026, at the historic Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa. It will bring together industry experts, supply chain providers, and key stakeholders from across the globe to discuss the future of forest products, transportation and logistics.
May 21, 2025 - Verbrugge International this week welcomed Cosco Shipping’s GREEN ITAQUI at the Verbrugge Scaldia Terminal in Vlissingen/Flushing in the Netherlands, discharging approximately 60,000 tonnes of wood pulp out of South America.
May 19, 2025 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) today released the 65th Paper Industry Annual Capacity and Fiber Consumption Survey. The report provides detailed data on U.S. paper industry capacity and production compiled by the AF&PA statistics team.
May 14, 2025 - Employees at the Cedar Springs Containerboard mill in Georgia were told today that Georgia-Pacific plans to permanently close the operation later this year. Most positions will be eliminated by August 1, 2025.
May 8, 2025 - Canfor Pulp Products today reported its first quarter of 2025 results. Q
April 30, 2025 - Smurfit Westrock today announced it will permanently close its coated recycled board (CRB) mill in St. Paul, Minnesota and will discontinue production at its containerboard mill in Forney, Texas. The specialty coating facility at Forney will not be impacted. As a result, the Company's containerboard and CRB capacity is expected to reduce by over 500,000 tons.
April 28 - UPM Pulp continues to make progress in reducing CO₂ emissions across its logistics network. With a focus on logistics optimisation, fuel transitions and strategic partnerships, UPM Pulp is making steady progress toward achieving 30% emissions reduction by 2030.
April 25, 2025 - SCA Logistics terminal in Sundsvall has invested in a new folding jib crane — a Mantsinen 200, which improves the terminal’s safety and efficiency.
April 17, 2025 - On April 9, Chilean pulp producer Arauco celebrated the laying of the cornerstone at the site of its new pulp mill — "Project Sucuriú" — in Inocência, Mato Grosso do Sul state in Brazil. This marked end of earth moving phase and the official start of the construction phase of the 3.5 million tonne per year single-phase pulp mill.
April 8, 2025 - Heinzel Group announced the commissioning of paper machine 11 (PM11) at its pulp and paper mill in Laakirchen, Austria. PM11 has been converted from the production of publication paper to corrugated base paper.
March 24, 2025 - Norske Skog announced that its Golbey mill in France will begin production of recycled containerboard in April and start delivery of its first customer volumes.
March 19, 2025 - Stora Enso's new consumer packaging board line at its Oulu pulp and paper mill in Finland has started production ramp-up. The first customer deliveries are expected in the second quarter of 2025.
March 18, 2025 - IFPTA expanded its "On the Road" schedule of networking events to Shanghai Pulp Week. About 30 people from 12 companies attended the inaugural event, which was held at the Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre on the evening of March 17. The Marriott is also the site of Shanghai Pulp Week, March 17-21.
March 18, 2025 (Cepi) - The imposition of import tariffs by the US would have a significant impact on EU pulp, paper and board exports. While a positive issue to transatlantic negotiations may still be possible, Europe's pulp and paper industry in coordination with the European Commission has been preparing for the effects of a potential EU retaliation.
March 11, 2025 - UPM continues to selectively align its paper capacity with profitable customer demand to ensure performance and therefore plans to permanently close its paper mill in Ettringen, Germany, reducing the annual capacity of uncoated mechanical paper by 270,000 tonnes during July 2025.
March 10, 2025 - The EUDR could reduce timber imports from high-risk deforestation countries (including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brazil) by more than 25% by 2040 – and even peak at 38% if definitions are changed to include agricultural conversion (dubbed EUDR+). That is according to a new report, The European Union Deforestation Regulation: Implications for the Global Forest sector, which reveals that high-risk countries will struggle to find new markets for displaced timber unless they embrace mechanisms like EU Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade.
March 10, 2025 - Metsä Board has concluded the change negotiations that began in January to improve the company's profitability and cost competitiveness. As a result of the negotiations, Metsä Board will permanently close Tako board mill and enhance the operational efficiency of Kyro board mill.
March 6, 2025 - The Port of Sundsvall has become a key hub handling increasing volumes of breakbulk cargo for the forestry and tech industries among others. By investing in new equipment and modern infrastructure, the port has improved its capacity to efficiently and safely handle breakbulk cargo.
March 5, 2025 - A group of investors led by BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, is buying a majority stake in ports on both sides of the Panama Canal from Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison for nearly $23 billion, the companies announced Tuesday.
Feb. 27, 2025 (WoodCentral) - Donald Trump has signed an executive order to “free up” millions of hectares of United States forests for lumber production – coming days after President Trump vowed to impose a 25% tariff on global lumber and other forest products starting April 2nd.
Feb. 27, 2025 - American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock released the following statement on Jamieson Greer’s confirmation as U.S. Trade Representative.
Feb. 10, 2025 - VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and partners have launched a three-year project with Oulu Port aimed at enhancing secure situational awareness in critical cyber-physical systems. The complex structure of ports, with several operators and the challenges arising from this, underscores the importance of this initiative. Ports are critical nodes in transportation networks, making security a paramount concern. VTT and Oulu Port are collaborating with 20 other entities, including technology providers and universities, to improve the security and resilience in ports.
Feb. 6, 2025 - During today’s State of the Port address, Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) Chief Executive Officer Eric Green and Chief Commercial Officer Robert Peek discussed how the port’s business diversification, increased global connectivity, and ongoing terminal upgrades position the port for growth and success in 2025 and beyond.
Feb. 3, 2025 - IntermodeX announced the development of LinX, a cutting-edge transload and logistics facility strategically located at the Port of Prince Rupert (PRPA). Designed to support global cargo owners, ocean carriers and forwarders, LinX will leverage Prince Rupert gateway's natural advantages and IntermodeX's advanced transload and logistics capabilities along with CN's extensive rail network.
Jan. 27, 2025 - The Port of Savannah received four new electric ship-to-shore cranes on January 25, 2025, bringing Ocean Terminal’s fleet to eight Super Post Panamax cranes, all designed by Finland-based, Konecranes.
Jan. 24, 2025 - Suzano announced that it will increase prices for its hardwood pulp sold in Asia, Europe and North America.
Jan. 17, 2025 - WALLENIUS SOL and BB Logistics recently signed a long-term agreement to provide warehouse services in Kemi, Finland.
Jan. 15, 2025 - The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has commissioned the installation of new navigation aids in eastern Burrard Inlet that will enable safer and more efficient ship movements through the busy Second Narrows waterway.
Jan. 14, 2025 - Unifor members of Local 101R at Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway (CPKC) have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action, with 99% of members voting in support.
Jan. 13, 2025 - SCA announced that it will increase the price on NBSK pulp (Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft) in Europe by USD 50 per tonne, which sets the new price at USD 1,530 per tonne.
Jan. 3, 2025 - Metsä Group’s tissue paper business is taking an important step towards more sustainable transports of its tissue products by arranging part of its outbound transports to customers in Scandinavia with fossil-free fuels. This shift is part of the company’s strategic Lean Supply Chain programme aiming for efficient and lean value proposition to local markets.
Jan. 2, 2025 (Container News) - Liner operators are imposing surcharges ahead of expectations that US East Coast port workers will resume strike action on 15 January.
Dec. 30, 2024 - The World Shipping Council (WSC) Board of Directors has elected Soren Toft, CEO of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, as the new Chair of the World Shipping Council Board. Randy Chen, Vice Chairman of Wan Hai Lines, has been elected Vice Chair.
Dec. 23, 2024 - The Port of Antwerp-Bruges on Dec. 16 officially kicked-off construction of the Antwerp Coordination Center (ACC) at Zandvliet-Berendrecht Lock. This state-of-the-art coordination centre brings together all partners from the nautical chain and optimises the port activities.
Dec. 16, 2024 - Grieg Star recently announced the promotion of Ann-Kristin Eidsvik to Head of Operations.
Dec. 6, 2024 - Metsä Board has launched a new solution to enhance and simplify the recycling process for packaging materials customers receive as part of Metsä Board product deliveries — QR codes on the pallet and reel labels of its products for all volumes delivered to its customers. The QR code directs customers to an intuitive app that provides detailed information on the various packaging materials used to protect the paperboard during the logistics chain. This information will assist customers in determining how each component of the delivery's packaging should be recycled.
Dec. 5, 2024 - The port of Rotterdam faces major challenges and opportunities arising from the expected growth in container volume to and from the port. One of those is efficiently handling road transport. The most important stakeholders have signed a declaration of intent to join forces in the ‘sector-wide negotiations for container transport by road’.
Dec. 2, 2024 - The British Columbia Maritime Employers Association has locked out more than 700 supervisors at ports throughout British Columbia. At the same time, a strike at the Port of Montreal, the biggest port in eastern Canada, continues to cause problems. The strike has already led to partial closures, affecting 40% of the port’s container traffic. Shipping delays could quickly add up, potentially disrupting important international shipments and creating significant economic challenges for global businesses and consumers.
Nov. 28, 2024 - As part of its efforts to achieve its climate goal of net zero emissions of fossil greenhouse gases by 2040, Södra’s first electric truck is on the road. Part of a pilot project, the truck will be entirely dedicated to transporting fossil-free deliveries of pulp from Södra’s Värö mill to port terminals in Gothenburg and Varberg.
Nov. 21, 2024 - In the fall 2024 Update on Quebec's Economic and Financial Situation, the government has chosen to support Quebec's forestry sector, which has been facing a number of challenges over the past few years, including the major forest fires in the summer of 2023 and the imposition by the United States of countervailing and anti-dumping duties on Canadian lumber.
Nov. 14, 2024 (The Loadstar) - Forwarders have lambasted the Canadian government for its “late intervention” in the stand-off between dockers and their employers across the country’s ports.
Nov. 11, 2024 - October was in many ways similar to September for the European pulp market, with another $100-per-tonne drop in bleached eucalyptus kraft (BEK) pulp prices. There were also more drawn-out discussions about smaller declines for northern bleached softwood kraft (NBSK) pulp.
Oct. 31, 2024 - International Paper (NYSE: IP) today announced the decision to review strategic options for its global cellulose fibers (GCF) business. The decision to explore alternatives for the GCF business is consistent with the Company's strategy to focus on sustainable packaging solutions.
Oct. 25, 2024 Canfor Pulp Products Inc. today reported its third quarter of 2024 results.
Oct. 24, 2024 - Paper Excellence Group today announced the operational integration of the recently acquired Domtar Corporation (and other legal entities) and Resolute Forest Products with the legacy Paper Excellence business, forming a leading, unified forest products company in North America. This integration represents a strategic alignment of the companies' strengths, resources and expertise, creating a stronger organization poised for future growth and innovation, while maintaining the highest levels of environmental stewardship.
Oct. 21, 2024 (Press Release) - Södra is taking action to strengthen conditions for family forestry and to develop its member offer. On 21 October, prices were raised for saw logs and small-diameter sawable ranges, and a new tool is being introduced to increase security for forest owners. Södra is also taking further steps to improve transparency in the wood market.
Oct. 14, 2024 - Ahlstrom has signed an agreement to sell its Aspa pulp mill in Sweden to Sweden Timber. The agreement includes the pulp mill and all its operations.
Oct. 12, 2024 - Supply chain directors looking for versatile logistics partners should know that JAXPORT (Jacksonville Port Authority) specializes in handling and storing breakbulk, which is cargo traditionally shipped outside of a container. This type of cargo includes products like paper, food, and heavy machinery.
Oct. 8, 2024 - Gearbulk today announced that Kristian Jebsen and his family will sell their remaining 28% stake in Gearbulk Holding AG to Marubeni Corporation of Japan.
Oct. 7, 2024 - A tentative deal between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and port operators has temporarily paused the recent strike, offering some relief to businesses and consumers. However, key issues, particularly port automation, remain unresolved. While both parties agreed on a wage increase — boosted to 61.5% over six years — the ILA’s firm stance against automation is still a major sticking point.
Oct. 4, 2024 - Suzano announced that it expects to reduce its production volume of market pulp in 2024 by approximately 4% when compared to its nominal production capacity (not including Cerrado Project).
Oct. 4, 2024 - NORDEN on Sept. 3 closed the acquisition of Nordic dry bulk operator Norlat Shipping.
Oct. 3, 2024 - The EU Commission today proposed a postponement of the implementation of the Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The pulp and paper sector welcomes the announcement, which offers an occasion to develop a stronger framework to fight deforestation. The European Parliament and EU Council will still need to confirm the delayed phase-in.
Oct. 2, 2024 (Supply Chain Dive) - Port strikes at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports limited terminal operations on Tuesday, heightening fears of the disruption’s duration and impact.
Sept. 27, 2024 - Spliethoff is pleased to announce that it has placed an order with Wuhu Shipyard Co. Ltd. in China for the construction of a new series of eight multi-purpose vessels with an option for two additional vessels.
Sept. 27, 2024 - Mercer International announced that its Peace River pulp mill in Alberta, Canada, has taken downtime to complete necessary repairs to the mill's digester after experiencing a mechanical failure.
September 25, 2024 - The International Forest Products Transportation Association (IFPTA) and TTOBMA, a leading forest products market intelligence firm, are proud to announce their collaboration on the first Global Forest Products Transport Symposium.
Sept. 24, 2024 - The Philadelphia Regional Port Authority (PhilaPort) is receiving a total of $217,000,000 in funding to expand the operational capacity of the SouthPort terminal, along with increasing efficiency of shipment handling. This award is from the National Infrastructure Project Assistance (MEGA) Program, which was created and funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
Sept. 20, 2024 - Authorities are gearing up as a threatened strike by dockworkers at ports along the East Coast and Gulf Coast draws closer.
Sept. 11, 2024 - Winstone Pulp International is closing down its two mills — a pulp mill and sawmill — in New Zealand, due to unsustainable power prices, resulting in the loss of 230 jobs.
Sept. 10, 2024 - Retailers and manufacturers are seeking to mitigate a potentially multibillion-dollar hit if members of the International Longshoremen’s Association go on strike beginning Oct. 1 at 13 of the nation’s major East Coast and Gulf Coast ports.
Sept. 9, 2024 - Following a thorough review of operating conditions, including the persistent challenge accessing economic fibre, ongoing financial losses, weak lumber markets and increased US tariffs, Canfor Corporation announced [on Sept. 4] the closure of its Plateau and Fort St. John operations located in northern British Columbia. These closures will impact approximately 500 employees and will remove 670 million board feet of annual production capacity from our BC operations.
Aug. 30, 2024 - The Port of Port Arthur has named Andy Powell as Deputy Director. Powell brings decades of maritime industry experience to the port, most recently holding leadership positions within G2 Ocean and its predecessor companies, Star Shipping and Grieg Star, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Aug. 27, 2024 - Eldorado Brasil Celulose recently celebrated the first year of operations at the Eldorado Brasil Logística (EBLog) port terminal in Santos, São Paulo, Brazil. The anniversary brings with it a 30% increase in average shipping productivity, when compared to the activities carried out at the previous terminal. The twelve-month record was set in March of this year, when 21,000 tons were shipped in a single day, on two fronts.
Aug. 26, 2024 - G2 Ocean, the world’s largest shipping operator in the Open Hatch segment, is delighted to announce the further expansion of its fleet with two 82,300 deadweight ton (dwt) ammonia/methanol-ready Open Hatch vessels.
Aug. 22, 2024 (CNN) - Canada’s two major freight railroads have shut their operations, according to management of the two companies, locking out 9,000 members of the Teamsters union who operate the trains and dealing a potential blow to both the Canadian and US economies.
Aug. 19, 2024 - Canada’s freight rail network could come to a grinding halt this week, inflicting a huge economic toll after the country’s two largest railroad operators on Sunday issued lockout notices to the Teamsters union that represents nearly 10,000 workers.
Aug. 13, 2024 - Norfolk Southern is investing to grow capacity on a key rail line in the state of Alabama, the 3B Corridor, which connects markets in northern and central Alabama to the Port of Mobile and destinations worldwide. The more-than $200 million investment positions the line to accommodate expected growth in several sectors as the Southeast progresses as an economic powerhouse for the US economy.
Aug. 12, 2024 - A new transshipment terminal has opened in Falköping (Sweden) with a strong emphasis on sustainability. From 3 June, this will be SCA Logistics’ new hub for rail freight to and from Umeå, which previously operated through Skövde.
Aug. 7, 2024 (Business in Vancouver) - B.C.’s economy could be in for a serious system shock, as the threat of strikes loom at both of Canada’s railways, as well as the Port of Vancouver
July 22, 2024 - Suzano on July 21 started operations at its new pulp mill in Ribas do Rio Pardo, located in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
July 11, 2024 - Suzano, in partnership with VIX Logística, announced it has begun testing the first high-capacity electric truck in Brazil capable of towing up to 120 tons, at its Aracruz site, located in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil.
July 9, 2024 (Press Release) - In an economic context that continues to be exceptionally difficult and marked in 2023 by low consumption linked to massive destocking, many pulp and paper companies have seen a turnover decrease in the past year. A record high annual recycling rate indicates the industry's autonomy and circularity.
July 9, 2024 - Smurfit Westrock's CEO, along with colleagues, family and friends on July 8 celebrated the new company's debut on the New York Stock Exchange.
June 27, 2024 - Suzano announced that the operational start-up of its new pulp mill in Ribas do Rio Pardo, located in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul ("Cerrado Project"), Brazil, will take place in July 2024.
June 24, 2024 - Ocean Network Express’ ONE Modern, the first ship on the ocean carrier’s West India North America (WIN) service, called on the Port of Savannah on June 18, establishing the latest connection between India and Georgia Ports.
June 10, 2024 - DP World is making significant investments in its port terminals in Peru and Ecuador to enhance capacity and operational efficiency, reinforcing its strategic vision for Latin America and providing additional trade opportunities for its customers.
June 3, 2024 - Norske Skog announced the start of a study to form the basis of building a bleached chemi-thermomechanical pulp (BCTMP) production line at its Saugbrugs mill in Halden, Norway.
May 31, 2024 - The Terminal Corporation, a logistics, warehousing, and distribution provider, celebrated the grand opening of its new 255,000-square-foot Jacksonville, Florida, warehouse, which is minutes from Blount Island and Dames Point.
May 29, 2024 - UPM Communication Papers said that it plans to permanently close its Hürth newsprint mill and to shut down one fine paper machine at Nordland Papier (PM 3) in Dörpen -- both assets are located in Germany. If realized, the measures would result in annual reductions of 330,000 tonnes of newsprint paper capacity and 280,000 tonnes of uncoated fine paper capacity in UPM’s portfolio. These plans are a continuation of necessary steps to proactively align with customer demand and ensure competitiveness.
May 28, 2024 - This spring, Metsä Fibre started regular pulp deliveries to Green Bay, Wisconsin, in the United States.
May 23, 2024 - Port of Philadelphia (PhilaPort) announced that Lutz Ehrhardt has decided to retire from his position as PhilaPort’s representative in Europe after 27 years of service.
May 13, 2024 – The BC Council of Forest Industries’ (COFI) President and CEO, Linda Coady, made the following statement in response to ongoing mill closures and curtailments in British Columbia, Canada:
May 8, 2024 - Verbrugge International was pleased to welcome and discharge the MAITACA ARROW from G2 Ocean at the Verbrugge Scaldia Terminal in Vlissingen/Flushing, in the southwestern Netherlands, this week.
April 30, 2024 - CMPC on April 29 signed an agreement with the State of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil) on a protocol of intentions to move forward in the evaluation of a comprehensive project, which will include a new pulp mill, located 15 kilometers from the city of Barra do Ribeiro in Rio Grande do Sul.
April 22, 2024 - West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. today announced that it has completed the sale of its Quesnel River Pulp mill and Slave Lake Pulp mill to an affiliate of a fund managed by Atlas Holdings following completion of customary regulatory reviews and satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
April 16, 2024 - International Paper and DS Smith announced that they have reached agreement on the terms of a recommended all-share combination, implying a transaction value of approximately $9.9 billion.
April 8, 2024 – UPM announced that its first pulp transport by rail ran successfully in Uruguay last week when a train consisting of a locomotive and 14 wagons travelled from the Paso de los Toros pulp mill to UPM’s port terminal in Montevideo. This was also the maiden voyage of the Ferrocarril Central, Central Railway project of the Uruguayan Ministry of Transport and Public Works.
The New York Times - BALTIMORE - “Hold all traffic on the Key Bridge.”
March 26, 2024 - A major bridge in Baltimore collapsed after being struck by a cargo ship early Tuesday, sending vehicles plunging into the water and setting off an emergency response, the Coast Guard and the local authorities said.
March 22, 2024 - Buffalo Rail & Infrastructure Corp. ("Buffalo") on March 19 announced its $7 million acquisition of Canfor Pulp Products' recently discontinued pulp mill assets, including 300+ acres of heavy industrial land, in Taylor, British Columbia, Canada.
March 15, 2024 - UPM Biochemicals announced another important milestone in the development of the world’s first biorefinery in Leuna, Germany. In partnership with DB Cargo, the first deliveries of wood have now been made to Leuna by rail, establishing and testing the direct rail link to the Leuna operations’ woodyard. This will enable UPM to transport wood sustainably and to strengthen local supply chains, increasing the security of supply with critical raw materials. DB Cargo, specialists in the sustainable and climate-friendlier transport of goods, is a long-standing partner for timber transportation in the rail sector and has been handling UPM’s paper and pulp freight for several years.
Feb. 28, 2024 - JAXPORT and terminal operator Seaonus recently facilitated the move of a 65 metric-ton washer drum (equipment used for pulp manufacturing) through the port’s Talleyrand Marine Terminal in Jacksonville, Flordida.
Feb. 26, 2024 - In response to the needs of Metsä Group's new bioproduct mill in Kemi, an efficient and reliable logistics solution has been developed, taking into account sustainability at every stage of operation and minimizing environmental impacts.
Feb. 7, 2024 - Sweden is one of the world’s largest producers of pulp, paper and sawn wood products. Eighty per cent of Swedish forest industry products are sold to other countries. This means that the sector provides climate benefits all over the world, but that it is also dependent on resilient logistics.
Feb. 6, 2024 - European road freight spot rates have fallen below contract rates for the first time in seven years.
Jan. 29, 2024 - A Fox Valley-based shipper’s association has been helping its members realize a competitive advantage for 90 years and counting. In 1934, a group of 13 enterprising paper mill executives started the Wisconsin Paper Group to provide their paper companies with the best possible shipping services. Wisconsin Paper Group was the first not-for-profit shipping cooperative in the nation and remains the only shipper’s association of its kind nine decades later.
Jan. 24, 2024 - By the end of December, major freight companies like MSC, the largest container shipping line globally, made an important decision. They announced their intention to avoid the Suez Canal due to the increasing attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea by Houthi militants in Yemen.
January 23, 2024 (Press Release) - Georgia Ports continues its focus on infrastructure and engineering projects in 2024 to create business opportunities for customers, business partners, communities and rural Georgians.
Jan. 15, 2024 - The closure of the Suez route has changed the fundamental outlook for container shipping in 2024, with a potential capacity crunch in Asia looming in the short term, according to the January report of the Baltic Exchange.
Jan. 12, 2024 - In 2023, the pulp, paper, and forest industries navigated through a series of dynamic market shifts and unanticipated challenges. From fluctuations in demand and prices to a growing focus on biofuel possibilities, the sector experienced noteworthy transformations.
Jan. 11, 2024 - South Carolina’s ports lost a decade’s worth of momentum in their unsuccessful attempt to expand container terminal operations onto the southern end of Daniel Island two decades ago.
Jan. 4, 2024 (Freight Waves) - As Red Sea disruptions intensify, container shipping spot rates are rising on the other side of the globe: for cargo shipped from Asia to the U.S. West Coast.
Dec. 22, 2023 - SSA Marine has reached the halfway point in a $72 million project to expand and modernize the SSA Jacksonville Container Terminal. Located at JAXPORT’s Blount Island Marine Terminal, the SSA Jacksonville Container Terminal project is a public-private partnership between the port and SSA Marine.
Dec. 20, 2023 - The planning of our logistics has its starting point in our strategy. It's all about working long-term with sales plans and forecasts to secure capacity in our production as well as in the logistics channels. We usually talk about Supply & Demand Planning - balancing the market demand and our production capacity.
Dec. 6, 2023 - Canadian National Railway Company (CN) announced that it has signed and closed an agreement to acquire Iowa Northern Railway (IANR), which operates approximately 275 track miles in Iowa connecting to CN’s U.S. rail network.
Nov. 17, 2023 - The Port of Savannah’s Garden City Terminal handled 129 container ship calls last month, an increase of 26 percent compared to October 2022.
By James Menzies, Editor of Today's Trucking
Nov. 9, 2023 - Through customer surveys, UPM Pulp is able to deepen its knowledge of customer attitudes, thoughts and perceptions. Surveys have provided valuable insights to help further improve the company’s standards of excellence and offer a tool for continuous development that brings an external customer dimension to performance management.
Oct. 23, 2023 - The Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) is commencing construction on the Ridley Island Export Logistics Project (RIELP), an innovative large-scale logistics project that will provide expanded capacity and capabilities for rail-to-container transloading of multiple export products at the Port of Prince Rupert.
Sept. 27, 2023 - Paper Excellence Canada announced the resumption of kraft pulp operations at its Catalyst Crofton mill, bringing more than 300 workers back to their jobs.
Sept. 26, 2023 - Klabin on Sept. 21 held an inauguration ceremony for its Puma II -- a project that marked the expansion of the Puma Unit in Ortigueira, Paraná, Brazil.
Sept. 13, 2023 (From Resolute’s blog) - Resolute Forest Products is helping advance an exciting off-highway automated vehicle (AV) technology known as truck platooning. Truck platooning involves a convoy of trucks that are linked together electronically, all operated by an experienced driver in the lead truck. The rest of the trucks in the convoy respond to the lead driver’s movements through a drive-by-wire and autonomy system.
Sept. 11, 2023 - G2 Ocean has achieved another milestone in its sustainable growth strategy with an additional two ammonia-ready vessels being delivered to its pool in 2026 by its shareholder, the Grieg Maritime Group (Grieg).
Sept. 9, 2023 - Alexander Global Logistics (AGL) in August opened a new country office in Dubai South, United Arab Emirates.
Sept. 7, 2023 – North Carolina importers and exporters can now tap into a faster supply chain through a direct rail connection between the Port of Savannah and Rocky Mount, North Carolina via the CSX Carolina Connector (CCX) Intermodal terminal.
Sept. 6, 2023 - The new logistics solution designed for Metsä Group's bioproduct mill in Kemi is ready to serve the mill’s transport needs. The solution includes a new logistics road on Sahansaarenkatu leading to the mill site, an electrified private track to the mill and the warehouse in port of Kemi in Ajos.
Sept. 5, 2023 - With the major deepsea trades in the doldrums, container lines are looking more closely at niche shortsea markets to support their growth aspirations.
Aug. 30, 2023 - Started in the spring 2021, the biggest expansion in the history of the Port of Kemi in Finland has moved ahead to finishing and testing phases.
August 30, 2023 (7 a.m.) - The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port for Sector Jacksonville set Hurricane Port Condition ZULU for the Port of Jacksonville effective 8 p.m. yesterday, Tuesday, August 29. JAXPORT is closed through today, Wednesday, August 30.
Aug. 25, 2023 - The Port of Savannah received four Super Post-Panamax ship-to-shore cranes Thursday, Aug. 24, upgrading the crane fleet to 34 machines at Garden City Terminal after four older cranes are retired and recycled.
Aug. 24, 2023 (Fastmarkets) - After a scorching start to the year, US softwood lumber imports from Europe cooled abruptly in the second quarter. That trend contributed to an overall fade in US demand for foreign lumber through the first half.
Aug. 22, 2023 - The Brazilian Tree Industry (Ibá) reported that for the first half of 2023, pulp exports from Brazil increased by 8.2%, totaling USD 4.1 billion, driven by sales to China and North America. The balance generated by pulp exports to China increased by 25.4% and to North America by 19.9% in the first half of 2023.
Aug. 1, 2023 - WestRock today announced it will permanently cease operating its paper mill in Tacoma, Washington, and will conclude production by September 30, 2023.
Aug. 1, 2023 - Atlas Holdings today announced the closing of the previously announced acquisition of the pulp, newsprint and directory paper mill operations in Thunder Bay, Ontario, from Resolute FP Canada Inc. by Atlas' affiliate, Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper Inc.
July 28, 2023 - Canfor Pulp Products Inc. (CPPI) today reported its second quarter of 2023 results.
July 17, 2023 - The M/V Saga Faith, carrying about 50,000 tonnes of UPM Euca, departed end May from UPM’s new deep sea pulp terminal in Montevideo, Uruguay, and arrived in the Xilian port of Qingdao, China, on 14th July. The shipment marks the inaugural delivery from the UPM Paso de los Toros pulp mill – the company’s largest ever investment – which commenced operations in April of this year.
July 12, 2023 - Canfor Pulp Products Inc. is announcing the curtailment of its Northwood Pulp Mill in Prince George, British Columbia, Canada, effective July 13, 2023.
July 11, 2023 - International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) US West Coast President, Willie Adams, told CNBC in a statement: “The ILWU will not be unloading Canadian bound cargo in solidarity with out Brothers and Sisters in ILWU Canada.”
July 10, 2023 - Mondi has agreed to acquire the 250,000 tonne per year Hinton Pulp mill in Alberta, Canada, from West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd (West Fraser) for a total consideration of USD 5 million.
June 19, 2023 - The closure of the past week saw two strings of activities on either side of the globe. The US West Coast Port union strike looms were dissipated to a great extent following intervention from the US authorities, despite hold-up of cargo worth US$5.2 billion and trucks in piles at ports.
June 12, 2023 (CBC) - More than 7,000 terminal cargo loaders at British Columbia's ports have voted overwhelmingly in support of strike action against local maritime employers, although both sides are still negotiating to avoid such an outcome.
June 5, 2023 - SCA's multibillion-dollar investment in the world's largest kraftliner machine in Obbola means greatly increased production volumes of fossil-free produced kraftliner. SCA Logistics is therefore renewing the RoRo schedule and at the same time opening up new transport possibilities starting in 2023.
May 30, 2023 - UPM and Saga Welco AS announce that the loading of the first shipment of pulp from the state-of-the-art UPM Paso de los Toros pulp mill has been successfully completed at UPM’s new deep sea pulp terminal in Montevideo.
May 16, 2023 - Norske Skog Bruck announces successful commercial orders of the containerboard grades Testliner 3 and Fluting. This represents the introduction of 210,000 tonnes of competitive containerboard capacity to meet the growing demand for renewable and re-usable packaging. The production is based 100% on recycled fibre and will use steam from the waste-to-energy plant, which opened in April 2022.
May 12, 2023 - As part of a Dutch trade delegation to Brazil this week, APM Terminals’ CEO Keith Svendsen pledged a EUR 962 million (R$ 5.2 billion) investment in its Brazilian operations up to 2026.
May 11, 2023 - Georgia Ports Authority Executive Director Griff Lynch said GPA’s Network Georgia plan to develop rail hubs around the state is gaining momentum, with federal environmental approval for an inland terminal near Gainesville, Georgia.
May 2, 2023 - WestRock today announced it will permanently cease operating its paper mill in North Charleston, South Carolina, on August 31, 2023.
April 28, 2023 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released its Q1 2023 Containerboard Quarterly report. According to the report, total Containerboard production in the first quarter of 2023 decreased 10% when compared to Q1 2022.
April 24, 2023 - Metsä Group and the Dutch shipping company Royal Wagenborg have agreed to cooperate to reduce the climate impact of sea transport. The goal is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from sea transport of Metsä Group products by 30 percent (per ton/mile) by 2030 compared to the 2021 level.
April 21, 2023 - VR’s first train with electric locomotive transporting roundwood arrived for test runs at Metsä Group’s Kemi bioproduct mill. This marked a major step in Metsä Group and VR’s long-term cooperation, ensuring the Kemi bioproduct mill’s wood supply by rail.
April 7, 2023 - The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) has announced the launch of its 2023 Rail Cargo Incentive Program aimed at driving growth and cost-effective operations in the Pacific Northwest region. The program will increase cargo volumes in the gateway while reducing costs to importers and exporters that utilize the NWSA gateway and their rail partners.
April 3, 2023 - The new UPM Paso de los Toros pulp mill has reached the technical readiness to start operations. UPM has also received the environmental authorities' acceptance of all the procedures, systems and technologies that are required to fulfil the environmental permit of the mill. This approval precedes the final operating authorization, which is expected to be received in a few weeks. UPM will announce when the authorization is received, and operations can start.
March 30, 2023 – The Georgia Ports Authority has agreed to spend $170 million on 55 hybrid-engine rubber-tired gantry cranes to outfit the Port of Savannah’s Ocean Terminal, as it is redeveloped into an all-container facility.
March 27, 2023 - As part of its planned investment plan in France, Lucart announces the acquisition of a logistics hub in the Hellieule business park in Saint-Dié-des-Vosges. The logistics hub will be fully operational during the first quarter of 2024 and improve the storage and shipping capabilities of products manufactured by Lucart’s tissue mill in Laval-sur-Vologne.
March 24, 2023– Klabin on March 22 made official the start of operations at the Klabin Port Terminal (PAR-01), located on the wharf commercial center at the Port of Paranaguá, in Paraná.
March 20, 2023 - Canadian Pacific (“CP”) and Kansas City Southern ("KCS") on March 15 said the U.S. Surface Transportation Board issued a decision approving the CP and KCS joint merger application, subject to certain conditions, thereby authorizing the two railways to combine to form Canadian Pacific Kansas City ("CPKC"), the first single-line railway connecting the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
March 15, 2023 - DP World announced plans to invest US$35 million in 2023 to expand and modernize its facilities located on the left bank of Brazil’s Port of Santos. The port is one of the largest and most modern private multi-purpose port terminals in the country.
March 13, 2023 - In response to increased demand in Philadelphia, ContainerPort Group (CPG®), a nationwide trucking carrier specializing in drayage solutions, announced an expanded footprint in the market with additional freight capacity and increased driver support.
March 10, 2023 (Fastmarkets) - Ongoing sawmill curtailments in British Columbia, combined with tightening access to timber, significantly tightened fiber markets through fourth quarter of 2022 and into the first quarter of 2023. Pulping operations are slowing operating rates, taking curtailments, or in one case closing permanently to compensate for the lack of wood.
March 7, 2023 - Pactiv Evergreen on March 6 announced plans to take significant restructuring actions related to its Beverage Merchandising operations. The Company expects to close its Canton, North Carolina mill and its converting facility in Olmsted Falls, Ohio with operations at both facilities expected to end during the second quarter of 2023.
Feb. 24, 2023 – Brazilian pulp producer Bracell has started the year with an innovative project -- the use of an electric truck to transport pulp.
Feb. 15, 2023 - Finnish Transport Workers’ Union, Auto-ja Kjetusala Työntekijäliitto (AKT), commenced its strike action on 15 February at 06:00 am (local time) impacting all ports and terminals in Finland.
Feb. 7, 2023 - M.v. Brouwersgracht — the first of two Spliethoff DP2 B-type vessels — has been handed over from Fuzhou Mawei shipyard to Spliethoff Group on 1 February 2023. Sister vessel m.v. Bloemgracht will be delivered in about three months’ time.
Feb. 2, 2023 - Metsä Board has concluded a logistics agreement with Kuljetusliike Kalevi Huhtala Oy for transport between the Kemi board mill and Ajos harbour, in Kemi. All exports from the Kemi board mill will be centralised in Ajos.
Jan. 25, 2023 - MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and Maersk A/S, an entity under A.P. Moller - Maersk, have mutually agreed to terminate, effective in January 2025, the present 2M alliance.
Jan. 23, 2023 - The Georgia Ports Authority has named Flavio Batista as its new Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
Jan. 19, 2023 – Kruger Energy is proud to be one of the pioneers as its two 100% electric semi-trailer trucks have started to carry materials and Cashmere®, SpongeTowels® and Bonterra™ tissue products, between two Kruger Products facilities in Québec.
Jan. 18, 2023 - Many aspects of business changed when the global COVID-19 pandemic began almost three years ago — perhaps none more than supply chain and transportation logistics.
Jan. 12, 2023 - Following extensive analysis of its operating footprint and the long-term supply of economic residual fibre, Canfor Pulp Products is announcing the decision to permanently close the pulp line at its Prince George Pulp and Paper Mill located in British Columbia, Canada.
Jan. 6, 2023 - International Forest Products (IFP) today announced the promotion of Michael Collins to the position of Senior Vice President of IFP.
Jan. 3, 2023 - Both Metsä Group and VR are companies with major role in the society and they therefore play an important part in improving environmental performance and responsibility. The companies are intensifying their cooperation on sustainability in logistics and have agreed a new joint target to halve emissions from transport covered by their cooperation by 2030.
Jan. 2, 2023 - Wagenborg Shipping and Royal Niestern Sander Shipyard have come to an agreement to start the construction of another 14,000 dwt EasyMax vessel. This fourth vessel in the EasyMax series is expected to be delivered in autumn 2024.