Record Traffic at Port of Singapore – The Port of Singapore set a new port record of 29.9m TEUs for 2011, a 5.3% increase over the previous year. Singapore remains a key transshipment hub for the region’s container traffic; however, the port is improving its chemical and bulk shipping capabilities for future growth. Despite losing its title as world’s largest port to Shanghai, the Port of Singapore still makes up 7% of the country’s total GDP.
Read more from Eye for Transport.
Panama Canal Workers Make Demands – Expansion of the Panama Canal is at a standstill due to union worker protests. Worker demands include payment of back wages, a raise in minimum wage, and better working conditions. The canal is set to double capacity by the end of 2014.
Read more from Journal of Commerce.
Shippers Plan Ahead for Chinese New Year – Monday, January 23rd marks the beginning of the 2012 Chinese (Lunar) New Year. Most factories in China close for at least ten days during the holiday. It’s important for shippers to plan ahead for the holiday to ensure their orders are fulfilled before the shutdown. This results in an annual export spike for China in the weeks before the New Year.
Read more from Inc.com.
Make Way for East Delhi Monorail – In an effort to decongest the city and encourage public transportation, the Delhi government has approved a new monorail system. The monorail will include 12 stations and three interchangeable metro lines along its 10.8km route from Shastri Park Metro station to Trilokpuri. The monorail is expected to be in operation by 2017 and transport about 150,000 people daily.
Read more from The Times of India.
