Your midweek round-up of news from the world of heavy lift and project forwarding.
This week the World Bank predicted that global trade should expand more slowly over the next decade than it did in the 30 years before the financial crisis of 2007-2009, citing forecasts for slower economic growth and longer-term shifts in trade patterns.
For the three decades leading up to the global financial crisis, trade had expanded at a steady pace of about 7 percent a year. But growth levels have fallen to about half that over the past two years, and the World Bank estimates that trade should only rise to about 5 percent over the medium-term.
The report suggests that the "lingering weakness" of high-income countries' economies five years into the recovery "suggests that weak demand is still impacting the recovery in global trade".
Other factors, such as weak spending on investment in the eurozone, have also slowed trade growth, as well as changes in China and the USA, where the report states that change in production has altered trade elasticity.
According to the World Bank report, more integration of South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and South America into global supply chains could change the outlook for global trade. "Drawing these parts of the world into a finer division of labour could lend renewed dynamism to trade," said the bank.
Don't forget that you can advertise your employment vacancy in the Wednesday Wire or Friday Flyer, just as the Port of Everett has done today, by contacting us via ian@heavyliftpfi.com or on +44 (0) 1689 857631. Scroll down to find out more about the Port of Everett's latest vacancy.
In business
Al Jaber confirmed reports that its ceo, David Nelson, has resigned from the company, but declined to comment on reports that its heavy lift division is no longer up for sale.
Trans Ocean Pacific (TOP), the NVOCC subsidiary of Europe Cargo, has been absorbed into its parent business.
Singapore headquartered offshore services company Vallianz Holdings acquired a 45 percent stake in Holmen Heavylift Offshore for SGD2.85mn (USD2.28mn).
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is continuing to coordinate the response to a Thorco-managed general cargo vessel experiencing mechanical issues near the Great Barrier Reef.
Capacity developments
Meriaura goes green with EcoCoaster
Meriaura Group agreed to purchase two 47,000 dwt VG EcoCoaster general cargo vessels from Dutch shipyard Royal Bodewes.
Saudia Cargo adds Milan to network
Saudi Airlines Cargo (Saudia Cargo) has launched three weekly B747 freighter flights from Riyadh to Italy's Milano Malpensa Airport.
The second unit of XCMG's crawler crane model XGC88000 completed a 4,500-tonne load test.
FibreMax breaks crane pendant record
FibreMax's lightweight synthetic crane pendants measuring over 55 m, with a breaking strength of 680 tonnes, have been delivered to its customer and will be installed on a crane soon.
On the move
Gebrüder Weiss opens in Moscow
Gebrüder Weiss opened three new branches in Russia's capital; one in the centre of Moscow, one at Sheremetyevo airport and one and Domodedovo airport.
The Port of Corpus Christi Authority's managing director Frank Brogan will retire from his position at the South Texas gateway on February 2, 2015.
Ipsen strengthens projects team
Ipsen Logistics strengthened its project forwarding department by appointing Helmut Normann as director of projects, with Marco Steinforth stepping in as deputy director of projects.
LOC Group appointed Andrew Pointing to the newly created role of group director, marine assurance and risk, while Alan Clifton succeeds Pointing as managing director, LOC Norway.
Notable shipment
Van der Vlist transported a 54-tonne excavator from its headquarters in Groot-Ammers in the Netherlands to Turkmenistan.
Career opportunities
Dock Superintendent
Port of Everett
Everett, WA
The Dock Superintendent is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Port of Everett's Marine Terminals including coordination of cargo movements; completion of vessel schedules and billing instructions; assignment of berths; attendance at vessel/barge arrivals and departures; directing the day-to-day activities of Longshore personnel; collaboration with the Maintenance Foreman in directing the use of port cranes, fork lifts and yard equipment.
Preferred qualifications include an AA degree in Business Administration, Marine Operations, or a related field; ten years experience in marine terminals operations and shipping. The position requires flexibility in scheduling, including frequent evening and weekend hours.
Please see the full job announcement on the website at www.portofeverett.com for more details and application instructions. Hiring Salary: $70K to $80K per year, plus benefits.
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