EU Mulls Options for Maritime Cap-and-Trade – The European Union (EU) plans to implement an emissions-trading program if an international agreement to curb the industry’s pollution is not made. European experts expect that international maritime emissions will double by 2050. The EU existing cap-and-trade program began in 2005 and already regulates over 11,000 manufactures and utilities.
Read more from Bloomberg.
Ports of LA and Long Beach Focus on Future – The largest port complex in the U.S. is working on expanding terminals and improving infrastructure to protect its place as the region’s dominant container hub. With the Panama Canal expansion slated for completion in 2014 and various improvements at ports in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. East Coast, Southern California will see increased competition for containers.
Read more from the JOC.
Congestion at India’s Largest Container Port – An ongoing labor dispute at the Port of Jawaharlal Nehru (Nhava Sheva) has caused significantly reduced productivity for the past couple weeks. The congestion has also led to the closure of its export gate while the backlog of freight is cleared. Approximately 65% of India’s containerized traffic is handled at this port.
Read more from the JOC.
Beetle Intercepted by CBP in Baltimore – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) discovered a Brown Fir Longhorned Beetle during a comprehensive container examination at the Port of Baltimore. The invasive species was imported due to the use of non-compliant wood as packaging material. All wood used in pallets, crates, bracing, etc. must be properly heat treated or fumigated for import shipments.
Read more from CBP.
